Steinberg Wavelab Elements - 9.0 Operation Manual

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Operation Manual

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Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Matthias Obrecht, Sabine Pfeifer, Kevin Quarshie, Benjamin Schütte

This PDF provides improved access for vision-impaired users. Please note that due to the

omplexity and number of images in this document, it is not possible to include text

c descriptions of images.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a co

mmitment on the part of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media except as specifically allowed in the License Agreement. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written permission by Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. Registered licensees of the product described herein may print one copy of this document for their personal use.

All product and company names are ™ or ® trademarks of the information, please visit www.steinberg.net/trademarks.

ir respective holders. For more

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6 Introduction

6 Help System 7 About the Program Versions 7 Conventions 8 How You Can Reach Us

10 Setting Up Your System

10 Connecting Audio 10 Audio Cards and Background Playback 11 Latency 11 Defining VST Audio Connections 14 CD/DVD Recorders 14 Remote Devices

20 WaveLab Elements Concepts

20 General Editing Rules 20 Startup Dialog 21 Basic Window Handling 22 Selecting Audio 26 Sliders 27 Renaming Items in Tables 27 File Browser 28 Tab Groups 31 Peak Files 31 Companion Files

33 Workspace Window

33 Audio Editor 34 Audio Montage 34 Podcast Editor 35 File Tab 37 Info Tab 38 Tool Windows 38 Meter Windows 39 Slide-Out Windows 39 Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and

Meter Windows

41 Command Bar 42 Status Bar 43 Context Menus 44 Time Ruler and Level Ruler 48 Managing Tabs 49 Activating Full Screen Mode

50 Project Handling

50 Opening Files 51 Value Editing 51 Drag Operations 53 Undoing and Redoing Actions 53 Zooming 59 Presets

62 File Operations

62 Recently Used Files 62 Save and Save As 64 Templates 68 File Renaming 69 Deleting Files 69 Temporary Files 69 Work Folders vs. Document Folders 71 Setting the Focus on the Current File

72 Playback

72 Transport Bar 83 Starting Playback From the Ruler 84 Using the Play Tool 84 Playback Scrubbing 85 Scroll During Playback 86 Playback in the Audio Montage Window

87 Audio File Editing

87 Wave Window 90 Audio Editor Tabs 101 File Handling in the Audio Editor 120 Changing the Audio Properties 121 Meta-Data 124 Silence Generator Dialog 126 Waveform Restoration with the Pen Tool

127 Audio Analysis

127 Global Analysis 136 3D Frequency Analysis

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139 Offline Processing

139 Applying Processing 139 Gain Dialog 140 Level Normalizer Dialog 141 Fades in Audio Files 142 Crossfades 143 Phase Inverting 144 Reversing Audio 144 DC Offset 145 Time Stretching 147 Pitch Shift 148 Resample

150 Audio Montage

150 Montage Window 153 Audio Montage Tabs 162 Signal Flow in the Audio Montage 163 Creating New Audio Montages 164 Audio Montage Duplicates 165 Creating an Audio Mont

age from an Audio

File

165 Import Options for Audio Montages 166 Missing Files in the Audio Montage Dialog 167 Assembling the Audio Montage 172 Rearranging Clips 175 Clip Editing 180 Track Activity Indicator 181 Envelopes for Clips 184 Fades and Crossfades in

Audio Montages

188 Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage

Output

197 About the CD Window 200 Mixing Down – The Render Function 200 Loudness Meta Normalizer 202 Notes Window

203 Recording

203 Setting Up the Recording Dialog 204 Dropping Markers During Recording 204 Recording Dialog

210 Master Section

210 Master Section Window 222 Rendering 227 Saving a Master Section Preset 231 Monitoring Background Tasks 231 Dropouts

232 Markers

233 Markers Window 235 About Creating Markers 236 Deleting Markers 237 Moving Markers 237 Navigating to Markers 238 Hiding Markers of a Specific Type 238 Converting Marker Types 238 Renaming Markers 239 Selecting Markers 239 Selecting the Audio Between Markers 240 Binding Markers to Clips in the Audio

Montage

240 How Marker Information is Saved

241 Metering

241 Metering Window 241 Meter Settings 242 Resetting the Meters 242 Level Meter 244 Spectroscope 244 Oscilloscope

246 Writing Operations

246 Write Audio CD Dialog 248 Erase Optical Media Dialog 248 About Writing Audio Montages 250 Data CD/DVD Projects 254 Audio CD Formats

258 Loops

258 Basic Looping 259 Refining Loops 267 Looping Audio Which Is

Not Very Well

Suited for Looping

270 Sample Attributes

273 Importing Audio CD Tracks

273 Import Audio CD Dialog 277 Importing Audio CD Tracks 277 Searching Track Names on the Internet 278 Submitting Track Names to the Internet 278 Ultra-Safe Mode 278 Converting Audio CD Tracks to an Audio

Montage

280 WaveLab Exchange

280 WaveLab Elements as External Editor for

Cubase

281 Cubase as External Editor for

WaveLab Elements

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283 Podcasts

283 Podcast Editor 288 Global Podcast Options 288 Creating a Podcast 289 Setting Up a FTP for Podcast Publishing 289 Publishing a Podcast 289 FTP Settings Dialog 291 Checking the Podcast

292 Customizing

292 Customizing the Wave Window and the

Montage Window

293 Customizing Shortcuts 298 Customizing Command Bars 298 Plug-in Organization

307 Configuring the Software

307 Global Preferences 311 Audio Files Preferences 316 Audio Montages Preferences 319 Settings Management 320 Multi-User Settings

321 Plug-in Reference

321 Built-in Plug-ins 339 Steinberg VST 3 Plug-ins 357 Sonnox Restoration Toolkit 364 Legacy Plug-ins 364 Dithering Plug-ins

366 Index

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Help System

The detailed help system of WaveLab Elements enables you to look up interface features and get information from within the program.

Accessing the Help System

There are several ways of accessing the help system.

Introduction

• To open the WaveLab Elements help, select Help >

• To open the manual in PDF format, select Help

• To show tooltips, move the mouse over an interface icon.

• To open the help for an active dialog, cli bar (Windows) or in the dialog (Mac OS) to show the Help button, and then click the Help button, or press [F1] (Windows) or [Command]-[?] (Mac OS).

• To use the menu help, move the mouse over a menu item.

• To see information on what kind of editing can be performed when using the

use and modifier keys in the Audio Montage window, move the mouse

mo over the montage window. The help text is displayed on the info line at the bottom of the window.

To open the “What’s This” help, you have the following possibilities:

• In any window, press [Shift]-[F1] and move the mouse over an interface item,

r select Help > What’s This?.

• In a dialog, select the question mark icon dialog (Mac OS), and move the mouse over an interface item or a menu option.

ck the question mark icon on the title

on any title bar (Windows) or in the

Contents.

> PDF Documentation.

• Some “What’s this” tooltips include a link to a dedicated help topic.

ELATED LINKS

Info Line on page 173

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Introduction

About the Program Versions

The documentation covers the operating systems Windows and Mac OS X.

Features and settings that are specific indicated. In all other cases, the descriptions and procedures in the documentation are valid for Windows and Mac OS X.

Some points to consider:

• The screenshots are taken from a Windows operating system.

• Some functions that are available on the File me systems can be found in the program name menu on Mac OS X operating systems.

Conventions

In our documentation, we use typographical elements and mark-ups to structure information.

Typographical Elements

The following typographical elements mark the following purposes.

to one of these platforms are clearly

nu on Windows operating

PREREQUISITE

Requires you to complete an action or to procedure.

PROCEDURE

Lists the steps that you must take to achieve a specific result.

IMPORTANT

Informs you about issues that might affect the system, the connected

ware, or that might bring a risk of data loss.

hard

NOTE

Informs you about issues that you should consider.

EXAMPLE

Provides you with an example.

RESULT

Shows the result of the procedure.

AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

Informs you about actions or tasks that you can undertake after completing

procedure.

the

fulfill a condition before starting a

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Introduction

EXAMPLE

How You Can Reach Us

Mark-Ups

RELATED LINKS

Lists related topics that you can find in this documentation.

Bold text indicates the name of a menu, option, function, dialog, window, etc.

To open the Layout Options pop-up menu, click Layout Options in the top right corner of the Audio Editor.

If bold text is separated by a greater-than symbol, this indicates a sequence of different menus to open.

Select File > Save As.

Key Commands

Many of the default key commands use modifier keys, some of which are different depending on the operating system.

For example, the default key command for Undo is [Command]-[Z] on Mac OS X. When key commands with modifier keys are described in this manual, they are shown with the Windows modifier key first, in the following way:

• [Win modifier key]/[Mac modifier key]-[key]

[Ctrl]/[Command]-[Z] signifies: press [Ctrl] on Windows or [Command] on Mac OS X, then press [Z].

Similarly, [Alt]/[Option]-[X] signifies: press [Alt] on Windows or [Option] on Mac OS X, then press [X].

How You Can Reach Us

[Ctrl]-[Z] on Windows and

On the Help menu in WaveLab Elements, you find items linking to additional information.

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Introduction

How You Can Reach Us

The menu contains links to various Steinberg web pages. Selecting a menu item automatically launches your browser and opens the page. On these pages, you can find support and compatibility information, answers to frequently asked questions, information about updates and other Steinberg products, etc. This requires that you have a web browser installed on your computer, and a working Internet connection.

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Setting Up Your System

IMPORTANTIMPORTANTIMPORTANTIMPORTANT

PROCEDURE

Before you start working, you need to make some settings.

Make sure that all equipment is turned off before making any connections.

Connecting Audio

Your system setup depends on many different factors, for example, the kind of project that you want to create, the external equipment that you want to use, or the computer hardware available to you.

Audio Cards and Background Playback

When you activate playback or recording in WaveLab Elements, other applications cannot access the audio card. Likewise, if another application uses the audio card, WaveLab Elements is unable to play back. The Windows MME driver is an ex

ception from this.

You can run WaveLab Elements together with other applications the active application access to the audio card.

1. Select File > Preferences > VST Audio Connections.

2. Select the Options tab.

3. Activate Release Driver.

4. Do one of the following:

• If you want to release the driver when WaveLab Elements is in the background,

activate When WaveLab Elements is in Background.

• If you want to release the driver only when Cubase is in the foreground, activate

When Cubase is in Foreground.

and always give

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Setting Up Your System

PROCEDURE

Latency

Latency is the delay between when audio is sent from the program and when you actually hear it. While a very low latency can be crucial in a real-time DAW application such as Steinberg Nuendo or Cubase, this is not strictly the case with WaveLab Elements.

When working with WaveLab Elements, the important issues are optimum and stable playback and

The latency in an audio system depends on the audio hardware, its drivers, and settings. In Number setting on the Options tab in the VST Audio Connections, or increase the buffer size in the ASIO control panel, specific to the audio card.

ELATED LINKS

case of dropouts, crackles, or glitches during playback, raise the Buffer

VST Audio Connections Tab on page 12

editing precision.

Defining VST Audio Connections

To be able to play back and record audio in WaveLab Elements, you must specify how the internal input and output channels in WaveLab Elements are connected to

ur sound card and which device you intend to use for audio playback and

yo recording.

You can define the buffer settings for your device as well as set up connections to

ternal gear, such as external effects units. You should select at least two channels

ex for stereo playback and recording.

If you have no third-party audio card, you can select the Window Built-in Audio (Mac) options. You can also use MME with most third party audio cards, with the advantage that you can record and play at different sample rates. However, Windows MME drivers do not allow audio monitoring in the Recording dialog or multichannel operation, and other drivers generally offer better sound quality and performance.

ELATED LINKS

VST Audio Connections Tab on page 12

Selecting an ASIO Driver

s MME driver or

Audio Stream Input/Output (ASIO) is a computer device driver protocol for digital audio specified by Steinberg. It provides a low-latency and high fidelity interface between a software application and the soundcard of a computer.

1. Select File > Preferences > VST Audio Connections.

2. Open the Audio Device pop-up menu and select your ASIO driver.

The ASIO Plug-ins tab and the Control Panel button are activated.

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Setting Up Your System

PROCEDURE

Defining VST Audio Connections

3. Optional: Click Control Panel and make your settings.

4. On the ASIO Pl and monitor input of the ASIO plug-ins.

ug-ins tab, select the audio ports that are used for recording

Selecting a Windows MME Driver

1. Select File > Options > VST Audio Connections.

2. Open the Audio Device pop-up menu and select Windows MME.

3. On the Playback tab, sele

4. On the Recording monitor input.

tab, select the audio ports that used for recording and

VST Audio Connections Tab

This tab allows you to specify how the internal input and output channels in WaveLab Elements are connected to your sound card and which device you want to use for aud

io playback and recording.

ct the audio ports that are used for playback.

Global Settings

• To open the VST Audio Connections ta Audio Connections.

Audio Device

Allows you to select the audio device that you want to use for playback and r

ecording audio. If you do not have a third-party audio card, you can select the

Windows MME driver or Built-in Audio (Mac) options.

Control Panel

When you select an ASIO driver, the Con the button to open the settings application of your sound card, which is usually installed with the sound card. Depending on your sound card and driver, this provides settings for buffer size, digital formats, additional I/O connections, etc.

Refresh

This button causes audio devices to be changes.

b, select File > Options > VST

trol Panel button is activated. Click

evaluated again to reflect device

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Setting Up Your System

Defining VST Audio Connections

Playback Tab

This tab allows you to select and name audio ports that are used for playback.

Recording Tab

This tab allows you to select and name your audio ports that are used for recording and input monitoring. The inputs that you define here are then available in the Recording dialog.

Options Tab

This tab allows you to specify the number of buffers and the control driver functionality.

Buffer Number

Increasing this value improves the elasticity of audio streaming to avoid dropouts.

MME Specific – Buffer Size

Increasing this value improves the elasticity of audio streaming to avoid dropouts. This

is only available when an MME driver is selected.

Initialize Streaming Engine at First Use

Initializes the audio streamin

g engine when playback or recording are used for the first time. If this option is deactivated, the audio streaming engine is initialized at program startup.

Reset Driver When Changing Sample Rate

Resets the driver when sample rate is changed. When playback

or recording must be set to a new sample rate, some audio device drivers must be fully reset to work properly. This operation takes some time.

Perform Short Fade In/Out When Starting/Stopping Playback

Performs a short fade in when starting

playback and a short fade out when stopping playback. This avoids clicks that are caused by waveforms that are not starting on a zero-crossing point.

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Setting Up Your System

CD/DVD Recorders

Release Driver

Allows you to run WaveLab Elements together with other applications and alw

ays give the active application access to the audio card.

•If Whe

is released when WaveLab Elements is in the background.

•If When Cubase is in Foreground is activated, the driver is released

when Cubase is in the foreground.

CD/DVD Recorders

For general instructions on installing internal or connecting external recorders via USB or Firewire, refer to the instruction manual for your computer or your recorder.

Make sure to have the latest firmware versi recorders, the existing firmware must support disc-at-once mode. In addition, running a unit with older firmware can prevent you from writing sub-index markers into the tracks, for example.

Remote Devices

n WaveLab Elements is in Background is activated, the driver

on installed on your recorder unit. For CD

You can use remote devices to remote-control WaveLab Elements.

Several commands can be controlled with knobs and sliders of your remote control device.

Remote Devices Tab

This tab allows you to select a device to remote-control WaveLab Elements, and see the control map of MIDI control devices.

• To open the Remote Devices ta Devices.

b, select File > Preferences > Remote

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Setting Up Your System

Remote Devices

Device Editing Tab

This tab lets you select a MIDI control device and see the control map.

Active

In-Port/Out-Port

Name

Expand/Collapse

WaveLab Elements Action List

Activates the selected device and

Select the MIDI input/output ports of the devic

scans the MIDI ports.

e that you want to use.

Lets you enter a map name.

Expands/collapses the folder tree of the control map.

This folder tree lists the parameters that you can remote-control. The top

r represent contexts. The related parameters can only be controlled if the

folde context is active. For example, if an audio file is active.

A remote control can be used in several contexts if these are exclusive. For e

xample, parameters that can be used for an active audio file or an active

audio montage.

Options Tab

The Global folder

contain the parameters that can always be controlled.

This tab lets you use the MIDI Learn function to assign a control of a MIDI remote control device to a function.

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Setting Up Your System

Remote Devices

Emulate Mouse Wheel

If this option is activated, the AI knob o wheel in the WaveLab Elements user interface, except for plug-ins.

Edit Focused Numeric Field

If this option is activated, the AI knob Stein the focused numeric field that you find in many WaveLab Elements windows and dialogs.

CC121 Advanced Integration Controller

You can use Steinberg’s CC121 Advanced Integration Controller to control WaveLab Elements.

This section describes the WaveLab Elements factory preset for the CC121. For de

tailed information on how to use the controller, refer to the manual that came with the CC121. Note that the CC121 was originally designed for Cubase. The following mapping combines the WaveLab Elements functionality with the CC121

ontrols. The controls that are not listed in the following paragraph are not assigned

c to a parameter.

Channel Section

f Steinberg controllers acts as a mouse

berg controllers can be used to edit

You can use all controls of the CC121 channel section, except the fader, to control the elements of the selected track in a WaveLab Elements audio montage. You can

e the fader for the Master Section.

Fader

Controls the Master Section fad

PAN knob

Controls the gain of the selected track.

Mute

Mutes/Unmutes the selected track.

Solo

Activates/Deactivates solo for the selected track.

CHANNEL SELECT

Selects the previous/next track in the audio montage.

To move the cursor to the previous/next clip edge in the audio montage, hold

/[Option]. To move the cursor to the previous/next region edge, hold

[Alt] [Shift]. To move the cursor to the previous/next marker in the Audio Editor, hold [Ctrl]/[Command].

er.

EQ Section

With the EQ section you can easily control the Steinberg Studio EQ plug-in.

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Setting Up Your System

Remote Devices

If the EQ TYPE button is activated on the CC121, you can adjust the parameters of the focused Studio-EQ. All necessary EQ parameters, such as Q/F/G of each band, EQ TYPE selection, and ALL BYPASS on/off can be set. You can switch to WaveLab Elements navigation mode by turnin

g off the EQ TYPE button. In

WaveLab Elements navigation mode, you get access to alternative functions, such

scrolling, zooming, and switching between windows.

EQ TYPE activated:

Bandwidth knobs (Q)

Adjusts the Q (bandwidth) of each EQ band.

Frequency knobs (F)

Adjusts the center frequency of each EQ band.

Gain knobs (G)

Adjusts the gain of each EQ band.

Activates/Deactivates the EQ bands.

ALL BYPASS

Activates/Deactivates bypass for all plug-ins in the Mas

EQ TYPE deactivated:

LOW ON

Opens the Audio

Editor.

LOW-MID ON

Opens the Audio

Montage window.

HIGH ON

Opens the preferences tab.

EQ-1 knob for the EQ Gain (G)

Scrolls left/right on the timeline.

EQ-2 knob for the EQ Gain (G)

Adjusts the horizontal zoom on the timeline.

ter Section.

EQ-3 knob for the EQ Gain (G)

Adjusts the vertical zoom on the timeline.

EQ-4 knob for the EQ Gain (G)

Scrolls tracks on the Audio

Montage window or scrolls vertically on the

Audio Editor.

EQ-1 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

Scrolls left/right on the o

verview timeline of the Audio Editor.

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Setting Up Your System

Remote Devices

EQ-2 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

Transport Section

Horizontally zooms in/out on the overview timeline of the Audi

o Editor.

EQ-3 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

Vertically zooms in/out on the overview timeline of the Au

dio Editor.

EQ-4 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

Vertically scrolls on the overview timeline of the Audio

Editor.

In this section you can control the transport functions of WaveLab Elements.

Previous button

Moves the cursor position to the left.

Rewind button

Moves the edit cursor pos

ition to the left.

Forward button

Moves the edit cursor position to the right.

Next button

Function Section

Moves the cursor position to the right.

Cycle button

Activates/Deactivates Cycle mode.

Stop button

Stops playback. Press again to move the cursor to the previous start position.

ress a third time to move the cursor to the beginning of the project.

Play button

Starts playback.

Record button

Press once to open the Recording dialog. Press

again to start the recording. Press a third time to stop recording. The recorded file opens in the Audio Editor.

In this section, you can adjust functions, such as fades and envelope level, by using the VALUE knob.

VALUE knob

Rotate this knob to adjust the assigned function. Press the knob to reset the parameter

to its default value.

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Setting Up Your System

NOTE

Remote Devices

FUNCTION button 1

Adjusts the fade in settings of the active clip.

FUNCTION button 2

AI Knob Section

Adjusts the fade out settings

of the active clip.

FUNCTION button 3

Adjusts the envelope level of the active clip.

FUNCTION button 4

The element clicked last in the Nud

ge section of the Edit tab in the Audio

Montage window is assigned to this button.

WaveLab Elements can be controlled with the AI knob of Steinberg’s CC121, CI2+, and CMC-AI controllers. With the AI knob, you can control the parameter that the mouse points to.

The AI knob only works on parameters that are automatable.

In this section you can control parameters via the AI knob.

AI KNOB

Controls the VST 3 plug-in parameters, emu example, for scrolling, and lets you edit a focused numeric field. To control a parameter with the AI knob, move the mouse cursor over the parameter that you want to control, and move the AI knob. You can activate/deactivate the emulation of the mouse wheel and the editing of the focused numeric field in the Options tab.

LOCK

When the mouse cursor points to a parame parameter regardless of the position of the mouse cursor.

CUBASE READY Indicator

The CUBASE READY indicator has no function in WaveLab Elements.

Foot Switch Section

The foot switch has the same function as [Shift]. Press and hold the foot switch while turning the AI knob to fine tune parameters.

lates the mouse wheel, for

ter, press LOCK to control this

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

NOTE

This chapter describes general concepts that you will use when working with WaveLab Elements. Getting accustomed with these procedures allows you to work more effectively wit

General Editing Rules

The common editing operations apply to any Steinberg product.

• To select and move interface items, and to select ranges, click and drag with mouse.

the

h the program.

• Use the keys of your computer keyboard to enter numeric values and text, to

• Common operations like cut, copy, paste, or the selection of multiple items

The behavior of your product is also governed by your preference settings.

Startup Dialog

When WaveLab Elements starts, the Startup dialog opens where you can select which file or template you want to open.

avigate lists and other selectable interface items, and to control the transport

n functions.

can be performed using standard keyboard sh

ortcuts.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Basic Window Handling

Create

Open

Empty Window

Creates an empty WaveLab Elements window.

Templates

Allows you to open a template in a new project.

Last Files

Opens the files that you last used in WaveLab Elements.

Recent Files

Allows you to open a recently used file.

Browse

Allows you to select the files that you want to open.

Use as Default (Do Not Show This Dialog Again)

If this option is activated, the option that you select is used from now on and

startup screen does not open anymore. To display the Startup dialog,

the even if this option has been activated, press [Ctrl]/[Command] when starting WaveLab Elements.

Basic Window Handling

WaveLab Elements follows the basic guidelines for the Windows/Mac OS interface, which means that Windows/Mac OS standard procedures apply.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Selecting Audio

Closing Windows

• To close a file tab, click the X button of the corresponding tab or press

[Ctrl]/[Command]-[W].

• To close a file tab without saving your change

and click the X button of the tab. This avoids having to confirm a warning message whenever you want to close an unsaved tab.

• To close all file tabs but the selected file tab,

Close All But This.

Switching Between Files

You can have multiple files open and switch between them.

• To bring a file to the front, click the corresponding tab.

• To cycle between the files, hold [Ctrl]/[Command], and press [Tab]

tinuously.

con

• To cycle back and forth between the last two active files, press rl]/[Command]-[Tab]. Between each step you have to release all keys.

[Ct

• To cycle backwards, press [Ctr

• To toggle between the active file and the last

s, hold [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Shift],

right-click a file tab and select

l]/[Command]-[Shift]-[Tab].

edited file, press [F5].

Selecting Audio

Almost all types of editing and processing that you perform in WaveLab Elements operate on the audio selection. There are numerous ways to make an audio selection.

• To select the whole audio file, double-click it. If the audio file contains markers,

triple-click it.

Selecting a Range by Dragging

The standard way to select a range in the wave window is to click and drag.

If you drag all the way to the left or right automatically, allowing you to select larger sections than what can be shown in the wave window. The speed of the scrolling depends on how far from the wave window edge you are.

side of the wave window, it scrolls

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Selecting Audio

Audio Range Selection in an Audio File

You can edit, process, or play back selections of an audio file.

• To access the audio range selection options, in the Aud

io Editor, select the

Edit tab.

The following selection options are available in the Time Selection se

All

Selects the entire waveform.

Toggle

Toggles the selection range on/off.

Extend

Opens a menu where you can select the following options:

• Ex

tend to Start of File extends the selection to the start of the audio file. If there is no selection, a selection is created from the edit cursor position.

• Extend to End of File extends the selection to the end of the audio file. If there is no selection, a selection is created from the edit cursor position.

• Extend to Previous Marker extends the left edge of the selection to the nearest marker to the left or the start of the audio file. If there is no selection, a selection is extended until the edit cursor position.

ction:

• Extend to Next Marker extends the right edge of the selection to the nearest marker to the right or the end of the audio file. If there is no selection, a selection is extended until the next marker position.

• Extend to Cursor extends the selection to the edit cursor position.

• From Start of File Until Cursor selects the range between the start of the audio file and the edit cursor position.

• From Cursor to End of File selects the range between the edit cursor position and the end of the audio file.

• From Cursor to Previous Marker selects the range between the edit cursor position and the previous marker or the start of the audio file.

• From Cursor to Next Marker selects the range between the edit cursor position and the next marker or the end of the audio file.

• From Playback Position to End of Audio File creates a selection range from the playback position to the end of the audio file. If no playback is taking place, the position of the edit cursor is used.

• From Playback Position to Start of Audio File creates a selection range from the playback position to start of the audio file. If no playback is taking place, the position of the edit cursor is used.

• Double Selection Length doubles the length of the current selection range.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

Selecting Audio

Channels

• Halve Selection Length halves the length of the current selection range.

Opens are menu where you can select the following options:

• Exten channels.

• Left Channel Only reduces the current selection range to the left channel only.

• Right Channel Only reduces the current selection range to the right channel only.

Regions

Opens are menu where you can select the following options:

• Lo

op Region selects the range between the two loop markers that

encompass the edit cursor.

• Generic Region selects the range between the two generic markers that encompass the edit cursor.

Selecting in Stereo Files

If you are working on stereo material in the Audio Editor, you can apply an operation to one channel only or to the entire stereo material.

d to All Channels extends the current selection range to all

Which channel is selected when you click and drag in the wave window depends o

n where you position the mouse cursor. The pointer shape indicates which channel

will be affected.

The following pointer shapes are available:

Select left channel

Clicking in the upper half of the left channel selects the left channel.

Select both channels

Clicking in the middle area between the left and the right channel selects both channels.

Select right channel

Clicking in the lower half of the right channel selects the right channel.

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WaveLab Elements Concepts

PROCEDURE

Selecting Audio

Switching the Selection Between Channels

You can switch the channel selection that you have made for a channel to all channels or switch the selection to the other channel.

1. In the wave window of the Audio Editor, select a range.

2. Select the Edit tab.

3. In the Time options:

• Extend to All Channels

• L

• Right Channel Only

You can press [Tab] to switch between the different channel selections.

Selection section, click Channels and select one of the following

eft Channel Only

Selecting in the Overview of the Audio Editor

The ranges that you select in the overview of the Audio Editor also apply to the main view.

• In the wave window of the Audio Editor, hold down [Ctrl]/[Command] and click and drag in the overview.

Moving a Selection Range

If a selection range has the correct length, but the wrong position, you can move it.

1. In the wave window, hold down [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Shift].

2. Click in the middle of the selection and drag to the left/right.

Extending and Reducing the Selection

You can resize a selection range in the wave window.

There are several ways to extend/reduce the selection:

• Select a range, [Shift]-click outside the sele left/right, or click and drag the edges of the selection range to the left/right.

ction range, and drag to the

Page 26

WaveLab Elements Concepts

Sliders

• To extend the selection to the previous/next boundary (marker or start/end of file), press [Shift] and double-click the non-selected area between the boundaries.

Extending and Reducing the Selection Using the Cursor Keys

• To move the start/end of a selection in the wave window to the left/right, hold down [Shift] and press the left/right cursor keys. To move it in bigger steps, press the [Page Up]/[Page Down] keys.

• To extend a selection to the previous/next boundary in the wave window (marker or start/end of and press the left/right cursor keys.

the audio file), hold down [Ctrl]/[Command]+[Shift]

Deleting Selections

There are several options for deleting a selected range.

Audio Editor

Sliders

The following options can be found on the Edit tab in the Cutting section.

Crop

Removes the data outside the selection.

Delete

Removes the selection. The audio to the right of the selection is moved to the left to fi

At various places in WaveLab Elements, slider controls are available to change parameters. There are a number of ways to change the value of a slider.

• Position the mouse over the slider and use the mouse wheel without clicking. H modifier also applies to the zoom wheels. To move a slider, click and drag it.

ll the gap.

old [Ctrl]/[Command] while using the mouse wheel to scroll faster. This

• To move the slider handle to a position, click the slider at any position.

• To move the slider handle in smaller steps, right-click or click below the

andle. Keep the mouse button pressed to automatically step to the next

h value.

• To reset the slider to the default value, if av slider, or click using the third mouse button, or double-click the handle.

ailable, [Ctrl]/[Command]-click the

Page 27

WaveLab Elements Concepts

Renaming Items in Tables

You can rename items in tables in the Markers window, and in the CD window.

• To rename an item, double-click it or select it, and press [Return], and enter

e new name.

• To rename the previous/next item, press [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow]. This

ay you move the focus on the previous/next item, while staying in the edit

w mode.

File Browser

The File Browser window allows you to browse files from within WaveLab Elements. The Auto Play Mode is u auditioning sound files.

seful for speeding up the process of

The File Browser wi features additional controls to audition audio files and any marker defined regions. You can use it to open or insert files by dragging them to another location.

You can also choose to only view specific file types.

File Browser Window

In this window, you can browse files and open them in WaveLab Elements.

• To open the File Browser w

ndow provides you with all the standard browsing functions. It

indow, select Tool Windows > File Browser.

Back/Forward/Parent Directory

Allows you to navigate through the list and file hierarchy.

Location

This menu lets you select a file location to browse and lists the recently used locations.

Page 28

WaveLab Elements Concepts

Tab Groups

Auto-Play Mode

Play Selected Audio File

File format list

Folder tree

Favorite folders

File list

Automatically starts playback of the selected file.

Plays the selected audio file.

If this button is activated, you can enter text in the search field.

Allows you to select which file format to display.

Shows the folders that are available on your computer.

You can add your favorite folders by dragging them from the folder tree.

Tab Groups

Shows the file name, size, type, modificat the file.

Create Folder

Allows you to create a new folder. Right-click in the fil

Folder.

Audio Regions

If the selected file contains region markers, the regions are displayed in the

dio Regions section. You can drag regions onto a track.

With tab groups, you can view the content of different files, tool windows, or meters at the same time, without having to navigate through different windows. Each tab group has its own content and tab bar.

You can have two file tab groups.

ion date, and other information about

e list and select Create

Page 29

WaveLab Elements Concepts

Tab Groups

Empty File Tab Groups

File Tab Groups with Audio Montages

Page 30

WaveLab Elements Concepts

PROCEDURE

Tab Groups

Creating File Tab Groups

1. In the top right of a file tab window, open the Tab Group pop-up menu.

2. Select Create a Tab Group (Split Vertically) or Create a Tab Group (Split Horizontally).

Creating File Tab Groups in Empty Tab Groups

• In the top right of an empty file tab group, click Create a Tab Group (Split Vertically) or Create a Tab Group (Split Horizontally).

Using Tab Groups

The Tab Group button in the top right of each tab window allows you to maximize, move, and close tab groups. Tabs are used differently depending on the type of window.

Tool Window Tab Groups

• To hide a tool window tab group, open the Tool Window Tab Group Options pop-up menu and select Hide All.

• To reorder tabs in a tab group, drag the tab h the tab bar.

• To dock the tab group to another location, open the Too Options pop-up menu and select Dock Tab Group Elsewhere. Now you can select where to dock the tab group.

orizontally to a new position on

l Window Tab Group

File Tab Groups

• To close a file tab group, click the Tab Group button and select Hide All.

• To reorder tabs in a tab group, drag the tab h the tab bar.

• To move a tab to another project, drag the tab to another project.

orizontally to a new position on

Page 31

WaveLab Elements Concepts

PROCEDURE

Peak Files

• To paste the content of a tab into an audio file, drag the tab onto the waveform. The tab is inserted at the cursor position.

• To maximize the active file tab group, open the File pop-up menu, and select Hide Other File Tab Groups.

To show all file tab groups, open the Fil and select Show Other File Tab Groups.

You can also double-click the file tab header of a other file tab groups.

Peak Files

A peak file (extension .gpk) is automatically created by WaveLab Elements each time an audio file is modified or opened in WaveLab Elements for the first time. The

ak file contains information about the waveform and determines how it is drawn

pe in the wave window or the montage window.

Peak files speed up the time it takes to draw the corresponding waveform. By default, the peak

Rebuilding Peak Displays

file is saved in the same location as the audio file.

Tab Group Options

e Tab Group Options pop-up menu,

tab group to show/hide

Normally, peak files are automatically updated when the date of the peak file is older than the date of the audio file. However, it can happen that the date of the audio file is not automatically updated. In this case you can force a rebuild of the peak file.

1. In the Audio Editor, select the View tab.

2. In the Peaks section, click Rebuild Files.

Companion Files

Companion files (extension .vs) contain Master Section presets and view settings for audio files. If this feature is activated when you save a file, the settings are recreated the next time that you load the file.

Companion files are only available in the Aud

The following view settings are included in companion files:

• Window size and position

io Editor.

• Zoom level

• Scroll position

Page 32

WaveLab Elements Concepts

PROCEDURE

Companion Files

Storing Companion Files in Another Location

By default, companion files are saved in the same location as the audio file. However, you can select another file location.

1. Select File > Preferences > Folders.

2. Click Companion Files and specify another file location.

Page 33

Workspace Window

The Workspace window provides an editing and playback environment for each particular file type. Each environment allows functions according to the specific purpose of each file type.

• Au

• Po

The Works

dio Editor for viewing and editing audio files.

dio Montage window for assembling and editing audio montages.

dcast Editor for preparing and uploading podcasts.

pace window is highly customizable to match your workflow.

Elements of the Workspace Window

The Workspace window contains the following elements:

•A menu bar

• Tab groups to host the files to edit. You can move the content of a tab to

ther tab, create a new empty tab, display the file path, and access other

ano functions by right-clicking.

• A set of tool windows. Which tools are available depends on the file type you

working on. The tool windows can be activated/deactivated individually.

are

Audio Editor

The Audio Editor provides tools and functions for sample-accurate audio editing, high-quality analysis, and processing.

The Audio

The wave window gives you a graphical representation of the audio file and allows you to view,

ELATED LINKS

Editor includes various metering tools.

play back, and edit the file.

Audio File Editing on page 87

Page 34

Workspace Window

Audio Montage

In the Audio Montage window, you assemble audio clips into a montage. You can arrange, edit, and play back clips on both stereo or mono tracks.

Features include both track- and clip-based effects, volume and pan automation, and wide-ranging fade an

You can place any number of clips on an audio track. A clip contains a reference to a source

The montage window gives you a graphical representation of clips on tracks. In it yo

u can view, play back, and edit the tracks and clips.

ELATED LINKS

Podcast Editor

d crossfade functions.

audio file on your hard disk, as well as start and end positions in the file.

Audio Montage on page 150

In the Podcast Editor, you assemble, define, and publish your podcast to the Internet.

ELATED LINKS

Podcasts on page 283

Page 35

Workspace Window

File Tab

The File tab is the control center of WaveLab Elements. Here, you can save, open, render, import, and export files. It also gives you detailed information about your files and allows you to set up the WaveLab Elements preferences.

Info

Provides information about the active file an properties of audio files and audio montages.

New

Allows you to create audio files, audio montages, or podcasts. You can create

ew files or use a template.

Open

Allows you to open audio files, audio montages,

You can also open files that you have previously copied to the clipboard in the File

Explorer/Mac OS Finder.

Import

Allows you to open different file format

• Audio File to Montage

•U

You can also import audio CD tracks from an audio CD.

nknown Audio

d allows you to edit the audio

or podcasts.

s. The following formats are supported:

Page 36

Workspace Window

File Tab

Save As

Allows you to save the active file or the project. You can specify the name, file format,

and location. You can also save a copy of the active file.

Save All

Allows you to save all changed files of your project at once. The file list gives yo

u an overview of all files that have been changed.

You can use the filter to show all changed files, only audio files, or only audio

ntages.

Export

Allows you to render the active file and upload

the audio file to SoundCloud.

Preferences

Allows you to view and change the preferences of WaveLab Elements. You

an set up the preferences for the following parts of WaveLab Elements:

• Gl

obal

• VST Audio Connections

• Shortcuts

• Plug-ins

• Remote Devices

• Folders

• Audio Files

• Audio Montages

Tools

• Data C

D/DVD

• Batch Conversion

ELATED LINKS

Info Tab on page 37 Configuring the Software on page 307

Page 37

Workspace Window

Info Tab

The Info tab provides information about the active file and allows you to edit the audio properties of audio files and audio montages.

• To open the Inf

o tab, select the File tab, and click Info.

Depending on the selected file, different information and options are available.

Name

Displays the name, file extension, and file location of the active file. You can

dit these attributes.

File Properties

Displays the size, date, and file fo

Audio Properties

For audio files, this displays th the active file.

For audio montages, this displays the mode, c active file.

You can edit these attributes.

Sample Attributes (audio files only)

Displays the musical attributes tune, key range, and velocity range.

rmat of the active file.

e bit resolution, channels, and sample rate of

hannels, and sample rate of the

Page 38

Workspace Window

Tool Windows

Meta-Data

Displays the meta data of the active file.

Copy to Clipboard

Opens a menu from which you can select which information about the active file you

Reveal in File Explorer/Mac OS Finder

want to copy to the clipboard.

Opens the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder to show

Delete

Deletes the active file.

Tool Windows

Throughout WaveLab Elements there are various tool windows available that allow you to view, analyze, and edit the active file.

Generally, the content of a tool window is synchronized with the active file, with the exceptio windows can be docked and undocked, and saved in your custom layouts. Some tool windows are only available for specific file types.

The tool windows can be accessed via the Tool Windows menu.

Opening and Closing Tool Windows

n of the audio meters which displays the audio file being played back. Tool

the location of the active file.

You can close all tool windows that you do not need for your project.

• To open a tool window, select Tool

• To close a docked tool window, right-c Hide.

• To close an undocked tool window, click its X button.

Meter Windows

WaveLab Elements contains a variety of audio meters that you can use for monitoring and analyzing audio. Meters can be used to monitor audio during playback, rendering, and recording. Furthermore, you can use them to analyze audio sections when playback is stopped.

The meter windows can be accessed via the Meters menu.

Windows and select a tool window.

lick the tool window tab and select

Page 39

Workspace Window

Slide-Out Windows

Opening and Closing Meter Windows

You can close all meter windows you do not need for your project.

• To open a meter window, select Me

• To close a docked meter window, right-click the meter window tab and select

Hid

• To close an undocked meter window, click its X button.

Slide-Out Windows

Slide-out windows are hidden in the frame of the Workspace window. When you hover the mouse pointer over the window name, the window slides out. It is hidden again, when you click anywhere else.

Slide-out window tab

ters and select a meter window.

An open slide-out window

Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and Meter Windows

Tool windows and meter windows can be used as docked windows, as floating windows, or as a slide-out window. You can freely drag around the windows and dock them at various locations.

• To undock a tool window or meter window, drag the corresponding tab another position.

Now the tool window or meter window is a floating window which can be fre

ely moved.

• To dock a tool window or meter window, click and hold the caption bar or click the Options button Group Elsewhere.

on the right of the caption bar and select Dock Tab

Page 40

Workspace Window

Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and Meter Windows

Yellow symbols indicate locations for docked windows, pink symbols indicate locations for slide-out windows. Drag the window to one of the locations.

• To dock a floating tool window or meter window at its last docked position, click the Options

button on the right of the caption bar and select Dock

to Last Place Again.

ELATED LINKS

Slide-Out Windows on page 39

Setting the Transparency for Floating Windows

You can make the tool windows and meter windows become transparent if they are not the active window. For this, specify the transparency value in the global preferences and activate the transparency for each window individually.

• To specify the transparency value, select File select the Display tab. In the Tool Windows section, specify the value in the

Window Transparency field.

Preferences > Global, and

• To activate the transparency for a tool window or meter window, click the Tab Group bu

ELATED LINKS

tton at the top right of the window, and select Auto Transparency.

Global Preferences on page 307

Page 41

Workspace Window

PROCEDURE

Command Bar

Hiding the Caption Bar in Floating Meter Windows

To save screen space, the caption bar of floating meter windows can automatically be hidden if the window is not the active window. This can be set individually for each floating window.

1. In a floating meter window, click the Options button at the top right of the window.

2. Select Auto Caption Bar.

Command Bar

The command bar of file windows allows you to create, open, and save files, and undo/redo changes. You can also use the text field to quickly find and access open files, and to trigger keywords.

New

Open

Save

Save As

Allows you to create an audio file, audio montage, or podcast. You can create ne

w files or use a template.

Allows you to open an audio file, audio montage, or podcast.

Saves the active

Allows you to save the active file. You can specify the name, file format, and

cation

. You can also save a copy of the active file.

file.

Trigger Cubase Update

Updates the Cubase project if the active file was opened via the Edit in WaveLab option

Undo

Allows you to undo changes.

Page 42

Workspace Window

Status Bar

Redo

Status Bar

Allows you to redo changes

that were undone.

Navigate Backwards/Navigate Forwards

In the Audio

Editor and Audio Montage window, this allows you to navigate

to the previous/next cursor position, zoom factor, or selection range without undoing/redoing the edit operation.

Customize Command Bar

Allows you to select the buttons that you want to display on the command bar.

Maximize Window

Maximizes the window. To restore the window size, click the button again.

Layout Options

Allows you to determine the position of the command

ELATED LINKS

bar and transport bar.

WaveLab Exchange on page 280

The status bar at the bottom of the screen of the Audio Editor and the Audio Montage window shows information about the active window using the units specified in the rulers.

The information displayed on the status b

ar is updated depending on the cursor

position and on the audio selection that you have made.

Time/Level (dB)

Displays the time of the audio file at th

e mouse cursor position. In the Audio

Editor, it also displays the level.

Audio Information at Edit Cursor

Displays the time at the position of the edit

cursor. This information changes

if you reposition the cursor.

• To define the cursor position, click the Audio Information at Edit

Cursor field to open the Cursor Position dialog.

• To focus the cursor position, right-click the Audio Information at Edit

Cursor field.

Page 43

Workspace Window

Context Menus

Audio Selection Indicator (Audio Editor)/Audio Range Indicator (Audio Montage)

In the Au total length of the audio file if no selection has been made.

In the Aud if a clip is selected, or the size of the audio montage.

If you have zoomed in, you can right-click the indicator to display the selected audio the Audio Range dialog, where you can define or refine a selection.

Zoom Indicator

Displays the current zoom factor.

• To open a pop-up menu, that allows you to make additional zoom

• To open the Zoom Factor dialog, that allows you to edit the zoom

Sampler Key Indicator (Audio Editor only)

Indicates the key of the current audio file (if defined). Click the indicator to

en the Sample Attributes window.

Audio Properties Indicator

dio Editor, this displays the length of the current selection, or the

io Montage window, this displays the length of the audio selection

range, the active clip, or the whole file. Left-click the indicator to open

settings, cl

factor, right-click the indicator.

ick the indicator.

Bypass Master Section

Background Information

Context Menus

In the Audi indicates whether the audio file is mono or stereo. Click the indicator to open the Audio Properties dialog.

In the Audio and the sample rate of the audio montage. Click the indicator to open the Audio Montage Properties dialog.

If this button is activated, the Master deactivated, the audio is played through the Master Section.

The status bar shows the progress of some backgroun rendering an effect. The operation can be paused or canceled using the provided buttons.

o Editor, this displays the bit resolution and the sample rate. It also

Montage window, this displays the number of audio channels

Section is bypassed. If the button is

d operations, such as

Throughout WaveLab Elements, various context menus are available. These menus group the commands and/or options that are specific to the active window.

The context menus appear if you right-click specific areas and are useful for

ding up your workflow.

spee

Page 44

Workspace Window

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

For example, right-click a file tab to open a context menu with some relevant file options. Right-clicking the ruler of the waveform window brings up the Time Ruler context menu that allows you to access a number of options for changing the time ruler display format.

You can find most context menu commands in the tabs, in the file window and in the main for a function, right-click the current working window to check if it has a context menu.

menus, but some commands are only available in context menus. If you search

Context menu in the montage window

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

In the Audio Editor, you can display a time and a level ruler in the wave window. In the Audio Montage window, you can display a time ruler in the montage window.

You can also determine which time and level units the rulers show.

Time Ruler

Level Ruler (Audio Editor only)

Page 45

Workspace Window

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Time Ruler and Level Ruler Options

You can specify the time and level (amplitude) formats for each ruler in each wave window and the time formats for each ruler in the montage window separately by right-clicking the ruler and selecting a format from the pop-up menu.

Time Ruler Menu

Timecode

Displays frames per second for various SMPTE timecode resolution.

You can specify the timecode type in the Time Format dialog.

Clock

Displays time units.

Samples

Displays positions as number of samples. Th depends on the sample rate of the audio file. For example, at 44.1 kHz, there

44100 samples per second.

are

Bars and Beats

Displays bars and beats.

File Size (Audio Editor only)

Displays positions in megabytes.

Show grid (Audio Montage window only)

Displays vertical lines in the montage win

Time Format

Decimals represent kilobytes.

e number of samples per second

dow, aligned with time ruler marks.

types and for CD

Opens the Time Format dialog, that allow time ruler formats.

Save Current Settings as Default

If this option is activated, the time ruler wave windows or montage windows.

Set Ruler’s Origin to Start of File

If this option is activated, the ruler’s zero position is set to the beginning of the first samp

Set Ruler’s Origin at Cursor

If this option is activated, the ruler’s zero position is set to the current edit cursor position.

Set Ruler’s Origin to BWF Reference (Audio Editor only)

If this option is activated, the first sample provided that the time reference is available.

le.

s you to edit the appearance of the

uses the current time format in all new

matches the BWF time reference,

Page 46

Workspace Window

PROCEDURE

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

RELATED LINKS

Time Format Dialog on page 47

Level Ruler Menu (Audio Editor only)

Sets the level format to decibels.

+-100 %

Sets the level format to percentage.

Normalized +1/-1

Sets the level format to a ruler gradation corresponding to 32-bit float audio.

16-bit Range

Sets the level format to a ruler gradation corresponding to 16-bit audio.

24-bit Range

Sets the level format to a ruler gradation corresponding to 24-bit audio.

Save Current Settings as Default

If this option is activated, the level ruler uses the current level format in all new

ve windows.

Working With a Meter-Based Display

If your working material is tempo-based, you can select the meter format (bars, beats, and ticks) for the ruler legend. This makes it easier to find musically related cutting points.

1. In the wave window or the montage window, right-click the time ruler, and select Bars and Beats.

2. Right-click the time ruler, and select Time Format.

3. On the Meter ta your audio file.

4. Set the Ticks with.

For example, this can be the same value that is used by your MIDI sequencer.

b, set the Time Signature and Tempo to values that match

per Quarter Note setting to a number that you feel comfortable

5. Click OK.

Page 47

Workspace Window

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Setting the Edit Cursor Position

Many operations, such as playback and selection, depend on the current edit cursor position. For example, playback often starts at the edit cursor position. The current edit cursor position is indicated by a vertical flashing line.

There are various ways to move the edit cursor:

• Click somewhere in the wave window, the montage window, or the time ruler.

you have made a selection, click the time ruler to prevent deselecting.

• Click and drag in the time ruler.

• Use the transport controls.

• In the Audi the options in the Cursor section.

• Use the cursor keys.

• Double-click a marker.

Time Format Dialog

In this dialog, you can customize the time format of the ruler. The time format of the ruler is also used in various time fields, for example, the status bar and some dialogs.

• To open the Time Format Audio Montage window, and select Time Format.

In the Au and the main display.

o Editor and Audio Montage window, select the View tab and use

dialog, right-click the ruler in the Audio Editor or

dio Editor, you can set different time formats for the overview display

Timecode Tab

On this tab, you can configure the appearance of the Timecode option.

Frames per Second

Lists standard frame rates. From the pop-up menu, select Other to custom frame rate. You can also choose which frames or units are displayed.

enter a

Page 48

Workspace Window

Managing Tabs

Clock Tab

Show Absolute Frames

Shows the time format as a number of frames, without other time elements.

Show Quarter Frames

Adds the quarter frame number to the time format.

Show Hundredth Frames

Adds the number of a hundredth of a frame to the time format.

Show Units

Adds time units to the time format of the ruler.

On this tab, you can configure the appearance of the Clock option.

Show Units

Adds time units to the time format of the ruler.

Meter Tab

Compact

Shows the time without unit indicators.

On this tab, you can configure the appearance of the Bars and Beats option.

Time Signature

Lets you edit the time signature used to display the time represented as a

sical notation.

Tempo

Lets you edit the tempo used to display the time represented as a musical n

otation.

Ticks per Quarter Note

Lets you edit the number of ticks per quarter note. These are used to display

s that are compatible with your sequencer.

time

Managing Tabs

A tab is a container for a file in WaveLab Elements. You can open several tabs, but only one can be active at a time. The Tabs context menu offer tab related options.

File Tabs

The following options are available when you right-click a file tab.

Page 49

Workspace Window

PROCEDURE

Activating Full Screen Mode

Add to

Close All But This

Allows you to add the active file to another editor.

Closes the active tab.

Closes all files but the active

Info

Displays information about the active file.

Reveal in File Explorer/Mac OS Finder

Opens the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder to show the location of the file.

Copy to Clipboard

Opens a menu, from which you can select which information about the file you want to

Recent Files

Allows you to open recently used files.

copy to the clipboard.

Activating Full Screen Mode

•Select Workspace > Full Screen.

file.

Page 50

Opening Files

PROCEDURE

1. Select File > Open.

2. Select the file type that you want to open.

3. From the file browser, select the file that you want to open.

4. Click Open.

Project Handling

For example, Audio File.

Opening Files from the Clipboard

You can open files in WaveLab Elements that you have previously copied to the clipboard in the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder.

1. In the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder, copy the files that you want to open to the clipboard.

2. In WaveLab Elements, select File > Open.

3. Click Open Files from Clipboard.

RESULT

The files open in new file tabs.

Automatically Opening Files in a Dedicated Tab Group

You can specify a precedented file type for each tab group. Files that open after rendering, audio files that you open from an audio montage, or files that you open via the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder are automatically opened in the corresponding tab group for this file type.

• To specify a precedented file type Options

at the header of a tab group, and select a file type.

for a

tab group, click File Tab Group

Page 51

Project Handling

Value Editing

At various places in the program, numerical values can be edited by using a combination of text fields and knobs.

Values are sometimes composed of several elements, for example, 12 mn 30 sec 120 ms. Each value can be edited by using any of the following methods:

• To change a value, click in a value field and type a new value, or click the small

ws in the value field.

arro

• To change the value by one unit at a time, press the [Left Arrow] and [Right

rrow] keys.

• To change the value by several units, keys.

• To change the value using the mouse wheel, position the mouse cursor over a value

• To change the value with the mouse, click a value and drag the mouse up or down.

• To jump to the maximum and minimum valu keys.

• To move from one element of the value to another, press the [Left Arrow] and [Right Arrow]

Drag Operations

WaveLab Elements makes much use of drag-and-drop techniques to perform various operations, some of which can only be performed this way. These are referred to as drag operations in this documentation.

press the [Page Up] and [Page Down]

, and use the mouse wheel, or use the AI knob of your MIDI controller.

es, press the [Home] and [End]

keys.

• To drag an object, click and hold with the mouse when positioned on the

bject and drag it. Drop the object by releasing the button.

Many types of objects can be dragged betw locations, for example, files, text, clips, items in a list, and markers.

een different source and destination

Page 52

Project Handling

NOTE

Drag Operations

It is also possible to drag and drop files from WaveLab Elements to Steinberg’s Nuendo.

• To reorder a tab within its own tabbed group, drag horizontally. To move a tab to another window, drag vertically.

• To open a file, drag it from the File Browser w

indow of WaveLab Elements, from the file browser of your operating system, or from another application to the tab bar.

• To create a copy of a file, drag its tab vert

ically to another position of the tab

bar, then press [Ctrl]/[Command], and release the mouse button.

• You can dock and undock tool windows and meter windows via

ELATED LINKS

dragging.

Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and Meter Windows on page 39

Dragging in the Audio Editor and Audio Montage Window

• To insert an audio file in another audio file, drag the title bar of the file onto the waveform of another file. You can also drag an audio file from the File Browser window, the file browser of your operating system, or from another application into the Audio Editor.

• To move a marker, drag it to another

• To create a copy of a marker, press [Shift], and drag it to another position on the time

ruler.

position on the time ruler.

• To delete a marker, drag it upw

• To copy an audio selection, drag a selected region of

ards outside the time ruler.

audio onto the waveform

area of the same file or another file.

• To change the extent of a selection range, positio

n the edit cursor at the

start/end of the selection range, and drag to the left or right.

• To move the edit cursor without losing the current selection, and to snap it to

anchor, press [Shift], and move the mouse near the audio file/montage

an cursor. The mouse cursor shape changes and you can drag the cursor left and right.

• To move the edit cursor without changing or losing the current selection,

ess [Shift], click the edit cursor, and drag it to another position.

• To scroll the waveform horizontally, click the bar above the time ruler and drag

t or right. You can also click anywhere on the waveform using the 3rd

lef mouse button, and drag left or right.

• To create a generic marker from a selected text, drop the text that you have selected in an

external application onto the time ruler. The text becomes the

marker name.

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Project Handling

PROCEDURE

Undoing and Redoing Actions

• To create a stereo copy of a mono file, or a mixed copy of a stereo file, drag a tab to another position of the tab bar, press [Ctrl]-[Alt] (Windows) or [Option]-[Ctrl] (Mac), and release the mouse button.

Dragging in the Podcast Window

• To reorder episodes in the episodes list, drag them to another position.

Dragging in the Master Section

• To change the order of processing, drag effects between different effects slots.

Undoing and Redoing Actions

You can undo and redo as many steps as you like. The only limitation is the available hard disk space.

When undoing or redoing any operation in the Aud window, the zoom factor, cursor position, scroll position, clip selection status, and time range are restored to the state before the operation.

• To undo or redo a step, click Undo

Editor or Audio Mo

ntage window.

Navigating Backwards and Forwards

In audio files and audio montages, you can navigate to the previous/next cursor position, zoom factor, and selection range without undoing/redoing the edit operation.

1. In the Audio Editor or Audio Montage window, select the View tab.

2. In the Navigate section, click Backwards or Forwards.

io Editor or the Audi

or Redo in the title bar of the Audio

o Montage

Zooming

Horizontal Zooming

• When you zoom out as far as possible, the entire file fits in the window.

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Project Handling

Zooming

Vertical Zooming

• When you zoom in as far as possible, each sample occupies several pixels on the screen. This allows for sample-accurate editing of waveforms.

• When you zoom out as far as possible, the height of the wave fits in the window.

High Zoom Level

• As you progressively zoom in, the display o

nly shows a part of the total height. The vertical scrollbar lets you adjust exactly which section is shown. Check the ruler to see which part of the waveform is shown in the display.

• To optimize the vertical zoom of the waveform, press [Ctrl]/[Command], the ruler, keep the mouse button pressed, and drag the mouse up or down.

time

• When the zooming level is very high, each sample is shown with a step and a

bullet. The steps show the real digitized state, while the bullets make it easier to see the samples, especially for zeroed samples.

• The curve also represents an estimation of the

analog reconstructed signal to

give hints on true peaks.

Zooming in the Overview and Main View Sections (Audio Editor Only)

• You can have different zoom levels in the overview and in the main view

section. In the overview, a range indicator on the time ruler indicates which section of the file is displayed in the main view.

• To adjust the zoom level, drag the edges of the range indicator.

• To scroll in the main view, drag the range indicator. The range indicator is

cated at the top of the overview display.

• To adjust the zoom level using the scrollbar, drag the edges of the scrollbar.

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Project Handling

PROCEDURE

Zooming

Zooming Using the Zoom Controls

Both the main view and the overview have horizontal and vertical zoom controls.

• To zoom horizontally, click the Horizontal Zoom control, and drag left or right,

or use the mouse wheel.

• To zoom vertically, click the Vertic

use the mouse wheel.

Zoom control, and drag up or down, or

• To fully zoom-out, double-click the zoom controls.

Zooming Using the Zoom Tool

The Zoom tool is used to zoom in a specific section of the waveform so that it occupies the entire wave window. This is only available in the Audio Editor.

Using the Zoom Tool in the Main View

The selection that you make in the main view of the wave window is magnified and fills up the entire main view.

1. In the Audio Editor, select the View tab.

2. In the Tools section, click Zoom .

3. In the main view of the wave window, click and drag left or right, and release

the mo

The selected part of the wave now occupies the entire main view.

use button.

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Project Handling

PROCEDURE

Zooming

Using the Zoom Tool in the Overview

The selection that you make in the overview of the wave window is displayed in the main view.

• In the overview of the wave window, click and drag left or right, and release

the mouse button.

RESULT

The selected range of the waveform is shown in the main view.

Zooming Using the Mouse

With the mouse, you can change the zoom factor by clicking and dragging or by using the mouse wheel.

Audio Editor Only

• To zoom horizontally, in the wave window or the montage window, position

mouse cursor over the time ruler, click, and drag up or down.

the

• To zoom horizontally while maintaining the cursor

cursor over the time ruler, press [Shift], and drag up or down. For this, you can also use the mouse wheel. Press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Shift],

int at a waveform, and use the mouse wheel.

• To zoom horizontally around the mouse cursor position using the mouse

heel, press [Ctrl]/[Command], point at a waveform, and use the mouse

wheel.

• To zoom horizontally around the edit cursor position, press

l]/[Command]-[Shift], point at a waveform, and use the mouse wheel.

[Ctr

• To zoom vertically using the mouse wheel, press [Shift], point at a waveform,

and use th

• To zoom vertically, in the wave window, position the mouse cursor over the

level ruler, click, and drag left or right.

• To reset the vertical zoom to 0 dB, double-click the level ruler.

e mouse wheel.

position, position the mouse

• To set the vertical zoom to the best value, that is, the current minimum and

maximum displayed samples, double-cli

ck the level ruler.

make sure that the level ruler is set to 0 dB, and

Page 57

Project Handling

NOTE

Zooming

Zooming Using the Keyboard

A quick way to zoom the active wave or montage window is to use the arrow keys on the computer keyboard.

• To zoom horizontally in the active w

• To zoom vertically in the active wave/mon

• To zoom vertically to fit the available height, press

• To zoom out fully, press [Ctr

• To zoom in fully, press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Up Arrow].

You can increase or decrease the zoom steps with the Interval for Zoom Key

Command option. You can set this option in the Global Preferences on the Options tab.

RELATED LINKS

Zoom Options

[Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow].

[Ctrl]/[Comm

Global Preferences on page 307

and]-[Shift]-[Up Arrow].

l]/[Command]-[Down Arrow].

ave window or montage window, press

tage window, hold [Shift], and press

The zoom options allow you to quickly access various zoom settings.

The zoom options are available in the Audio window on the View tab in the Zoom section.

Time

Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to adjust the zoom to display the

cted time range. Zoom in 1:1 zooms in so that one pixel on the screen

sele represents one sample.

To edit the zoom factor, click Edi dialog, where you can edit the following settings:

• Set Time Range a display.

• Samples per Screen Point allows you to specify how many audio samples are summarized in each screen point.

• Screen Points per Sample allows you to specify how many screen points are used to represent a single audio sample.

Zoom

Activates the Zoom t in.

llows you to specify the time range that you want to

ool that allows you to define a time range that is zoomed

Editor and the Audio Montage

t Zoom Factor. This opens the Zoom Factor

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Project Handling

Zooming

Zoom Selection

Zooms the window so that the current selection occupies the entire montage win

dow.

Display Whole Clip (Audio Montage window only)

Adjusts the view to display the active

Microscope

Zooms in as far as possible.

Zoom in Audio (10x)/Zoom out Audio (10x)

Zooms in/out in big steps.

Zoom in Audio/Zoom out Audio

Zooms in/out in small steps.

Level

Adjusts the zoom to only display samples below the selected dB value.

Optimize Vertical Zoom (Audio Editor only)

Changes the vertical zoom factor so that the peaks are clearly visible. This adjustm wave/montage window.

Reset Zoom to 0 dB

Adjusts the zoom to display audio levels up to

Zoom in Vertically/Zoom out Vertically

ent is done according to the section of the wave that is visible in the

clip.

0 dB.

Zooms in/out to show waveforms

Zooming in the Audio Montage

Zooming options in the Audio Montage window are almost similar to those in the Audio Editor. However, there are additional zooming options for tracks.

Zoom Buttons in the Audio Montage

The zoom buttons in the Audio Montage window allow you to apply zoom presets.

• To only display the selected track, or also the tracks below and/or above the cted track, click the corresponding buttons.

sele

with a lower/higher level.

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Project Handling

Presets

• To set the zoom setting to fit the active clips in 25 %, 50 %, or 100 % of the

available space, click the corresponding buttons.

• To select a specific area, click [Ctrl]/[Command], and drag the rectangle over

the tracks and clips that you want to zoom in on.

Displaying More or Less Tracks

The number of tracks that are displayed in the Audio Montage window can be changed with the zoom controls in the lower right corner of the montage window.

• To display more tracks, click the smaller magnifying

• To display fewer tracks, click the larger magnifying glass icon.

• To make a single track fit the whole montage window, click the numbered

tton in the track control area, and select Zoom from the pop-up menu.

bu You can also right-click the lower area of a track, and select Disp

Clip from the pop-up menu.

Presets

glass icon.

lay Whole

You can create presets to save commonly used settings. WaveLab Elements provides a selection of factory presets that can be used by most dialogs.

You can save customized presets. The next time that you load the program, the

esets are available.

Presets are saved as single files and can be organized in of the preset is different for each type of preset and cannot be changed.

subfolders. The root folder

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Project Handling

PROCEDURE

Presets

Saving a Preset

1. Open the dialog that you want to use and modify the parameters.

2. Open the Presets pop-up menu and select Save As.

3. Optional: Click the folder icon and enter a name for the subfolder that you

4. Type in a name.

5. Click Save.

Loading Presets

To apply a saved preset or a factory preset to a dialog or plug-in, you must load the preset.

nt to use as the location for this preset.

1. In the dialog, open the Presets pop-up menu.

2. Select the preset that you want to apply.

Modifying a Preset

You can modify a preset and save the changes.

1. Open the dialog that you want to use.

2. Load the preset that you want to modify.

3. Modify the parameters of the dialog.

4. Open the Presets pop-up menu and select Save.

Deleting a Preset

1. Open the dialog that you want to use.

2. Select the preset that you want to delete.

3. Open the Pr

4. In the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder, select the preset file that you want to

delete, and press [Delete].

esets pop-up menu and select Organize Presets.

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Project Handling

PROCEDURE

Presets

Saving and Restoring Temporary Presets

Some dialogs allow you to save and load up to 5 temporary presets. This is useful if you want to quickly test and compare different settings.

Saving Presets Temporarily

1. Open the dialog that you want to use and make your settings.

2. Open the Presets pop-up menu.

3. From the Store Temporarily submenu, select a slot.

Restoring Temporary Presets

1. Open the dialog in which you have saved a preset.

2. Open the Presets pop-up menu.

3. From the Restore submenu, select a preset.

Page 62

File Operations

PROCEDURE

NOTE

Recently Used Files

All files that you have recently used in WaveLab Elements are saved in a list. This helps you to gain fast access to recent projects. You can open recently used files via the File menu.

Setting the Number of Recently Used Files to Display

1. Select File > Preferences > Global.

2. In the Global Preferences window, select the Display tab.

3. In the Hi

Recent File menu.

Save and Save As

• Once a file has been saved, select File > Save, or press

[Ctrl]/[Command]-[S] to update the file and make the changes permanent.

• If you want to specify a new name, location, and/or file format, select F

Save As.

In the Audio Editor, all save operations except Save Copy clear the undo history, which means that after saving you cannot undo or redo.

story section, set the maximum number of items to be listed on the

ile >

Tab Colors

The line above tabs gives information on whether a file is saved or not, and whether the file has been rendered in Cubase.

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Save and Save As

White

The file is not modified.

Green (Audio Editor only)

The file uses a decoded file format and

Red

The file has been modified and changes have not been saved yet.

Yellow

The file has been rendered in Cubase.

Unsaved Changes Indicator

When you have made changes to a file, an asterisk is displayed next to the file name until you save the file.

Saving Multiple Files at Once

You can save some or all open files at once.

is saved.

1. Open the File window and click Save All.

2. Select the files that you want to save.

3. Click Save.

Saving a Copy of a File

You can save copies of files that you are working on.

1. Select File > Save As.

2. Specify a name and location.

3. Right-click Save and select Save Copy.

Page 64

File Operations

PROCEDURE

Templates

Reverting to Saved File

You can revert the file that you are working on back to its last saved state. This undoes all the changes made to the file since it was last saved.

1. Select File > Open.

2. Select the file type that you want to open.

3. Click Re

4. In the warning dialog, click Yes to revert to the last saved state.

RESULT

The last saved version of the file is loaded from disk.

vert to Saved File.

Automatic Backups

You can automatically create backups of your files.

For example, if you select Save As and s that folder, you will be asked if you want to replace the existing file or replace the existing file and rename the old file. If you click Replace and Keep Old, the backup name of the audio file that is replaced will be the original name, with .bak added at the end.

About Saving Audio Montages

pecify a file name that is already used in

Templates

The saving operations for audio montages are the same as for audio files. However, there are things to note when saving audio montages.

• Audio montage files only contain references to audio files. If you want to

ename audio files that are referenced by audio montages, rename the audio

r files in the Info window of the Audio Editor. All clip references are updated automatically.

• If the audio montage contains clips that refer to untitled audio files, save these

audio files

ELATED LINKS

Renaming Files on page 68

You can save file settings that you regularly use as templates. Templates are useful when creating new audio files, audio montages, or podcasts.

before saving the audio montage.

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Templates

Templates Tab

This tab shows all templates, and allows you to create and open templates.

• To open the Templates tab,

select File > New, select a file type, and click

Templates.

List of the available templates

Lists all saved templates.

Add Template

Allows you to add a new template or upda

Use Template Name as D

efault File Name

If this option is activated and you click Add Temp

te an existing template.

late, a new file is created and uses the name of the template. If this option is deactivated, the name of the new file is “untitled”.

Explore

Opens the folder where the template files are located. Here, you can rename and delete templates.

Creating a Template

You can create a template from an active audio montage, audio file, or podcast and use it as a basis for newly created files.

REREQUISITE

Select the file that you want to base your template on.

1. Select File > New.

2. Select the file type for which you want to create a template.

3. Click Templates.

4. In the Templates tab,

• To create a new template, click Add Template, make your settings, and click

• To update an existing template, click Add Temp

do one of the following.

Create.

late, enter the name of the

template that you want to update, and click Create.

Page 66

File Operations

Templates

5. Optional: If you want to use the template name as the default file name, activate Use Template Name as Default File Name.

6. When saving or updating an audio file te you can make additional settings.

• When saving an audio file template, the Audio File Template dialog opens.

• When saving an audio montage template, the Audio Montage Template

Audio File Templates

The Audio File Template dialog displays the audio properties of the audio file template that you are creating. You can also specify whether to always associate a specific audio file configuration with optional meta-data when creating an audio file template or not.

•To open the Au and click Templates. In the Templates tab, click Add Template.

mplate or an audio montage template,

Here, you can select whether WaveLab Elements should attach an audio file

rmat.

dialog

opens. Here, you can select whether to include track plug-ins, clips, and/or markers. Also select whether WaveLab Elements should attach an audio file format.

dio File Template dialog, select File > New, click Audio File,

Attach Audio File Format

If this option is activated, whenever you open the Re the audio file configuration specified below is proposed by default.

Template Name

Allows you to enter a name for the template.

Audio Montage Templates

In the Audio Montage Template dialog, you can set various options when creating an audio montage template.

• To open the Audio Montage

Audio Montage, and click Templates. In the Templates tab, click Add Template.

nder or Save As dialogs,

Template dialog, select File > New, click

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Templates

Include Clips

If this option is activated, clips

Include Track and Master Plug-ins

If this option is activated, track plug-ins template.

Include Markers

If this option is activated, markers are

Attach Audio File Format

If this option is activated, whenever you open the Re configuration specified below is proposed by default.

Template Name

Allows you to enter a name for the template.

Creating a File From a Template

You can create a file from a template to use its settings.

are saved in the template.

and master plug-ins are saved in the

saved in the template.

nder dialog, the audio file

1. Select File > New.

2. Select the file type that you want to create.

3. Click Templates.

4. From the list of the available templates, select the template that you want to take as the basis of the new file.

Page 68

File Operations

PROCEDURE

File Renaming

Deleting Templates

1. Select File > New.

2. Select the file type for which you want to delete templates.

3. Click Templates.

4. Click Explor

5. In the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder, delete the templates.

Renaming Templates

1. Select File > New.

2. Select the file type for which you want to rename templates.

3. Click Templates.

4. Click Explor

5. In the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder, rename the templates.

File Renaming

You can rename a file and update all references automatically. For example, if you rename an audio file named India to Sitar, all open files that reference the file India are updated to reference the file as Sitar.

Audio files, peak files, and marker

Renaming Files

PREREQUISITE

If you want to rename a file that is referenced by other files, open the files that reference the file that you are about to rename in WaveLab Elements.

1. Open the file that you want to rename.

2. Select the File tab.

3. Click Info.

4. In the Name section

files are also renamed accordingly.

, enter the new name and/or a new file location.

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Deleting Files

5. Select a file suffix from the drop-down list.

6. Click Apply Changes.

Deleting Files

You can delete the active file from within WaveLab Elements.

REREQUISITE

The file that you want to delete is not copied to the clipboard, is not pasted into another file that is open, and is not open in another application.

1. Open the file that you want to delete.

2. Select the File tab.

3. Click Info.

4. Click Delete.

5. Click OK.

RESULT

The file, including its peak and marker files,

Temporary Files

Temporary files are used for specific operations, such as the undo/redo functions. You can specify where WaveLab Elements saves its temporary files.

For example, if your source files are located on the C: drive, you could specify

D:\tem

reduces disc fragmentation.

ELATED LINKS

Specifying Folders on page 70

is deleted.

p and E:\temp as temporary folders. This improves the performance and

Work Folders vs. Document Folders

WaveLab Elements distinguishes between two types of folders: work folders and document folders.

• In work folders, temporary files are saved.

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Work Folders vs. Document Folders

• Document folders contain WaveLab Elements-specific files, such as audio files, audio montages, etc.

Specifying Folders

You can specify which document folder should open when you perform an open or save operation. You can also specify up to three work folders for temporary files.

1. Open the file for which you want to specify folders.

2. Select File > Preferences > Folders.

Folders Tab

3. On the Folders tab, location.

4. Specify a location in the Folder field

5. Optional: Depending on the selected type of folder, you can make additional settings.

On this tab, you can specify default document folders and work folders for each file type.

• To open the Folders tab,

click the type of folder for which you want to specify a

select File > Preferences > Folders.

In the list on the left, you specify the folder type that you want to make settings for.

Folder for Temporary Files

Specify a folder for saving temporary files.

Companion Files

Specify a folder for saving companion files, that is, Master Sec and view settings for audio files.

tion presets

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File Operations

PROCEDURE

Setting the Focus on the Current File

Cache Folder

Activate Use Cache cache folder contains wave files that are created when you are working with files in compressed file formats, such as MP3 files. To prevent the cache folder from growing indefinitely, WaveLab Elements checks the date of each

this folder and deletes files that were created before a specific number

file in of days.

If Use Cache Folder for Decoded Files is are decoded each time they are opened.

Audio File – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for audio

Audio Montage – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for audio montage files.

Depending on the selected item, different settings are the dialog.

Current Folder

In this field, the folder that is used as folder button to the right to navigate to a folder, or to create a new folder.

Folder for Decoded Files to specify a cache folder. The

deactivated, the compressed files

files.

available on the right side of

default is displayed. You can click the

Keep Last Used

Uses the last folder for saving or opening files of the selected type.

Change When Save Folder Changes/Change When Open Folder Changes

Updates the default open folder when you change the default save folder, and

ice versa. Activate this option for both the save folder and the open folder if

v you want a specific file type to use the same folder for saving and for opening this type of file.

On Opening the Application, Reve

Activate this option to restore a specific folder each time you open WaveLab Elements. This way, any changes to save/open folders are only tempo

rary and are reset when you restart WaveLab Elements.

rt to This Folder

Setting the Focus on the Current File

If you are editing inside a floating window or a tool window and you want to switch the focus back to a wave/montage window, you can use the Set Focus on Current File option.

• In any window, press [Ctrl]/[Command]-[F12], to set the focus on the wave/montage window.

Page 72

Transport Bar

With this command bar you can control playback of an audio file or audio montage, navigate between various positions in an audio file or audio montage, and open the Recording dialog.

Playback

The transport bar is available in the Aud window.

By default, the extended transport bar options are hidden.

• To activate the extended transport bar, click Extend Transport transport bar.

Presets

Lets you save and apply presets.

Perform Pre-Roll/Perform Post-Roll

Activates pre-roll or post Anchor, and Play Audio Range.

Right-click the button to select the pre-roll or post-roll length and to specify to wh

ich commands you want to apply pre-roll/post-roll to. To edit the

pre-roll/post-roll times, select Edit Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times.

Play Audio Range

Plays the selected audio range. Post-roll and account. Right-click the button to open a menu with related options and auto selection modes.

-roll for the commands Play from Anchor, Play until

io Editor and in the Audio Montage

Pre-roll settings are taken into

Bar on the

•If Auto Select Range is activated, the range is automatically selected

according to the editing actions.

•If Auto Replay While Editing is activated, playback is automatically

restarted when you hold down the mouse button while editing ranges, and use the shortcuts to trigger playback. This is useful to find a loop, for example.

This option works even if the automated selection mode is deactivated.

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Playback

Transport Bar

•If Solo Track When Editing is activated and you keep the mouse button

pressed when editing ranges in the montage window, the track is soloed when you start playback using the shortcuts for Play Audio Range, Play from Anchor, or Play until Anchor. This option is only available in the Audio Montage window.

You can select different audio ranges for playback:

• Time Selection

• Region

between Marker Pairs

• Clip (audio montage only)

• Crossfade (audio montage only)

• Fade In (audio montage only)

• Fade Out (audio montage only)

Play until Anchor/Play from Anchor

Plays until or from anchor. Pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken into

ccount. Right-click the button to open a menu with related options and auto

a selection modes.

•If Auto Select An

chor is activated, the anchor is automatically selected

according to the editing actions.

•If Auto Replay While Editing is activated, playback is automatically

restarted when you hold down the mouse button while editing anchors, and use the shortcuts to trigger playback. This is useful to find a loop, for example.

This option works even when the automated selection mode is deactivated.

•If Solo Track When Editing is activated and you keep the mouse button

pressed when editing anchors in the montage window, the track is soloed when you start playback using the shortcuts for Play Audio Range, Play from Anchor, or Play until Anchor. This option is only available in the Audio Montage window.

You can select which anchor to use as reference for the commands Play fro Anchor and Play until Anchor. When there are multiple possibilities, for example, multiple markers, the last selected item is used as a reference anchor or, if no item was selected, the closest item near the edit cursor position is used.

You can select one of the following anchors:

• Edi

t Cursor

• Start of File

• Start of Selected Time Range

• End of Selected Time Range

• Any Marker

• Region Start Marker

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Playback

Transport Bar

• Region End Marker

• Clip Start (audio montage only)

• Clip End (audio montage only)

• Selected Envelope Point in Active Clip (audio montage only)

When an anchor is detected, for example, a region marker pair, this is indicated by a green anchor marker.

Move Cursor to Start of File/Move Cursor to End of File

Moves the edit cursor to the start/end of the file.

Move Playback Position Backwards/Move Playback Position Forwards

Moves the edit cursor position to the left/right. If you click during playback, playba

ck jumps to the new edit cursor position.

To move the edit cursor to the start/en

d of the file, press [Ctrl]/[Command],

and click the Move Playback Position Backwards/Forwards button.

Navigation anchors allow you to move the edit cu

rsor to specific positions in the audio file or audio montage. Right-click the Move Playback Position Backwards/Forwards

buttons to open the Navigation Anchors pop-up menu. Here, you can set the type of navigation anchor. If you click during playback, playback continues from the anchor position.

Loop

Activates the loop mode. Right-click the loop

button to select whether to loop

continuously or only a few times.

Stop Playback

Stops playback. If playback is already sto

pped, the edit cursor is moved to the previous start position. Right-click the button to open the Move Cursor Back to Start Position pop-up menu.

•If After

Standard Playback is activated, the edit cursor jumps back to

the start position when regular playback stops.

•If After Automated Playback is activated, the edit cursor jumps back

to the start position when playback stops after the Play from Anchor,

Play until Anchor, or Play Audio Range options.

Start Playback from Cursor

Starts playing back the active audio file or audio montage from the edit cursor position.

If the audio being played back is not

the active audio file, the Play button has a different color. This happens if you switch to another file window during playback, for example.

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Playback

Transport Bar

The playback button when playing back in the active window (left) and when playing in another window (right).

You can also start playback from the last stop position. to open the Lead Sequence pop-up menu.

•If you select Start,

• If you select Resume from Last Interruption, playback starts from the

last stop position.

Record

Opens the Recording dialog.

Time Display

Displays the edit cursor or playback positi

Transport Bar in the Podcast Editor

In the Podcast Editor, a simplified transport bar allows you to play back the selected podcast episode.

Play Button

Right-click the button

playback starts from the cursor position.

on. Click to select another time unit.

Stop Button

Clicking the Play button on the transport bar starts playing back the active audio file or audio montage from the edit cursor position.

You can also use the Space bar or the [Enter] key on your keyboard playback. Pressing [Space] during playback stops playback, pressing [Enter] during playback makes playback restart from the last start position.

If the Loop the region defined by loop markers is looped. If there are no selection ranges or loop markers, the entire file is looped.

The standard play command is not influenced by the Play Au Anchor, and Play until Anchor options.

The result of clicking the Stop button or on the transport bar or [0] on your numeric keypad depends on the current situation.

• If you trigger Stop in stop mode

button is activated, the audio selection is looped, if available. Otherwise,

dio Range, Play from

, the edit cursor moves either to the previous playback start marker, or to the selection start (whatever is closer), until the start of the file is reached.

to start

• If there is no selection or if the edit cursor is positioned to the left of the selection, it

is moved to the beginning of the file instead.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Transport Bar

Playing Back Audio Ranges

You can play back audio ranges using the Play Audio Range options on the transport bar.

1. On the transport bar, right-click Play Audio Range and select the range type that you want to play back.

2. Optional: Activate Perform Pre-Roll and/or Perform Post-Roll.

3. Position the edit cursor inside the range

that you want to play back or make a

selection range.

This selected range and, if activated, the pre-roll and post-roll times are displayed on the time ruler.

4. To play back the selected range, click Play Audio Range on the transport bar or press [F6].

RESULT

The selected range is played back. Pre-roll and post-roll settin account. If the Loop mode is active, pre-roll is used before the first loop only, and post-roll is only used after the last loop.

Playing Back From an Anchor or Until an Anchor

gs are taken into

You can play back audio from an anchor or until a specified anchor using the Play from Anchor or Play until Anchor options on the transport bar.

1. On the transport bar, right-click Play from Anchor or Play until Anchor, and select an anchor type.

2. Depending on the selected anchor type, position the edit cursor in the wave window or montage window inside the range that you want to play back.

For example, if you have selected Region Start Marker, click somewhere in the area of the region marker pair from which you want to play back from/to. The green anchor marker jumps to the selected anchor.

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Playback

Transport Bar

3. Optional: Activate Perform Pre-Roll and/or Perform Post-Roll.

4. To play back from the anchor marker, click the Play F the transport bar or press [F7]. To play back until the anchor marker, click the Play Until Anchor button on the transport bar or press [F8].

RESULT

Playback starts from the anchor

or stops at the anchor. Pre-roll and post-roll

settings are taken into account.

“Play From Anchor” and “Play Until Anchor” Functions

You can play back audio from an anchor or until an anchor using the Play from Anchor or Play until Anchor functions on the transport bar. These playback

functions behave differently depending on the pre-roll and post-roll settings.

Play from Anchor

• If post-roll is activated, playback starts at

after the post-roll time. If no post-roll is selected, playback continues until the end of the audio file or audio montage.

• If pre-roll is activated, playback starts from the selected anchor, minus

the pre-roll time.

the anchor position and stops

rom Anchor button on

• If pre-roll and post-roll are activated, playback starts from the selected

anchor, minus the pre-roll time and stops after the anchor point plus the post roll time.

• If the loop mode is activated, the pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken

into account. This way you can play a loop around the edit cursor position, without having to make further range settings.

Play until Anchor

• Playback starts from the cursor, and stops at the selected anchor. If the

rsor is beyond the selected anchor, playback starts at the selected

cu anchor. If pre-roll is activated, it is taken into account.

• If pre-roll is activated, playback starts from the selected anchor minus

the pre-roll time, until the selected anchor.

• If no anchor is selected, Play until Anchor is deactivated.

• The loop settings have no effect.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

NOTE

Transport Bar

Using the Auto Selection Mode

You can use the auto selection mode in combination with the playback shortcuts to play back audio ranges or anchors. This makes it easy to monitor your editing actions.

1. On the transport bar, right-click the Play Until Anchor button and activate Auto Select Anchor.

2. Right-click the Play Audio Range button and activate Auto Select Range.

3. In the wave window or the montage window, do one of the following:

• Make a selection range.

• Click inside the area of a marker pair.

• Click a fade in, fade out, or crossfade.

• Click anywhere in the wave/montage window.

• Drag a marker.

Depending on your action, the most appropri example, if you click inside a marker pair, this region is selected as playback range.

The time ruler shows the selected range or anchor.

In Auto Select Anchor and Auto Select Range mode, you can still change some range and anchor options on the transport bar to play a different range/anchor. However, the range/anchor are reselected when you start editing again with the mouse.

ate range, or anchor, is selected. For

4. Use the playback shortcuts to start playback.

• To play back the selected audio range, press [F6].

• To play back from an anchor, press [F7].

• To play back until an anchor, press [F8].

RESULT

The selection range is played back, or play bac

k starts from the anchor or stops at

the anchor. Pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken into account.

A selection range has priority over any other range. To allow other ranges to be auto-selected, deselect the selection range.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Transport Bar

Using Auto Replay While Editing

You can automatically re-trigger playback while editing audio with the mouse. This is useful if you want to monitor the adjustment of a selection boundary, for example.

1. On the transport bar, right-click the Play Until Anchor button and activate Auto Replay While Editing.

2. In the wave window or the montage window, make a selection range and keep the mouse button pressed.

3. Start playback by using one of the fol

• To play back the selected audio range, press [F6].

• To play back from an anchor, press [F7].

• To play back until an anchor, press [F8].

4. Drag the cursor to the right or left.

The selection range is adjusted and played back until you release the mouse button. When playback ends, the new selection range is played back.

Skipping Sections During Playback

You can automatically skip a selected audio range during playback. This way, you can audition what the material would sound like without specific sections.

1. On the transport bar, activate Skip Range .

2. Activate Perform Pre-Roll and Perform Po

3. If you want to use the Play Audio Range functio modes.

lowing shortcuts:

st-Roll.

n, activate one of the Ranges

4. Depending on the Ranges mode, do

• If you have activated Time Selection, make an audio selection in the wave

window.

• If you have activated Region Between Marker Pairs,

pair.

The audio range that will be skipped is displayed on the time ruler along with the pre-roll

and post-roll times.

one of the following:

click between a marker

5. Select Play Audio Range, or press [F6].

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Playback

NOTE

Transport Bar

RESULT

The selected range is skipped during playback.

You can also use the factory preset for skipping selections during playback. Ac

This mode also works with the Start Playback from Cursor button if there is a time selection or if exclusion start and end markers are set. In this case, the pre-roll and post-roll times are ignored.

Loop Playback

Loop points are updated continuously during playback. If you change the loop start or end during playback, the loop changes. This way, you can audition selection points for rhythmic material.

tivate Skip Range, make an audio selection, and press [Shift]-[F6].

If you loop a section in an audio montage, pl the current selection range. This selection range may be on any track, even if it is empty. The vertical position of the selection range is of no relevance for loop playback, only the left and right selection boundaries matter.

Pre-Roll and Post-Roll

You can start playback slightly before a specific position (pre-roll) and stop playback slightly after another position (post-roll). This gives you a brief context if you are auditioning a clip, for example.

The position can be an anchor or the start or end of a range. The pre-roll and post-

roll times are displayed in the time ruler.

To activate pre-roll and/or post-roll, activate Perform Post-Roll and Perform Pre-Roll on the transport bar.

When right-clicking the pre-roll or post-roll button on the transport bar, you can

ct a pre-roll/post-roll time. Here, you can also select a play option for the

sele pre-roll/post-roll, and you can open the Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times dialog.

ayback loops within the boundaries of

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Playback

Transport Bar

Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times Dialog

This dialog allows you to define a short, an average, and a long pre-roll and post-roll time. These settings are global to WaveLab Elements.

• To open the Pre-Roll post-roll button on the transport bar, and select Edit Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times.

Playback Shortcuts

In addition to the buttons on the transport bar, there are shortcuts to control the playback.

Space bar

Start/Stop playback. This shortcut can be or montage window is not the active window.

and Post-Roll Times dialog, right-click the pre-roll or

used even when the wave window

0 on numeric keypad

Stops playback. If the playback is stopped and edit cursor moves either to the previous playback start marker, or to the selection start (whatever is closer), until the start of the file is reached. This is the same as clicking Stop on the transport bar. This shortcut can be used even if the wave window or montage window is not the active window.

Enter

Starts playback. If pressed during playback, previous start position. This is the same as clicking Start Playback from

Cursor on the transport bar.

you press this shortcut, the

playback restarts from the

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Playback

Transport Bar

[F6]

Starts playback of the selected range, depending on the selected option in the Ranges

section of the transport bar.

[F7]

Starts playback from the selected anchor, depending on the selected option in the Anchors

section of the transport bar.

[F8]

Starts playback until the se in the Anchors section of the transport bar.

Save Transport Bar Preset Dialog

In this dialog, you can save a transport bar setup as preset.

• To open the Save Transport Bar Prese transport bar, and select Save As.

lected anchor, depending on the selected option

t dialog, click the Presets field on the

Path

Opens the root folder of the preset in the File Explorer/Mac you can create subfolders for your presets.

Presets list

Lists all existing presets.

Name

Lets you specify a name for your preset.

OS Finder. Here,

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Starting Playback From the Ruler

When a Preset Is Selected

This lets you assign a customized playback command to a shortcut. For e and another shortcut to play a range without a pre-roll/post-roll.

xample, you can set a shortcut to play a range with a short pre-roll/post-roll,

When Playback Stops, Restore P

If this option is activated, the settings are restored to as they were before playbac switch back to the standard settings as soon as playback is finished.

k start. This is useful to trigger a special play task, and automatically

revious Transport Settings

Changing the Position of the Transport Bar

You can position the transport bar at the top, middle, or bottom of the file window.

1. In the title bar of the Audio Editor or Audio Montage window, click Layout Options.

2. In the Transport Bar section, select whether to position the transport bar at the Top, Middle, or Bottom.

Hiding the Transport Bar

1. In the title bar of the Audio Editor or Audio Montage window, click Layout Options.

2. In the Transport Bar section, select Hidden.

Starting Playback From the Ruler

You can use the ruler to jump to a position and start playback from there.

• Double-clicking the ruler starts playback from that continues until you click Stop Playback or until the end of the audio file or audio montage.

• To set the playback position to a specific position, click the ruler during playbac audio montage, which allows you to quickly switch playback between audio files or audio montages.

• To start playback from a marker position, press double-click the marker.

k. This also applies for clicking the time rulers of another audio file or

position. Playback

[Ctrl]/[Command] and

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Using the Play Tool

This tool allows you to play back from any position on one or both stereo channels.

1. In the Audio Editor, select the Edit tab.

2. In the Tools section, select the Play tool, or press and hold [Alt]/[Option].

3. In the wave window, click at the position where you want playback to start.

The cursor shape indicates whether the left (L) or the right (R) channel is played back. Using the Play tool in the middle of the channels plays back both channels.

RESULT

Playback continues for as long as you keep the mouse button pressed, or until the audio file ends. After playback has stopped, th start position.

e cursor is moved to the playback

Playback Scrubbing

Playback scrubbing helps you find a specific position in an audio file, by restarting playback repeatedly when you click and drag on the time ruler during playback or when using the Play tool.

Scrubbing Using the Play Tool

1. In the Audio Editor, select the Edit tab.

2. In the Tools section, select the Play tool, or press and hold [Alt]/[Option].

3. Click in the wave window.

Playback starts at the position where you clicked.

RELATED LINKS

Playback Scrubbing Preferences on page 85

Scrubbing Using the Time Ruler

1. Start playback.

2. Click the time ruler and hold the mouse button pressed, and drag left or right.

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Playback

NOTE

Scroll During Playback

3. When you are done scrubbing, release the mouse button.

The audio is played back from the edit cursor position and a small section is looped once.

Playback Scrubbing Preferences

You can define the behavior of the Play tool in the Audio Files Preferences.

Select File Playback Scrubbing section.

•If Restr

• The Sens

> Preferences > Audio Files. The following options are available in the

ict to Play Tool is activated, scrubbing is not available when you click

and drag on the time ruler during playback.

itivity setting determines the length of the audio loop that is played

once when click and drag on the time ruler with the Play tool.

Scroll During Playback

You can determine how the view should be scrolled in Play mode.

• To set the scroll mode, open the Audi window, select the View tab, and activate one of the options in the Playback section.

Steady View

Disables scrolling.

View Follows Cursor

o Editor or the Audio Montage

The view automatically scrolls to keep the playback cursor visible.

Scroll View

Scrolls the view to keep the playback cursor centered.

If you get dropouts during playback, activate Steady View.

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Playback

PROCEDURE

Playback in the Audio Montage Window

Playback in the Audio Montage window works the same way as in the Audio Editor. However, there are some things to note.

Mute and Solo Tracks

You can mute or solo tracks in an audio montage by using the corresponding buttons in the track control area.

• When a track is muted, the mute button is yellow.

• When a track is soloed, the solo button is red.

• Solo c other tracks when Solo is active if you want to listen to a combination of tracks.

ELATED LINKS

Track Control Area on page 151

an only be activated for one track at a time. However, you can unmute

Playing Back Individual Clips

You can play back an individual clip on a track. Overlapping clips or clips on other tracks are muted.

1. In the montage window, right-click the lower part of the clip that you want to play back.

2. On the menu, select one of the following play options:

• To play back the clip, select Play Clip.

• To play back the clip with pre-roll, select Play Clip with Pre-Roll.

Page 87

Audio file editing refers to opening, editing, and saving audio files.

Wave Window

The wave window displays audio files graphically. Here, you view, play back, and edit individual audio files.

Audio File Editing

The wave window consists of two displays. You can use one display as an overview to navigate through the project and the other as the main view for editing.

You can synchronize the waveform displays so the audio file, by clicking Sync with Other View.

that they display the same part of

Page 88

Audio File Editing

Wave Window

Magnetic Bounds in Audio Files

Some positions, such as markers or selection edges, can be defined as magnetic. Dragged elements can snap to these positions. This makes it easier to position items accurately.

For example, if you move a marker and it gets close to one of the magnetic bounds, the marker snaps to this position. A label is

To place the cursor at a magnetic position, click the time line and keep the mouse button pressed. When you now move the cursor, it jumps to the next magnetic bound.

displayed, indicating the snap position.

Magnets Menu

On this pop-up menu, you can specify which positions should be magnetic. If Snap to Magnets is activated, items that you move snap to these positions.

• To open the Magnets pop-up me and click Magnets.

You can let items snap to the following positions:

Start of File/End of File

Elements snap to the start/end of the file when they are moved near these positions.

Time Ruler Marks

Elements snap to the time ruler grid when they are moved near these positions.

Markers

Elements snap to marker positions when they are moved near these positions.

Selection Edges

Elements snap to the selection edges when they are moved near these positions.

nu, select the Edit tab in the Audio Editor,

Cursor

Elements snap to the edit cursor when they are moved near the cursor.

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Audio File Editing

PROCEDURE

Wave Window

Zero Crossing

A zero crossing is a point where the waveform crosses the zero level axis. When you perform editing operations, such as cutting, pasting, or dragging, make sure that the material is inserted at a zero crossing.

If you do not perform these operations at zer discontinuities in the wave, which are perceived as clicks or pops in the sound.

Activate Zero-Crossing on the Edit tab of the Audio Editor to make sure that the selections that you make are always adjusted so that they start and end at the nearest zero crossing.

Setting Up the Zero Crossing Detection

o crossings, this can result in

You can let selection edges automatically snap to the nearest zero crossing point. In the Audio Files Preferences dialog, you can specify whether to allow snap at high zoom factors, and specify the scan range for the zero crossing detection.

1. In the Audio Editor, select the Edit tab.

2. In the Snapping section, activate Zero-Crossing.

3. Select File

4. In the Audio Files Preferences

5. Make your settings in the Snap Selection to

6. Click OK.

> Preferences > Audio Files.

tab, select the Editing tab.

Zero-Crossing section.

Page 90

Audio File Editing

PROCEDURE

Audio Editor Tabs

Moving the Cursor Position to the Closest Zero Crossing

You can automatically move the cursor position to the closest zero crossing.

1. In the Audio Editor, select the View tab.

2. In the Cursor section, click Snap to Zero-Crossing.

Audio Editor Tabs

The tabs in the Audio Editor give you access to the tools and options you need to edit audio files.

View Tab

Navigate

Zoom

Backwards/Forwards

Navigates to the previous/next cursor position, zoom factor, and selection

nge.

Time

Opens a pop-up menu that allows you to adjust the zoom to display the sele

cted time range. Zoom in 1:1 zooms in so that one pixel on the screen

represents one sample.

To edit the zoom factor, click Edi dialog, where you can edit the following settings:

• Set Time Range allows you to specify the time range that you want to

display.

• Samples per Screen Point allows you to specify how many audio

samples are summarized in each screen point.

• Screen Points per Sample allows you to specify how many screen

points are used to represent a single audio sample.

t Zoom Factor. This opens the Zoom Factor

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Audio File Editing

Audio Editor Tabs

Zoom

Activates the Zoom t

ool that allows you to define a time range that is zoomed

in.

Zoom Selection

Zooms the window so that the current selection occupies the entire montage win

dow.

Microscope

Zooms in as far as possible.

Zoom in Audio (10x)/Zoom out Audio (10x)

Zooms in/out in big steps.

View All

Zooms out as far as possible.

Zoom in Audio/Zoom out Audio

Zooms in/out in small steps.

Level

Adjusts the zoom to only display samples below the selected dB value.

Optimize Vertical Zoom

Cursor

Changes the vertical zoom factor so that the peaks are clearly visible. This adjustm

ent is done according to the section of the wave that is visible in the

wave/montage window.

Reset Zoom to 0 dB

Adjusts the zoom to display audio levels up to

0 dB.

Zoom in Vertically/Zoom out Vertically

Zooms in/out to show waveforms

with a lower/higher level.

Move Cursor to Start of File/Move Cursor to End of File

Moves the cursor to the start/end of the file.

Previous Marker/Next Marker

Moves the cursor to the previous/next marker.

Start of Selection/End of Selection

Moves the cursor to the start/end of the selected time range.

Previous Region Edge/Next Region Edge

Moves the cursor to the previous/next region edge.

Snap to Zero-Crossing

Moves the edit cursor to the nearest zero crossing point.

Page 92

Audio File Editing

Audio Editor Tabs

Edit Cursor Position

Scroll

Playback

Opens the Cursor Position dialog

where you can edit the cursor position.

Start/End

Displays the start/end of the audio without moving the cursor.

Start of Selection/End of Selection

Displays the start/end of the audio selection without moving the cursor.

Cursor

Displays the cursor position.

Steady View

Deactivates scrolling.

View Follows Cursor

Automatically scrolls the view to keep the playback cursor visible.

Analysis

Peaks

Scroll View

Scrolls the view to keep the playback cursor centered.

3D Frequency Analysis

Opens the 3D Freque

ncy Analysis dialog where you can define which

frequency range is analyzed and modify the appearance of the graph for the 3D frequency analysis.

Rebuild Peak Display

Normally, peak files are automatically updated when the date of the p is older than the date of the audio file. However, it can happen that the date of the audio file is wrong and therefore not automatically updated. In this option allows you to rebuild the peak file.

eak file

Page 93

Audio File Editing

Audio Editor Tabs

Edit Tab

Tools

Time Selection

Tool that allows you to select a time range.

Pen

Tool that allows you to redraw the waveform in the wave window. This can be

sed to quickly repair waveform errors.

Time Selection

Play

Tool that allows you to play back the audio file at the position where you click.

Extend

This pop-up menu contains various options for creating or extending selection

nges.

Toggle

Toggles the current audio selection.

All

Selects the entire waveform.

Channels

This pop-up menu allows you to change the channel selection.

• Exten

• Left Channel Only reduces the current selection range to the left

d to All Channels extends the current selection range to all

channels.

channel only.

• Right Channel Only reduces the current selection range to the right

channel only.

Regions

This pop-up menu allows you to select a range between two markers.

• Loop Region selects the range between the two loop markers that

encompass the edit cursor.

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Audio File Editing

Audio Editor Tabs

Clipboard

• Generic Region selects the range between the two generic markers

that encompass the edit cursor.

Cut

Cuts the active clip to the clipboard.

Copy

Copies the active clip to the clipboard.

Paste

Pastes the clipboard content.

Right-click Pas

te to open a pop-up menu that allows you to select a paste

type.

• Overwrite replaces

the audio at the paste position.

• Append adds the pasted audio after the end of the file.

• Prepend adds the pasted audio before the beginning of the file.

• Multiple Copies opens a dialog in which you can enter the number of

copies that you want to create.

• Mix blends two files into each other, starting at the selection or, if there

is no selection, at the cursor position. If you select Mix, a dialog opens, allowing you to specify the gain for the

audio on the clipboard and at the destination. All the data on the clipboard is always mixed in, regardless of the length of the selection.

Paste and Crossfade

Pastes the clipboard content and creates a crossfade.

Right-click P

aste and Crossfade to open a pop-up menu that allows you to

select a crossfade type for pasting.

• Linear

(Equal Gain) changes the level linearly.

Cutting

• Sinus (Equal Power) changes the level according to a sine curve, the

power of the mix remains constant.

• Square-Root (Equal Power) changes the level according to a

square-root curve, the power of the mix remains constant.

Crop

Deletes the data outside the selection.

Delete

Deletes the selection. The audio to the right of the selection is moved to the left to fi

ll the gap.

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Audio File Editing

Audio Editor Tabs

Mute Selection

Replaces the audio selection with silence.

Silence Generator

Nudge

Snapping

Opens the Silen background noise in an audio file.

Swap Stereo Channels

Moves the audio in the left channel to the right channel, and vice versa.

Nudge Left

Nudges the audio selection to the left.

Nudge Right

Nudges the audio selection to the right.

Zero-Crossing

If this option is activated, the start an snap to a zero-crossing point of the waveform.

Snap to Magnets

ce Generator dialog that allows you to insert silence or

d the end of a selected range always

Insert Tab

Markers

If this option is activated, moved elements such edges, cursor, and markers snap to the magnets that are activated on the

Magnets pop-up menu.

Marker Name

Lets you enter the name of the start and end marker. If nothing is entered, a ge

neric name is used.

To edit the default names, open the Markers w > Default Marker Names.

as clip edges, time selection

indow, and select Functions

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Audio File Editing

Audio Editor Tabs

Different Name for End Marker

If this option is activated, you can enter a different name for the end marker.

Audio File

Process Tab

If this option is deactivated, the name of th end marker.

Create Marker

Allows you to create markers and marker

At Start

Allows you to insert an audio

At End

Allows you to insert an audio file at

At Cursor

Allows you to insert an

audio file at the cursor position.

e start marker is also used for the

pairs at the edit cursor position.

file at the start of the active audio file.

the end of the active audio file.

Level

Gain

Opens the Ga audio file.

Envelope

Opens the Envelope dialog wh be applied to a selected range or a entire audio file.

This is useful if you want to even out loud and quiet parts or create a sophisticated fade in/fade out

Remove DC Offset

DC offset in a file affects the loudness. Remove DC Off to zero.

in dialog where you can apply a gain to change the level of an

ere you can create a level envelope which can

, for example.

set sets the DC offset

Page 97

Audio File Editing

Audio Editor Tabs

Normalizing

Level

Fading

Opens the Level Normalizer dial

og where you can change the peak level of

an audio file.

Fade In/Fade Out

Allows you to apply a fade in or fade o

ut. Right-click the button to open the

Curve pop-up menu.

Curve

Allows you to select preset fade curves.

• Linear

changes the level linearly.

• Sinus (*) changes the level according to a sine curve. When used in a

crossfade, the loudness (RMS) remains constant during the transition.

• Square-Root (*) changes the level according to a square-root curve.

When used in a crossfade, the loudness (RMS) remains constant during the transition.

• Sinusoid changes the level according to a sine curve.

• Logarithmic changes the level according to a logarithmic curve.

Time & Pitch

• Exponential changes the level according to an exponential curve.

• Exponential+ changes the level according to a more pronounced

exponential curve.

Time Stretching

Opens the Time Stretching di

alog where you can change the duration of an

audio selection.

Pitch Shifting

Opens the Pitch Shif

ting dialog where can change the pitch of your audio.

Resample

Opens the Sam

ple Rate dialog where you can change the sample rate of

your audio.

Pitch Bend

Opens the Pitch Bend

dialog where you can gradually change the pitch of

your audio using an envelope curve.

Reverse

Creates a backwards-tape effect.

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Audio File Editing

Audio Editor Tabs

Correct

Error Correction

Lets you select the default error correction method.

Loop

• Linear

Interpolation draws a straight line between the first and the last

selected samples.

• Optimal for Small Clicks – 1 ms is optimal to remove clicks smaller

than 1 ms.

• Optimal for Common Clicks – 3 ms is optimal to remove clicks smaller

than 3 ms.

• Waveform Replacement – 500 ms replaces the corrupt samples with

the best match detected in the material up to 500 milliseconds to the left/right.

• Waveform Replacement – 4 s replaces the corrupt samples with the

best match detected in the material up to 4 seconds to the left/right.

• Waveform Replacement – Left 6 s replaces the corrupt samples with

the best match detected in the material up to 6 seconds to the left.

• Waveform Replacement – Right 6 s replaces the corrupt samples with

the best match detected in the material up to 6 seconds to the right.

Tweaker

Analysis

Other

Opens the Loop

Tweaker dialog where you can adjust the loop start and end

points, and crossfade the loop boundaries.

Tone Uniformizer

Opens the Loop

Tone Uniformizer dialog where you can create loops from

sounds that are not optimal for looping.

Global Analysis

Opens the Global Analy

sis dialog where you can analyze peaks, loudness,

pitch, DC offset, and errors in the audio file.

Invert Phase

Turns the signal upside down.

Page 99

Audio File Editing

Audio Editor Tabs

Render Tab

Source

The Source pop-up menu allows you to select which part of the audio file you want to process. The following options are available:

Whole File

Processes and renders the whole audio range.

Specific Region

Result

Output

Processes and renders a specific audio range to an independent file.

Specify the region to process on the pop-up menu.

In Place

If this option is activated, the rendered audio range replaces the source audio ra

nge.

Unnamed File

If this option is activated, the rendered file is named u

Named File

If this option is activated, you can specify a name for the rendered file.

Name

Allows you to enter a name for the rendered fi a pop-up menu that offers you several naming options.

le. Clicking the arrow icon opens

ntitled.

Options

Location

Allows you to select a destination folder for the rendered files.

Format

Opens a pop-up menu where you can select a file format.

Depending on the selected source, different options are available.

Page 100

Audio File Editing

NOTE

Audio Editor Tabs

Bypass Master Section

If this option is activated, the plug-ins and gain of the Master Section are bypasse

d when rendering.

Exclude Master Section Bypassed Plug-ins

If this option is activated, the pl

ug-ins that are bypassed in the Master

Section during playback are not used for rendering.

No Reverb Tail

If this option is activated, the audio tail pr

oduced by effects such as reverb is

not included in the rendered file.

Some plug-ins do not transfer information on the tail duration to WaveLab. In this case

, this option has no effect. For such plug-ins, you can add the

Silence plug-in to add extra samples at the end of the file.

Copy Markers

If this option is activated, the markers that are included in the range to process

copied to the rendered file.

are

Skip Exclusion Region

If this option is activated, muted audio ran

ges are skipped and not included in

the result.

Open Resulting Audio File

If this option is activated, every rendered file is opened in a new window.

Bypass Master Section on Resulting Audio File

Render

If this option is activated, playback of the resulting

audio file bypasses the entire Master Section. This setting can be toggled by clicking the button at the bottom right of the wave window or montage window.

It is recommended to activate this option, because this way, you do not monitor new files through the effects that have already been applied to them.

Upload to SoundCloud

If this option is activated, the rende

red file is uploaded to SoundCloud.

Start

Starts the rendering process.

100

Steinberg Wavelab Elements - 9.0 Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

Help System

Introduction

About the Program Versions

Conventions

How You Can Reach Us

Setting Up Your System

Connecting Audio

Audio Cards and Background Playback

Latency

Defining VST Audio Connections

CD/DVD Recorders

Remote Devices

WaveLab Elements Concepts

General Editing Rules

Startup Dialog

Basic Window Handling

Selecting Audio

Sliders

Renaming Items in Tables

File Browser

Tab Groups

Peak Files

Companion Files

Workspace Window

Audio Editor

Audio Montage

Podcast Editor

File Tab

Info Tab

Tool Windows

Meter Windows

Slide-Out Windows

Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and Meter Windows

Command Bar

Status Bar

Context Menus

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Managing Tabs

Activating Full Screen Mode

Opening Files

Project Handling

Value Editing

Drag Operations

Undoing and Redoing Actions

Zooming

Presets

File Operations

Recently Used Files

Save and Save As

Templates

File Renaming

Deleting Files

Temporary Files

Work Folders vs. Document Folders

Setting the Focus on the Current File

Transport Bar

Playback

Starting Playback From the Ruler

Using the Play Tool

Playback Scrubbing

Scroll During Playback

Playback in the Audio Montage Window

Wave Window

Audio File Editing

Audio Editor Tabs