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WAVES
Audio Track
User Guide
2
Waves AudioTrack
User Guide
Welcome ............................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 1: Introduction .......................................................................................... 3
Chapter 2: Using AudioTrack ................................................................................ 7
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................. 7
AudioTrack EQ .................................................................................................................................. 8
Graphic Display ............................................................................................................................. 9
Filter Types .................................................................................................................................. 10
EQ Clipping .................................................................................................................................. 14
AudioTrack Dynamics ..................................................................................................................... 15
Compressor/Expander ................................................................................................................. 15
Gate ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Chapter 3: Controls and Displays ....................................................................... 17
Controls ........................................................................................................................................... 17
EQ section (parametric controls) ................................................................................................. 18
EQ section (graphic controls)....................................................................................................... 20
Comp/Expander section. ............................................................................................................. 22
Gate section ................................................................................................................................. 24
Displays ........................................................................................................................................... 26
EQ Graph ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Energy and gain reduction meters ............................................................................................... 26
Output Meters and Clip Indicators ............................................................................................... 27
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Welcome
Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your Waves plugin, please take some time to read through
this user guide. We also suggest that you become familiar with Waves Support at www.waves.com/support. There you
will find an extensive answer base, the latest tech specs, detailed installation guides, new s of tware updates, and current
information on licensing and registration.
Sign up at the support site and you will receive personalized information about your registered products, reminders when
updates are available, and information on your authorization status.
Chapter 1: Introduction
About AudioTrack
Waves AudioTrack combines an EQ, Gate, and Compressor in a single plugin. It combines CPU efficiency wit h great
sound quality and it addresses the basic processing needs of any audio track, whether single-chann el or multitrack audio
stream. As a channel insert, AudioTrack functions like a mixing console’s channel EQ and dynam ics s ections.
AudioTrack provides a clean audio path and high efficiency so that you can open multiple instances and avoid moving
back and forth between separate equalizer, gate and compressor plugins.
When introduced, AudioTrack was the pioneer in multifunction channel strip plugins. AudioTrack is still the channel strip
workhorse that it’s always been, but for this new 25th Anniversary release, we’ve made a new, “easy on the eye” user
interface, along with a few new features:
Smoothing Some older Waves plugins may introduce noise when a control is moved, including when controlled
under automation. The Smooth feature resolves this issue.
Double precision AudioTrack now executes 32-bit, floating-point processing at 64 bits.
Separate meters Comp and Gate gain reduction have their own meters for greater clarity and focus.
Focused EQ band display Only the selected band’s parametric controls are displayed. This let s you to quickly
understand and control band values.
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Modern View
Legacy View
AudioTrack can be used in its new modern view or in the classic view. Toggle between the two with the Modern/Legacy
button on the WaveSystem Toolbar. Controls are very similar in the two modes.
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Gate/Comp Section
EQ Section
AudioTrack Sections
EQ Section
The AudioTrack four-band EQ can be controlled with both parametr ic and gr aphic contr ols. There are five filter types:
Bell, Hi-Pass (Low-cut), Low-Shelf, High-Shelf, and Low-Pas s (Hi-cut). Available types vary according to the band. Each
band offers 18 dB of boost or cut with variable Q for bells, and a 12 dB-per-octave response for shelf or pass filters.
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Gate/Comp Section
The AudioTrack gate has dedicated Threshold, Floor, Attack, and Release controls to set the propert ies of the gain
reduction applied to the audio. This lets you easily shut out noise or low-gain sounds while passing the higher gain or
significant track sounds that are intended to be heard.
The AudioTrack compressor is a classic peak-reference compressor; it applies automatic gain com pens at ion that usually
appears as an increase in loudness. The compressor is equipped with tradit ional cont r ols: Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and
Release.
The AudioTrack plugin also has Input and Output gain controls to set the overall desired level for t he trac k and avoid
clipping.
AudioTrack Signal Flow
Components
There are two AudioTrack components: mono and stereo.
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Chapter 2: Using AudioTrack
If you’re familiar with EQs and dynamics processors, you should be able to start using AudioTrack immediately. If you
want some help with EQ and dynamics concepts or practices, the following sections will help you under stand how
AudioTrack works.
Getting Started
We suggest that you start by inserting an AudioTrack preset and then adjust settings to suit your needs. There are many
presets for multimedia audio processing and broadcast, plus several musical styles and more. You’ll probably find a
preset that makes for a good starting point. Fine tune factory presets, save them—or s ave your own pr esets—and
manage them in the WaveSystem Toolbar. To learn how to best organize, compare, and exchange your presets,
download the WaveSystem user guide from the Waves download page (http://www.waves.com/downloads/manuals).
When you’re getting started, we suggest that you follow this workflow.
Set the EQ.
Check for EQ clipping and, if necessary, lower the Input G ain fader to eliminate EQ output
clipping.
Raise the Gate Threshold to shut out insignificant low-level sounds in the track . To set the
gate, use the energy meter to locate the point i n the track with the lowest signi ficant signal
that you want to pass through the gate. Set the gate t hreshold just below that point.
Check the output clip light for clipping. If nece ssary, lower the Output Gain to eli minate
clipping.
Repeat the process.
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Input
Parametric Controls
Filter
Graphic Display
We recommend that you repeat these steps in order to further tune your settings until you are satisfied with the results.
The next section provides a detailed description of the workings of each section.
AudioTrack EQ
The AudioTrack EQ section is a four-band paragraphic equalizer. It can be used to focus the spectral properties of a
sound by bringing out or tucking in certain frequency ranges. The controls allow you to specify f ilt er type, and adjust gain,
frequency, and Q for each band.
Once a band is selected, you can adjust its parameters by dragging the band marker in the graphic displ ay or by using
the parametric controls. The parametric controls of the selected band are visible below the graphic display.
Band Marker
Filter Display
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Graphic Display
The graphical controls allow you to fully operate the controls using only the mouse or pointing device. This section is
particularly useful when you want to adjust EQ parameters “on the fly.”
• Click on a band’s marker in the Graphic Display. This selects the band and displays the corresponding controls
in the parametric section. Double-click on the selected band marker to turn the band on or off.
• Control EQ by dragging the band marker to the desired frequency on the X-axis, and boosting or cutting by
dragging to the desired gain on the Y-axis.
• Hold Ctrl while dragging a marker to limit motion to one direction. This is useful when, for example, you have set
the frequency and want to adjust the gain without changing the frequency.
• Cmd(Mac) or Win(PC) + click on a marker to select a filter type.
• Use the keyboard arrows to adjust the frequency or gain of the selected marker. This is very useful for making
precise adjustments.
Parametric Controls Section
These controls are ideal for entering specific or predictable EQ values, such as when you construct harmonic filters.
• Use the leftmost button in the Parametric Controls section to turn a band on or off.
• Click on the Band ID number button to toggle through the four EQ bands. Once the band is selected, its
parametric controls are seen and the corresponding band markers are displayed in the graphic display.
• Enter a frequency value directly in a selected value box using the numeric keypad. Drag vertically over the gain
and Q value box, or horizontally over the frequency value box to change values. You can also use the keyboard
arrows for fine adjustments.
• Four filter buttons represent the four band types: High-Pass (Low-cut), Low-Shelf, Bell, High-Shelf, Low-Pass
(High-cut). Bands 2 and 3 do not have high- and low-pass filters.
Draw a box around several controls to link them together. This allows you to move band markers as a group, adjust
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Draw a box around several controls to link them together. This allows you to move band mar k er s as a group, adjust
frequency and Q simultaneously, control dynamics controls such as Gate and Floor, as a pair or streamline other
multifunction actions.
Filter Types
Cut/Pass filters
To attenuate unwanted low-frequency audio such as rumbles, use the high-pass filter. To attenuate unwanted highfrequency disturbances such as hissing or screeching, use the low-pass filter.
The Pass/Cut filter type has a roll-off response of -12 dB
per octave. The cutoff frequency represents the point
where the roll-off is -3 dB.
The Q control does not affect Pass/Cut filter types.
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Freq=1 kHz
Gain = +12 dB
Shelf filters
Like the Pass/Cut filter, the Shelf filter can boost or cut above or below a specified frequency. Rather than rolling off to
infinity, the shelf will roll off or up to the designated gain indicated in the shelf.
The Shelf filter’s cutoff frequency is located in the
middle of the slope. So if the specified frequency is
3000 Hz and the gain is set to +6dB, then the gain
at 1000 Hz will be at about +3dB, as demonstrated
here.
The Q control does not affect Shelf filter types.
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Bell filters
Bell filters boost or cut a certain frequency range. The
indicated frequency is the peak of the bell filter, so this is the
frequency that will get the most boost or cut of the filter. Bell
filters can be wider or narrower according to the defined Q
value.
For Bells, Q is a way to define the frequency width of the
boosting or cutting Bell filters. It may be represented by the
mathematical relationship: Fc/Fw (center frequency divided by
frequency width at -3 dB point), both measured in Hertz.
In this example, a Q of 2.0 at 1,000 Hz reflects a bandwidth of 500 Hz (1000 Hz divided by 2). Low Q values yield the
widest bells, which are good for enhancing a complete range similar to Hi Fi tone control s. High Q values offer the
narrowest filters, which are useful for eliminating a specific problematic resonanc e.
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Filter area
Filter Area
The effect of filters on a signal is indicated by the shaded area. It is color-coded to reflect the band that is currently being
controlled.
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Adjust EQ gain with Input fader
Energy Meter indicates level at EQ out / Dynamics in
EQ Clipping
If the input signal is particularly hot and it undergoes EQ processing, there is a chance that c lippi ng at the EQ output
may occur. While it’s clear that increasing band gain in the EQ can result in clipping, in cer t ain cas es, reducing gain can
increase EQ output, possibly resulting in a clipped signal as it enters the dynamics section. The Energy meter in the
dynamics section displays the output level of the EQ.
If the EQ output level is too high, use the Input fader to adjust accordingly.
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Gate
Compressor
Output
Energy Meter
(Input level to Dynamics section)
Output Level Fader
and Meter
AudioTrack Dynamics
AudioTrack offers two useful dynamics processors: a compressor/expander an d a gate. The Gate and the Compressor
each have gain reduction meters. The Energy meter shows the level of the input to the Dynamics section (i. e., the output
of the EQ section). Final output level is set with the Output fader and meter.
Compressor/Expander
The AudioTrack Compressor/Expander offers the traditional compressor controls: Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release.
Together they let you define a set of conditions by which the track’s gain will be adjusted dynamically.
Threshold sets the energy reference so that as long as the audio energy is significantly lower than the threshold, no gain
adjustment will be introduced. When the energy approaches the threshold, the track gain will be adj usted according to
the ratio specified. The attack and release time constants determine how quickly the gain adjustment will be appli ed. This
is set in milliseconds.
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Ratio values below 0.5:1 and 1:1 will result in gain boost (expansion); values between 1:1 and 40:1 will result in gain
reduction (compression).When ratio is 1:1, no gain adjustment will take place. This is j us t like having the compressor in
bypass. When the ratio increases to—for example—2:1, and the input energy exceeds t he threshold by a certain number
of dBs, it will be attenuated or reduced in gain so that the output energy exceeds the threshold by half of that amount.
The gain adjustment will reach its peak by the time specified in the attack constant. When the energy f alls below the
threshold, the attenuation will release according to the time specified in the Release control value.
The attack time is helpful in defining the compression texture. Short attack times will allow better peak control, while
longer attacks will create a more “punchy” sound. Very short release times may sound grainy or distorted if overdone.
Longer release times will likely sound smoother, but may “pump” with extreme settings. Long valu es for both attack and
release can work as a leveling process, keeping the overall loudness to within the threshold area b oundar ies.
Gate
The AudioTrack Gate attenuates the signal whenever its energy falls beneath the gate threshold. The gate will close
within the time specified in the Release control and open according to the Attack time defined. Floor defines the
maximum attenuation gain introduced to the s ignal.
When the energy drops beneath the threshold, the gate will close. In other words, gain attenuation will beg in unt il it
reaches the floor. This will take the amount of time specified in the Release control. When t he ener gy r ises above the
threshold, the gate will open or attenuation will stop by the time specified in the Attack contr ol.
The attack time should be fast enough that it does not create a fade-in effect every time the energy rises above the
threshold. But sometimes, an attack that is too fast can result in a click sound.
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Chapter 3: Controls and Displays
Controls
INPUT GAIN
The Input fader controls the input signal into the AudioTrack EQ. It is often useful to create headroom for peaking EQ
filters that can quickly cause clipping to an already hot signal.
Range: -Inf–0.0 dBFS.
Default: 0.0 dBFS
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EQ section (parametric controls)
Band On/Off
Double-click on a marker to turn the band on or off.
Range: On or Off
Default: Off
Band Selector
CMD+Click on a band marker to cycle through the four filter types.
Default: Band 1
Filter Type Selector
The Filter Type selector sets the band’s filter type. Click on a radio but ton to choose a type.
Available filter types
Band 1: high pass, low shelf, bell, high shelf
Bands 2 and 3: low shelf, bell, high shelf
Band 4: low shelf, bell, high shelf, low pass
Default: Bell
Band Gain Control
Band Gain sets the amount of boost or cut introduced to a band bell or shelf filter. For bells, gain corresponds to the
selected frequency. In shelf filters, the gain value defines the overall boost or the gain at the shelf ’s c ut off frequency.
When the selected type is Pass/Cut filter, the gain setting has no significance.
Gain range: +/- 18 dB
Default: 0 dB
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Band Frequency Control
This control determines the frequency reference for the band.
• When the type is a bell, the frequency is the middle of the bell.
• When the type is shelf, the frequency is the middle of the shelf slope.
• When the type is Pass/Cut filter, the frequency is the -3 dB point of the rolloff.
Range: 16 Hz–21357Hz
Defaults: Band 1: 63 Hz; Band 2: 250 Hz; Band 3: 933 Hz; Band 4: 4000 Hz
Q
Q is set for bell filters only and it defines their bandwidth (i.e. how wide or narrow a filter will be). The lower the v alue, t he
wider the filter and vice versa.
Range: 0.5–30
Default 6
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EQ section (graphic controls)
Band On/Off
Double-click on a marker to turn the band on or off.
Range: On or Off
Default: Off
Band Selector
Click on a marker to select that band.
Default: Band 1
Filter Type Selector
CMD+Click on a band marker to cycle through the four filter types.
Available filter types
Band 1: high pass, low shelf, bell, high shelf
Bands 2 and 3: low shelf, bell, high shelf
Band 4: low shelf, bell, high shelf, low pass
Default: Bell
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Band Gain Control
Move a marker vertically to change the gain of a band’s bell or shelf filter. For bells, gain corr es ponds with the selected
frequency. In shelf filters, the gain value defines the overall boost or the gain at the shelf’s cutoff frequenc y.
When the selected type is Pass/Cut filter, the gain setting has no significance.
Range: +/- 18 dB
Default: 0 dB
Band Frequency Control
Move a marker horizontally to change the frequency reference for the band.
Range: 16 Hz–21,357 Hz
Defaults: Band 1: 63 Hz; Band 2: 250 Hz; Band 3: 993 Hz; Band 4: 4000 Hz
Q
Hold OPT/Alt while dragging horizontally to change the Q v alue. This modifier lets you move very quickly between
Frequency and Q.
Range: 0.5–30
Default 6
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Comp/Expander section.
Threshold
The Threshold setting is a point of energy reference. When the signal is significantly below the threshold, no
compression is introduced. As the energy approaches or passes the threshold, gain adjustment will begin, according the
values in the other controls. Compressor threshold is set with the yellow control in the center part of the sect ion.
Range: -52 dBFS–0 dBFS
Default: 0 dBFS
Ratio
Ratio defines how the gain will be adjusted as the threshold is approached. Expansion ratios ar e 0.5–1 and compression
ratios are 1–40. For example, setting a ratio of 2:1 means that when the input energy exceeds the threshold by a certain
amount of dBs, it will be attenuated or reduced in gain so that the output energy will exce ed the threshold by half of that
amount.
Range: 0.5:1 (expansion): 1:40 (compression)
Default 1:1
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Attack
Attack time determines how long it will take for the gain adjustment to reach its target. For example, when energy goes
over threshold by 4 dB and the ratio is 2:1, gain attenuation will take 2 ms to lower the gain by 2 dB. Shorter attack times
provide better peak control, while longer attack times can provide better “punch.”
Range: 0.1–1000 ms
Default: 2.0 ms
Release
The release value sets the time it will take for the gain adjustment to return to 0 when the energy falls below the
threshold.
Range:1ms –10000ms
Default: 30 ms
Compressor Gain Reduction Meter
Indicates gain reduction for the Compressor section.
Range: -48 dB– +12 dB
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Gate section
Threshold
The threshold is a point of energy reference, so that when the energy drops beneath the threshold, the gate wil l close or
the track gain will be attenuated according the values in the other controls. The Gate threshold is set with the blue control
in the center of the section.
Range: 0 dB to –Inf
Default: -Infinity
Floor
Floor defines the maximum amount of gain attenuation that the gate will apply when closing. I t pr events the gate from
attenuating all way to “silence.” This can make for a smoother sound.
Range: -Infinity – 0 dB
Default: -Infinity
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Attack
Determines the time the gate takes to open when energy goes over the threshold.
Range: 0.1 ms–1000 ms
Default 2.0 ms
Release:
Release sets the time it takes for the gate to close.
Range: 1 ms – 10000 ms
Default: 30 ms
Output
This control sets the overall output gain. It can be used to prevent output clipping.
Range: -24 dB – 12 dB
Default: 0 dB
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Displays
EQ Graph
Energy and gain reduction meters
The EQ graph shows the total EQ gain curve derived from
the four bands. It shows ±18 dB on the Y-axis and 16 Hz –
16000 Hz on the logarithmically scaled X-axis. The graph
shows numbered band markers that can also serve as
controls on the graph
The Energy meter is located in the middle of the section. It reflects the post-EQ signal that
enters the Gate/Comp section.
Range: -80 dBFS – 0 dBFS
Peak level is shown at bottom of the meter. Click anywhere on the meter to reset.
The yellow Comp meter (right) indicates the gain change caused by the Compressor.
Range: -48 dB – 12 dB
The Gate meter (left) indicates the gain reduction resulting from the gate process.
Range: -48 dB – 12 dB
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Clipping indicator
Output Meters and Clip Indicators
The Output meters display the plugin output level, post-EQ and post-dynamics.
Click anywhere on the meter to clear peak and clip indicators.
Range: -30 dBFS – 0 dBFS.
Mono/Stereo meter
Output fader position
Peak level indicator
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AudioTrack!/!User!Guide
27!
Output Meters and Clip Indicators
The Output meters display the plugin output level, post-EQ and post-dynamics.
Clipping indicator
Mono/Stereo meter
Output fader position
Peak level indicator
Click anywhere on the meter to clear peak and clip indicators.
Range: -30 dBFS – 0 dBFS.
WaveSystem Toolbar
Use the bar at the top of the plugin to save and load presets, compare settings, undo and r
To learn more, click the icon at the upper-right corner of the window and open the WaveSystem Guide.
edo steps, and resize the plugin.
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