Steinberg Wavelab Yellowtec Edition User Guide

Operation Manual

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.

Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, 2017.

5 Introduction

5 Platform-Independent Documentation 5 Help System 6 Conventions 7 Key Commands 7 How You Can Reach Us

8 Setting Up Your System

8 Connecting the Equipment 8 Audio Cards and Background Playback 8 Latency 9 Defining VST Audio Connections

12 WaveLab Yellowtec Edition Concepts

12 General Editing Rules 12 Startup Dialog 13 Shortcuts 14 Basic Window Handling 14 Selecting Audio 16 Sliders 17 Renaming Items in Tables 17 File Browser 18 Peak Files

19 Workspace Window

19 Audio Editor 19 Audio Montage 20 File Tab 20 Info Tab 21 Tool Windows 21 Meter Windows 22 Slide-Out Windows 22 Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and

Meter Windows

22 Command Bar 23 Status Bar 25 Context Menus 25 Time Ruler and Level Ruler 28 Managing Tabs 29 Activating Full Screen Mode

30 Project Handling

30 Opening Files 30 Value Editing 31 Drag Operations 32 Undoing and Redoing Actions 32 Zooming 38 Presets

40 File Operations

40 Recently Used Files 41 Favorite Files 42 Save and Save As 44 File Renaming 44 Deleting Files 45 Copying Audio Information to the Clipboard 45 Setting the Focus on the Current File

46 Playback

46 Transport Bar 52 Starting Playback From the Ruler 53 Using the Play Tool 53 Playback Scrubbing 54 Playback in the Audio Montage Window

55 Audio File Editing

55 Wave Window 59 Audio Editor Tabs 63 File Handling in the Audio Editor 76 Changing the Audio Properties 76 Meta-Data 78 Silence Generator Dialog

81 Offline Processing

81 Level Normalizer Dialog 82 Loudness Normalizer 84 Pan Normalizer Dialog 85 Fades in Audio Files 85 Crossfades

87 Audio Montage

87 Montage Window 89 Audio Montage Tabs 93 Signal Path in the Audio Montage 93 Creating New Audio Montages 93 Audio Montage Duplicates 94 Creating an Audio Montage from an Audio

File

95 Missing Files Dialog 96 Assembling the Audio Montage 99 Rearranging Clips 101 Clip Editing 105 Track Activity Indicator 105 Envelopes for Clips 107 Fades and Crossfades in Audio Montages 110 Mixing Down – The Render Function

Table of Contents 

111 Recording

111 Setting Up the Recording Dialog 112 Dropping Markers During Recording 112 Recording Dialog

114 Master Section

114 Master Section Window 120 Rendering 122 Monitoring Background Tasks 122 Dropouts

123 Markers

123 Markers Window 125 About Creating Markers 125 Deleting Markers 126 Moving Markers 126 Renaming Markers 127 Selecting Markers 127 Selecting the Audio Between Markers 127 Binding Markers to Clips in the Audio

Montage

128 Metering

128 Meter Settings 128 Resetting the Meters 128 Level Meter 130 Loudness Meter 134 Phasescope

136 Customizing

136 Plug-in Organization

139 Configuring the Software

139 Global Preferences 139 Audio Files Preferences

141 Plug-in Reference

141 Compressor 143 DeEsser 145 Expander 146 Gate 148 Limiter 149 Brickwall Limiter 150 GEQ-10/GEQ-30 151 StudioEQ 153 PostFilter 155 RoomWorks

158 Index

Platform-Independent Documentation

The documentation applies to the operating systems Windows and Mac OS.

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 Mac OS.

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 Mac OS.

Introduction

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 Yellowtec Edition and select Help> WaveLab Yellowtec Edition 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 (Mac OS) to show the Help button, and then click the Help button, or press F1 (Windows) or Cmd-? (Mac OS).

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

To see information on what kind of editing can be performed when using the 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 (Mac OS), 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 99

Introduction Conventions

Conventions

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

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.

Markup

NOTE

Informs you about issues that you should consider.

EXAMPLE

Provides you with an example.

RESULT

Shows the result of the procedure.

AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

Informs you about actions or tasks that you can undertake after completing the procedure.

RELATED LINKS

Lists related topics that you can find in this documentation.

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

EXAMPLE

To open the Meta-Data dialog, open the Meta-Data 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.

Introduction Key Commands

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.

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

•

Windows modifier key/Mac OS modifier key-key

EXAMPLE

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

How You Can Reach Us

On the Help menu in WaveLab Yellowtec Edition, 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.

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

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

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

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Preferences> VST Audio Connections.

2. Select the Options tab.

3. Activate Release Driver when WaveLab Yellowtec Edition is in Background.

Latency

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

When working with WaveLab Yellowtec Edition, 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 Options tab in the VST Audio Connections, or increase the buffer size in the ASIO control panel, specific to the audio card.

Setting Up Your System Defining VST Audio Connections

RELATED LINKS

VST Audio Connections Tab on page 10

Defining VST Audio Connections

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

VST Audio Connections Tab on page 10

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> VST Audio Connections.

2. Open the Audio Device pop-up menu and select your ASIO driver. The ASIO Plug-ins tab and the Control Panel button are activated.

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

Selecting a Windows MME Driver

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Options> VST 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.

Setting Up Your System Defining VST Audio Connections

VST Audio Connections Tab

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

• To open the VST Audio Connections tab, select File> Preferences> VST 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.

Recording Tab

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

Options Tab

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

Buffer Number

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

MME Specific – Buffer Size

Increasing this value improves the elasticity of audio streaming to avoid dropouts. This is only available when an MME driver is selected.

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.

Setting Up Your System Defining VST Audio Connections

Release Driver

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

• If When WaveLab Yellowtec Edition is in Background is activated, the driver

is released when WaveLab Yellowtec Edition is in the background.

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition

This chapter describes general concepts that you will use when working with WaveLab Yellowtec Edition. 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.

Concepts

NOTE

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

Startup Dialog

Create

Empty Window

Creates an empty WaveLab Yellowtec Edition window.

Open

Last Files

Opens the files that you last used in WaveLab Yellowtec Edition.

Recent File

Allows you to open a recently used file.

Browse

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

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition Concepts Shortcuts

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 Yellowtec Edition.

Shortcuts

In WaveLab Yellowtec Edition, you can control many functions via shortcuts to speed up your workflow.

Most shortcuts are restricted to a specific editor, which means that you can reuse the same shortcut combination in different editors. The exception is the Master Section where all shortcuts are global to the application.

The shortcuts in the View and Navigation sections on the Shortcuts tab are dedicated to navigating through WaveLab Yellowtec Edition.

RELATED LINKS

Shortcuts Tab on page 13

Shortcuts Tab

This tab allows you to customize your own shortcuts for WaveLab Yellowtec Edition. It shows a list of the assigned shortcuts for WaveLab Yellowtec Edition commands and menu options.

• To open the Shortcuts tab, select File> Preferences> Shortcuts.

Search pop-up menu

Allows you to select the part of the commands list in which the search is performed.

Search field

Allows you to search for a command.

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition Concepts Basic Window Handling

Use Wildcards

If this option is activated, the wildcard characters “*” and “?” can be used.

“*” substitutes zero or more characters, and “?” substitutes any character.

For example, if Search Keyboard Shortcut is selected, type “*” to display all commands that are already associated with a shortcut.

Expand/Collapse

Expands/Collapses the folder tree.

Commands list

Shows all commands and their shortcuts.

Summary

Opens a menu from which you can generate a list of all commands and their shortcuts, either in HTML or as a print out.

Basic Window Handling

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

Closing Windows

•

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

But This.

Switching Between Files

You can have multiple files open and switch between them.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

To cycle 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 Yellowtec Edition 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, tripleclick it.

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition Concepts Selecting Audio

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.

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.

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.

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

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition Concepts Sliders

Extending and Reducing the Selection

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

Sliders

There are several options for deleting a selected range.

Audio Editor

The following options can be found on the Yellowtec 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.

Audio Montage Window

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

Delete Selected Clip

Deletes the selected clip.

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

•

Position the mouse over the slider and use the mouse wheel without clicking. 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.

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition Concepts Renaming Items in Tables

•

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

•

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 Yellowtec Edition. 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 Yellowtec Edition.

• To open the File Browser window, select Tool Windows> File Browser.

Back/Forward/Parent Directory

Allows you to navigate through the list and file hierarchy.

Location

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

Auto-Play Mode

Automatically starts playback of the selected file.

Play Selected Audio File

Plays the selected audio file.

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition Concepts Peak Files

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

File format list

Allows you to select which 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.

File list

Shows the file name, size, type, modification date, and other information about the file.

Create Folder

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

Peak Files

A peak file (extension .gpk) is automatically created by WaveLab Yellowtec Edition each time an audio file is modified or opened in WaveLab Yellowtec Edition 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.

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.

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

• Tabs to host the files to edit. You can move the content of a tab to another tab, create a new empty tab, display the file path, and access other functions by right-clicking.

• A set of tool windows. Which tools are available depends on the file type you are working on. The tool windows can be activated/deactivated individually.

Audio Editor

The Audio Editor provides tools and functions for sample-accurate audio editing.

The Audio Editor includes various metering tools.

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 55

Audio Montage

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

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 87

Workspace Window File Tab

File Tab

The File tab is the control center of WaveLab Yellowtec Edition. 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 Yellowtec Edition preferences.

Info

New

Open

Save As

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

Allows you to create an audio file or audio montage.

Allows you to open audio files or audio montages.

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

Info Tab

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.

Render

Allows you to render the active file.

Preferences

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

• Global

• VST Audio Connections

• Shortcuts

• Plug-ins

• Audio Files

RELATED LINKS

Info Tab on page 20 Configuring the Software on page 139

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.

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.

Workspace Window Tool Windows

File Properties

Audio Properties

Meta-Data

Copy to Clipboard

Reveal in File Explorer/Mac OS Finder

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

For audio files, this displays the 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.

Displays the meta data of the active file.

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

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

Delete

Deletes the active file.

Tool Windows

Throughout WaveLab Yellowtec Edition 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 Yellowtec Edition 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.

Workspace Window Slide-Out Windows

Opening and Closing Meter Windows

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

•

To open a meter window, select 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

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.

RELATED LINKS

Slide-Out Windows on page 22

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 or audio montage.

Workspace Window Status Bar

Open

Save

Save As

Undo

Redo

Navigate Backwards/Navigate Forwards

Allows you to open an audio file or audio montage.

Saves the active file.

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.

Allows you to undo changes.

Allows you to redo changes that were undone.

In the Audio Editor and Audio Montage window, this allows you to navigate to the previous/next cursor position, zoom factor, or selection range without undoing/ redoing the edit operation.

Customize Command Bar

Maximize Window

Layout Options

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.

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

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

Allows you to determine the position of the command bar and transport bar.

Time/Level (dB)

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

Workspace Window Status Bar

Audio Information at Edit Cursor

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

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.

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.

Audio File Properties/Audio Montage Properties

In the Audio Editor, this displays the bit resolution 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 sample rate of the audio montage. Click the indicator to open the Sample Rate dialog.

Bypass Master Section

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

Background Information

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.

Workspace Window Context Menus

Context Menus

Throughout WaveLab Yellowtec Edition, 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. Right-clicking the ruler of the waveform window brings up the Time Ruler context menu that allows you to access a number of options for changing the time ruler display format.

You can find most context menu commands in the tabs, in the file window and in the main 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

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)

Workspace Window Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Time Ruler and Level Ruler Options

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

Time Ruler Menu

Timecode

Displays frames per second for various SMPTE timecode 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.

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.

RELATED LINKS

Time Format Dialog on page 27

Level Ruler Menu (Audio Editor only)

Sets the level format to decibels.

+-100 %

Sets the level format to percentage.

Workspace Window Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Normalized +1/-1

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

16-bit Range

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

24-bit Range

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

Save Current Settings as Default

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

Working With a Meter-Based Display

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

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 the Ticks per Quarter Note setting 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.

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.

Workspace Window Managing Tabs

Timecode Tab

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

Frames per Second

Show Absolute Frames

Show Quarter Frames

Show Hundredth Frames

Show Units

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.

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

Adds the quarter frame number to the time format.

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

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.

Managing Tabs

Workspace Window Activating Full Screen Mode

File Tabs

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

Add to

Allows you to add the active file to another editor.

Closes the active tab.

Close All But This

Closes all files but the active file.

Close All Audio Files

Closes all audio files.

Info

Displays information about the active file.

Reveal in File Explorer/Mac OS Finder

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

Copy to Clipboard

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

Recent Files

Allows you to open recently used files.

Activating Full Screen Mode

PROCEDURE

• Select Workspace> Full Screen.

Opening Files

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Open.

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

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

4. Click Open.

Project Handling

For example, Audio File.

Opening Files from the Clipboard

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

PROCEDURE

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

2. In WaveLab Yellowtec Edition, select File> Open.

3. Click Open Files from Clipboard.

RESULT

The files open in new file tabs.

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.

Project Handling Drag Operations

•

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 Yellowtec Edition 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 Yellowtec Edition 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 Yellowtec Edition, 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 22

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.

•

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.

Project Handling Undoing and Redoing Actions

•

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 Master Section

•

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

Undoing and Redoing Actions

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

When undoing or redoing any operation in the 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 undo or redo a step, click Undo or Redo in the title bar of the Audio Editor or

Audio Montage window.

Navigating Backwards and Forwards

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

•

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.

Project Handling Zooming

• 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.

• 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.

Project Handling Zooming

Zooming Using the Zoom Controls

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

•

To zoom horizontally, click the Horizontal Zoom control, and drag left or right, or use the mouse wheel.

•

To zoom vertically, click the Vertical Zoom control, and drag up or down, or use the mouse wheel.

•

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

Zooming Using the Zoom Tool

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

Using the Zoom Tool in the Main View

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

PROCEDURE

1. In the Audio Editor, select the Yellowtec 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.

Project Handling Zooming

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.

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.

RELATED LINKS

Global Preferences on page 139

Zoom Options

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

The zoom options are available in the Audio Editor on the Yellowtec tab and in the Audio Montage window on the Edit tab.

Project Handling Zooming

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.

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.

Project Handling Zooming

Zooming in the Audio Montage

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

Zoom Buttons in the Audio Montage

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

•

To only display the selected track, or also the tracks below and/or above the 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.

•

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.

Project Handling Presets

Presets

You can create presets to save commonly used settings. WaveLab Yellowtec Edition 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

4. Type in a name.

as the location for this preset.

5. Click Save.

Loading Presets

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

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.

Project Handling Presets

4. In the File Explorer/Mac OS 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.

Recently Used Files

All files that you have recently used in WaveLab Yellowtec Edition 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.

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 Yellowtec Edition. 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 Yellowtec Edition

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

File Operations Favorite Files

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 media.

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.

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 media, 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.

File Operations Save and Save As

List of favorite files

Remove Non-Existing Files

Shows the favorite files.

Lets you filter the favorite files list by name.

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

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 Yellowtec Edition

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

This allows you to quickly access files that were created in WaveLab Yellowtec Edition via the Save As or Render option, for example.

Open

Opens the selected files in WaveLab Yellowtec Edition.

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 41

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.

File Operations Save and Save As

Tab Colors

The colored tab corner gives information on whether a file is saved or not.

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.

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.

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.

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.

File Operations File Renaming

•

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 44 Save and Save As on page 42

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.

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 Yellowtec Edition.

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 drop-down list.

6. Click Apply Changes.

Deleting Files

You can delete the active file from within WaveLab Yellowtec Edition.

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.

File Operations Copying Audio Information to the Clipboard

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.

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.

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.

Playback

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/postroll 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 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.

• 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.

Play from Anchor

Plays from anchor. Pre-roll and post-roll settings are taken into account. Rightclick 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,

Playback Transport Bar

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 shortcut for Play from Anchor.

You can select which anchor to use as reference for the command Play from 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

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

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

Move Playback Position Backwards/Move Playback Position Forwards

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

Stops playback. If playback is already stopped, the edit cursor is moved to the previous start position.

• 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 or Play Audio Range options.

Playback Transport Bar

Start Playback from Cursor

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

If the audio being played back is not the active audio file, the Play button has a different color. This happens if you switch to another file window during playback, for example.

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

Time Display

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.

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.

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.

•

Opens the Recording dialog.

Displays the edit cursor or playback position. Click to select another time unit.

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.

Playback Transport Bar

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.

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.

Playing Back From an Anchor

You can play back audio from an anchor using the Play from Anchor option on the transport bar.

PROCEDURE

1. On the transport bar, right-click Play from 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.

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.

RESULT

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

"Play From Anchor" Functions

You can play back audio from an anchor using the Play from Anchor function 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 pre-roll 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.

Playback Transport Bar

Using the Auto Selection Mode

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

PROCEDURE

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

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

•

Make a selection range.

•

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 anchor is selected.

3. Press F7 to play back from an anchor.

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 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. Press F7 to start playback from an anchor.

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.

Loop Playback

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

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.

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 Yellowtec Edition.

• 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 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.

Playback Starting Playback From the Ruler

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 Cursor on the transport bar.

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.

Changing the Position of the Transport Bar

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

PROCEDURE

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

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

Hiding the Transport Bar

PROCEDURE

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

2. In the Transport Bar section, select Hidden.

Starting Playback From the Ruler

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

•

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

•

To set the playback position to a specific position, click the ruler during playback. This also applies for clicking the time rulers of another audio file or audio montage, which allows you to quickly switch playback between audio files or audio montages.

•

To start playback from a marker position, press Ctrl/Cmd and double-click the marker.

Playback Using the Play Tool

Using the Play Tool

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

PROCEDURE

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

2. In the Tools section, select the Play tool, or press and hold Alt.

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

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

RESULT

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

Playback Scrubbing

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

Scrubbing Using the Play Tool

PROCEDURE

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

2. In the Tools section, select the Play tool, or press and hold Alt.

3. Click in the wave window.

Playback starts at the position where you clicked.

Scrubbing Using the Time Ruler

PROCEDURE

1. Start playback.

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

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

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

Playback Playback in the Audio Montage Window

Playback in the Audio Montage Window

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

Mute and Solo Tracks

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

Click the number, and select Mute and/or Solo.

RELATED LINKS

Track Control Area on page 88

Playing Back Individual Clips

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

PROCEDURE

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

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

•

To play back the clip, select Play Clip.

•

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

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

Wave Window

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

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

You can synchronize the waveform displays so that they display the same part of the audio file, by clicking Sync with Other View.

Audio File Editing

Display Modes

In the wave window, the upper and the lower displays can independently be set to one of three display modes.

• The Waveform tab displays the waveform of the audio file.

• The Loudness tab displays the loudness graphs of the audio file.

Audio File Editing Wave Window

Waveform Tab

The Waveform tab displays the waveform of the audio file. The horizontal axis shows the time and the vertical axis the amplitude.

Loudness Tab

The curves on the Loudness tab represent the loudness over time in an audio file.

Because isolated peaks do not alter the perceived loudness of audio material very much, this display represents the loudness of an audio file more accurately than the waveform display.

This display mode also gives you an overview of the compression or dynamic range of an audio file. For example, the more peaks and valley expressions in the curve, the more dynamics in the audio. An even curve with few peaks indicates that the material is compressed with a limited dynamic range.

RELATED LINKS

EBU Loudness Standard R-128

Loudness Envelope Curves

The loudness envelope curves represent the average loudness of the signal in different areas of the frequency spectrum. These curves are shown in the Loudness display of the wave window.

The following loudness curves are available:

Audio File Editing Wave Window

1. Momentary loudness (100 ms resolution)

2. Short-term loudness (1 sec resolution)

3. Integrated loudness (loudness of the entire file)

4. Loudness range

5. True peak hints

The curves can be shown individually or in any combination. Which curves are displayed and what frequency area they represent is specified in the Loudness Display Settings dialog.

NOTE

The resolution is 100 ms, which means the momentary loudness information is collected every 100 ms and the short-term loudness every second to match the EBU standard. This is the same for true peaks. A clipping indicator is displayed when a 400 ms audio region contains one or more over peaks.

RELATED LINKS

Loudness Display Settings Dialog on page 57

Loudness Display Settings Dialog

In this dialog, you can specify how the loudness waveform is displayed.

• To open the Loudness Display Settings dialog, select the Loudness tab in the Audio Editor, and click Edit Settings.

Audio File Editing Wave Window

Momentary Loudness/Short-Term Loudness

Color

Lets you edit the color of the associated element.

Curve Thickness

Lets you customize the curve thickness. If Auto Thickness is selected, the curve thickness increases when zooming in.

Show Range

If this option is activated, the dynamic range is visualized. This displays the difference between the recent minimum and maximum loudness values. The wider the band, the wider the dynamics.

Range Transparency

Lets you specify the transparency of the range section.

Range Inertia

Determines the inertia of the loudness range, that is, how fast the range edges meet each other after a new minimum or maximum loudness is reported.

Integrated Loudness/Loudness Range/True Peaks

Color

Lets you edit the color of the associated element.

Curve Thickness

Lets you customize the curve thickness. If Auto Thickness is selected, the curve thickness increases when zooming in.

Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs

Only Show Hot Points (True Peaks section only)

Axes

Upper/Reference/Lower

Additional Color Settings

Background/Selected Background

Additional Options

Curve Smoothing

If this option is activated, the curve is hidden and only the peak overloads are displayed as red bullets.

Lets you activate several axes, and edit their color and position in the loudness tab to get a visual reference.

Lets you edit the color of the associated element.

If this option is activated, the transitions between the loudness measurements are smoothly drawn. This is less accurate when abrupt changes occur.

Apply to All Open Files

If this option is activated, the settings are applied to all open audio files when you click OK.

Magnetic Bounds in Audio Files

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

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

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

Audio Editor Tabs

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

Yellowtec Tab

Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs

Tools

Time Selection

Pen

Play

Zoom

Time

Tool that allows you to select a time range.

Tool that allows you to redraw the waveform in the wave window. This can be used to quickly repair waveform errors.

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

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.

Microscope

Zooms in as far as possible.

View All

Zooms out 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.

Zoom in Vertically/Zoom out Vertically

Zooms in/out to show waveforms with a lower/higher level.

Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs

Reset Zoom to 0 dB

Optimize Vertical Zoom

Level

Cutting

Crop

Delete

Adjusts the zoom to display audio levels up to 0 dB.

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.

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

Deletes the data outside the selection.

Deletes the selection. The audio to the right of the selection is moved to the left to fill the gap.

Mute Selection

Replaces the audio selection with silence.

Silence Generator

Opens the Silence Generator dialog that allows you to insert silence or background noise in an audio file.

Swap Stereo Channels

Moves the audio in the left channel to the right channel, and vice versa.

Clipboard

Cut

Cuts the active clip to the clipboard.

Paste

Pastes the clipboard content.

Right-click Paste to open a pop-up menu that allows you to select a paste type.

• Overwrite replaces the audio at the paste position.

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

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

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

that you want to create.

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

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

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

Audio File Editing Audio Editor Tabs

Paste and Crossfade

Normalizing

Level

Loudness

Pastes the clipboard content and creates a crossfade.

Right-click Paste and Crossfade to open a pop-up menu that allows you to select a crossfade type for pasting.

• Linear (Equal Gain) changes the level linearly.

• Sinus (Equal Power) changes the level according to a sine curve, the power

of the mix remains constant.

• Square-Root (Equal Power) changes the level according to a square-root

curve, the power of the mix remains constant.

Opens the Level Normalizer dialog where you can change the peak level of an audio file.

Opens the Loudness Normalizer dialog where you can specify the loudness of a file.

Pan

Opens the Pan Normalizer dialog which allows you to ensure that both channels of a stereo file have the same level or loudness, and helps you to get the best possible stereo balance.

Fading

Fade In/Fade Out

Allows you to apply a fade in or fade out. Right-click the button to open the Curve pop-up menu.

Markers

Create Generic Marker

Allows you to create a generic marker at the cursor position.

Output

Render

Opens the Render tab that allows you to render your audio file.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

File Handling in the Audio Editor

Mono/Stereo Handling

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition is very flexible in its handling of stereo. All editing operations can be performed on either one channel or on both.

Supported File Formats

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition can open and save audio files in a number of file formats.

Wave (.wav)

The following bit resolutions are supported: 8 bit, 16 bit, 20 bit, 24 bit, and 32 bit (float).

Wave 64 (.w64)

This file format is very similar to the Wave format but with one important difference: it allows you to record and/or edit files of virtually any length. Standard Wave files are limited to 2 GB (stereo files) in WaveLab Yellowtec Edition.

NOTE

Wave 64 does not support meta-data. If you need large files and meta-data, use Wave files and activate the RF64 option.

RF64

In the Audio Files Preferences, you can activate the RF64 file format support. If this is activated, the standard Wave file format switches automatically to the RF64 file format as soon as the file size exceeds 2 GB, without any performance loss or interruption. This is useful when recording very long sessions. A RF64 file has the extension .wav, but it can only be opened with an application that supports the RF64 standard if the file exceeds 2 GB.

AIFF (.aif, .aiff, .snd)

Audio Interchange File Format, a standard defined by Apple Computers Inc. The following bit resolutions are supported: 8 bit, 16 bit, 20 bit, and 24 bit.

MPEG-1 Layer 3 (.mp3)

The most common audio compression format. The major advantage of MPEG compression is that the file size is significantly reduced, while there is little degradation of sound quality.

NOTE

When you open an MPEG compressed file in WaveLab Yellowtec Edition, the file is converted to a temporary wave file. On saving, the temporary wave file is converted back to MP3.

MPEG-1 Layer 2 (.mp2, .mpa, .mpg, .mus)

MP2 (sometimes referred to as “Musicam files”) is a common file format in the broadcast industry.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

Ogg Vorbis (.ogg, read-only)

Ogg Vorbis is a compressed file format that is open, patent-free, and which creates very small audio files maintaining comparatively high audio quality.

Windows Media Audio (.wma, .asf, read-only)

Microsoft’s own compressed format. WaveLab Yellowtec Edition lets you import audio in this format (Windows only). To import audio in WMA surround format, Windows Media Player 9 or later must be installed on your system.

FLAC (.flac, read-only)

Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) is a codec which allows digital audio to be losslessly compressed.

AAC (.aac, read-only)

Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) is a codec that allows lossy compression and encoding scheme for digital audio.

NOTE

The “$$$” file type is a temporary file format of WaveLab Yellowtec Edition. If you experience a computer crash, you may restore some of your work by opening any “$$$” files on your hard disk.

20-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit Float Files

You do not need a 20-bit or 24-bit audio card to take advantage of the fact that WaveLab Yellowtec Edition can handle 20-bit and 24-bit audio files. Any processing or editing performed on the files is always done at full resolution (32-bit float), even if your card does not support the full resolution.

For playback, WaveLab Yellowtec Edition automatically adapts to the card that you have installed.

Creating a New Audio File

You can create an empty audio file, to assemble material from other audio files, for example.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> New.

2. Click Audio File> Custom.

3. Specify the audio properties and click Create.

Audio Properties

You can define the channels, the sample rate, and the bit resolution of the audio file.

You can set these properties when you create a new audio file.

• To change the properties for the selected audio file, select the File tab and click Info, or click the Audio Properties button at the bottom right of the wave window.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

Channels

Allows you to select the number of audio channels.

Sample Rate

Allows you to select the number of audio samples per second.

Bit Resolution

Allows you to select the accuracy of samples in the audio stream.

Saving an Audio File

PROCEDURE

1. Do one of the following:

•

To save an audio file that has never been saved before, select File> Save As.

•

To save an audio file that has been saved before, click the Save button, or select

File> Save.

2. In the Save As window, specify a file name and location.

3. Click Save.

Saving in Another Format

You can change the file format, sampling frequency, bit resolution, and stereo/mono status when saving.

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> Save As.

2. In the Save As window, specify a file name and location.

3. Click in the Format field and select Edit.

4. In the Audio File Format dialog, set the file format and specify the properties.

5. Click OK.

6. Click Save.

RESULT

A new file is created. The original file is not affected by the operation.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

Audio File Format Dialog

In this dialog, you can change various file settings when saving.

• To open the Audio File Format dialog, select the File tab and select Render. Then activate Named File, click in the Format field, and select Edit.

This dialog can also be opened from various other locations in WaveLab Yellowtec Edition.

Type

Select an audio file type. This affects which options are available on the Audio Format menu.

File Extension

Select a file extension that is compatible with the current file type.

Audio Format

Select an audio format that is compatible with the current file type.

Channels

Specify the number of audio channels for the files to be created.

Sample Rate

Select a sample rate for the audio file. If you change this setting, a sample rate conversion takes place.

IMPORTANT

Use this only for simple conversions. For professional results, use the Resample plug-in and add limiting and dithering.

Bit Resolution

Select a bit resolution for the audio file. This option is only available for specific file types.

IMPORTANT

Reducing the bit resolution is only advised for simple conversions. For professional results, it is recommended to add dithering in the Master Section.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

Meta-Data

Lets you make meta-data settings that are saved with the file. This option is only available for some file types.

• If Do Not Save Anything is selected, no meta-data are saved with the file.

• If Inherit from Source File is selected, the meta-data of the source file are

used. If the source meta-data is empty, the default meta-data is used, if available.

• If selecting Specific to This Configuration is selected, you can edit the

meta-data, or replace it with a meta-data preset. To edit the meta-data, open the meta-data pop-up menu again, and select Edit.

Changing the Format

When changing the sample rate, bit resolution, and number of channels of an audio file, several operations are performed.

Sample Rate

If a new sample rate is specified, a sample rate conversion is performed.

Bit Resolution

If a different bit resolution is specified, the file is either truncated down to 8 bits, or padded up to 64 bits. If you are converting to a lower bit resolution, you should consider adding dithering.

Mono/Stereo

If the file is converted from mono to stereo, the same material is used in both channels. If the conversion is from stereo to mono, a mix of the two channels is created.

Saving a Selection as an Audio File

You can save a selection in the open audio file as a new audio file.

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window, make a selection range.

2. In the Audio Editor, select the Yellowtec tab.

3. In the Output section, click Render.

4. Open the Part menu and select Selected Audio Range.

5. In the Output section, specify a file name and location.

6. Open the Format menu and select Edit Single Format.

7. In the Audio File Format dialog, specify the output format and click OK.

8. In the Render section, click Start.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

Encoding Audio Files

Audio can be saved in different formats. The process of converting audio to another format is called encoding. When saving audio files, you can specify various encoding options for some file formats.

MP3 Encoding Dialog

You can edit the encoding options when you save an MP3 audio file.

You can open the MP3 Encoding dialog from most places where you can select an output file format. For example, open an audio file, select File> Save As, click in the Format field, and select Edit. In the Audio File Format dialog, select MPEG-1 Layer 3 (MP3) as type, click the

Encoding field, and select Edit.

Encoder

Lets you select the encoder (Fraunhofer or Lame).

Constant/Variable Bit Rate

The bit rate is related to the quantity of data used to encode the audio signal. The higher the value, the better the quality, but the larger the output file. If you choose Variable Bit Rate, the rate changes, according to the complexity of the audio material.

Highest Quality (Slowest)/Fastest

Select the quality that you want to achieve. The higher the quality, the more resources and time are required to analyze and compress the audio signal.

NOTE

Highest Quality (Slowest) can require a specific sample rate for the audio file. If this is the case and the sample rate is different from the input sample rate, a message is displayed.

When you use the Lame encoder, you can make additional settings on the Advanced tab.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

Allow Intensity Stereo Coding

Decreases the bit rate by reorganizing the intensity information between the channels.

Specify as Original Recording

Marks the encoded file as the original recording.

Write Private Bit

This is a custom flag.

Write Copyright Flag

Marks the encoded file as copyright protected.

Write Check-Sum

Allows other applications to check the integrity of the file.

Create Long Frames

Saves space by writing fewer headers in the file (not compatible with all decoders).

MPEG-1 Layer 2 Encoding Dialog

You can edit the encoding options when you save an MPEG-1 Layer 2 (MP2) audio file.

You can open the MPEG-1 Layer 2 Encoding dialog from most places where you can select an output file format. For example, open an audio file, select File> Save As, click in the Format field, and select Edit. In the Audio File Format dialog, select MPEG-1 Layer 2 as type, click the Encoding field, and select Edit.

Bit Rate

Determines the bit rate. The bit rate is related to the quantity of data that is used to encode the audio signal. The higher the value, the better the quality, but the larger the output file.

Stereo Encoding

In Standard mode, the encoder does not use the correlation between channels. However, the encoder can take space from a channel that is easy to encode and use it for a complicated channel.

In Joint mode, the encoder uses the existing correlations between the two channels to increase the ratio quality/space.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

In Dual mode, both channels are independently encoded. This mode is recommended for signals with independent channels.

Specify as Original Recording

Marks the encoded file as the original recording.

Write Private Bit

This is a custom flag.

Write Copyright Flag

Marks the encoded file as copyright protected.

Write Check-Sum

Allows other applications to check the integrity of the file.

Encode Peaks (Ancillary Data)

This must be activated for compatibility with specific systems, for example, DIGAS.

Creating an Audio Montage from an Audio File

You can export audio files to an audio montage, including all markers that you have set in the audio file.

PROCEDURE

1. In the Audio Editor, open the audio file that you want export to an audio montage.

2. Optional: If you want to use a specific time range of the audio file, create a selection

range in the wave window.

3. Select File> New.

4. Select Audio Montage> From Current File.

5. In the From Current Audio File section, click Insert Audio File in New Montage.

6. Click Create.

7. In the Create Audio Montage from Audio File dialog, select whether to import the

whole file or the selected audio range.

8. Optional: Activate Import Markers.

9. Click OK.

Turning Selections Into New Files

You can turn selections into new files via drag and drop or by using the Render tab in the Audio Editor.

Turning Selections Into New Files By Dragging

PROCEDURE

1. Make a selection in the wave window.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

2. Drag the selection to the tab bar above the wave window and release the mouse button.

RESULT

The selection opens in a new stereo window.

Turning Selections Into New Files Using the Menu

PROCEDURE

1. Make a selection in the wave window.

2. Right-click the selection and select Copy Selection to New Window.

3. From the submenu, select one of the following options:

•

Duplicate

•

Stereo Version

•

Mono Mixdown

•

Mono Mixdown (Subtract Right Channel from Left Channel)

RESULT

The selection opens in a new stereo or mono window.

Converting From Stereo to Mono and From Mono to Stereo

You can convert audio files from mono to stereo and from stereo to mono. Converting a mono file into a stereo file produces an audio file that contains the same material in both channels, for example for further processing into real stereo. Converting a stereo file into a mono file mixes the stereo channels to a mono channel.

Converting a Selection From Stereo to Mono

PROCEDURE

1. Make a stereo selection in the wave window.

2. Select File> New.

3. Select Audio File> From Current File.

4. Select one of the following options:

•

To mix the left and right stereo channels when converting to mono, click Mono Mixdown.

•

To mix the left channel with the inverse of the right channel when converting to mono, click Mono Mixdown (Subtract Right Channel from Left Channel).

The resulting mono wave contains the difference between the channels. For example, this allows you to verify that a wave file really is a true stereo file rather than a mono file converted to stereo format.

RESULT

The selection opens in a new mono window.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

Converting From Stereo to Mono While Saving

PROCEDURE

1. Make a stereo selection in the wave window.

2. Select File> Save As.

3. In the Save As window, specify a file name and location.

4. Click in the Format field and select Edit.

5. In the Audio File Format dialog, open the Channels menu and select one of the mono

settings. For example, when selecting Mono (Mix -3 dB), the resulting audio file is attenuated by

3 dB.

6. Click OK.

7. Click Save.

Converting a Selection From Mono to Stereo

PROCEDURE

1. Make a mono selection in the wave window.

2. Select File> New.

3. Select Audio File> From Current File.

4. Click Stereo Version.

5. Click Create.

RESULT

The selection opens in a new stereo window.

Swapping Channels in a Stereo File

You can swap the two channels in an audio file, that is, you can move the audio in the left channel to the right channel, and the audio in the right channel to the left channel.

•

To swap the channels of the whole audio file in the Audio Editor, select the Yellowtec tab, and in the Cutting section, click Swap Stereo Channels.

•

To swap the channels only a selected range of the audio file, make a selection range in the wave window, select the Yellowtec tab, and in the Cutting section, click Swap

Stereo Channels.

Special Paste Options

On the Paste pop-up menu in the Audio Editor, you find additional paste options.

• To access the special paste option, open the Audio Editor, select the Yellowtec tab, and in the Clipboard section, right-click Paste.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

Overwrite

Overwrites data in the destination file, rather than moving data to make room for the inserted audio. How much is overwritten depends on the selection in the destination file:

• If there is no selection in the destination file, a section with the same

length as the pasted selection is overwritten.

• If there is a selection in the destination file, the pasted selection replaces

that selection.

Append

Adds the pasted audio after the end of the file.

Prepend

Adds the pasted audio before the beginning of the file.

Multiple Copies

Opens a dialog in which you can enter the number of copies that you want to create.

Mix

Blends two files into each other, starting at the selection or, if there is no selection, at the cursor position.

• When you select the Mix option, a dialog opens, allowing you to specify the

gain for the audio on the clipboard and at the destination.

• All the data on the clipboard is always mixed in, regardless of the length of

the selection.

Moving Audio

You can rearrange the order of the audio in a file by dragging, and cutting and pasting.

Moving Audio by Dragging

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window, make a selection.

2. Drag the selection to a position outside the selection in the same file, or to another

wave window.

RESULT

The selection is removed from its original position and inserted where you drop it.

NOTE

To undo a move between two files you must first undo the paste in the destination window and then undo the cut operation in the source window.

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

Moving Audio Using Cut and Paste

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window, make a selection.

2. Use one of the following copy methods:

•

In the Audio Editor, select the Yellowtec tab, and click Cut.

•

Press Ctrl/Cmd-X.

3. Select how you want to insert the selection:

•

If you want to insert the audio, click once at the position in the same file or in another file.

•

If you want to replace a section of audio, select it.

4. To paste the selection, do one of the following:

•

In the Audio Editor, select the Yellowtec tab, and click Paste.

•

Press Ctrl/Cmd-V.

RESULT

The selection is removed from its original position and inserted where you drop it.

NOTE

To undo a move between two files you must first undo the paste in the destination window and then undo the cut operation in the source window.

Copying Audio

You can copy sections of audio within the same file or between audio files.

Stereo/Mono Handling

When you drag or copy stereo or mono files to other locations, the target location determines how the files are inserted.

Stereo/Mono is handled as follows when you drag between files:

Dragged section Drop wave Action

Stereo Stereo The dragged audio is always inserted into both

channels.

Stereo Mono Only the left channel is inserted.

Mono Stereo What happens depends on the vertical drop position.

This is indicated by the cursor shape. The selection can be inserted into only one of the channels, or the same material can be inserted into both channels.

Stereo/Mono is handled as follows when you copy and paste files:

Audio File Editing File Handling in the Audio Editor

Copied section Paste wave Action

Stereo Stereo If the wave cursor extends across both channels of

Stereo Stereo If the wave cursor is only in one channel, the audio

Stereo Mono Only the left channel is pasted.

Mono Stereo What happens depends on whether the wave cursor is

the destination file, the material is inserted into both channels.

is only pasted in that channel. Material from the left channel is pasted in the left channel and material from the right channel is pasted in the right channel.

in one channel or both. The audio is either pasted in one of the channels, or the same material is inserted into both channels.

Sample Rate Conflicts

If you copy or move audio from one window to another, and the sample rates of the two files are not the same, the copied/moved sound plays back at the wrong pitch (speed). The program warns you if this is about to happen.

While mixing sample rates can be used as an effect, it is most often not intended. There are two ways to get around this:

•

Convert the sample rate of the source file to the same rate as the destination file before editing.

•

Convert the sample rate of the destination file to the same rate as the source file before adding the audio.

Copying Audio Using Copy and Paste

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window, make a selection.

2. Use one of the following copy methods:

•

In the Audio Editor, select the Yellowtec tab, and click Copy.

•

Press Ctrl/Cmd-C.

3. Select how you want to insert the selection:

•

If you want to insert the audio, click once at the position in the same file or in another file.

•

If you want to replace a section of audio, select it.

4. To paste the selection, do one of the following:

•

In the Audio Editor, select the Yellowtec tab, and click Paste.

•

Press Ctrl/Cmd-V.

Audio File Editing Changing the Audio Properties

Copying Audio by Dragging

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window, make a selection.

2. Click the middle of the selection, and drag it to a position outside the selection in the

same file, or to another wave window.

RESULT

The selection is inserted at the indicated point. The audio that previously began at that point is moved to the right.

Changing the Audio Properties

You can change the sample rate and bit resolution of audio files.

Changing these values does not process the audio file in any way (in contrast to using Save As). However, the following rules apply:

• If you change the sample rate, the file plays back at a new pitch.

• If you change the bit resolution, the file is converted to the new resolution the next

NOTE

There is no undo for this. If you save a file with a lower bit resolution, the file is converted permanently.

PROCEDURE

1. In the Audio Editor, open an audio file.

2. Select the File tab.

3. Click Info.

4. In the Audio Properties section, specify a new Sample Rate and/or Bit Resolution.

5. Click Apply Changes.

RELATED LINKS

Info Tab on page 20

Meta-Data

time you save it.

Meta-data consists of attributes that describe the audio contents, for example, the title of the track, the author, or the date the track was recorded. Depending on the file format of the selected audio file, this data varies.

When opening an audio file or audio montage, the meta-data found in the file is loaded. You can create different meta-data presets for audio files and audio montages.

A preview of the meta-data is displayed in the Meta-Data window. To view the complete meta-data of a file and to be able to edit the meta-data, select Tool Windows> Meta-Data and click the Edit button.

Audio File Editing Meta-Data

Not all file formats can save meta-data. Depending on the output file format, all meta-data or only part of the meta-data is saved in an audio file. The following file formats can contain meta-data:

•

.wav

•

.mp3

•

.ogg

•

.wma

•

.flac

•

.aac

For MP3, the following meta-data types are available:

•

ID3 v1 and ID3 v2, including picture support

For WAV, the following meta-data types are available:

•

BWF

•

ID3, including picture support

When saving or recording an audio file in the Audio File Format dialog, you can specify whether not to use any meta-data, inherit the meta-data from the source file, or edit the meta-data of the file.

Meta-data can be entered manually or generated automatically.

The following options can be generated automatically:

•

USID (BWF, Basics tab)

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition includes several meta-data presets. They are used as examples and can be customized to your needs. You can load meta-data presets from the Meta-Data Presets pop-up menu in the Audio File Format dialog, or from the Meta-Data dialog.

RELATED LINKS

Audio File Format Dialog on page 66

Meta-Data Dialog

This dialog allows you to define the meta-data to be embedded in your audio file.

• To open the Meta-Data dialog, open the Meta-Data window and click Edit.

Depending on the file type, the meta-data is handled differently.

Audio File Editing Silence Generator Dialog

Meta-Data dialog for WAV files

When opening the Meta-Data dialog for files in the Audio Editor, you can edit the meta-data that is saved in the audio file. This meta-data is saved to disk later.

Meta-Data Presets

In the Meta-Data dialog, you can save meta-data presets and apply these presets to other files. Meta-data presets can be applied to WAV, MP3, and AAC files.

The Use as Default for New .wav Files option allows you to define a set of meta-data as default.

When you create a new file, and do not add any meta-data, this default meta-data is applied to the file when saving it. For example, you can save or record WAV files with BWF meta-data and automatically add a Unique Material Identifier.

To edit the default meta-data preset, select Load Default, and edit the preset.

Silence Generator Dialog

This dialog allows you to insert silence or background noise in an audio file.

• To open the Silence Generator dialog, select the Yellowtec tab in the Audio Editor, and click Silence Generator.

Audio File Editing Silence Generator Dialog

Silence Duration

As Selection uses the duration of the active audio selection as the duration of the

silent section. Specify the duration of the silent section in the value field below.

Edges

Fade In/Fade Out performs a crossfade at the start and end of the silent section

for smoother transitions. Specify the fade time in the value field below.

Destination

• Replace Selection replaces the current audio selection with the silent

section.

• Insert at Cursor inserts the silent section at the cursor position.

• From End of File Until Cursor extends the audio file with silence up to the

cursor position. Activating this option also defines the silence duration and ignores the Silence Duration setting.

Replacing a Selection with Silence

You can replace a section of an audio file with silence.

PROCEDURE

1. In the Audio Editor, make a selection.

2. Select the Yellowtec tab.

3. In the Cutting section, click Silence Generator.

4. Set the silence duration to As Selection, and the destination to Replace Selection.

5. Click Apply.

Inserting Silence

You can insert a specified length of silence at any position of the audio file.

PROCEDURE

1. In the Audio Editor, set the cursor where you want the inserted silence to begin.

2. Select the Yellowtec tab.

3. In the Cutting section, click Silence Generator.

4. Deactivate As Selection, and specify the length.

Audio File Editing Silence Generator Dialog

5. Set the destination to Insert at Cursor.

6. Click Apply.

Muting a Selection

The Mute Selection function replaces the selection with true silence.

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window of the Audio Editor, make a selection.

2. Select the Yellowtec tab.

3. In the Cutting section, click Mute Selection.

Offline processes are useful for a variety of editing purposes and creative effects, for example, if the computer is too slow for real-time processing or if the editing requires more than one pass.

After the processing the audio file is permanently altered.

Level Normalizer Dialog

In this dialog, you can change the peak level of an audio file.

• To open the Level Normalizer dialog, select the Yellowtec tab in the Audio Editor, and click Level in the Normalizing section.

Offline Processing

Peak Level

Enter the peak level (in dB) that you want the audio selection to have.

Stereo Link

Applies the gain to both channels.

Reference

In this pop-up menu, select whether WaveLab Yellowtec Edition uses sample values (digital peaks) or analog reconstructed values (true peaks).

Mix to Mono

Mixes the left and the right channel. The resulting mono file has the specified peak level. This ensures a mix without clipping.

Find Current Peak Value

Creates a report on the peak level of the current audio selection or the whole audio file if there is no selection.

Offline Processing Loudness Normalizer

Loudness Normalizer

You can use the Loudness Normalizer to achieve a specific loudness.

NOTE

Increasing the loudness to a specific value can provoke clipping.

Loudness Normalizer Dialog

In this dialog, you can specify the loudness of a file.

• To open the Loudness Normalizer dialog, select the Yellowtec tab in the Audio Editor, and click Loudness in the Normalizing section.

Loudness (EBU R-128)

Loudness to Achieve

If the loudness cannot be achieved with a simple positive gain change, a limiter must come into action to prevent clipping.

Here, specify the loudness that you want to achieve. The EBU R-128 recommendation for broadcast is -23 dB.

Specifying high values might require a gain outside the normal capabilities of the limiter, which can cause distortion.

It is recommended to use Statistics after specifying a loudness. This way you know how much the gain needs to be raised and if peak limiting needs to be applied. If heavy limiting is necessary this might degrade the audio quality. In such cases a warning is shown after applying the process, allowing you to undo it.

Catch Loudness from Audio Selection

Sets the Loudness to Achieve value to the average loudness found in the audio file.

Offline Processing Loudness Normalizer

Reference

Peaks

Peak Limiter

Max Peak Level

Softness

This pop-up menu allows you to select a reference: the loudness of the entire file (EBU R-128 recommendation), the average loudest 3 second audio section (Top of

Loudness Range), or the loudest 3 seconds audio section (Maximum Short-Term Loudness).

In this pop-up menu, select whether WaveLab Yellowtec Edition should limit the sample values (Digital Peaks) or the analog reconstructed samples (True Peaks).

Here, specify the maximum peak level of the resulting audio. The lower this value, the lower the loudness.

Affects how the peak master operates. A high setting maximizes the perceived loudness effect, but can result in a slight harshness of the sound.

Adjust this parameter to optimize the balance between sound quality and the effect that you want to achieve.

Pre-Processing Options

Remove DC Offset

DC offset in the file affects the loudness computation. Therefore it is recommended that you keep this option activated.

Attempts/Analysis

Tolerance (+/-)

If the Loudness to Achieve requires peak limiting, this also reduces the loudness to some degree. This cannot be computed in advance and cannot be automatically applied to the gain change. Instead, several simulation passes are performed to find the best possible gain. This option lets you define the precision of the result that you want to achieve.

Maximum Number of Passes

WaveLab Yellowtec Edition performs as many analysis passes as needed to match the precision that you want to achieve. Use this option to specify the maximum number of passes to be performed.

Authorized Peak Compression

As too much compression degrades the audio quality, you can specify a limit for the applied compression. The value can be set between -1 and -20 dB. Consider to lower the Loudness to Achieve, as this renders better results.

Offline Processing Pan Normalizer Dialog

Warn If Unmatched

If this option is activated, you are warned if the normalizing process does not meet the specified loudness/precision. This option is not available during batch processing.

Statistics

Opens a window that shows you information about the file to be processed. It shows any DC offset, the current loudness, the current peak level, and the required gain to achieve the specified loudness. Furthermore, you are informed if limiting is required.

RELATED LINKS

EBU Loudness Standard R-128

Pan Normalizer Dialog

This dialog allows you to ensure that both channels of a stereo file have the same level or loudness, and helps you to get the best possible stereo balance.

• To open the Pan Normalizer dialog, select the Yellowtec tab in the Audio Editor, and click Pan in the Normalizing section.

This dialog is also available as a multipass plug-in in the Batch Processor window.

This process first analyzes the audio and then renders any required level changes. You must have a stereo selection in a stereo file to apply this process.

Peak Level

Raises the channel with the lowest peak level to match the peak level of the other channel.

Loudness (EBU R-128)

Analyzes the loudness of both channels and adjusts their gain so that both channels get the same loudness. No clipping can be introduced using the pan normalizer.

Remove DC Offset

Removes DC offsets which affect the loudness computation. We recommend to keep this option activated.

Analyze Channel Difference

Shows the current loudness ratio between the left and right channels. The result changes depending on the selected Peak/Loudness mode.

Offline Processing Fades in Audio Files

Fades in Audio Files

A fade in is a gradual increase in level and a fade out is a gradual decrease in level.

You can create fades by selecting an individual fading type for each fade in/fade out.

Creating a Fade In and Fade Out

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window, make a selection.

2. In the Audio Editor, select the Yellowtec tab.

3. Depending whether you want to create a fade in or a fade out, select one of the

following options in the Fading section:

•

To apply the default fade type, click the Fade In or Fade Out icon.

•

To select another fade type, click Fade In or Fade Out below the fade icon. From the pop-up menu, select the type of fade that you want to create.

Crossfades

A crossfade is a gradual fade between two sounds, where one is faded in and the other faded out. You can automatically create a crossfade when pasting an audio section into another.

Creating Crossfades

The material that you want to crossfade can either be in two different sections of the same audio file or in two different audio files.

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window, select the section that you want to fade in.

2. Select the Yellowtec tab.

3. In the Clipboard section, click Copy.

4. Select the section that you want to fade out.

The length of this selection determines the length of the actual crossfade (check the length on the status bar). The section can be within the selected audio file or in another wave window. However, the selection must not be longer than the selection that you just copied.

5. Depending whether you want to create a fade in or a fade out, select one of the following options in the Clipboard section:

•

To apply the default crossfade type, click the Paste and Crossfade icon.

•

To select another crossfade type, click Paste and Crossfade below the crossfade icon. From the pop-up menu, select the type of crossfade that you want to create.

RESULT

The crossfade is created. Any material that originally appeared after the selection in the file into which you paste, is moved so that it now appears after the pasted material.

Offline Processing Crossfades

Any excess material in the copied selection appears after the fade at full level.

NOTE

If both files already have full level sections in the crossfade area (for example, if you have normalized both files), clipping and distortion might occur. If this happens, reduce the amplitude of both files by 3 dB to 6 dB and try again.

AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK

Play back the file and adjust the crossfade if necessary.

Paste and Crossfade Options

These options allow you to select a crossfade type for pasting.

• Select the Yellowtec tab in the Audio Editor, and click Paste and Crossfade in the

Clipboard section.

Linear (Equal Gain)

Level changes linearly.

Sinus (Equal Power)

Level changes according to a sine curve, the power of the mix remains constant.

Square-Root (Equal Power)

Level changes according to a square-root curve, the power of the mix remains constant.

Audio Montage

The audio montage is a multitrack non-destructive editing environment that allows you to arrange, edit, play back, and record audio clips.

Non-destructive means that when you delete or change a part of an audio file, the audio is not deleted or permanently changed. Instead, a set of pointers keeps track of all the edits, so that these can be readily reversed.

Basic Terminology

Audio montages can contain up to 2 stereo or mono audio tracks. You can use them to structure the work graphically.

On an audio track, you can place any number of clips. Clips are containers for the audio, and include a number of settings and functions such as envelope curves, fades, etc.

A clip contains a reference to a source audio file on your hard disk, as well as start and end positions in the file, which means that clips can play back sections of the source audio files. Any number of clips can reference the same source file.

Montage Window

The montage window is where you assemble your audio montage. This is where you view, play back, and edit audio montages.

The montage window gives you a graphical representation of the tracks and clips.

Audio Montage Montage Window

Track Control Area

The track control area offers several options regarding the track.

Track number button

Opens the track menu that contains track-related options.

Track Pop-up Menu

This pop-up menu contains all track-related options.

• To open the Track pop-up menu, click the number button of a track in the track control area.

Add Stereo Track

Adds a stereo track below the active track.

Add Mono Track

Adds a mono track below the active track.

Move Track Up

Moves the track one position up in the track list.

Move Track Down

Moves the track one position down in the track list.

Remove Track

Deletes the active track.

Mute

Mutes the active track.

Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs

Solo

Solos the active track.

Lock

If this option is activated, you cannot edit the track.

Zoom

Shows the active track in the full available height.

Color

Opens a submenu where you can select a color for the active track.

Audio Montage Tabs

The tabs in the Audio Montage window give you access to the tools and options you need for editing audio montages. For example, you can edit the envelope curves and fades in clips, make zoom settings, analyze the audio, and render the audio montage.

Edit Tab

Source

Edit Source

Opens source file of the clip in the Audio Editor.

Zoom

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.

Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs

Microscope

View All

Display Whole Clip

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

Zoom in Audio/Zoom out Audio

Zoom in Vertically/Zoom out Vertically

Zooms in as far as possible.

Zooms out as far as possible.

Adjusts the view to display the active clip.

Zooms in/out in big steps.

Zooms in/out in small steps.

Zooms in/out to show waveforms with a lower/higher level.

Reset Zoom to 0 dB

Adjusts the zoom to display audio levels up to 0 dB.

Level

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

Color

Allows you to apply a color to the clip.

Clipboard

Cut

Cuts the active clip to the clipboard.

Copy

Copies the active clip to the clipboard.

Paste

Pastes the clipboard content.

Split

Split Clip

Splits the active clip into two clips.

Removal

Delete Selected Clip

Deletes the selected clip.

Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs

Snapping

Snap to Magnets

Magnets

Clip

Mute

Cue Point

If this option is activated, moved elements such as clip edges, time selection edges, cursor, and markers snap to the magnets that are activated on the Magnets pop-up menu.

This pop-up menu allows you to select which items should be magnetic.

Mutes the active clip.

This pop-up menu allows you to make cue point settings.

• Set at Cursor sets the cue point to a fixed position from the start of the clip.

Fade Tab

• Set at Default Gap Position sets the cue point before the start of the clip, at

a distance governed by the default pre-gap position.

• Follows Fade In End Point sets the cue point to the fade in end point.

• Follows Fade Out Start Point sets the cue point to the fade out start point.

• If Custom Cue End is activated, you can set the end cue point at a custom

position from the end of the clip. This option allows you to edit the gap individually for each clip.

• End Offset opens the End Cue Point Offset dialog that allows you to set the

end cue point at a custom position from the end of the clip.

Marker

Create Generic Marker

Allows you to create a generic marker at the cursor position.

Output

Render

Opens the Render tab that allows you to render your audio montage.

Edit

Fade In/Fade Out

Allows you to switch between the fade in and the fade out settings.

Audio Montage Audio Montage Tabs

Zoom

Zoom to Fade Range

Shape

Curve

Adjusts the view to display the fade in/fade out part of the active clip.

Allows you to select preset fade curves.

• Linear changes the level linearly.

• Sinus (*) changes the level according to a sine curve. When used in a

crossfade, the loudness (RMS) remains constant during the transition.

• Square-Root (*) changes the level according to a square-root curve. When

used in a crossfade, the loudness (RMS) remains constant during the transition.

• Sinusoid changes the level according to a sine curve.

• Logarithmic changes the level according to a logarithmic curve.

• Exponential changes the level according to an exponential curve.

• Exponential+ changes the level according to a more pronounced

exponential curve.

Time

Fade Time

Allows you to specify a fade in/fade out time for the clip.

Apply Fade Time

Applies the specified clip fade in/fade out time.

Options

Overlaps

This pop-up menu allows you to set the automatic crossfading behavior.

• If No Automatic Crossfading is activated, no automatic crossfading is

performed when clips overlap.

• If Free Overlaps is activated, automatic crossfades are created when a

clip overlaps another clip on the same track. The length of the overlap determines the length of the crossfade.

Create Default Fades in New Clips

If this option is activated, all new clips get the default fade in and fade out shape and length. For clips that are created by splitting a clip, only the default fade time is used.

Audio Montage Signal Path in the Audio Montage

Signal Path in the Audio Montage

The audio signal passes through the various sections of WaveLab Yellowtec Edition in a certain way.

Signal Path in the Master Section

1. Channels/sample rate can change at each plug-in slot.

2. Master Section meters

3. Playback or file format rendering

Creating New Audio Montages

PROCEDURE

1. Select File> New.

2. Select Audio Montage> Custom.

3. Specify the audio properties and click Create.

Audio Montage Properties

You can set the sample rate of the audio montage.

You can set the sample rate when you create a new audio montage.

• To change the sample rate for the selected audio montage, select the File tab and click Info, or click the Audio Montage Properties button at the bottom right of the montage window.

Alternative Ways of Creating New Audio Montages

There are several ways to create a new audio montage.

•

Convert wave files to an audio montage

•

Duplicating audio montages

•

Press Ctrl/Option and drag a montage tab on the tab bar.

RELATED LINKS

Audio Montage Duplicates on page 93

Audio Montage Duplicates

You can create duplicates of audio montages.

Audio Montage Creating an Audio Montage from an Audio File

Empty (With Same Properties)

Creates a new audio montage with the channel settings and sample rate of the original audio montage, without any clips.

Exact Duplicate (Using the Same Audio Files)

Creates an exact duplicate of the original audio montage and lets the new clips reference to the original audio files. The duplicated audio montage uses the channel settings and sample rate of the original audio montage.

This is useful if you want to create several versions of the audio montage, for example, to experiment with variations. However, any processing or editing that you apply to the actual audio files are reflected in all audio montages.

You can also press Ctrl/Cmd, drag a tab, and drop it on the tab bar to create a exact duplicate of an audio montage.

RELATED LINKS

Duplicating Audio Montages on page 94

Duplicating Audio Montages

PROCEDURE

1. Open the audio montage that you want to duplicate.

2. In the Audio Montage window, select the File tab.

3. Select New> Audio Montage> From Current File.

4. In the From Current Audio Montage section, select one of the following:

•

Empty (With Same Properties)

•

Exact Duplicate (Using the Same Audio Files)

RESULT

A duplicate of the audio montage opens in another tab.

Creating an Audio Montage from an Audio File

You can export audio files to an audio montage, including all markers that you have set in the audio file.

PROCEDURE

1. In the Audio Editor, open the audio file that you want export to an audio montage.

2. Optional: If you want to use a specific time range of the audio file, create a selection

range in the wave window.

3. Select File> New.

4. Select Audio Montage> From Current File.

5. In the From Current Audio File section, click Insert Audio File in New Montage.

6. Click Create.

7. In the Create Audio Montage from Audio File dialog, select whether to import the

whole file or the selected audio range.

Audio Montage Missing Files Dialog

8. Optional: Activate Import Markers.

9. Click OK.

Missing Files Dialog

This dialog opens when you open an audio montage, and some audio files that the audio montage refers to cannot be found. You can then search for the files or select a replacement.

Missing Original Files

Lists the files that cannot be found. Each file can be replaced by an existing file. To search replacements for multiple files, select the files and specify a new path in the Where to Search field.

A file with a green checkmark is associated with a valid replacement. A file with a red checkmark is not yet associated with a valid replacement, but there are possible replacement candidates available at the bottom of this dialog.

Find Files with the Same Name

Instructs WaveLab Yellowtec Edition to find all files with the same name in the folder specified in the Where to Search field.

Replace Selected Files With

Replaces the missing files with a single specific file.

Reset

Removes all possible replacements for the selected missing files.

Where to Search

Lets you specify a location for searching files. Click Find Files with the Same Name to start the search.

Replacement List

Lists the files that can be used as a replacement. You can also drag a file into the list from the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder.

Audio Montage Assembling the Audio Montage

Assembling the Audio Montage

You assemble your audio montage by adding tracks and clips.

In the audio montage, only one track can be selected at a time. This selected track has a different color for the track control area. Some WaveLab Yellowtec Edition functions are always applied to the selected track.

Tracks

Tracks are the structure used to organize clips. The tracks can be mono or stereo audio tracks.

Audio tracks allow you to add clips to an audio montage.

Adding Tracks

You can add stereo tracks and mono tracks.

PROCEDURE

1. In the Audio Montage window, click the number button of a track to open the Track pop-up menu.

2. Select the track type that you want to add to your audio montage.

RESULT

The new track is added below the selected track. If you want to place it above the selected track, press Ctrl/Cmd when adding the new track.

Moving Tracks in the Track View

You can change the order of the tracks in the montage window.

PROCEDURE

1. In the Audio Montage window, click the number button of a track.

2. On the pop-up menu, select Move Track Up or Move Track Down.

Removing Tracks

Removing a track with clips also removes the clips. However, the audio files to which the clips refer are not affected.

PROCEDURE

1. In the Audio Montage window, click the number button of the track that you want to

2. On the pop-up menu, select Remove Track.

remove.

Audio Montage Assembling the Audio Montage

Locking and Unlocking Tracks

You can lock tracks to prevent them from being accidentally moved, edited, or deleted.

•

To lock a track, click the number button of the track and activate Lock.

•

To unlock a track, click the locked track, or click the number button of the track, and deactivate Lock.

Clips

A clip contains a reference to a source audio file on your hard disk, as well as start and end positions in the file, envelope curves, fades, etc. This allows clips to play back smaller sections of their source audio files.

Any number of clips can reference the same source file. Because a clip only references to the original source file, it contains no audio data. Any number of clips can reference the same source file.

3 clips on a track

Adding Audio Clips to the Audio Montage

You create clips by inserting audio into the audio montage. There are several ways to do this.

NOTE

You cannot add a mono clip to a stereo track or vice versa.

Dragging Audio from the Wave Window

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window of the Audio Editor, select the audio section that you want the clip to refer to.

2. Drag the selection onto a track of the audio montage. If you want to add the whole audio file, drag the tab on a track.

RESULT

A clip is created, named after the original file.

Audio Montage Assembling the Audio Montage

Inserting Audio from Open Wave Windows Using the Insert Menu

PROCEDURE

1. In the montage window, right-click an empty area of a track.

2. From the pop-up menu, select the audio file that you want to insert as clip.

Inserting Audio Using Copy and Paste

PROCEDURE

1. In the wave window of the Audio Editor, select the audio section to which you want the clip to refer to.

2. Select the Edit tab and click Copy, or press Ctrl/Cmd-C.

3. In the montage window, select the track where you want to insert the clip.

The clip insert position is indicated by the edit cursor.

4. Select the Edit tab and click Paste, or press Ctrl/Cmd-V.

5. Select an insert option from the pop-up menu.

Dragging Audio Files From the File Browser Tool Window

NOTE

The following can also be done from the File Explorer/Mac OS Finder.

PROCEDURE

1. Select Tool Windows> File Browser.

2. In the File Browser window, select the audio files to which you want the clip to refer,

and drag them on a track.

Importing Audio Files

PROCEDURE

1. In the montage window, select the track on which you want to insert the clip. The clip insert position is indicated by the edit cursor.

2. Right-click an empty area on the track, and select Insert Audio Files from the pop-up menu.

3. Select the files that you want to insert.

Copying Clips From Another Audio Montage

If you have opened more than one audio montage, you can copy clips from one audio montage to another, either by using drag and drop or by using copy and paste.

Audio Montage Rearranging Clips

Dragging Clips From the Clips Tool Window

You can add clips by dragging them from the same audio montage.

PROCEDURE

1. Select Tool Windows> Clips.

2. Select one or several clips, and drag them to a track.

If you drag a single clip on a clip on the track, you must select an insert option from the pop-up menu.

Rearranging Clips

You can freely arrange clips in the montage window.

Active Clips

An active clip is the clip that you selected, clicked, or edited last. Only one clip can be active at a time. By default, the active clip is distinguished by a highlighted name label. Some functions can only be processed on a active clip. Right-clicking a clip opens the Active Clip menu.

Info Line

The info line at the bottom of the Audio Montage window shows what happens when you click the mouse button with or without modifier keys, depending on the cursor position.

The following symbols are used on the info line:

Single-click

Indicates what happens when you click.

Double-click

Indicates what happens when you double-click.

Right-click

Indicates that you can right-click to display a menu. The name of the menu is displayed to the right of the symbol.

Audio Montage Rearranging Clips

Ctrl/Cmd-click

Alt-click

Shift-click

Drag up/down

Indicates that you can Ctrl/Cmd-click for an additional function.

Indicates that you can Alt-click for an additional function.

Indicates that you can Shift-click for an additional function.

Indicates what happens when you click and drag up or down.

Drag left/right

Indicates what happens when you click and drag left or right.

Drag in any direction

Indicates what happens when you click and drag an item in any direction within the audio montage.

Drag out of the audio montage

Indicates what happens when you click and drag an item out of the audio montage.

Moving/Resizing clips or changing envelope values

This indicates that you are moving or resizing clips, or changing envelope values, for example.

Combined modifier keys

Indicates that you can use combined modifier keys.

Magnetic Bounds in Audio Montages

Some positions, such as markers or a clips start and end, are magnetic. Dragged elements can snap to these positions. This makes it easier to position items accurately.

100

Steinberg Wavelab Yellowtec Edition User Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

Platform-Independent Documentation

Introduction

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 VST Audio Connections

Selecting an ASIO Driver

Selecting a Windows MME Driver

VST Audio Connections Tab

General Editing Rules

Startup Dialog

Shortcuts

Shortcuts Tab

Basic Window Handling

Closing Windows

Switching Between Files

Selecting Audio

Selecting a Range by Dragging

Selecting in Stereo Files

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

Peak Files

Workspace Window

Audio Editor

Audio Montage

File Tab

Info Tab

Tool Windows

Opening and Closing Tool Windows

Meter Windows

Opening and Closing Meter Windows

Slide-Out Windows

Docking and Undocking Tool Windows and Meter Windows

Command Bar

Status Bar

Context Menus

Time Ruler and Level Ruler

Time Ruler and Level Ruler Options

Time Ruler Menu

Level Ruler Menu (Audio Editor only)

Working With a Meter-Based Display

Time Format Dialog

Managing Tabs

Activating Full Screen Mode

Opening Files

Project Handling

Opening Files from the Clipboard

Value Editing

Drag Operations

Dragging in the Audio Editor and Audio Montage Window

Dragging in the Master Section

Undoing and Redoing Actions

Navigating Backwards and Forwards

Zooming

Zooming Using the Zoom Controls

Zooming Using the Zoom Tool

Using the Zoom Tool in the Main View

Using the Zoom Tool in the Overview

Zooming Using the Mouse

Zooming Using the Keyboard

Zoom Options