WAVES
MetaFilter
USER GUIDE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................... 3
1.1 Welcome ............................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Product Overview .................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Concepts and Terminology .................................................................................... 4
1.4 Components .......................................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER 2 – QUICK START GUIDE ............................................................................ 4
CHAPTER 3 – INTERFACE AND CONTROLS .............................................................. 5
3.1 Interface ................................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Controls ................................................................................................................. 6
CHAPTER 4 – THE WAVESYSTEM ............................................................................. 12
4.1 The WaveSystem Toolbar ....................................................................................... 12
4.2 Preset Handling ....................................................................................................... 13
4.3 Interface Controls .................................................................................................... 16
4.4 Waves Preferences (Pro Tools only) ....................................................................... 19
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CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
1.1 Welcome
Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your Waves processor,
please take the time to read through this manual.
In conjunction, we also suggest that you become familiar with www.wavesupport.net
.
There you will find an extensive Answer Base, the latest Tech Specs, detailed
Installation guides, new Software Updates, and current information on Authorization
and Registration.
By signing up at www.wavesupport.net
, you will receive personalized information on
your registered products, reminders when updates are available, and information on
your authorization status.
1.2 Product Overview
Waves MetaFilter is an extremely flexible filter plug-in, designed to be used as a creative
effect. MetaFilter provides many types of filters, with the capability to modulate multiple
parameters using multiple modulation sources. The modulation sources include a
dedicated modulation sequencer, a low frequency oscillator, and an envelope follower.
These modulation sources can be used to control the filter cutoff frequency (in LP, HP,
BP and BR modes), the filter rate (in Comb mode), the amplifier gain (in Amp mode), the
filter resonance (in LP, HP, BP and BR modes), the filter feedback (in Comb mode) and
the rate of
a dedicated delay effect.
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1.3 Concepts and Terminology
MetaFilter is powered by Virtual Voltage™, which interconnects the various generators,
transformation filters, envelopes and modulators. Therefore, it uses the same
terminology used by its hardware forefathers: VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter), LFO (Low
Frequency Oscillator) and so on…
Whether in the studio or live on stage, many musicians like to control effect parameters
in real time for enhanced creativity and expression. In addition to the basic automation
features of plugin hosting technologies like VST, MetaFilter also supports MIDI Learn.
Assigning a MetaFilter control to a knob on your MIDI controller is as easy as right click
> Learn, knob turn, done!
1.4 Components
MetaFilter has three components:
MetaFilter Stereo
MetaFilter Mono
MetaFilter Mono to Stereo
CHAPTER 2 – QUICK START GUIDE
1. Open MetaFilter on a track playing audio in your DAW of choice.
2. Select a preset from MetaFilter’s factory presets.
3. Listen as the audio morphs and changes!
Use the next/previous preset arrow controls on the toolbar
presets.
to scroll through
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CHAPTER 3 – INTERFACE A ND CONTROLS
3.1 Interface
The MetaFilter interface is arranged into nine sections grouped according to function.
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3.2 Controls
Filter Type
MetaFilter offers five distinct fil ter types:
LoPASS – A low pass type filter cuts the frequencies above the cut-off point.
HiPASS – A high pass type filter cuts the frequencies below the cut-off point.
BandPASS – A band pass type filter cuts the frequencies both above and below the cut-off point.
BandRJCT – A band reject type filter cuts the frequencies at and around the cut-off point.
COMB – A comb filter uses a very fast delay line to alter the harmonic content of the signal.
AMP – An amplifier is used to either cut or boost the level of the incoming signal.
Global Parameters
Spread – Determines the cut-off offset amount between the left and right channels.
Values: -50% to +50% - Default: 0%.
Smooth – Reduces the abruptness of changes caused by the various modulators.
Values: 0% to 100% - Default: 0%.
Drive – Used to overdrive the filter input.
Values: 0% to 100% - Default: 0%.
Crush – Reduces the sample rate of the signal coming out of the filter.
Values: 0 to 100 - Def ault: 0.
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Filter Controls
FREQ / DELAY / GAIN – The function of these controls depends on the selected filter type.
FREQ – Controls the filter cut-of f point when LoPA SS, HiPAS S, Ba nd PA SS or Ba ndRJ CT are
selected.
Values: 30 Hz to 18 kHz - Default: 18 kHz.
DELAY – Controls the delay time when COMB is selected.
Values: 11 ms to 28 ms.
GAIN – Controls the amplitude when AMP (dB) is selected.
Values: -80 to 0 dB - Default: 0 dB.
KBD – When enabled, incoming MIDI note messages are used to offset the selected
FREQ/DELAY/GAIN control.
Parameters: On, Off - Default: Off.
RES / FDBCK - The function of these controls depends on the selected filter type.
RES – Controls the resonance of the filter when LoPASS, HiPASS, BandPASS or BandRJCT are
selected.
Values: 0% to 100% - Default: 0%.
FDBCK – Controls the delay feedback amount when COMB is selected.
Values: 0% to 100% - Default: 0%.
SLOPE – Determines whether the LoPASS, HiPASS, BandPASS and BandRJCT filter types use
2 (12 dB/Oct) or 4 pole (24 dB/Oct) slope.
Values 12 or 24 – Def aul t: 12
LFO, SEQUENCE, FOLLOW – See the ‘Modulation Amounts’ section.
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Mixer
MIX – Controls the balance between the “dry” unprocessed source signal and the “wet”
processed signal.
Values: 100% dry to 100% wet - Default: 100% wet.
INPUT – Controls the level of the signal coming into MetaFilter.
Values: -40 to +10 dB - Default: 0 dB.
OUTPUT – Controls the level of the signal coming out of MetaFilter.
Values: -40 to +10 dB - Default: 0 dB.
LFO
LFO – The Low Frequency Oscillator is the first of three modulation sources that can be used to
affect the various parameters in MetaFilter.
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RATE – Controls the speed of the LFO.
Values: 0.1 Hz to 100 kHz when SYNC is off, 4/1 to 1/32 – Default: 1/16 when SYNC is on.
SYNC – Chooses whether the LFO runs freely or is synchronized to the host clock.
Parameters: On, Off – Default: On.
SINE / TRIANGLE / SAW / SQUARE / RANDOM – Selects the LFO waveform.
Parameters: Sine, Triangle, Pulse, Saw, Random – default: Sine.
Sequencer
The Sequencer is the second modulation source that can be used to affect the various
parameters in MetaFilter.
RATE – Controls the speed of the sequencer.
Values: 0.1 Hz to 500 kHz when SYNC is off, 1/1 to 1/32 – Default: 1/32 when SYNC is on.
SYNC – Chooses whether the sequencer runs freely or is synchronized to the host clock.
Parameters: On, Off – Default: On.
SWING – Controls the swing/shuffle amount of the sequence.
Values: 0% to 75% - Default: 0%.
LAST – Determines the last step in the sequencer before looping back to step 1.
Values: 1 to 16 - Def ault: 1 6
DRAG/DRAW – Changes the behaviour of the slider controls between dragging and drawing.
Values: Drag, Draw – D efault: Drag
Steps 1 to 16 – Each step slider determines the positive or negative modulation amount
generated by that step.
Values: -100% to + 100% - Default: 0%.
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Delay
A delay effect is integrated into Metafile’s signal path.
TIME – Controls the delay time.
Values: 50 ms to 1000 ms when SYNC is off, 1/32 to 1/1 – Default: 1/8 when SYNC is on.
RIGHT – Controls the delay time offset of the right channel relative to the left channel.
Parameters: 100%, 150%, 200% - Default: 100%.
SYNC – Chooses whether the delay time is free or is synchronized to the host clock.
Parameters: On, Off – Default: On.
FEEDBACK – Controls the number of delay taps.
Values: 0 to 100 – D ef ault: 0.
DRY/WET – Controls the balance of the dry and delay signal.
Values: 100% dry to 100% wet – Default: 100% dry
ANALOG – When enabled, changes the behaviour of the delay to way that analog delay units
function, thus allowing smooth transitions when delay TIME is modulated.
Parameters: Analog, Digital – default: digital.
ROUTE – Determines whether the delay is placed prior to the filter in the audio signal chain, or in
a feedback loop through the filter.
Parameters: 0 (pre VCF), 1 (feedback loop) Default: 0
LFO, SEQUENCE, FOLLOW – See the ‘Modulation Amounts’ section.
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Follow
Input/SC - Determines whether the envelope follower is modulated by the incoming audio signal
or by the side-chain input.
Graphic Window
The Graphic Window provides a visual representation of effect MetaFilter applies to the audio
signal. The display can be interactively used to simultaneously control the FEQ/RES or
DELAY/FDBK settings.
Modulation Amounts
Around the ‘FREQ / DELAY / GAIN’, ‘RES’, and ‘TIME’ knobs in MetaFilter, are three sliders
labelled: LFO, SEQUENCE and FOLLOW.
These sliders control the amount by which the LFO, the Sequencer, and the Envelope Follower
offset the surrounded knob.
The sliders are bi-directional and can offset the knob by either positive or negative amounts.
Values: -100% to 100% - Default: 0%.
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CHAPTER 4 – THE WAVESYSTEM
4.1 The WaveSystem Toolba r
All Waves plugins feature the WaveSystem toolbar which takes care of most
administrative functions you will encounter while working with your Waves software. The
features of the WaveSystem toolbar are the same on practically all Waves plugins, so
familiarity with its features will be helpful whichever plugin you are using.
Toolbar Functions
Opens the plugin About box
Undo Undoes the last 32 actions
Redo Redoes the last 32 undone actions
Setup A/B Toggles between two presets, useful for comparison of parameter
settings.
Load Filter A MetaFilter-exclusive toolbar which lets you specify whether certain
preset characteristics should be loaded. See the next section for details.
L/R Arrows Move to the previous or next preset
Copy A→B Copies the current settings to the second preset register
Load Recalls presets from file
Save Saves presets in the Waves file formats
HD Enables/disables high definition audio mode
? Opens the PDF manual for the plugin you are using
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4.2 Preset Handling
Preset Types
Factory Presets are permanent presets in the Load menu. Factory presets cannot be
overwritten or deleted. When applicable, different component plugins may have different
factory presets.
User Presets are your favorite settings of the plugin saved as a preset in the Load
menu, under ‘User Presets’. User Presets can be overwritten and deleted.
Setup Files may contain more than one preset. For example, a single file can contain all
the presets for a session. When you open a Setup File, all its setups become part of
your Load pop-up menu for fast access. This can be particularly useful with multiple
instances of a plugin in a single session. By saving all the settings you create into a
single Setup File, they can all be quickly available for every instance of that plugin.
Loading Presets and Setups
Click on the Load button to see the Load pop-up menu. The menu is divided into four
sections. If a section is not currently available it will not appear in the Load pop-up menu.
Open Preset File… Select to open any setup or preset file, whether from the Library or
your own creations.
‘Filename.xps’: Displays any currently loaded Setup File and its presets.
Factory Presets: Displays the default Factory Presets.
User Presets: Displays any loaded User Presets.
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Load with Preset – MIDI and SEQ.
The Load with Preset filter is a MetaFilter-exclusive custom toolbar special which lets
you choose whether or not to load certain preset characteristics such as MIDI
assignments, and sequencer settings. When checked, these parameters are loaded.
Here are some practical examples:
MIDI – Let’s say you have assigned a MIDI controller knob to MetaFilter’s VCF
cutoff. Loading the next preset will reset this parameter; you will then have to redo the
MIDI Learn routine to attach the knob to the control. However, if you uncheck the MIDI
checkbox, the next preset will be loaded, but the current MIDI assignment will remain in
place.
SEQ – Let’s say you have a bass line arpeggio that you like, and you want to test the
pattern using a different sound. Uncheck the Arp/Seq checkbox, and the preset will be
loaded without any associated Arp/Seq settings, leaving the pattern as is.
Saving Presets and Setups
Click on the Save button to see the Save pop-up menu. Four options are available. If an
option is not currently available it will be grayed out and inaccessible.
Save to New File… Select this to start a new Setup file. There are two
prompts - first for the setup filename, then for the
preset name. You must provide a name for both the
setup file and the preset. Click OK (ENTER) to
complete the save. It is a good idea to create a
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folder in which to save several setup files for a
project.
Save ‘File Name’ – “Preset Name” Overwrites the settings of the loaded preset
(whether a User Preset or a preset from a Setup
File) with the current settings. If a Setup File is
currently loaded, the name of the Setup File is
displayed followed by the name of the preset itself.
If a User Preset is loaded, its name is displayed.
Save to ‘File Name’ As… Saves the current settings as a new preset into the
Setup file that is open (if one is not open, the option
is grayed out). You will be prompted to give the
preset a name.
Put into Preset Menu As… Save the current settings into a User Preset that
will always be in your Load menu (until deleted).
You will be prompted to give this preset a name.
User Presets are stored in the plugin’s preference
file.
Please note: Special characters (such as: !, @, #, %, ^, etc.) are not supported in preset names.
Deleting Presets
You may delete User Presets and presets within a Setup File. Factory Presets and
Setup Library files cannot be deleted or overwritten.
1. Hold the Command (Mac)/Control (PC) key down.
2. Click-and-hold the Load button to see the pop-up menu.
3. While still holding the Command/Control key, select the preset or setup to delete.
4. A confirmation box will appear, allowing you to cancel or ‘OK’ the deletion.
A/B Comparison and Copying
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The Setup A/Setup B button may be clicked to compare two settings. If you load a preset
in the Setup B position, this will not affect the preset loaded into the Setup A position,
and vice-versa.
If you want to slightly modify the settings in Setup A, you can copy them to Setup B by
clicking on the Copy to B button, then alter Setup A and compare with the original Setup
B.
The name of the current setup will be shown in the title bar (on platforms which support
it), and will switch as you change from Setup A to Setup B.
Note: an asterisk will be added to the preset name when a change is made to the preset.
4.3 Interface Controls
Controls can be in one of three states:
• Not Selected where the control is not the target of any user entry
• Selected where the control is the target of mouse control entry only
• Selected and Active where the control is the target for both mouse and
keyboard entry
Toggle Buttons
Toggle buttons display the state of a control, and allow switching between two or more
states. Single-click to change the control’s state. Some toggle buttons have a text
display which updates with the current setting, and others (bypass, solo, or monitoring
toggles) illuminate when the control is active.
Some plugins have link buttons between a pair of toggle buttons, allowing click-anddrag adjustment while retaining the offset between the controls.
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Value Window Buttons
Value windows display the value of a control and allow click-and-drag adjustment, or
direct control via the keyboard.
• Using the mouse, click-and-drag on the value window to adjust. Some value
windows support left/right, some up/down (as you hover over a button, arrows
will appear to let you know which direction of movement that button supports).
You may also use your mouse-wheel to adjust parameter values.
• Using the arrow keys, click once with mouse to select the button, and then use
up/down – left/right (depending on the direction supported by that button) to
move in the smallest incremental steps across the button’s range (holding down
the arrow keys will move faster through the range).
• Using key entry, double click on the button to open the value window, and
directly enter the value from your keyboard. If you enter an out of range number,
the button stays selected but remains at the current setting (system beeps? If
system sounds are on?)
Some plugins have link buttons between a pair of value windows, allowing click-anddrag adjustment while retaining the offset between the controls.
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Sliders
Click or scroll the mouse-wheel on the slider itself or anywhere within the sliders track.
The numerical value of the slider settings is displayed in a hover window above the
slider path.
Hover Box
Hovering boxes will appear and display the control value when hovering with the mouse
over the control.
Multiple Control Selection
One of the most powerful features of the WaveSystem is the ability to select and adjust
multiple controls simultaneously. Using the mouse, drag-select the desired group of
buttons or graphic controls by clicking and holding at a point outside the controls, and
forming a rectangle that includes the controls you wish to adjust. Alternatively, press and
hold Shift while clicking the mouse on any control you wish to link. This method is useful
when you want to select two or more controls that are not adjacent to one another.
TAB Functions
TAB moves the ‘selected’ status to the next control, with shift-TAB moving in the reverse
direction.
Additionally, the Mac has an option-TAB function for ‘down’ movement and shift-optionTAB for ‘up’ movement where applicable.
If you have several Value Window Buttons selected, TAB functions will take you through
the selected controls only.
Hitting Esc or Return will return the 'focus' to the DAW application.
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4.4 Waves Preferences (Pro Tools only)
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•
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When launching Pro Tools, hold Shift to view the Waves plugin Preferences window.
The following options are available:
Don't use AudioSuite plugins
Don’t use RTAS plugins
Rescan all plugins
HUI control surface support (low resolution)
Enable single-click text en try
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