Steinberg Wavelab Pro - 9.5 Operation Manual

Page 1

Operation Manual

Page 2

Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Matthias Obrecht, Sabine Pfeifer, Benjamin Schütte, Marita Sladek

This PDF provides improved access for vision-impaired users. Please note that due to the complexity and number of images in this document, it is not possible to include text descriptions of images.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment 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 their respective owners. For more information, please visit www.steinberg.net/trademarks.

WaveLab Pro_9.5.20_en-US_2018-02-21

Page 3

6 WaveLab Pro Introduction

6 Platform-Independent Documentation 6 Help System 6 Conventions 7 Key Commands 8 How You Can Reach Us

9 Setting Up Your System

9 Connecting the Equipment 9 Audio Cards and Background Playback 9 Latency 10 Defining Audio Connections 13 CD/DVD Recorders 13 Remote Devices

22 WaveLab Pro Concepts

22 General Editing Rules 22 Startup Dialog 23 Basic Window Handling 24 Selecting Audio 31 Sliders 31 Renaming Items in Tables 31 File Browser 33 Tab Groups 35 Peak Files 36 Companion Files 36 Processing Precision 37 EBU Loudness Standard R-128

39 Workspace Window

39 Audio Editor 40 Audio Montage 40 Batch Processor 40 Podcast Editor 40 Basic Audio CD 40 DVD-Audio 41 Script Editor 41 Control Window 42 File Tab 43 Info Tab 45 Tool Windows 45 Meter Windows 45 Slide-Out Windows 46 Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and

Meter Windows

48 Command Bar 49 Status Bar 50 Context Menus 51 Time Ruler and Level Ruler 55 Managing Tabs 57 Activating Full Screen Mode 57 Log Window

59 Project Handling

59 Opening Files 60 WaveLab Projects 63 File Groups 65 Value Editing 65 Drag Operations 66 Undoing and Redoing Actions 68 Zooming 73 Presets

75 File Operations

75 Recently Used Files 76 Favorite Files 77 Save and Save As 79 Templates 84 File Renaming 84 Naming Schemes 86 Deleting Files 86 Temporary Files 86 Work Folders vs. Document Folders 89 Exporting to SoundCloud 89 Copying Audio Information to the Clipboard 89 Setting the Focus on the Current File

90 Playback

90 Transport Bar 101 Starting Playback From the Ruler 101 Using the Play Tool 101 Playback Scrubbing 102 Timecode Window 103 Jog/Shuttle Function 104 Scroll During Playback 105 Playback in the Audio Montage Window 106 Speaker Configuration

108 Audio File Editing

108 Wave Window 116 Audio Editor Tabs 124 File Handling in the Audio Editor 145 Changing the Audio Properties 146 Metadata 151 Snapshots 152 Silence Generator Dialog 154 Bleep Censor 155 Waveform Restoration with the Pen Tool

156 Audio Analysis

156 Analyze Tab 157 Global Analysis 165 Audio File Comparator 167 3D Frequency Analysis

169 Error Correction

169 Correction Tab

Page 4

Table of Contents 

172 Correcting Errors

173 Offline Processing

173 Process Tab 175 Applying Processing 175 Gain Dialog 176 Level Normalizer Dialog 177 Loudness Normalizer 179 Pan Normalizer Dialog 179 Envelope Dialog 181 Fades in Audio Files 182 Crossfades 183 Phase Inverting 183 Reversing Audio 183 DC Offset 184 Time Stretching 186 Pitch Shift 188 Pitch Quantizing Dialog 189 Pitch Bend 190 Resample 191 Effect Morphing

194 Audio Montage

194 Montage Window 197 Audio Montage Tabs 214 Signal Path in the Audio Montage 214 Creating New Audio Montages 216 Audio Montage Duplicates 219 Creating an Audio Montage from an Audio File 220 Import Options for Audio Montages 221 Missing Files Dialog 221 Assembling the Audio Montage 232 Rearranging Clips 238 Clip Editing 255 Audio Montages within Audio Montages 260 Managing Source Files of Clips 264 Track Activity Indicator 264 Envelopes for Clips 272 Fades and Crossfades in Audio Montages 280 Clip Time Stretching 281 Clip Pitch Shifting 281 Effects for Tracks, Clips, and the Montage

Output

296 CD Markers 296 CD Window 303 Snapshots 304 Mixing Down – The Render Function 305 Loudness Meta Normalizer 307 Navigator Window 308 Notes Window 308 Groups 310 Audio Montage Backups 311 Multichannel Operations in the Audio Montage 321 XML Export and Import of Audio Montages 321 AES-31 Files Export and Import

324 Recording

324 Setting Up the Recording Dialog 325 Dropping Markers During Recording 325 Recording Dialog 331 Recording in the Audio Montage Window

332 Master Section

332 Bypassing the Master Section 332 Master Section Window 350 Rendering

358 Recording from an ASIO Input 359 Smart Bypass 361 Saving Master Section Presets 365 Monitoring Background Tasks 366 Dropouts

367 Markers

367 Marker Types 368 Markers Window 372 About Creating Markers 375 Deleting Markers 376 Moving Markers 376 Moving Multiple Markers 378 Navigating to Markers 378 Hiding Markers of a Specific Type 378 Converting Marker Types 379 Renaming Markers 380 Selecting Markers 380 Selecting the Audio Between Markers 381 Binding Markers to Clips in the Audio Montage 381 Exporting the Markers List as Text 382 How Marker Information is Saved

383 Metering

383 Meter Windows 383 Real Time vs. Non-Real Time 383 Metering Monitor Modes 384 Meter Settings 384 Multichannel Metering 384 Resetting the Meters 385 Using Presets in the Meter Windows 385 Level Meter 388 Loudness Meter 390 Phasescope 391 Spectroscope 392 Spectrometer 394 Live Spectrogram 396 Bit Meter 397 Oscilloscope 398 Wavescope

399 Basic Audio CD

399 Basic Audio CD Window 402 CD Markers 402 Preparing a Basic Audio CD 404 Opening CD Tracks for Editing 404 Playing Back Files in the Track List 405 Saving Basic Audio CD Tracks as Separate Files 405 Saving Basic Audio CD Tracks as One File

406 DVD-Audio

406 Structure of a DVD-Audio Project 406 DVD-Audio Formats 407 DVD-Audio Format Considerations 407 DVD-Audio Window 409 Preparing a DVD-Audio 410 Opening Audio Montages for Editing 411 Checking the DVD-Audio Conformity

412 Writing Operations

412 Write Audio CD or DDP Dialog 414 Erase Optical Media Dialog 414 About Writing Audio Files 417 About Writing Audio Montages 429 Write DVD-Audio Function 433 Data CD/DVD Projects

Page 5

Table of Contents 

436 Audio CD Formats

440 Spectral Editing

440 Spectrogram 441 Wavelet Display 442 Spectrogram Options Dialog 443 Spectrum Tab 449 Spectrum Processing 453 Audio Inpainting 454 Spectrum Watermark 456 Master Section Processing

458 Auto Split

458 Auto Split in Audio Files 461 Auto Split in Audio Montages

464 Loops

464 Basic Looping 465 About Refining Loops 472 Looping Audio Which Is Not Very Well Suited

for Looping

474 Sample Attributes

476 Generating Signals

476 Signal Generator 480 DTMF Generator

482 Importing Audio CD Tracks

482 Import Audio CD Dialog 485 Importing Audio CD Tracks 486 Searching Track Names on the Internet 486 Submitting Track Names to the Internet 487 Ultra-Safe Mode 487 Converting Audio CD Tracks to an Audio

Montage

487 Converting Audio CD Tracks to a Basic Audio

488 WaveLab Exchange

488 WaveLab Pro as External Editor for

Cubase/Nuendo

489 Cubase/Nuendo as External Editor for WaveLab

Pro

490 Batch Processing

491 Batch Processor Window 498 Offline Processors 499 Working with the Batch Processor 506 Watch Folders 519 XML Files in Batch Processing

525 Batch Conversion

525 Batch Conversion Dialog 526 Batch Converting Files

527 Batch Renaming

527 Batch Renaming Dialogs 527 Batch Renaming Files 529 Batch Renaming Markers 530 Batch Renaming Clips 532 Renaming Operation Categories and Types 535 List of Renaming Operations 536 Preview Section 536 Range Parameters 538 Previewing and Performing All Renaming

Operations

538 Regular Expressions

542 Podcasts

542 Podcast Editor 546 Global Podcast Options 546 Creating a Podcast 547 Setting Up a FTP for Podcast Publishing 547 Publishing Podcasts 547 FTP Settings Dialog 548 Checking the Podcast

549 Customizing

549 Workspace Layout 550 Customizing the Wave Window and the

Montage Window

552 Customizing Shortcuts 557 Customizing Command Bars 557 Plug-in Organization 564 Variables and Text Snippets 567 Scripting 569 Touch Bar (macOS only)

570 Configuring WaveLab Pro

570 Global Preferences 576 Audio Files Preferences 581 Audio Montages Preferences 586 Synchronizing WaveLab Pro Settings on Several

Computers

587 Multi-User Settings 587 External Tools

591 Index

Page 6

WaveLab Pro Introduction

Platform-Independent Documentation

The documentation applies to the operating systems Windows and macOS.

Features and settings that are specific to one of these platforms are clearly indicated. In all other cases, the descriptions and procedures in the documentation are valid for Windows and macOS.

Some points to consider:

●

The screenshots are taken from Windows.

●

Some functions that are available on the File menu on Windows can be found in the program name menu on macOS.

Help System

There are several ways of accessing the help system. The documentation is available online and most of it can be downloaded in PDF format from steinberg.help.

●

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

●

To visit steinberg.help, enter steinberg.help in the address bar of your web browser or open WaveLab Pro and select Help> steinberg.help.

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

To open the help for an active dialog on steinberg.help, click the question mark icon on the title bar (Windows) or in the dialog (macOS) to show the Help button, and then click the Help button, or press F1 (Windows) or Cmd-? (macOS).

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 mouse and modifier keys in the Audio Montage window, move the mouse over the montage window. The help text is displayed on the info line at the bottom of the window.

In any window, press Shift-F1 and move the mouse over an interface item, or select Help> What’s This?.

In a dialog, select the question mark icon on any title bar (Windows) or in the dialog (macOS), and move the mouse over an interface item or a menu option.

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

RELATED LINKS

Info Line on page 234

Conventions

In our documentation, we use typographical and markup elements to structure information.

Page 7

WaveLab Pro Introduction Key Commands

Typographical Elements

The following typographical elements mark the following purposes.

PREREQUISITE

Requires you to complete an action or to fulfill a condition before starting a 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 hardware, or that might bring a risk of data loss.

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 perform after completing the procedure.

RELATED LINKS

Lists related topics that you can find in this documentation.

Markup

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

EXAMPLE

To open the Metadata dialog, open the Metadata window and click Edit.

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

EXAMPLE

Select File> Open.

Key Commands

Many of the default key commands, also known as keyboard shortcuts, use modifier keys, some of which are different depending on the operating system.

When key commands with modifier keys are described in this manual, they are shown with the Windows modifier key first followed by the macOS and the key:

●

Windows modifier key/macOS modifier key-Z

EXAMPLE

Ctrl/Cmd-Z means: press Ctrl on Windows or Cmd on macOS, then press Z.

Page 8

WaveLab Pro Introduction How You Can Reach Us

How You Can Reach Us

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

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.

Page 9

Setting Up Your System

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

IMPORTANT

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

Connecting the Equipment

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

Latency

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

You can run WaveLab Pro together with other applications and always give the active application access to the audio card.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Preferences> 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 Pro is in the background, activate When WaveLab Pro is in Background.

●

If you want to release the driver only when Cubase is in the foreground, activate When Cubase is in Foreground.

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 Pro.

When working with WaveLab Pro, the important issues are optimum and stable playback and editing precision.

The latency in an audio system depends on the audio hardware, its drivers, and settings. In case of dropouts, crackles, or glitches during playback, raise the Buffer Number setting on the

Page 10

Setting Up Your System Defining Audio Connections

Options tab in the Audio Connections, or increase the buffer size in the ASIO control panel, specific to the audio card.

RELATED LINKS

Audio Connections Tab on page 11

Defining Audio Connections

To be able to play back and record audio in WaveLab Pro, you must specify how the internal input and output channels in WaveLab Pro are connected to your sound card and which device you intend to use for audio playback and recording.

You can define the buffer settings for your device as well as set up connections to external gear, such as external effects units. You should select at least two channels for stereo playback and recording.

If you have no third-party audio card, you can select the Windows MME driver or 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.

RELATED LINKS

Audio Connections Tab on page 11

Selecting an ASIO Driver

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.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Preferences> 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.

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

4. On the ASIO Plug-ins tab, select the audio ports that are used for recording and monitor

input of the ASIO plug-ins.

Selecting a Windows MME Driver

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Options> Audio Connections.

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

3. On the Playback tab, select the audio ports that are used for playback.

4. On the Recording tab, select the audio ports that used for recording and monitor input.

Page 11

Setting Up Your System Defining Audio Connections

Audio Connections Tab

This tab allows you to specify how the internal input and output channels in WaveLab Pro are connected to your sound card and which device you want to use for audio playback and recording.

● To open the Audio Connections tab, select File> Preferences> Audio Connections.

Global Settings

Audio Device

Allows you to select the audio device that you want to use for playback and recording 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 Control Panel button is activated. Click 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 evaluated again to reflect device changes.

Playback Tab

This tab allows you to select and name audio ports that are used for playback. If you are monitoring on a surround system, specify your surround speaker outputs here.

You can also specify the Preferred Sample Rate for playback. Furthermore, you can rename the channels and set up the Speaker Configuration to be able to switch between different speakers.

Page 12

Setting Up Your System Defining Audio Connections

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. Furthermore, you can rename the channels and select the Speaker Configuration.

External Gear Tab

This tab allows you to select inputs from and outputs to external audio processing equipment. The name of this tab corresponds to the installed driver, for example, ASIO Plug-ins.

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 streaming 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.

Page 13

Setting Up Your System CD/DVD Recorders

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.

Release Driver

Allows you to run WaveLab Pro together with other applications and always give the active application access to the audio card.

● If When WaveLab Pro is in Background is activated, the driver is released when WaveLab Pro is in the background.

● If When Cubase/Nuendo is in Foreground is activated, the driver is released when Cubase/Nuendo 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 version installed on your recorder unit. For CD 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

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

Several commands can be controlled with knobs and sliders of your remote control device. For all commands that can be assigned to a keyboard shortcut, a MIDI trigger can also be assigned.

Remote Devices Tab

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

● To open the Remote Devices tab, select File> Preferences> Remote Devices.

Page 14

Setting Up Your System Remote Devices

Device Editing Tab

This tab lets you select a MIDI control device, see the control map, assign WaveLab Pro commands to MIDI controls, and import/export control assignments.

Device Menu

Select the MIDI device to edit. Select MIDI Shortcuts for Menus to define the MIDI input port that is used for MIDI shortcuts. The shortcuts can then be assigned on the Shortcuts tab.

Select MIDI Control Device #1 – #10 to select a slot for a connected MIDI control device. You can then assign a device by selecting a MIDI input port and output port.

Active

Activates the selected device and scans the MIDI ports.

In-Port/Out-Port

Select the MIDI input/output ports of the device that you want to use.

Edit Map

Activates the edit mode of the MIDI control map for the selected device. To leave the edit mode, click again.

Save

Saves the modifications that have been made to the MIDI control map.

Undo

Undoes the modifications that have been made to the MIDI control map.

Reset

If the map has a factory preset, clicking Reset resets all changes that have been made to the map. If the map has no factory preset, the map is cleared.

Page 15

Setting Up Your System Remote Devices

Import

Export

Name

Only Display Assignments

Expand/Collapse

WaveLab Pro Action List

Opens the file browser where you can select a map definition file (XML file). This kind of file can be supplied by a MIDI device manufacturer or another WaveLab Pro user, for example.

Lets you export a map definition file (XML file). This file can be sent to another WaveLab Pro user, for example.

Lets you enter a map name.

If this option is activated, the control map only displays the parameters that are associated with a remote control.

Expands/collapses the folder tree of the control map.

This folder tree lists the parameters that you can remote-control. The top folder represent contexts. The related parameters can only be controlled if the 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 example, parameters that can be used for an active audio file or an active audio montage.

The Global folder contain the parameters that can always be controlled.

Control Editor – Save

If a control has been created or modified, click this button to save it.

Control Editor – Undo

If a control has been modified, click this button to undo the changes.

Control Editor – Clear

Erases the selected control’s definition.

Control Name

Lets you enter a name for the control. Each control must have a name.

Type

In the Type section, you can edit the type of the selected control.

When more than one type of control can be assigned to a parameter, you can select a type from the first pop-up menu. You can choose between relative and absolute editing for some parameters. For example, a Master Section slider can be associated to a remote motorized fader (absolute editing), or to an infinite knob (relative editing).

Several protocols are supported to interpret the MIDI messages. You can select the protocol that you want to use from the second menu. The MIDI Learn function can automatically change this protocol, according to the received MIDI messages.

Remote controls send messages but can also receive messages from WaveLab Pro, to light up a button or move a motorized fader, for example. You can select the mode to use from the third menu.

Message

Activates the MIDI Learn function. If this option is activated, you can use the control (knob, fader, etc.) on your MIDI controller. When MIDI messages are received, they are analyzed after the MIDI activity stops for several milliseconds. The result is

Page 16

Setting Up Your System Remote Devices

Clear

Conditions

Options Tab

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

Emulate Mouse Wheel

Edit Focused Numeric Field

displayed in the Message field. The result is then used by WaveLab Pro as the control identifier.

Erases the MIDI event that identifies the control.

A modifier is a WaveLab Pro parameter that can be activated by a MIDI control (for example, a foot switch) or a computer key (Ctrl/Cmd, Shift, etc.). By associating a remote control with one or two modifiers, you can use a single remote control to edit different parameters.

If this option is activated, the AI knob of Steinberg controllers acts as a mouse wheel in the WaveLab Pro user interface, except for plug-ins.

If this option is activated, the AI knob Steinberg controllers can be used to edit the focused numeric field that you find in many WaveLab Pro windows and dialogs.

Selecting a MIDI Remote Control Device

PREREQUISITE

The MIDI remote control device is connected to your PC/Mac.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Preferences> Remote Devices.

2. On the Device Editing tab, select one of the MIDI control device slots or the MIDI Shortcuts for Menus option from the pop-up menu at the top.

3. Select Active to activate the selected device.

4. From the In-Port and Out-Port pop-up menus, select a MIDI input port and output port.

Assigning a MIDI Controller to a Parameter

If you are using a Steinberg remote control device, for example, the CC121, the controls are already assigned to parameters. You can customize these default settings.

PREREQUISITE

You have set up your MIDI remote control device.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Preferences> Remote Devices.

2. From the pop-up menu at the top of the dialog, select your MIDI control device.

3. On the Device Editing tab, click the Edit Map button.

4. In the tree structure, click the parameter that you want to remote-control.

5. In the Control Editor section, enter a name in the Control Name field.

6. Select the type of control.

Page 17

Setting Up Your System Remote Devices

Depending on the type of control on the MIDI remote control device, you must select a control with relative values (knob), trigger values (button), or absolute values (fader).

7. Click in the Message field, and on your MIDI remote control device, move the control that you want to assign.

The name of the controller is displayed in the Message field.

8. Click Save to the right of the This Control is Modified message.

9. Click Save to the right of the Edit Map button.

RESULT

The MIDI controller is now assigned to the function.

Assigning Custom Parameters to Plug-ins

You can assign custom parameters to many VST 3 plug-ins.

PREREQUISITE

In the Remote Devices tab, assign the controls of your MIDI controller to the plug-in custom parameters. If you are using the Steinberg CC121 controller, the parameters are assigned by default.

PROCEDURE

1. From the Master Section or the Effects window, open the plug-in that you want to control with the MIDI remote control device.

2. Ctrl/Cmd-click the circle icon at the top of the plug-in window to enter the Edit mode.

3. Click OK.

The icon indicates that you are in MIDI learn mode.

4. Move the mouse over a plug-in parameter, and move the MIDI control that you want to assign.

Repeat this for all the parameters and controls that you want to assign.

5. When finished, click the tool icon to exit Edit mode, and click OK.

RESULT

The assignment is saved. You can now control the assigned parameters with your MIDI remote control device. A plug-in can be controlled via the custom parameter if the Remote Control Mode is activated and only one plug-in can be activated at a time.

When a plug-in is activated for remote control, it also has precedence over other application settings that are controlled by the same parameter.

To remove all remote control assignments on the plug-in, hold Ctrl/Cmd and Shift, and click the Remote Control Mode button.

RELATED LINKS

CC121 Advanced Integration Controller on page 18

Page 18

Setting Up Your System Remote Devices

Importing and Exporting Remote Control Definition Files

Map definition files are XML files, containing control assignments for your remote devices. You can exchange them with other users or save a backup copy.

In the Remote Devices tab, select the Device Editing tab.

●

To import a map definition file, click Import, browse to the location of the map definition file, and select the file.

●

To export a map definition file, click Export, and browse to the location where you want to save the file.

Editing Changes in the Remote Control Devices Settings

Changes that have been made to the map, for example, changing the name of a control, can be saved, reset, undone, and removed in the Control Editor section of the Remote Devices tab.

●

To save any changes that you have made, click Save.

●

To restore the factory preset of a MIDI remote control device, click Reset. If the control device does not have factory presets, the map is cleared.

●

To undo your last action, click Undo.

●

To remove the control definition of the selected control or to unassign the selected control, click Clear.

Using Modifiers for Remote Controlling Parameters

You can use the same controller for controlling different parameters, using one or two modifiers. A modifier can be a MIDI control (for example, a foot switch) or a modifier key on your computer keyboard (for example, Shift and/or Ctrl/Cmd).

To determine one or two modifiers, open the Remote Devices tab, and when editing a parameter, select the modifiers from the Conditions section.

You can use the Shift and Alt modifiers to alter the edit steps of infinite knob controls as follows:

●

Press Shift to edit values in small steps.

●

Press Alt to edit values in bigger steps.

CC121 Advanced Integration Controller

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

This section describes the WaveLab Pro factory preset for the CC121. For detailed 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 Pro functionality with the CC121 controls. The controls that are not listed in the following paragraph are not assigned to a parameter.

Channel Section

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

Section.

Fader

Controls the Master Section fader.

PAN knob

Controls the gain of the selected track.

Page 19

Setting Up Your System Remote Devices

Mute

Solo

CHANNEL SELECT

EQ Section

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

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 Pro navigation mode by turning off the EQ TYPE button. In WaveLab Pro navigation mode, you get access to alternative functions, such as scrolling, zooming, and switching between windows.

Mutes/Unmutes the selected track.

Activates/Deactivates solo for the selected track.

Selects the previous/next track in the audio montage.

To move the cursor to the previous/next clip edge in the audio montage, hold Alt. To move the cursor to the previous/next region edge, hold Shift. To move the cursor to the previous/next marker in the Audio Editor, hold Ctrl/Cmd.

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 Master Section.

EQ TYPE deactivated:

LOW ON

Opens the Audio Editor.

LOW-MID ON

Opens the Audio Montage window.

HIGH-MID ON

Opens the Batch Processor 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.

EQ-3 knob for the EQ Gain (G)

Adjusts the vertical zoom on the timeline.

Page 20

Setting Up Your System Remote Devices

EQ-4 knob for the EQ Gain (G)

EQ-1 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

EQ-2 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

EQ-3 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

EQ-4 knob for the EQ Frequency (F)

Transport Section

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

Previous button

Scrolls tracks on the Audio Montage window or scrolls vertically on the Audio Editor.

Scrolls left/right on the overview timeline of the Audio Editor.

Horizontally zooms in/out on the overview timeline of the Audio Editor.

Vertically zooms in/out on the overview timeline of the Audio Editor.

Vertically scrolls on the overview timeline of the Audio Editor.

Moves the cursor position to the left.

Rewind button

Moves the edit cursor position to the left.

Forward button

Moves the edit cursor position to the right.

Next button

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. Press 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.

Function Section

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.

FUNCTION button 1

Adjusts the fade in settings of the active clip.

FUNCTION button 2

Adjusts the fade out settings of the active clip.

Page 21

Setting Up Your System Remote Devices

FUNCTION button 3

FUNCTION button 4

AI Knob Section

WaveLab Pro 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.

NOTE

The AI knob only works on parameters that are automatable.

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

AI KNOB

Adjusts the envelope level of the active clip.

The element clicked last in the Nudge section of the Edit tab in the Audio Montage window is assigned to this button.

Controls the VST 3 plug-in parameters, emulates the mouse wheel, for 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 parameter, press LOCK to control this parameter regardless of the position of the mouse cursor.

JOG

Activates Jog mode. While Jog mode is activated, press LOCK to enter shuttle mode.

CUBASE READY Indicator

The CUBASE READY indicator has no function in WaveLab Pro.

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.

Page 22

WaveLab Pro Concepts

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

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 the mouse.

●

Use the keys of your computer keyboard to enter numeric values and text, to navigate lists and other selectable interface items, and to control the transport functions.

●

Common operations like cut, copy, paste, or the selection of multiple items can be performed using standard keyboard shortcuts.

NOTE

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

Startup Dialog

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

Page 23

WaveLab Pro Concepts Basic Window Handling

Create

Empty Project

My Default Project Template

Templates

Open

Last Project

Recent Project

Recent File

Creates an empty project.

Opens the default startup project template. The default project is defined on the Template page. If no default project is defined, an empty project is created.

Allows you to open a template in a new project.

Opens the project that you last used in WaveLab Pro, including all files that were open.

Allows you to open a recently used project.

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 the startup screen does not open anymore. To display the Startup dialog, even if this option has been activated, press Ctrl/Cmd when starting WaveLab Pro.

RELATED LINKS

Workspace Layout on page 549

Basic Window Handling

WaveLab Pro follows the basic guidelines for the Windows/macOS interface, which means that Windows/macOS standard procedures apply.

Closing Windows

●

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

Ctrl/Cmd-W.

●

To close a file tab without saving your changes, hold Ctrl/Cmd-Shift, 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 files of a file group at once, right-click a file group tab and select Close All Files.

●

To close all file tabs but the selected file tab, right-click a file tab and select Close All But This.

●

To individually select the file tabs that you want to close, right-click a file group tab and select Select Files to Close. This opens the Files to Close dialog, where you can select the files that you want to close.

●

By default, files are removed from the project when you close them. To keep the files in the project even when you close them, right-click a file tab and activate Keep in Project after Closing.

Page 24

WaveLab Pro Concepts Selecting Audio

RELATED LINKS

Permanently in Project vs. Temporarily in Project on page 63

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 switch between the files, hold Ctrl/Cmd, and press Tab continuously.

●

To switch back and forth between the last two active files, press Ctrl/Cmd-Tab. Between each step you have to release all keys.

●

To switch backwards, press Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Tab.

●

To toggle between the active file and the last edited file, press F5.

Selecting Audio

Almost all types of editing and processing that you perform in WaveLab Pro 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 side of the wave window, it scrolls 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.

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 Audio Editor, select the Edit tab.

The following selection options are available in the Time Selection section:

Range

If you click Range, the Range Selection dialog opens. In this dialog, you can define selection ranges very accurately.

If you click the arrow to the right of the Range button, the presets list opens. In the presets list, you can select between the selection range factory presets and your custom presets.

All

Selects the entire waveform.

Toggle

Toggles the selection range on/off.

Extend

Opens a menu where you can select the following options:

● Extend 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.

Page 25

WaveLab Pro Concepts Selecting Audio

● 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.

● 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 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 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.

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

Channels

Opens a menu where you can select the following options:

● Extend to All Channels extends the current selection range to all 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 a menu where you can select the following options:

● CD Track selects the range between the two CD track markers that encompass

the edit cursor.

● Loop Region selects the range between the two loop markers that encompass

the edit cursor.

● Exclusion Region selects the range between the two exclusion markers that

encompass the edit cursor.

● Generic Region selects the range between the two generic markers that

encompass the edit cursor.

RELATED LINKS

Range Selection Dialog on page 26

Audio Range Selection in an Audio Montage

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

● To access the audio range selection options, in the Audio Montage window, select the Edit tab.

Page 26

WaveLab Pro Concepts Selecting Audio

The following selection options are available in the Time Selection section:

Range

Extend

If you click the Range button, the Range Selection dialog opens. In this dialog, you can define selection ranges very accurately.

If you click the arrow on the right of the Range button, the presets list opens. In the presets list, you can select between the selection range factory presets and your custom presets.

Opens are menu where you can select the following options:

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

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

● From Playback Position to End of File creates a selection range from the

playback position to the end of the audio montage. If no playback is taking place, the position of the edit cursor is used.

● From Playback Position to Start of File creates a selection range from the

playback position to start of the audio montage. If no playback is taking place, the position of the edit cursor is used.

Toggle

Toggles the current selection range on/off.

RELATED LINKS

Range Selection Dialog on page 26

Range Selection Dialog

This dialog allows you to specify an audio range for editing, processing, or playing back.

● In the Audio Editor or the Audio Montage window, select the Edit tab, and click Range.

Start

Zero

The selection begins at the start of the file.

Page 27

WaveLab Pro Concepts Selecting Audio

Cursor

End Position Minus Length

Start of Selection

End of Selection

Marker (with Name)

Offset (±)

Custom

The selection begins at the edit cursor.

The selection begins at the specified end position minus the Specific Length value.

The selection begins at the start of the current selection range.

The selection begins at the end of the current selection range.

The selection begins at the marker that is selected from the pop-up menu below.

Allows you to specify an offset for the selected start position.

Allows you to specify a start time for the selection. The time unit is the same as the time unit that is selected for the time ruler.

End

End of File

The selection ends at the end of the file.

Cursor

The selection ends at the edit cursor.

Start Position Plus Length

The selection ends at the specified start position plus the Specific Length value.

Start of Selection

The selection ends at the start of the current selection range.

End of Selection

The selection ends at the end of the current selection range.

Marker (with Name)

The selection ends at the marker that is selected from the pop-up menu below.

Offset (±)

Allows you to specify an offset for the selected end position.

Custom

Allows you to specify an end time for the selection. The time unit is the same as the time unit that is selected for the time ruler.

Options

Specific Length

Allows you to specify the selection length.

Set as Selection Length

Clicking this button freezes the current selection length. This is useful if you want to move the selection.

Page 28

WaveLab Pro Concepts Selecting Audio

Round Down Length

Snap to Zero-Crossing

Channels

Play

With the play options, you can preview the specified audio range.

Play to

Play from

Play Once

If this option is activated, the selection length is rounded down to the length specified in the value field.

If this option is activated, the start and the end of a selected range always snap to a zero-crossing point of the waveform.

Select whether the selection spans the left channel, the right channel, or both.

Plays the range before the specified position.

Plays the range after the specified position.

Plays the selection once.

Play Looped

Plays the selection in a loop.

Play Duration

Sets the playback length. Note that this overrides the From/To parameters.

Memorizing Selection Length and Cursor Position

You can copy the length of a selection range and the edit cursor position to an internal memory. This is useful if you want to use these values in several places in WaveLab Pro.

●

To save the length of the active selection range, in the Audio Editor or the Audio

Montage window, select the Edit tab, and right-click Copy. Here, select Memorize Selection Length.

●

To save the position of the edit cursor, in the Audio Editor or the Audio Montage window, select the Edit tab, and right-click Copy. Here, select Memorize Cursor Position.

●

To apply the memorized information, right-click any time edit field and select Set Memorized Position or Set Memorized Duration.

Page 29

WaveLab Pro Concepts Selecting Audio

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.

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

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.

PROCEDURE

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

2. Select the Edit tab.

3. In the Time Selection section, click Channels and select one of the following options:

●

Extend to All Channels

●

Left Channel Only

●

Right Channel Only

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

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.

PROCEDURE

● In the wave window of the Audio Editor, hold down Ctrl/Cmd 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.

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window, hold down Ctrl/Cmd-Shift.

Page 30

WaveLab Pro Concepts Selecting Audio

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 or the montage window.

There are several ways to extend/reduce the selection:

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

● 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 the audio file), hold down Ctrl/Cmd+Shift and press the left/right cursor keys.

Deleting Selections

There are several options for deleting a selected range.

Audio Editor

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 fill the gap.

Smooth Delete

Removes the selection. Crossfades are inserted at the edges. You can edit the default crossfade length and its type in the Audio Files Preferences, on the Editing tab.

Audio Montage Window

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

Crop Clip

Removes the data outside the selection.

Erase Selected Range

Erases the clip parts inside the selection range on the selected track, without filling the gap.

Erase Selected Range on All Tracks

To access this option, click the arrow icon at the right of the Erase Selected Range option. Erases the clip parts inside the selection range on all tracks, without filling the gap.

Delete Selected Clip

If there is a selection range, the clip parts inside the selection range on the selected track are deleted and the right section of the clips is moved to the left to fill the gap.

Page 31

WaveLab Pro Concepts Sliders

Delete Selected Range on All Tracks

Sliders

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

●

If there is no selection, the selected clips are deleted.

To access this option, click the arrow icon at the right of the Delete Selected Clips option. Deletes the clip parts inside the selection range on all tracks and moves the right section of the clips to the left to fill the gap.

Position the mouse over the slider and use the mouse wheel without clicking. Hold Ctrl/

Cmd while using the mouse wheel to scroll faster. This modifier also applies to the zoom

wheels. To move a slider, click and drag it.

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 handle. Keep the mouse button pressed to automatically step to the next value.

To reset the slider to the default value, if available, Ctrl/Cmd-click the slider, or click using the third mouse button, or double-click the handle.

Renaming Items in Tables

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

●

To rename an item, double-click it or select it, and press Return, and enter the new name.

●

To rename the previous/next item, press Up Arrow or Down Arrow. This way you move the focus on the previous/next item, while staying in the edit mode.

File Browser

The File Browser window allows you to browse files from within WaveLab Pro. The Auto Play Mode is useful for speeding up the process of auditioning sound files.

The File Browser window provides you with all the standard browsing functions. It 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 Pro.

● To open the File Browser window, select Tool Windows> File Browser.

Page 32

WaveLab Pro Concepts File Browser

Back/Forward/Parent Directory

Location

Auto-Play Mode

Allows you to navigate through the list and file hierarchy.

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

Automatically starts playback of the selected file.

Play Selected Audio File

Plays the selected audio file.

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

File type list

Allows you to select which file type and file format to display.

Folder tree

Shows the folders that are available on your computer.

Favorite folders

You can add your favorite folders by dragging them from the folder tree. Each file type has its own favorite folder.

File list

Shows the following information about each file:

● Name shows the name of the audio file.

● Size shows the size of the audio file.

● Type shows the file type of the audio file.

● Date Modified shows the date on which the audio file was last saved.

● Sample Rate shows the sample rate in Hz.

● Bits shows the bit depth in bits. “32F” means 32-bit float and “64F” means 64-

bit float.

● Bit Rate shows the bit rate in kbps.

● Length shows the length of the audio file.

● Channels shows the number of channels.

Create Folder

Allows you to create a new folder. Right-click in the file list and select Create Folder.

Page 33

WaveLab Pro Concepts Tab Groups

Audio Regions

RELATED LINKS

Folders Tab on page 87

Tab Groups

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.

In a Control Window, a tab group can contain tool windows and meters. You can have three file tab groups.

Empty File Tab Groups

If the selected file contains region markers, the regions are displayed in the Audio Regions section. You can drag regions onto a track.

Page 34

WaveLab Pro Concepts Tab Groups

File Tab Groups with Audio Montages

Tab Groups in Control Window

RELATED LINKS

Control Window on page 41

Creating File Tab Groups

PROCEDURE

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).

Page 35

WaveLab Pro Concepts Peak Files

Creating File Tab Groups in Empty Tab Groups

PROCEDURE

● 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 horizontally to a new position on the tab bar.

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

● To dock the tab group to the Control Window, open the Tool Window Tab Group Options pop-up menu and select Dock Tab Group to Control Window.

Now you can select to which Control Window you want to dock the 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 horizontally to a new position on the tab bar.

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

● To paste the content of a tab into an audio file, drag the tab onto the waveform. The tab is

● To maximize the active file tab group, open the File Tab Group Options pop-up menu, and

Peak Files

A peak file (extension .gpk) is automatically created by WaveLab Pro each time an audio file is modified or opened in WaveLab Pro for the first time. The peak file contains information about the waveform and determines how it is drawn 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 file is saved in the same location as the audio file.

inserted at the cursor position.

select Hide Other File Tab Groups.

To show all file tab groups, open the File Tab Group Options pop-up menu, and select Show Other File Tab Groups.

You can also double-click the file tab header of a tab group to show/hide other file tab groups.

Setting the Peak File Behavior

The peak file behavior can be set in the Audio Files Preferences on the File tab.

●

To save peak files in another location, activate Create Peak Files in an Independent Folder, select Edit, and specify another file location.

●

To create peak files when writing audio files, activate Create Peak Files When Writing Audio Files.

Page 36

WaveLab Pro Concepts Companion Files

●

To delete peak files when closing audio files, activate Delete Peak Files When Closing Audio Files.

RELATED LINKS

Audio Files Preferences on page 576

Rebuilding Peak Displays

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.

PROCEDURE

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

2. In the Peaks section, click Rebuild Display.

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 Audio Editor.

The following view settings are included in companion files:

●

Window size and position

●

Zoom level

●

Scroll position

●

Display mode (Waveform/Spectrum/Loudness)

●

Snapshots

●

Master Section presets associated with the file

Deleting a companion file does not alter the audio contents. Master Section presets are specific to WaveLab Pro and can therefore not be integrated inside the various audio file headers.

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.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Preferences> Folders.

2. Click Companion Files and specify another file location.

Processing Precision

WaveLab Pro can load audio samples in many formats but processes them internally as 64-bit float samples.

Mixing inside WaveLab Pro is also done in 64-bit float. 32-bit PCM samples can be transferred to 64-bit float and back.

Page 37

WaveLab Pro Concepts EBU Loudness Standard R-128

Plug-ins are processed in 64-bit float by default. You can also set the plug-in processing to 32-bit float.

You can set up the processing precision for plug-ins and for temporary files in the Audio tab of the Global Preferences.

NOTE

Processing in 64-bit float means double precision but slightly longer process time than 32-bit float.

Temporary files in 64-bit float have double precision but take longer to read and write than 32-bit float and their file size is twice as big.

RELATED LINKS

Temporary Files on page 86 Audio Tab on page 573

EBU Loudness Standard R-128

The EBU loudness recommendation R-128 establishes well-defined methods to measure loudness, dynamics, and peak values, and also defines reference values to achieve for these measurements. Though the reference values are intended for the broadcast world, the measurement methods are helpful in any application dealing with audio and loudness control.

WaveLab Pro supports these audio measurements in many places, for metering, audio analysis, and processing. The following text gives some basic information about the EBU R-128 standard.

Loudness Measurement

This method takes into account the frequency sensitivity of the human ear to loudness levels. There are 3 types of measurements:

1. Integrated loudness, also called program loudness: this reports how loud an audio piece is, on average. This measurement uses a gating method to ignore long periods of silence.

2. Short-term loudness: this measures the loudness every 1 second on an audio block of 3 seconds. This gives information about the loudest audio passages.

3. Momentary loudness: every 100 ms, a range of 400 ms of audio is measured. This gives instantaneous feedback about the loudness.

Loudness Range

This measures the dynamics of the audio signal. It reports the ratio between the loudest and the quietest (but non-silent) sections. The audio is divided into small blocks. There is one audio block every second and each block lasts 3 seconds (analyzed blocks overlap).

The top 10 % of the quiet blocks and the top 5 % of the loud blocks are excluded from the final analysis. The calculated loudness range is the ratio between the loudest and quietest remaining audio blocks. This measurement helps to decide if and how much compression or expansion can or should be applied to the audio.

True Peaks

When a digital signal is converted to an analog signal, the EBU R-128 recommends measuring an estimation of the real peaks, rather than relying on digital peaks, to avoid clipping and distortion. This is accomplished by over-sampling the signal 4 times and retaining the peak values.

Naming and Units

The EBU R-128 proposes naming and units conventions:

Page 38

WaveLab Pro Concepts EBU Loudness Standard R-128

● A relative measurement, such as a value relative to a reference level: “LU” as “Loudness Unit” (1 LU is 1 dB).

● An absolute measurement, “LUFS” as “Loudness Unit Full Scale”. 1 LUFS can be understood as 1 dB in the AES-17 scaling.

When WaveLab Pro relates to the EBU R-128 loudness, these units are used rather than dB.

Page 39

Workspace Window

The Workspace window provides an editing and playback environment for each particular file type. Each environment contains functions that are tailored to the specific purpose of each file type.

● Audio Editor for viewing and editing audio files.

● Audio Montage window for assembling and editing audio montages.

● Batch Processor window for processing a list of audio files with offline effects, VST plugins, and Master Section presets.

● Podcast Editor for preparing and uploading podcasts.

● Basic Audio CD window for assembling and writing Basic Audio CDs.

● DVD-Audio window for authoring DVD-Audio and writing it to DVD.

● Script Editor for writing and executing scripts in WaveLab Pro.

● Control Window for hosting and organizing tool windows, especially in a multi-monitor setup.

The Workspace 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 another tab,

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

Audio Editor

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

Features include various metering tools, a signal generator, a compare function, and a tool for correcting errors.

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

RELATED LINKS

Audio File Editing on page 108

create a new empty tab, display the file path, and access other functions by right-clicking.

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

Page 40

Workspace Window Audio Montage

Audio Montage

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

Features include track and clip-based effects, volume and pan automation, and wide-ranging fade and crossfade functions. You can use the Audio Montage window for creating music CDs, mastering, multimedia work, radio spot production, etc. You can create multitrack compositions and author professional audio CDs or DVD-Audio. Depending on the channel configuration of the montage, you can route each track to different surround channels (up to 6) or non-surround channels (up to 8).

You can place any number of clips on an audio track. A clip contains a reference to a source audio file on your hard disk, as well as start and end positions in the file.

The montage window gives you a graphical representation of clips on tracks. In it you can view, play back, and edit the tracks and clips.

RELATED LINKS

Audio Montage on page 194

Batch Processor

This editor allows you to batch process any number of audio files or audio montage files using the plug-ins and presets of the Master Section, offline effects, and other plug-ins that are unique to batch processing.

You can save the processed file in a different file format, rename files, and run an external application when the batch is finished.

RELATED LINKS

Batch Processing on page 490

Podcast Editor

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

RELATED LINKS

Podcasts on page 542

Basic Audio CD

In the Basic Audio CD window, all tracks of the Basic Audio CD are listed. Here you can assemble and write Basic Audio CDs that are compatible with the Red Book standard.

RELATED LINKS

Basic Audio CD on page 399

DVD-Audio

In the DVD-Audio window, you author DVD-Audio and write it to DVD.

RELATED LINKS

DVD-Audio on page 406

Page 41

Workspace Window Script Editor

Script Editor

In the Script Editor, you write and execute scripts.

RELATED LINKS

Scripting on page 567

Control Window

A Control Window can contain multiple tool windows and meter windows. This is useful if you have multiple monitors. You can place the Control Window on your secondary display and use it to manage the tool windows and meter windows that you use most.

You can create up to 4 different control windows.

Docking Tool Windows and Meters in a Control Window

You can dock any tool window and meter window in a Control Window.

PROCEDURE

1. Right-click the tab of the tool window or meter that you want to dock in the Control Window.

2. Select Dock to Control Window and select one of the Control Windows from the

submenu.

Docking Tab Groups in a Control Window

You can dock tab groups in a Control Window.

PROCEDURE

1. Click the Options button on the right of the caption bar of a tab group.

2. Select Dock Tab Group to Control Window and select a Control Window from the

submenu.

Page 42

Workspace Window File Tab

File Tab

The File tab is the control center of WaveLab Pro. 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 Pro preferences.

Info

Provides information about the active file and allows you to edit the audio properties of audio files and audio montages.

New

Allows you to create audio files, audio montages, batch processors, file groups, projects, Basic Audio CDs, DVD-Audio files, podcasts, and script files. You can create new files or use a template.

Open

Allows you to open audio files, audio montages, batch processors, projects, Basic Audio CDs, DVD-Audio files, podcasts, or script files.

You can also open files that you have previously copied to the clipboard in the File Explorer/macOS Finder.

Import

Allows you to open different file formats. The following formats are supported:

● Audio File to Montage

● DDP

● CD Cue

● AES-31

● XML

● Unknown Audio

● File Groups

Page 43

Workspace Window Info Tab

Save As

Save All

Export

Preferences

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

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.

Allows you to save all changed files of your project at once. The file list gives you an overview of all files that have been changed.

You can use the filter to show all changed files, only audio files, only audio montages, or all other files, for example, batch processor files.

Allows you to render the active file, export the file group to a text file, export audio montages to AES-31 and XML, and upload the audio file to SoundCloud.

Allows you to view and change the preferences of WaveLab Pro. You can set up the preferences for the following parts of WaveLab Pro:

● Global

● Audio Connections

● Shortcuts

● Plug-ins

● Remote Devices

● Folders

● Variables

● Audio Files

● Audio Montages

Info Tab

Tools

Allows you to access the following tools:

● DDP to CD

● Data CD/DVD

● Auto Split Audio Files

● Signal Generator

● DTMF Generator

● Batch Conversion

● Batch Renaming

RELATED LINKS

Info Tab on page 43 Configuring WaveLab Pro on page 570

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

Page 44

Workspace Window Info Tab

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 edit these attributes.

File Properties

Displays the size, date, and file format of the active file.

Audio Properties

For audio files, this displays the sample precision, channels, and sample rate of the active file.

For audio montages, this displays the mode, channels, and sample rate of the active file.

You can edit these attributes.

Sample Attributes (audio files only)

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

Metadata

Displays the metadata of the active file.

Copy to Clipboard

Opens a menu from which you can select which information about the active file you want to copy to the clipboard.

Reveal in File Explorer/macOS Finder

Opens the File Explorer/macOS Finder to show the location of the active file.

Delete

Deletes the active file.

Page 45

Workspace Window Tool Windows

Tool Windows

Throughout WaveLab Pro 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 exception of the audio meters which displays the audio file being played back. Tool 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

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

●

To open a tool window, select Tool Windows and select a tool window.

●

To close a docked tool window, right-click the tool window tab and select Hide.

●

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

Meter Windows

WaveLab Pro 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.

Opening and Closing Meter Windows

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

●

To open a meter window, select Meters and select a meter window.

●

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

●

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

Page 46

Workspace Window Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and Meter Windows

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 to another position.

Now the tool window or meter window is a floating window which can be freely moved.

●

To dock a tool window or meter window, click and hold the caption bar or click the Options button on the right of the caption bar and select Dock Tab Group Elsewhere.

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.

Page 47

Workspace Window Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and Meter Windows

●

To dock a tool window or meter window to the Control Window, click the Options button on the right of the caption bar and select Dock to Control Window. You can then select to which Control Window you want to dock the tool window or meter window.

You can also drag and drop a tool window or meter window to the Control Window.

RELATED LINKS

Slide-Out Windows on page 45 Control Window on page 41

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> Preferences> Global, and select the Display tab. In the Tool Windows section, specify the value in the Window Transparency field.

●

To activate the transparency for a tool window or meter window, click the Tab Group button at the top right of the window, and select Auto Transparency.

RELATED LINKS

Global Preferences on page 570

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.

PROCEDURE

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

2. Select Auto Caption Bar.

Page 48

Workspace Window Command 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

Allows you to create an audio file, audio montage, batch processor, file group, project, Basic Audio CD, DVD-Audio, podcast, and script file. You can create new files or use a template.

Open

Allows you to open an audio file, audio montage, batch processor, project, Basic Audio CD, DVD-Audio, podcast, or script file.

Save

Saves the active file.

Save As

Allows you to save the active file. You can specify the name, file format, and location. You can also save a copy of the active 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.

Redo

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.

File Search and Keywords

The text field allows you to search for open files and apply keywords.

Keywords are custom words that are assigned to a function in the Customize

Commands dialog or to a preset in the Shortcut Definitions dialog.

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 bar, transport bar, and file group tabs.

RELATED LINKS

WaveLab Exchange on page 488

Page 49

Workspace Window Status Bar

Status Bar

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 bar is updated depending on the cursor position and on the audio selection that you have made.

Time/Level (dB)

Audio Information at Edit Cursor

Displays the time of the audio file at the mouse cursor position. In the Audio Editor, it also displays the level.

The value in brackets shows the time from the edit cursor position to the mouse cursor position.

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.

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

In the Audio Editor, this displays the length of the current selection, or the total length of the audio file if no selection has been made.

In the Audio Montage window, this displays the length of the audio selection 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 range, the active clip, or the whole file. Left-click the indicator to open 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 settings,

click the indicator.

● To open the Zoom Factor dialog, that allows you to edit the zoom factor, right-

click the indicator.

Sampler Key Indicator (Audio Editor only)

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

Sample Attributes window.

Audio File Properties/Audio Montage Properties

In the Audio Editor, this displays the sample precision and the sample rate. It also indicates whether the audio file is mono or stereo. Click the indicator to open the Audio Properties dialog.

In the Audio Montage window, this displays the number of audio channels and the sample rate of the audio montage. Click the indicator to open the Audio Montage Properties dialog.

Page 50

Workspace Window Context Menus

Bypass Master Section

Master Section Preset Setting pop-up menu

Background Information

If this option is activated, only the Playback Processing pane of the Master Section is active during playback. All other Master Section panes are bypassed. However, rendering still takes all plug-ins into account.

● Save Master Section Preset opens the Save Master Section Preset dialog,

where you can save the active Master Section configuration inside the companion file or audio montage.

● Load Master Section Preset applies the Master Section with the

configuration previously saved to the audio file or audio montage.

● If Include Master Section Preset when Rendering as Super Clip is activated,

the Master Section preset that is saved with the audio montage is used when rendering super clips of audio montages (Audio Montage window only).

The status bar shows the progress of some background operations, such as rendering an effect. The operation can be paused or canceled using the provided buttons.

Context Menus

Throughout WaveLab Pro, 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 speeding up your workflow.

For example, right-click a file tab to open a context menu with some relevant file options. Rightclicking 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 menus, but some commands are only available in context menus. If you search for a function, right-click the current working window to check if it has a context menu.

Context menu in the montage window

Page 51

Workspace Window Time Ruler and Level Ruler

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)

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 types and for CD resolution.

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

Clock

Displays time units.

Samples

Displays positions as number of samples. The number of samples per second depends on the sample rate of the audio file. For example, at 44.1 kHz, there are 44100 samples per second.

Bars and Beats

Displays bars and beats.

File Size (Audio Editor only)

Displays positions in megabytes. Decimals represent kilobytes.

Show grid (Audio Montage window only)

Displays vertical lines in the montage window, aligned with time ruler marks.

Page 52

Workspace Window Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Time Format

Opens the Time Format dialog, that allows you to edit the appearance of the time ruler formats.

Save Current Settings as Default

If this option is activated, the time ruler uses the current time format in all new 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 sample.

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 matches the BWF time reference, provided that the time reference is available.

Show Playback Range

If this option is activated, the time ruler displays the audio range that is played with the Play Audio Range command.

Show Playback Anchor

If this option is activated, a marker is displayed below the time ruler to indicate the audio anchor that corresponds to the Play From and Play To commands.

Show Pre-/Post-Roll

If this option is activated, the pre-roll and post-roll times are displayed.

RELATED LINKS

Time Format Dialog on page 53

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 64-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 wave windows.

Page 53

Workspace Window Time Ruler and Level Ruler

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.

PROCEDURE

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 tab, set the Time Signature and Tempo to values that match your audio file.

4. Set Ticks per Quarter Note to a number that you feel comfortable with.

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

5. Click OK.

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. If 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 Audio Editor and Audio Montage window, select the View tab and use the options in the Cursor section.

●

Use the cursor keys.

●

Double-click a marker.

Setting the Ruler Start Position

By default, the audio file starts at the ruler position 0. However, you can set the 0 position to another position of the file.

PROCEDURE

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

2. Select the Offset tab.

3. Select one of the Time Ruler Offset options, and click OK.

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 dialog, right-click the ruler in the Audio Editor or Audio Montage window, and select Time Format.

In the Audio Editor, you can set different time formats for the overview display and the main display.

Page 54

Workspace Window Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Timecode Tab

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

Frames per Second

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

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.

Clock Tab

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

Show Units

Adds time units to the time format of the ruler.

Compact

Shows the time without unit indicators.

Meter Tab

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 musical notation.

Tempo

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

Ticks per Quarter Note

Lets you edit the number of ticks per quarter note. These are used to display times that are compatible with your sequencer.

Page 55

Workspace Window Managing Tabs

Offset Tab

On this tab, you can configure the Time Ruler Offset.

Zero (Default)

Deactivates the time offset in the ruler.

Set Zero-Point at Cursor Position

Sets the current cursor position to be the starting point of the ruler.

Set Zero-Point at BWF Time Reference (Audio Editor only)

If the audio file contains BWF metadata, the corresponding time reference value is used as offset.

Set Time of First Sample

Specifies the time that corresponds to the zero point of the ruler.

Managing Tabs

A tab is a container for a file in WaveLab Pro. There are file group tabs and file tabs. You can open several tabs, but only one can be active at a time. The Tabs context menu of the file group tabs and file tabs offer tab related options.

File Group Tabs

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

Save Modified Files

Allows you to specify which of the modified files of the file group you want to save.

Close All Files

Closes all file tabs.

Select Files to Close

Opens the Files to Close dialog which allows you to specify the files to be closed.

Set Temporary Files to Permanent Files

Adds all files to the file group that are not a permanent part of the file group.

Close and Remove from Project

Closes the file group and removes it from the project.

Remove Other File Groups from Project

Removes all file groups but the active file group from the project.

Rename

Allows you to rename the file group.

Export File Names

Allows you to create a text file that lists all files that are used in the file group.

File Tabs

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

Page 56

Workspace Window Managing Tabs

Check Tab/Uncheck Tab

Add to

Close All But This

Close All Audio Files

Checks/Unchecks the tab. This allows you to render all file tabs at once via the Render tab.

To check/uncheck all tabs at once, activate/deactivate the checkbox at the right of the file tabs.

You can also drag the selected tabs to another file tab.

Allows you to add the active file to another editor.

Closes the active tab.

Closes all files but the active file.

Closes all audio files.

Keep in Project after Closing

If this option is activated, the file remains in the project after you close the file.

You can open the file again from the Project Manager window.

Info

Displays information about the active file.

Reveal in File Explorer/macOS Finder

Opens the File Explorer/macOS 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 copy to the clipboard.

Recent Files

Allows you to open recently used files.

New (Based on Active File)

Allows you to open a new file tab with the same settings of the source tab. This option is available if you right-click the empty area next to the file tabs.

Files to Close Dialog

In this dialog, you can specify which files you want to close.

● To open the Files to Close dialog, right-click a file group tab and select Select Files to Close.

Page 57

Workspace Window Activating Full Screen Mode

Files list

Displays all open files. You can set a checkmark for the files that you want to close. By default, only the active file will remain open and all other files will be closed.

All/None

Allows you to select and deselect all files.

Temporary Project Files

Allows you to select all files that are opened in WaveLab Pro, but not set to

Permanently in Project in the Project Manager.

Permanent Project Files

Allows you to select all files that are opened in WaveLab Pro and set to Permanently in Project in the Project Manager.

Close Files

Closes the selected files.

RELATED LINKS

Project Manager Window on page 62

Activating Full Screen Mode

PROCEDURE

● Select Workspace> Full Screen.

Log Window

This window allows you to view log messages that have been issued by WaveLab Pro.

For example, when using the scripting language of WaveLab Pro, the logWindow( ) function outputs messages to this window. Toggle buttons allow you to filter the types of messages that are displayed.

● To open the Log window, select Tool Windows> Log.

Page 58

Workspace Window Log Window

Clear

Show Errors

Show Warnings

Show Notes

Removes all messages from the window.

If this option is activated, error messages are displayed.

If this option is activated, warning messages are displayed.

If this option is activated, notes are displayed.

Page 59

Project Handling

Opening Files

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Open.

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

For example, Audio File.

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

4. Click Open.

Opening Files from the Clipboard

You can open files in WaveLab Pro that you have previously copied to the clipboard in the File Explorer/macOS Finder.

PROCEDURE

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

2. In WaveLab Pro, 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/macOS Finder are automatically opened in the corresponding tab group for this file type.

●

To specify a precedented file type for a tab group, click File Tab Group Options at the header of a tab group, and select a file type.

Page 60

Project Handling WaveLab Projects

WaveLab Projects

A project file (extension *.wpr) is the central document in WaveLab Pro. A project file contains references to media data.

Only one project can be open at a time. When you open a previously saved project or create a new project, the currently opened project is closed.

Each project can contain multiple file groups. Each file group has its own tab.

You can save your complete production as a project and open it on any WaveLab Pro workstation. For this, the source files must be available on the target workstation at the same relative or absolute path.

The Project Manager window gives you access to the files inside the project.

The active project is automatically saved and can be reloaded the next time that you start WaveLab Pro. If you create a new project, this will be the default project. The default project file is saved in the following location:

Windows

AppData\Roaming\Steinberg\WaveLab Pro 9.5\Cache\DefProject.wpr

Mac

/Users/YourName/Library/Preferences/WaveLab Pro 9.5/Cache/ DefProject.wpr

RELATED LINKS

File Groups on page 63 Project Manager Window on page 62

Creating Projects

You can create empty projects or projects that are based on a template.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> New.

2. Click Project.

3. Do one of the following:

●

To create an empty project, click Create Empty.

Page 61

Project Handling WaveLab Projects

●

To create a project that is based on a template, click Templates, and select a template.

RESULT

If you selected Create Empty, a new, untitled project is created. If you selected a template, the new project is based on this template and includes the corresponding layout and settings.

RELATED LINKS

Templates on page 79 Creating Templates on page 80

Creating Default Projects

You can define a default project that you can select when starting WaveLab Pro. You specify the default project when creating a template.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> New.

2. Select Project> Templates.

3. Click Add Template.

4. In the Project Template dialog, activate Set as Default Project.

5. Enter a project name.

6. Click Save.

RESULT

The default project is created. You can select it in the WaveLab Pro Startup dialog.

To set another project template as the default project template, right-click the corresponding template and select Set as Default Project.

RELATED LINKS

Startup Dialog on page 22

Saving Projects

The active project is automatically saved as a project file that can be reopened the next time that you start WaveLab Pro. However, you can also manually save the active project as a project file. This allows you to give the project a name and save the project file at another location.

To keep your projects as manageable as possible, make sure that you save project files and all related files in the corresponding project folders and subfolders.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Save As.

2. Click Project.

3. Enter the name and a file location.

4. Click Save.

Page 62

Project Handling WaveLab Projects

Project Manager Window

The Project Manager window gives you access to all project files in WaveLab Pro and allows you to edit them.

● To open the Project Manager window, select Tool Windows> Project Manager.

You can click on a file or file group to bring it to focus. If the file or file group is not already open in WaveLab Pro, it is opened.

The toolbar contains the following options:

Sort Files by Type

If this option is activated, the files are grouped in subfolders according to their file type.

Select Multiple Files (for Drag and Drop)

If this option is activated, you can select multiple files in the projects list. You can then drag the files to an audio montage, for example.

Rename Selected File Group

Allows you to rename the selected group.

The projects list contains the following options:

Open Status

This column shows if a file is open in WaveLab Pro or not. To close a file, click its X button.

If a file is set to Permanently in Project, the corresponding file tab is closed, but the file remains available in the Project Manager. You can click the file name to reopen the file. If the file is set to Temporarily in Project, the corresponding file tab is closed and the file is removed from the Project Manager.

Permanently in Project/Temporarily in Project

In this column, you can define if a file should be included as permanent part of the project or if the file is only temporarily needed in the project.

The lock icon indicates that the corresponding file is a permanent part of the project. The clock icon indicates that the corresponding file is temporarily in the project. Click the icon to change the file status.

If you drag files from the File Explorer/macOS Finder onto the file list in the Project Manager, the files are added permanently to the project. This allows you to quickly add multiple files to a project.

Modification Status

Page 63

Project Handling File Groups

In this column, you can see if a file in the project has been modified. Files that have been modified are indicated by a checkmark.

RELATED LINKS

Permanently in Project vs. Temporarily in Project on page 63

Permanently in Project vs. Temporarily in Project

Project can contain files that are permanently or temporarily in the project.

Permanent files

Files that are set to be permanently in the project stay part of the project even when you close the file.

Temporary files

Files that are set to be temporarily in the project are removed from the project once you close the file. When you close the project file, these remain in the project just like permanent files do.

When you open a new file, it is considered a temporary file. If you want to keep the file in the project even when you close the project, you must set the file to permanent.

RELATED LINKS

Project Manager Window on page 62 Changing the Permanent/Temporary Status of a File on page 63

Changing the Permanent/Temporary Status of a File

To change the file status, do one of the following:

●

Right-click a file tab of a temporary file and select Keep in Project after Closing.

●

In the Project Manager, click the Permanently in Project/Temporarily in Project column of a file to change its status.

File Groups

File groups are part of WaveLab Pro projects. Each project can contain multiple file groups.

A file group can contain different file types. For example, audio files, audio montages, and batch processor files. This allows you to organize all files in one file group. You can also organize each file type in a different file group to have a better overview. In this case, the file group icon changes to the icon of the corresponding file type.

Each file group can contain multiple, customizable tab groups. For each tab group, you can define a type precedence to instruct WaveLab Pro in which tab group a file of a given type should be opened by default.

You can export file groups as text files. File groups can also be imported in a project via a text file that contains file paths. These file groups open as a new file group tab.

The file group options are available via the context menu of the file group tabs.

The tab color of a file group indicates whether a file group contains modified files that have not been saved yet.

RELATED LINKS

Tab Colors on page 78

Page 64

Project Handling File Groups

Creating File Groups

You can create empty file groups or file groups that are based on a template.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> New.

2. Click File Group.

3. Do one of the following:

●

To create an empty file group, click Custom, select one of the options, and click Create.

●

To create a file group that is based on a template, click Templates, and select a template.

RESULT

A new file group is created. If you selected a template, the new file group is based on this template and includes the corresponding layout and settings.

RELATED LINKS

Project Manager Window on page 62 Templates on page 79

Saving File Groups

File groups are automatically saved with the project.

RELATED LINKS

Saving Projects on page 61

Exporting File Groups as Text

You can export the names of the files inside a file group to a text file that contains the file paths.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Export.

2. Click File Group to TXT.

3. Specify a file name and location.

4. Click Export.

Searching for Open Files

The File Search and Keywords field in the command bar allows you to search in all file tabs and access them. This allows you to quickly switch between file tabs if a lot of files are open.

●

To open a file tab, click in the File Search and Keywords field or press Ctrl/Cmd-F, and start typing the file name that you want to access.

Once you stop typing or when you press Return, the first file tab that contains the search term is activated.

●

To jump to the next file tab that contains the search term, press Ctrl/Cmd-Tab.

●

To jump to the previous file tab that contains the search term, press Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Tab.

●

To switch back to the last file tab that was active before searching, delete the text in the search field.

Page 65

Project Handling Value Editing

RELATED LINKS

Command Bar on page 48

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 arrows in the value field.

To change the value by one unit at a time, press the Left Arrow and Right Arrow keys.

To change the value by several units, press the Page Up and Page Down keys.

To change the value using the mouse wheel, position the mouse cursor over a value, and use the mouse wheel, or use the AI knob of your MIDI controller.

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

To jump to the maximum and minimum values, press the Home and End keys.

To move from one element of the value to another, press the Left Arrow and Right Arrow keys.

Drag Operations

WaveLab Pro 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.

●

To drag an object, click and hold with the mouse when positioned on the object and drag it. Drop the object by releasing the button.

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

NOTE

It is also possible to drag and drop files from WaveLab Pro 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 window of WaveLab Pro, 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 vertically to another position of the tab bar, then press Ctrl/Cmd, and release the mouse button.

● You can dock and undock tool windows and meter windows via dragging.

RELATED LINKS

Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and Meter Windows on page 46

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 position on the time ruler.

Page 66

Project Handling Undoing and Redoing Actions

●

To create a copy of a marker, press Shift, and drag it to another position on the time ruler.

●

To delete a marker, drag it upwards outside the time ruler.

●

To copy an audio selection, drag a selected region of audio onto the waveform area of the same file or another file.

●

To change the extent of a selection range, position 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 an anchor, press Shift, and move the mouse near the audio file/montage 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, press 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 left or right. You can also click anywhere on the waveform using the 3rd 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.

●

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.

Dragging in the Batch Processor Window

●

To change the order in which plug-ins are processed, drag the plug-ins within the audio plug-in chain window.

●

To add a file to a batch process, drag its file tab to the batch conversion tool or batch processor.

Undoing and Redoing Actions

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

By default, when undoing or redoing any operation in the Audio Editor or the Audio Montage window, the zoom factor, cursor position, scroll position, clip selection status, and time range are restored to the state before the operation.

●

To exclude the scroll and zoom settings when undoing/redoing, select File>

Preferences> Global, select the Display tab, and deactivate Undo/Redo Does Not Scroll/ Zoom Audio.

This is useful if you make an operation, zoom in on the changed area, and then undo the step to see the change, for example. When you do this, you do not want snapshots to be restored and change your scroll and zoom settings.

●

To undo or redo a step, click Undo or Redo in the title bar of the Audio Editor or Audio Montage window.

Page 67

Project Handling Undoing and Redoing Actions

Undo/Redo and History in the Audio Montage

The Undo/Redo function in the Audio Montage window is identical with the Undo/Redo function in the Audio Editor. However, the Audio Montage window provides additional Undo/ Redo functions and a History window. This window allows you to view a history of all recent editing activities in the audio montage and to revert to a previous state.

Each audio montage has its own history.

The following options are available in the History window.

●

To open the History window, select Tool Windows> History.

●

To revert the current audio montage to a previous state, double-click the operation to which you want to return.

●

To undo all operations, select Functions> Undo All Operations.

●

To undo all operations since the last saving command, select Functions> Undo All Operations since the Last Saving Command.

●

To redo all operations, select Functions> Redo All Operations.

●

To clear the history, select Functions> Clear.

This frees up memory, hard disk space, and any involved audio file.

NOTE

When you save an audio file, the undo history is cleared automatically. This is not the case for audio montages.

The following options are available in the Audio Montages Preferences.

●

To group similar operations in the undo history, select File> Preferences> Audio Montages. On the All Audio Montages tab, activate Group Similar Operations.

This groups all operations of the same type to one single operation, as soon as an operation of another type is performed.

●

To clear the history after each saving, select File> Preferences> Audio Montages. On the

All Audio Montages tab, activate Clear After Each Saving.

History Window

In this window, you can see all the operations that have been performed in the audio montage and revert to a previous state.

● To open the History window, open an audio montage and select Tool Windows> History.

Status

Shows which operations are done and undone.

Operation

Shows the type of the performed operation.

Page 68

Project Handling Zooming

Time

Shows the time at which the operation was performed.

Description

Describes the performed operation in detail.

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.

●

To navigate backwards or forwards, click Navigate Backwards or Navigate Forwards

in the title bar of the Audio Editor or Audio Montage window.

Zooming

Horizontal Zooming

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

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

Vertical Zooming

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

● As you progressively zoom in, the display only 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/Cmd, the time ruler, keep the mouse button pressed, and drag the mouse up or down.

High Zoom Level

● 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.

The range indicator is only shown if Sync with Other View is deactivated.

Page 69

Project Handling Zooming

● 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 located at the top of the overview display.

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

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 Vertical Zoom control, and drag up or down, or use the mouse wheel.

●

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

Page 70

Project Handling Zooming

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.

PROCEDURE

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

2. In the Zoom section, click Zoom.

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

button.

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

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.

PROCEDURE

● 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.

●

To zoom horizontally, in the wave window or the montage window, position the mouse cursor over the time ruler, click, and drag up or down.

●

To zoom horizontally while maintaining the cursor position, position the mouse cursor over the time ruler, press Shift, and drag up or down.

For this, you can also use the mouse wheel. Press Ctrl/Cmd-Shift, point at a waveform, and use the mouse wheel.

●

To zoom horizontally around the mouse cursor position using the mouse wheel, press

Ctrl/Cmd, point at a waveform, and use the mouse wheel.

●

To zoom horizontally around the edit cursor position, press Ctrl/Cmd-Shift, point at a waveform, and use the mouse wheel.

●

To zoom vertically using the mouse wheel, press Shift, point at a waveform, and use the mouse wheel.

Page 71

Project Handling Zooming

Audio Editor Only

● 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.

● To set the vertical zoom to the best value, that is, the current minimum and maximum displayed samples, make sure that the level ruler is set to 0 dB, and double-click the level ruler.

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 wave window or montage window, press Up Arrow or

Down Arrow.

●

To zoom vertically in the active wave/montage window, hold Shift, and press Up Arrow or

Down Arrow.

●

To zoom vertically to fit the available height, press Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Up Arrow.

●

To zoom out fully, press Ctrl/Cmd-Down Arrow.

●

To zoom in fully, press Ctrl/Cmd-Up Arrow.

NOTE

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

Global Preferences on page 570

Zoom Options

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

The zoom options are available in the Audio Editor and the Audio Montage 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 selected time range. Zoom in 1:1 zooms in so that one pixel on the screen represents one sample.

To edit the zoom factor, click Edit Zoom Factor. This opens the Zoom Factor 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.

Zoom

Activates the Zoom tool 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 window.

Page 72

Project Handling Zooming

Display Whole Clip (Audio Montage window only)

Adjusts the view to display the active clip.

View All

Displays the entire audio range.

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 adjustment 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.

Zooming in Audio Montages

Zooming options in the Audio Montage window are almost similar to those in the Audio Editor. However, there are additional zooming options for tracks and the Wave Matching window for displaying a close-up view of the beginning of the selected track.

RELATED LINKS

Wave Matching Window on page 279

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 selected track, click the corresponding buttons.

●

To set the zoom setting to fit the active clips in 25 %, 50 %, or 100 % of the available space, click the corresponding buttons.

Page 73

Project Handling Presets

●

To select a specific area, click Ctrl/Cmd, 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 glass icon.

●

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

●

To make a single track fit the whole montage window, click the numbered button in the track control area, and select Zoom from the pop-up menu.

You can also right-click the lower area of a track, and select Display Whole Clip from the pop-up menu.

Presets

You can create presets to save commonly used settings. WaveLab Pro 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 presets are available.

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

Saving a Preset

PROCEDURE

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 want to use as

the location for this preset.

4. Type in a name.

5. Click Save.

Page 74

Project Handling Presets

Loading Presets

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

PROCEDURE

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.

PROCEDURE

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

PROCEDURE

1. Open the dialog that you want to use.

2. Select the preset that you want to delete.

3. Open the Presets pop-up menu and select Organize Presets.

4. In the File Explorer/macOS Finder, select the preset file that you want to delete, and press

Delete.

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

PROCEDURE

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

PROCEDURE

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 75

Recently Used Files

All files that you have recently used in WaveLab Pro 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 or the Recent Files tab, which displays more files and offers additional options.

Opening Recently Used Files

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Open.

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

3. Click Recent Files.

4. Optional: Use the search field to enter the name of the file that you are looking for.

5. Select the file that you want to open.

6. Click Open.

File Operations

Recent Files Tab

This tab allows you to view and manage all the files that you have recently used in WaveLab Pro. You can search for files, open multiple files at once, and remove individual files or files that cannot be located.

● To open the Recent Files tab, select File> Open, select one of the file types, and click

Recent Files.

Only Show Files Created by WaveLab Pro

Only shows the files that have not been opened since they were created by WaveLab Pro. For example, a file that is rendered has this status until it is opened.

Search field

Lets you search for text in the Name or Path column, depending on which column is selected.

Remove Non-Existing Files

Removes those files from the list that cannot be located on the medium.

Page 76

File Operations Favorite Files

Remove Selected Files

Removes all selected files from the list.

Open

Opens the selected files.

Filtering Recently Used Files by Name

The search field in the Recent Files tab allows you to filter the files list by name.

●

To specify whether the Name or the Path column is used, click the Name or Path column header.

●

To search for a file, enter the text that you want to search for in the search field.

●

To switch the focus from the search field to the list of recently used files, press Down

Arrow.

●

To switch the focus from the list of recently used files to the search field, press Ctrl/Cmd-F.

Setting the Number of Recently Used Files to Display

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Preferences> Global.

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

3. In the History section, set the maximum number of items to be listed in the following

areas:

●

Recent File menus

●

Recent Files tab

●

Recent Folders menu

Favorite Files

You can add files that you are using regularly to the favorite files list.

●

To open the favorite files list, select File> Open, select the file type, and click Favorites.

●

To add the open file to the favorite files list, click Add Current File.

●

To open a file from the favorite files list, select a file from the file list, and click Open.

●

To remove files from the favorite files list, select the files that you want to remove, and click Remove Selected Files.

●

To remove files from the list that are no longer present on the medium, click Remove

Non-Existing Files.

Favorite Files Tab

This tab allows you to display and edit the favorite files list.

● To open the Favorite Files tab, select File> Open, select the file type, and click Favorites.

Page 77

File Operations Save and Save As

List of favorite files

Shows the favorite files.

Lets you filter the favorite files list by name.

Remove Non-Existing Files

Removes files from the list that are no longer present on the medium.

Remove Selected Files

Removes all selected files from the list.

Add Current File

Adds the open file to the favorites list.

Only Show Files Created by WaveLab Pro

If this option is activated, the list displays only files that were created by WaveLab Pro, but have not yet been opened.

This allows you to quickly access files that were created in WaveLab Pro via the Save

As or Render option, for example.

Open

Opens the selected files in WaveLab Pro.

Filtering Favorite Files

The search field in the Favorite Files tab allows you to filter the favorite files list by name.

●

In the Favorite Files tab, enter the text that you want to search for in the search field.

●

To switch the focus from the search field to the favorite files list, press Down Arrow.

●

To switch the focus from the favorite files list to the search field, press Ctrl/Cmd-F.

RELATED LINKS

Favorite Files Tab on page 76

Save and Save As

●

Once a file has been saved, select File> Save, or press Ctrl/Cmd-S to update the file and make the changes permanent.

●

If you want to specify a new name, location, and/or file format, select File> Save As.

NOTE

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

Page 78

File Operations Save and Save As

Tab Colors

The colored tab corner gives information on whether a file is saved or not, and whether the file has been rendered in Cubase.

White

The file is not modified.

Green (Audio Editor only)

The file uses a decoded file format and is saved.

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.

PROCEDURE

1. Open the File window and click Save All.

2. Select the files that you want to save.

3. Click Save.

Saving Copies of Files

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

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Save As.

2. Specify a name and location.

3. Right-click Save and select Save Copy.

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.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Open.

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

3. Click Revert to Saved File.

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

Page 79

File Operations Templates

RESULT

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

Automatic Backups

You can automatically create backups of your files.

For example, if you select Save As and specify a file name that is already used in 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.

Saving Audio Montages

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 rename audio files that are referenced by audio montages, rename the audio 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 before saving the audio montage.

RELATED LINKS

Renaming Files on page 84 Save and Save As on page 77

Templates

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

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 update an existing template.

Explore

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

Page 80

File Operations Templates

Use Template Name as Default File Name

If this option is activated and you click Add Template, 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”.

Creating Templates

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

PREREQUISITE

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

PROCEDURE

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, do one of the following.

●

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

●

To update an existing template, click Add Template, enter the name of the template that you want to update, and click Create.

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 template or an audio montage template, you can

make additional settings.

●

When saving an audio file template, the Audio File Template dialog opens. Here, you can select whether WaveLab Pro should attach an audio file format.

●

When saving an audio montage template, the Audio Montage Template dialog opens. Here, you can select whether to include track plug-ins, clips, and/or markers. Also select whether WaveLab Pro should attach an audio file format.

Audio File Template Dialog

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 metadata when creating an audio file template or not.

● To open the Audio File Template dialog, select File> New, click Audio File, and click Templates. In the Templates tab, click Add Template.

Page 81

File Operations Templates

Attach Audio File Format

If this option is activated, whenever you open the Render or Save As dialogs, the audio file configuration specified below is proposed by default.

Template Name

Allows you to enter a name for the template.

Audio Montage Template Dialog

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

● To open the Audio Montage Template dialog, select File> New, click Audio Montage, and click Templates. In the Templates tab, click Add Template.

Include Clips

If this option is activated, clips are saved in the template.

Include Track and Master Plug-ins

If this option is activated, track plug-ins and master plug-ins are saved in the template.

Include Markers

If this option is activated, markers are saved in the template.

Attach Audio File Format

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

Template Name

Allows you to enter a name for the template.

File Group Template Dialog

The File Group Template dialog displays the file group name on which the template that you are creating is based on. You can also specify whether to include links to the files inside the file group in the template and specify the template name.

● To open the File Group Template dialog, select File> New, click File Group, and click Templates. In the Templates tab, click Add Template.

Page 82

File Operations Templates

Include Links to the Files Inside the File Group

If this option is activated, the links to the files that are included in the file group are included in the template.

Template Name

Allows you to enter a name for the template.

Project Template Dialog

In the Project Template dialog, you can set various options when creating a project template.

● To open the Project Template dialog, select File> New, click Project, and click

Templates. In the Templates tab, click Add Template.

Include Links to the Files Inside the Project

If this option is activated, the links to the files that are included in the project are included in the template.

Set as Default Project

If this option is activated, the template is used as the default project when you start WaveLab Pro.

Template Name

Allows you to enter a name for the template.

Creating Files From Templates

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

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> New.

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

3. Click Templates.

Page 83

File Operations Templates

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

Deleting Templates

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> New.

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

3. Click Templates.

4. Click Explore.

5. In the File Explorer/macOS Finder, delete the templates.

Renaming Templates

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> New.

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

3. Click Templates.

4. Click Explore.

5. In the File Explorer/macOS Finder, rename the templates.

Setting Templates as Default

You can set a template as the default template that opens when you click New on the command bar.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> New.

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

3. Select Templates.

4. Right-click a template and select Set as Default.

RELATED LINKS

Command Bar on page 48

Defining Shortcuts for Templates

You can define key sequences and keywords for templates. This allows you to quickly open a template.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> New.

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

3. Select Templates.

4. Right-click a template and select Define Shortcut.

5. In the Shortcut Definitions dialog, edit the shortcut for the selected template.

Page 84

File Operations File Renaming

6. Click OK.

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 files are also renamed accordingly.

The following files use audio file references:

●

Audio montages

●

Basic Audio CDs

●

DVD-Audio projects

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 Pro.

PROCEDURE

1. Open the file that you want to rename.

2. Select the File tab.

3. Click Info.

4. In the Name section, enter the new name and/or a new file location.

5. Select a file suffix from the pop-up menu.

6. Click Apply Changes.

Naming Schemes

When rendering audio files or audio montages, you can create multiple files that are named according to a naming scheme.

Defining Naming Schemes

You can define a naming scheme by combining name attributes that determine the structure of the file names for the rendered audio files or audio montages.

PROCEDURE

1. In the Naming Scheme dialog, click Add Attribute and select which attributes you want to add.

2. In the Settings section, make your settings.

3. Click OK.

RELATED LINKS

Naming Scheme Dialog on page 85

Page 85

File Operations Naming Schemes

Naming Scheme Dialog

The Naming Scheme dialog allows you to define naming schemes for the audio files or audio montages that you want to render. You can save naming schemes as presets.

● To open the Naming Scheme dialog, select the Render tab in the Audio Editor or Audio Montage window, and activate Named File in the Result section. Then open the Scheme pop-up menu in the Output section, and select Edit Naming Scheme.

Add Attribute

Allows you to add a naming scheme attribute. You can add free text, counters, and variables.

Used Attributes

Shows the naming scheme attributes. You can rearrange the attributes by dragging.

Separator

Allows you to select a separator.

Counter Start

Allows you to select the counter start.

Digit Number

Allows you to select the style of the digit number.

Ignore for Single File Rendering

If this option is activated, the naming scheme is only applied when rendering more than one file.

Convert to Lowercase

If this option is activated, all letters of the generated name are converted to lowercase.

Replace Spaces by Separator

If this option is activated, all spaces are replaced by the selected separator.

Preview

Displays a preview of your current settings.

Presets

Allows you to save and apply naming scheme presets.

Page 86

File Operations Deleting Files

Deleting Files

You can delete the active file from within WaveLab Pro.

PREREQUISITE

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.

PROCEDURE

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, is deleted.

Temporary Files

WaveLab Pro creates temporary files to store intermediary results of the audio file processing and for the undo/redo functions. You can specify where WaveLab Pro saves its temporary files and the processing precision of temporary files.

You can specify up to three different folders for saving temporary files. If you have access to more than one drive, saving your temporary files on a separate hard disk drive (not partitions) can speed up performance considerably.

For example, if your source files are located on the C: drive, you could specify D:\temp and E: \temp as temporary folders. This improves the performance and reduces disc fragmentation.

By default, WaveLab Pro creates temporary files in 32-bit float. Use the 64 bit float option if you want to create 64-bit float audio files or 32-bit PCM files.

NOTE

Temporary files in 64-bit float have double precision but take longer to read and write than 32-bit float and their file size is twice as big.

You can change the processing precision of temporary files with the Processing Precision option. You can set this option in the Global Preferences on the Audio tab.

RELATED LINKS

Specifying Folders on page 87 Audio Tab on page 573

Work Folders vs. Document Folders

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

●

In work folders, temporary files are saved.

●

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

Page 87

File Operations Work Folders vs. Document Folders

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.

PROCEDURE

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

2. Select File> Preferences> Folders.

3. On the Folders tab, click the type of folder for which you want to specify a location.

4. Specify a location in the Folder field.

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

Folders Tab

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

● To open the Folders tab, 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 #1/#2/#3

You can specify three folders for saving temporary files. If your system comprises multiple hard disks, specifying one folder for temporary files on each of these hard disks can speed up file operations.

Companion Files

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

Page 88

File Operations Work Folders vs. Document Folders

Cache Folder

Activate Use Cache Folder for Decoded Files to specify a cache folder. The 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 Pro checks the date of each file in this folder and deletes files that were created before a specific number of days. You can specify the number of days with the Delete Files Older Than option.

If Use Cache Folder for Decoded Files is deactivated, the compressed files are decoded each time they are opened.

Audio File – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for audio files.

Audio Montage – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for audio montage files.

Basic Audio CD – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for Basic Audio CD files.

Batch Processor – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for Batch Processor files.

DVD-Audio Project – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for DVD-Audio Project files.

File Group – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for File Group files.

Podcast – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for podcast files.

Project – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for project files.

Script (Audio File/Audio Montage) – Open Folder/Save Folder

The default open and save folders for script files.

Depending on the selected item, different settings are available on the right side of the dialog.

Current Folder

In this field, the folder that is used as default is displayed. You can click the folder button to the right to navigate to a folder, or to create a new folder.

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 vice versa. Activate this option for both the save folder and the open folder if you want a specific file type to use the same folder for saving and for opening this type of file.

Use for File Browser

In the File Browser, the folder does not change when you switch between file types by default.

If you activate Use for File Browser and deactivate Keep Last Used, the folder location that you have selected in the Current Folder field of each file type is displayed when you switch between file types in the File Browser.

If you activate Use for File Browser and Keep Last Used, the folder that you have selected in the Current Folder field of each file type is displayed when you select

Page 89

File Operations Exporting to SoundCloud

a file type for the first time. When you then browse to another folder in the File Browser, the Keep Last Used behavior is used. That is, the last used folder for this file type is displayed when you select the file type.

You can make these settings for each file type independently.

On Reopening the Application, Revert to This Folder

Activate this option to restore a specific folder each time you open WaveLab Pro. This way, any changes to save/open folders are only temporary and are reset when you restart WaveLab Pro.

Exporting to SoundCloud

SoundCloud is an online platform for uploading and sharing your audio recordings. You can export an audio file from WaveLab Pro to your SoundCloud account.

If you do not have a SoundCloud account, visit www.soundcloud.com to register.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Export.

2. Click Export to SoundCloud.

3. Once you have logged in to your SoundCloud account, the file upload starts.

AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

After uploading the audio file, you can edit the privacy settings and add metadata in SoundCloud.

Copying Audio Information to the Clipboard

You can copy information about the name and location of the selected audio file, including any selection information and cursor position. This information can be pasted into an external text application.

This is useful if you need accurate file path/selection information when writing a script, for example.

PROCEDURE

1. Click the File tab.

2. Click Info.

3. Click Copy to Clipboard and select the information that you want to copy to the clipboard.

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.

PROCEDURE

● In any window, press Ctrl/Cmd-F12, to set the focus on the wave/montage window.

Page 90

This chapter describes the methods for controlling playback and transport functions.

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.

The transport bar is available in the Audio Editor and in the Audio Montage window.

By default, the extended transport bar options are hidden.

● To activate the extended transport bar, click Extend Transport Bar on the transport bar.

Presets

Allows you to save and apply presets.

Playback

Jog and Shuttle

Activates the Jog and Shuttle mode.

Playback Speed

Opens a menu where you can specify the playback speed.

Perform Pre-Roll/Perform Post-Roll

Activates pre-roll or post-roll for the commands Play from Anchor, Play until Anchor, and Play Audio Range.

Right-click the button to select the pre-roll or post-roll length and to specify to which 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 pre-roll settings are taken into account. Right-click the button to open a menu with related options and auto selection modes.

● 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.

● 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.

Page 91

Playback Transport Bar

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 account. Right-click the button to open a menu with related options and auto selection modes.

● If Auto Select Anchor 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 from 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:

● Edit Cursor

● Start of File

● Start of Selected Time Range

● End of Selected Time Range

● Any Marker

● Region Start Marker

● 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.

Page 92

Playback Transport Bar

Move Playback Position Backwards/Move Playback Position Forwards

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

To move the edit cursor to the start/end of the file, press Ctrl/Cmd, and click the Move Playback Position Backwards/Move Playback Position Forwards buttons.

Navigation anchors allow you to move the edit cursor to specific positions in the audio file or audio montage. Right-click theMove Playback Position Backwards/ Move Playback Position 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 stopped, 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 Edit Cursor

Starts playing back the active audio file or audio montage from the edit cursor position. This option can also be used to play back other sources, for example, the selected Basic Audio CD track or the active clip in the Clips window.

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.

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. Right-click the button to open the Lead Sequence pop-up menu.

● If you select Start, playback starts from the cursor position.

● 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 position. Click to select another time unit.

Transport Bar in the Podcast Editor and Batch Processor Window

In the Podcast Editor and Batch Processor window, a simplified transport bar allows you to play back the selected podcast episode and selected batch process source files and destination files.

Page 93

Playback Transport Bar

Play Button

Clicking the Play button on the transport bar starts playing back the active audio file or audio montage from the edit cursor position. It can also be used to play back other sources, for example, the selected Basic Audio CD track or the active clip in the Clips window.

You can also use the Space bar or the Enter key on your keyboard to start playback. Pressing

Space during playback stops playback, pressing Enter during playback makes playback restart

from the last start position.

If the Loop button is activated, the audio selection is looped, if available. Otherwise, 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 Audio Range, Play from Anchor, and

Play until Anchor options.

Stop Button

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, 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.

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.

Playing Back Audio Ranges

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

PROCEDURE

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 settings are taken into 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.

Page 94

Playback Transport Bar

Playing Back From an Anchor or Until an Anchor

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.

PROCEDURE

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.

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

4. To play back from the anchor marker, click the Play From Anchor button on 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 the anchor position and stops 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 preroll time.

●

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 cursor is beyond the selected anchor, playback starts at the selected anchor. If preroll is activated, it is taken into account.

●

If pre-roll is activated, playback starts from the selected anchor minus the preroll time, until the selected anchor.

●

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

●

The loop settings have no effect.

Page 95

Playback 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.

PROCEDURE

1. On the transport bar, right-click the Play From Anchor or 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 appropriate range, or anchor, is selected. For example, if you click inside a marker pair, this region is selected as playback range.

The time ruler shows the selected range or anchor.

NOTE

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.

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 back starts from the anchor or stops at the anchor. Pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken into account.

NOTE

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

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.

PROCEDURE

1. On the transport bar, right-click the Play From Anchor or 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 following shortcuts:

●

To play back the selected audio range, press F6.

●

To play back from an anchor, press F7.

Page 96

Playback Transport Bar

●

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.

PROCEDURE

1. On the transport bar, activate Skip Range.

2. Activate Perform Pre-Roll and Perform Post-Roll.

3. If you want to use the Play Audio Range function, activate one of the Ranges modes.

4. Depending on the Ranges mode, do one of the following:

●

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

●

If you have activated Region Between Marker Pairs, click between a marker pair.

5. Select Play Audio Range, or press F6.

RESULT

The selected range is skipped during playback.

You can also use the factory preset for skipping selections during playback. Activate Skip Range, make an audio selection, and press Shift-F6.

NOTE

This mode also works with the Start Playback from Edit 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

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

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.

If you loop a section in an audio montage, playback loops within the boundaries of 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.

Page 97

Playback Transport Bar

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 select a pre-roll/ post-roll time. Here, you can also select a play option for the pre-roll/post-roll, and you can open the Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times dialog.

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 Pro.

● To open the Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times dialog, right-click the pre-roll or post-roll button on the transport bar, and select Edit Pre-Roll and Post-Roll Times.

Playback Speed Dialog

This dialog allows you to specify the playback speed of the active audio file and all clips of the active audio montage.

● To open the Playback Speed dialog, right-click Playback Speed on the transport bar, and select Edit Playback Speed.

Page 98

Playback Transport Bar

Presets

You can enter a name to save the settings as a preset and select them from the

Playback Speed pop-up menu later.

Speed Factor

Sets the playback speed as a percentage of the normal speed.

Time Stretching

Compared to the speed coefficient, this is the inverse, a deceleration coefficient. This value is equivalent to the percentage found in the Time Stretching dialog.

Keep Constant Pitch (Pure Time Stretching)

Indicates the time stretching.

Quality

Allows you to select a quality. The Best and High quality modes provide the highest quality, but are also the most CPU intensive. In most cases, the Standard quality is sufficient.

Acceleration by Skipping Low Level Regions

If this option is activated, regions of the audio that are below the threshold level are skipped during playback.

Level Detection Sensitivity

Determines the sensitivity of the level detection analysis.

Level under Which Audio Is Skipped

Determines the threshold level for a region to be skipped during playback.

Bypass Effects and Master Section

If this option is activated, all active effects in the audio montage and all global effects in the Master Section are bypassed. This saves processing power and usually the plug-ins are not needed trying to locate audio material.

Bypass Audio Meters

If this option is activated, all meters are bypassed to save processing power.

NOTE

Changing the playback speed does not change the original audio, but only the playback speed in WaveLab Pro.

Page 99

Playback Transport Bar

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 used even when the wave window or montage window is not the active window.

0 on numeric keypad

Stops playback. If the playback is stopped and you press this shortcut, 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. 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, playback restarts from the previous start position. This is the same as clicking Start Playback from Edit Cursor on the transport bar.

Alt-Space

Starts playback from the mouse cursor position.

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

Ranges section of the transport bar.

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

Anchors section of the transport bar.

Starts playback until the selected anchor, depending on the selected option 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 Preset dialog, click the Presets field on the transport bar, and select Save As.

Page 100

Playback Transport Bar

Path

Opens the root folder of the preset in the File Explorer/macOS Finder. Here, you can create subfolders for your presets.

Presets list

Lists all existing presets.

Name

Lets you specify a name for your preset.

Create Shortcut for Selecting the Preset

If this option is activated and you click Save, the Shortcut Definitions dialog opens, where you can define a shortcut for this preset.

If a preset already has an assigned shortcut, this option is grayed out. To change the existing shortcut, double-click the preset name in the presets list.

When a Preset Is Selected

This lets you assign a customized playback command to a shortcut. For example, you can set a shortcut to play a range with a short pre-roll/post-roll, and another shortcut to play a range without a pre-roll/post-roll.

When Playback Stops, Restore Previous Transport Settings

If this option is activated, the settings are restored to as they were before playback start. This is useful to trigger a special play task, and automatically switch back to the standard settings as soon as playback is finished.

Changing the Position of the Transport Bar

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

PROCEDURE

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.

100

Steinberg Wavelab Pro - 9.5 Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

WaveLab Pro Introduction

Platform-Independent Documentation

Help System

Conventions

Typographical Elements

Markup

Key Commands

How You Can Reach Us

Setting Up Your System

Connecting the Equipment

Audio Cards and Background Playback

Latency

Defining Audio Connections

Selecting an ASIO Driver

Selecting a Windows MME Driver

Audio Connections Tab

CD/DVD Recorders

Remote Devices

Remote Devices Tab

Selecting a MIDI Remote Control Device

Assigning a MIDI Controller to a Parameter

Assigning Custom Parameters to Plug-ins

Importing and Exporting Remote Control Definition Files

Editing Changes in the Remote Control Devices Settings

Using Modifiers for Remote Controlling Parameters

CC121 Advanced Integration Controller

WaveLab Pro Concepts

General Editing Rules

Startup Dialog

Basic Window Handling

Closing Windows

Switching Between Files

Selecting Audio

Selecting a Range by Dragging

Audio Range Selection in an Audio File

Audio Range Selection in an Audio Montage

Range Selection Dialog

Memorizing Selection Length and Cursor Position

Selecting in Stereo Files

Switching the Selection Between Channels

Selecting in the Overview of the Audio Editor

Moving a Selection Range

Extending and Reducing the Selection

Extending and Reducing the Selection Using the Cursor Keys

Deleting Selections

Sliders

Renaming Items in Tables

File Browser

File Browser Window

Tab Groups

Creating File Tab Groups

Creating File Tab Groups in Empty Tab Groups

Using Tab Groups

Peak Files

Setting the Peak File Behavior

Rebuilding Peak Displays

Companion Files

Storing Companion Files in Another Location

Processing Precision

EBU Loudness Standard R-128

Workspace Window

Audio Editor

Audio Montage

Batch Processor

Podcast Editor

Basic Audio CD

DVD-Audio

Script Editor

Control Window

Docking Tool Windows and Meters in a Control Window

Docking Tab Groups in a Control Window

File Tab

Info Tab

Tool Windows

Opening and Closing Tool Windows