PSP MixPack2 Operation Manual

Transcription

1 PSP MixPack2 Operation Manual

2 Acknowledgments Programming and Design: Mateusz Woźniak Graphics: Mateusz Woźniak Product Manager: Antoni Ożyński Documentation: Orren Merton Beta testing: Joachim Krukowski, Alecio Costa, Julien Kibidi, Danny Gold, Barry Wood, David Das. Special thanks to all our beta testers for their bug testing, comments, presets and opinions. Finally, thanks to all our customers around the world for ideas and help in development of new plug-ins! PSP MixPack2 operation manual 2

3 End User License Agreement PREFACE: This End-User License Agreement ( EULA ) is a legal agreement between you and PSPaudioware.com s.c. (PSP) for the PSP product accompanying this EULA, which includes computer software and may include associated media, printed materials, and online or electronic documentation ( SOFTWARE ). By installing, copying, or using the SOFTWARE, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, you may not use the SOFTWARE. The SOFTWARE is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE is licensed, not sold. LICENSE: You may install and use a copy of the SOFTWARE, or in its place, any prior version for the same operating system, on a single computer. The DEMO VERSION of the SOFTWARE is NOT LI- CENSED FOR COMMERCIAL USE. RESTRICTIONS: You may not transfer, modify, rent, lease, loan, resell, distribute, network, electronically transmit or merge the SOFTWARE. You may not reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the SOFTWARE, or otherwise attempt to discover the SOFTWARE source code. You are not permitted to copy the SOFTWARE or any of the accompanying documentation. COPYRIGHTS: All title and copyrights in and to the SOFTWARE (including but not limited to any images, photographs, animations, video, audio, music, text, and applets incorporated into the SOFT- WARE ), the accompanying printed materials, and any copies of the SOFTWARE are owned by PSP. The SOFTWARE is protected by copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of the SOFTWARE or documentation is subject to civil and criminal penalties. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: The SOFTWARE is provided AS IS and without warranty of any kind. The entire risk arising out of the use or performance of the SOFTWARE and documentation remains with user. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, PSP further disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with regard to the SOFTWARE, and any accompanying hardware. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall PSP be liable for any consequential, incidental, direct, indirect, special, punitive, or other damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of this EULA or the use of or inability to use the SOFTWARE, even if PSP has been advised of the possibility of such damages. MISCELLANEOUS: This EULA is governed by Polish law. Should you have any questions concerning this EULA, or if you wish to contact PSP for any reason, please write to: PSPaudioware.com s.c. Kwadratowa 4/19, Józefosław, Poland. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 3

4 Table of Contents End User License Agreement...3 Table of Contents...4 Overview of PSP MixPack2...6 PSP MixPack2 and Plug-in Latency...6 A Note Regarding MIX Knob Usage...7 The About Screen...7 Preset Handling...7 Minimum System Requirements...8 Windows...8 Macintosh...8 Installation...8 Limitations of the demo version...8 PSP MixBass2...9 PSP MixBass2 Controls...10 CTRL section...10 COMPRESS section...10 CHARACTER section...10 PUNCH section...11 OUT section...11 Global Control section...12 PSP MixTreble PSP MixTreble2 Controls...15 HISS REMOVER section...15 TRANSIENTS section...15 ENHANCER section...16 HARMONICS section...17 Global Control section...18 PSP MixPressor MixPressor2 Controls...20 Meters...20 Dynamics Controls...20 Compression Configuration Controls...22 Side Chain and Filter Controls...22 Global Controls...23 PSP MixSaturator PSP MixSaturator2 Controls...26 Meters...26 Low Frequency Processing Controls...26 High Frequency Processing Controls...28 Saturation Section...28 Global Section...28 PSP MixGate PSP MixGate2 Controls...31 Control section...31 Operation Section...31 Gate Configuration Section...32 Global Controls...32 Support...34 PSP MixPack2 operation manual 4

5 User Comments...34 PSP MixPack2 operation manual 5

6 Overview of PSP MixPack2 Thank you for your purchase of the PSP MixPack2! PSP MixPack2 not only updates both the usability and the processing algorithms of the original PSP MixPack plug-ins, but adds an exiting new processor: PSP MixGate2. PSP MixPack2 is a collection of five high-resolution, high quality audio processors designed to improve the quality of your digital audio tracks and mixes. These processors were not modeled on specific hardware analog processors, but rather on the sound and features of many analog circuits, with the goal of designing processors that can assist you in taming the sterility and harshness that often plagues digitally recorded audio. Don t let the name of this bundle fool you while we worked hard to develop a plug-in pack that would help your mixes shine, these plug-ins are high enough quality to be at home in mastering or live tracking situations as well. All plug-ins utilize 64-bit double precision floating point algorithms throughout their entire signal path and support sample rates of up to 192kHz. The five processors of PSP MixPack2 are: PSP MixBass2 a specialized low-frequency processor you can use to fatten up your low end and deliver a punchy, analog bass sound PSP MixTreble2 provides high quality, unique algorithms for enhancing the high frequency range of your audio PSP MixSaturator2 a specialized processor designed to emulate the saturation typical of tape recorders and valve circuits to help you warm up tracks or mixes PSP MixPressor2 a high quality analog-style compressor which emulates the dense and musical sound of analog compressors PSP MixGate2 a specialized gate that offers an unprecedented level of control, smooth response, and unmatched sound quality PSP MixPack2 and Plug-in Latency In order to achieve the highest quality results, most of the plug-ins in PSP MixPack2 require a small buffer containing a number of samples in order to process your audio material properly. The exception to this is PSP MixSaturator2 and PSP MixGate2, which can do its processing without requiring any extra samples. These extra samples required to process the audio will result in a slight delay, called latency, in the playback of the track or mix being processed. This remains unchanged from the original PSP MixPack. What has changed however, is that PSP MixPack2 needs significantly fewer extra samples, down from 1023 samples in PSP MixPack to 255 samples at 44.1kHz and 48kHz, and slightly under double that number for double sample rates. This means that the actual latency in milliseconds remains similar regardless of the sample rate. That said, most modern DAWs include plug-in delay compensation, which will eliminate the effect of the delay incurred by PSP MixPack2. PSP MixPack2 fully supports (meaning, accurately reports to the host) the latency compensation of all host DAWs. Note that some host DAWs have limitations regarding its delay compensation, so be sure to refer to your DAW s user guide for more information. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 6

7 A Note Regarding MIX Knob Usage All the PSP MixPack2 plug-ins except for PSP MixGate2 include a MIX knob. In general, these knobs let you set the balance between dry (unprocessed) and wet (processed) signal. Usually, insert effects don t have mix knobs and are designed to be used 100% wet, meaning the output signal is always completely processed. We have included a mix knob so that you can use parallel processing techniques meaning combining a processed and unprocessed signal without needing to use extra busses or auxiliary track in your application, needing to worry about phase relationships between the processed and unprocessed tracks, etc. Please refer to the specific documentation for each PSP MixPack2 plug-in for more information on how you can utilize its MIX knob. The About Screen Each PSP MixPack2 plug-in offers an About window. This screen contains your authorization details, as well as the version number of the plug-in. To access each plug-in s about box, click on the name of the plug-in. To return to the controls view, click the name of the plug-in again (or anywhere in the about screen). Preset Handling Like other PSP Audioware plug-ins, PSP MixPack2 features the PSP Audioware Preset Bar. Please see the PSP Audioware Preset Bar Quick Guide for information on how to use the Preset Bar. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 7

8 Minimum System Requirements Before installing the PSP MixPack2 on your Windows or Macintosh computer, please make sure your system meets these minimum requirements: Windows Intel Celeron 1GHz or faster processor 512MB RAM or more Windows XP or Windows Vista VST or RTAS compatible audio application Macintosh PowerPC G4 or better, or Intel processor 512MB RAM or more Mac OS X or newer AU, RTAS, or VST compatible audio application Please keep in mind that these CPU and RAM specifications are minimum requirements. For the best performance, you will want a faster CPU and as much RAM as possible! Installation PSP MixPack2 can be authorized either via a simple serial number, or you can choose to authorize the bundle using your ilok. One authorization is all that is needed for the entire plug-in collection. For installation instructions, please see the PSP Audioware Plug-in Installation Manual. Limitations of the demo version The demo will only operate for 14 days from its initial installation PSP MixPack2 operation manual 8

9 PSP MixBass2 PSP MixBass2 is a specialized low frequency processor designed to help you achieve punchy, analog bass sounds with your audio material. PSP MixBass2 sounds really excellent with percussion loops, however it can be used successfully to enhance the low end of any audio material. How PSP MixBass2 will affect any given audio material depends on the type of material being processed. PSP MixBass2 features a unique low-frequency compression algorithm and low frequency harmonics generator. There is a low-pass filter for the control signal and a low cut filter within the signal path. Finally, the Punch section includes a dynamically controlled filter to emphasize or attenuate the chosen mid-range frequency dynamically according to the low-frequency material. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 9

10 PSP MixBass2 Controls CTRL section TUNE: This knob sets the cutoff of low range frequencies that will be processed by PSP MixBass2. Please note that the base frequency content used for the harmonic generator has a cutoff frequency one octave below the TUNE frequency. You can adjust the TUNE frequency between 20Hz and 600Hz. IN CUT: Use this knob to set the input cutoff filter between 0Hz and 500Hz. COMPRESS section THRESHOLD: This regulates the compressor threshold. PSP MixBass2 compresses the low-frequency content of the signal below the threshold using the ratio set with the RATIO knob. You can adjust the threshold from -48.0dB to 0.0dB. TIME: The TIME knob controls the compressor section s combined attack and release times. When the knob is set to higher values the response is slower but the results smoother and clearer. When the knob is at it s minimum position the response is quick but more distorted. The knob can be adjusted between 0% and 100%. A TIME setting of 50% equals the fixed time parameter of the original PSP MixBass. RATIO: This determines the compression ratio. You can vary the compression ratio from 1:1 to 4:1. In the original PSP MixBass, the ratio was fixed at 2:1. PROCESS: This button activates/deactivates the compressor section. The process is active when the button is lit. COMPRESSOR LEDs: These three LEDs indicate the amount of gain boost the compressor is doing to your signal. TIP: Be very judicious and careful when using the COMPRESS section. Inappropriate use of this compression may cause blurring and make a mess of the bass which will result in your audio material losing its definition and dynamics. CHARACTER section PSP MixPack2 operation manual 10

11 COLOR LED: This LED lights whenever this section is heavily driven, which will result in very noticeable high order harmonics added to your sound. COLOR: This knob drives the COLOR section. The more COLOR you add, the more harmonics you add to your signal. You can adjust the amount of color between 0% and 100%. PROCESS: This button activates/deactivates the character section. The process is active when the button is lit. TIP: Be sure to adapt the COLOR setting to the particular bass instrument. For example, adding a large quantity of harmonics to a bass guitar will cause a loss of the instrument s natural sound. On the other hand, with a more uniform synthetic bass sound you could set COLOR to 100% without adversely affecting the natural timbre of the sound. PUNCH section LEVEL: This sets the dynamically applied boost or cut made by the dynamic filter. You can adjust the level up to -18.0dB to +18.0dB. FREQ: This determines the center frequency of the boost or cut you set with the LEVEL knob. You can adjust the FREQ knob between 32Hz and 16kHz. Q: The Q knob adjusts the bandwidth of the level adjustment. Smaller Q values result in a very wide, notch filter, whereas larger Q values result in a narrower boost or cut. You can adjust the Q value between 0.1 and 10. LEDs: The - LED indicates the PUNCH section is cutting your signal. The + LED indicates the PUNCH section is boosting your signal. PROCESS: This activates/deactivates the PUNCH section. The process is active when the button is lit. OUT section BASS LEVEL: This control boosts or cuts the low frequency content of the output signal. You can adjust the low frequency content by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. OUT CUT: Use this knob to set the output cutoff filter between 0Hz and 500Hz. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 11

12 Global Control section MAIN PROCESS: This button activates or bypasses all PSP MixBass2 processes. The process is active when the button is lit. INPUT: Use this knob to adjust the level of the signal coming into PSP MixBass2. You can adjust the input signal by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. MIX: This sets the balance between the original (dry) audio signal and the processed (wet) signal. You can adjust the MIX between 0% (only dry signal) to 100% (only wet signal). TIP: Use the MIX knob to set the optimum processing depth without needing to change control settings of individual algorithms. You can also configure PSP MixBass2 to produce exaggerated effects, and then use the MIX knob to dial in the desired amount to your clean audio signal. OUTPUT: This knob controls the master PSP MixBass2 output level. You can adjust the output signal by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. OUTSAT: This button activates or deactivates PSP MixBass2 s soft-clipping algorithm. With soft-clipping engaged, the output signal is prevented from ever exceeding 0dBFS. The process is active when the button is lit. LEDs: These LEDs indicate that the level on the output might exceed 0dBFS. All PSP Mix- Pack2 plug-ins can easily handle levels above 0dBFS internally. However, levels over 0dBFS might be an issue if this plug-in is the final plug-in before your digital-to-analog converters, or if the output of this plug-in is feeding into a processor or mix bus that cannot handle such high levels. In such cases, clipping may occur. So these LEDs will let you know if the output might possibly exceed 0dBFS so that you can prevent it, if necessary. The LEFT LED indicates the left channel s level and the RIGHT LED indicates the right channel s level. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 12

13 Misusing PSP MixBass2 This is an exceptionally powerful plug-in that offers you full control over the bottom end and low frequency content of your signal. Because of that power, you need to be very careful when using PSP MixBass2. Don t turn up all the controls or call a drastic preset right after inserting the plug-in and/or beginning playback depending on your source material, you might inadvertently blow your monitor s bass driver! For best results, start with more moderate settings, and then increase them. Also, be aware that to get the most out of PSP MixBass2, you ll need a monitoring system that can properly reproduce low frequency signals. Using a poor monitoring system can result in completely undesired low end content, or in extreme cases, equipment destruction. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 13

14 PSP MixTreble2 PSP MixTreble2 offers specialized processors designed to extend the dynamic range, sharpness, clarity, and spatiality of a signal s treble frequencies, and spatiality of high frequencies. It can improve definition and sound quality of complete mixes, boost characteristic features of acoustic instruments, and revitalize archival recordings. PSP MixTreble2 can help add presence to a track, as well as lower the noise floor of a given track or complete mix. PSP MixTreble2 incorporates the following four processors: Hiss remover designed to help decrease the amount of tape noise, extra-auditory high frequencies or undesired reverberations in the high frequency range Stereo enhancer increases the spatiality of processed material Transient enhancer designed for stimulating flattened transients Harmonics generator designed for widening the frequency range by enriching the harmonics lacking in the processed signal Finally, PSP MixTreble2 also includes a switchable soft-clipping algorithm which prevents the output level from exceeding 0dBFS. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 14

15 PSP MixTreble2 Controls HISS REMOVER section LEDs: The three signal LEDs indicate how much high frequency attenuation is being applied. THRESH: This slider sets the threshold for a signal to be processed by the hiss remover. You can adjust the threshold between -96.3dB and 0.0dB. ATTENUATION: This control adjusts the depth of the maximum attenuation applied to the high frequency content that is to be removed. You adjust the attenuation between - db and 0dB. For the smoothest noise reduction, choose a value between -12.0dB and -6.0dB. SPEED: This sets the combined attack and release time of the high frequency crossover filter. Smaller values give a faster frequency change. You can set the speed between 0% and 100%. TIP: When processing material with a high transient level, try setting SPEED below 50%. For sounds with soft attack and decay, such as slow strings try setting a higher SPEED. MIN FREQ: This sets the minimum frequency for the dynamic filter. You can set the minimum frequency between 500Hz and 15000Hz. In general, values in the middle of this range ensures the best results. PROCESS: This button activates or deactivates the hiss remover. when the button is lit. The process is active TIP: To set the hiss remover properly, we recommend the following steps: Start with only this section activated Begin with the following settings: ATTENUATION - db; MIN FREQ 500Hz; SPEED 50%; and THRESH -96dB Gradually increase the threshold value until you achieve an audible reduction in hiss without a significant loss of transients or upper frequency content set MIN FREQ to a value that reduces any high-frequency modulation set ATTENUATION between and -6.0dB TRANSIENTS section PSP MixPack2 operation manual 15

16 LEDs: The three signal LEDs indicate the amount of transient enhancement being applied. LEVEL: This slider sets the level of the transient enhancer processor. You can set the level between - and +18.0dB. RATIO: This knob adjust the expansion ratio between 1:1 and 1:2. FILTER SLOPE: This sets the steepness (slope) of the high-pass filter. The greater the slope value, the greater the affect on the high frequency range. With low values the wide frequency range is enhanced. You can adjust the slope of the filter between 0.0dB/octave and 12.0dB/octave. HIGH DAMP: This lets you adjust the amount of high frequency damping. This helps keep the treble range from seeming too bright. You can adjust this control between 0% and 100%. The pro- PROCESS: This button activates or deactivates the transient enhancer algorithm. cess is active when the button is lit. TIP: To set the transient enhancer properly, we recommend the following steps: Start with only the HISS REMOVER and TRANSIENTS activated Begin with the following settings: RATIO 1:1.41; FILTER SLOPE 6.00dB/octave; HIGH DAMP 0%; and LEVEL - Gradually increase the LEVEL until you are happy with the increase in definition and dynamics If you feel that the higher frequencies need to be revitalized, increase the FILTER SLOPE If you feel the result is too bright, increase the HIGH DAMP value If you want more or less expansion, adjust the RATIO parameter ENHANCER section LEDs: These LEDs indicate how much the stereo width is being enhanced by the Enhancer section. FILTER SLOPE: This sets the slope of the emphasis filter over the entire bandwidth. The higher the slope, the more high frequency content is enhanced; the lower the slope, the more frequencies content below the high frequencies are enhanced. You can adjust the slope of the filter between 0.0dB/octave and 12.0dB/octave. ENHANCE: This knob adjusts the depth of the stereo enhancement effect. You can adjust the depth between 0% and 100%. A setting of 0% leaves the original signal unchanged. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 16

17 PROCESS: This button activates or deactivates the stereo enhancer algorithm. The process is active when the button is lit. TIP: To set the stereo enhancer properly, we recommend the following steps: Begin with the following settings: FILTER SLOPE 6.00dB/octave, and ENHANCE 0% Increase the ENHANCE parameter until you find a desired depth that does not increase the spatial component of your signal too drastically Adjust the FILTER SLOPE parameter to find the ideal frequency range for your specific audio material HARMONICS section FREQ: This sets the center frequency of the source signal which is used as the basis for the generated harmonics. You can adjust the frequency between 500Hz and 15000Hz. Q: This sets the Q factor for the filter. Small values result in a wide frequency range; large values set the filter to a narrow range. You can adjust the Q between.25 and DRIVE: This control sets the depth of the drive of the filtered signal. You can adjust the drive between 0% and 100%. This is responsible for the amount of generated harmonics in your signal. FIRST OUT: This parameter lets you remove the fundamental and leave only the generated harmonics. You can adjust this parameter between 0% and 100%. LEVEL: This determines the level of the generated harmonics in your signal. You can adjust the level beteween - and +12.0dB. PROCESS: This button activates or deactivates the harmonics generator algorithm. The process is active when the button is lit. TIP: To set the harmonics generator properly, we recommend the following steps: Begin with the following settings: Q 1.18; DRIVE 50%; FIRST OUT 0%; and LEVEL 0.0dB Find the FREQ that you want to use as your base for generating harmonics If you feel that the higher frequencies need to be revitalized, increase the FILTER SLOPE Filter out the fundamental setting the FIRST OUT knob to 100% Set the level of the generated harmonics with the LEVEL slider PSP MixPack2 operation manual 17

18 Global Control section MAIN PROCESS: This button activates or bypasses all PSP MixTreble2 processes. The process is active when the button is lit. INPUT: Use this knob to adjust the level of the signal coming into PSP MixTreble2. You can adjust the input signal by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. MIX: This sets the balance between the original (dry) audio signal and the processed (wet) signal. You can adjust the MIX between 0% (only dry signal) to 100% (only wet signal). OUTPUT: This knob controls the master PSP MixTreble2 output level. You can adjust the output signal by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. OUTSAT: This button activates or deactivates PSP MixTreble2 s soft-clipping algorithm. With soft-clipping engaged, the output signal is prevented from ever exceeding 0dBFS. The process is active when the button is lit. LEDs: These LEDs indicate that the level on the output might exceed 0dBFS. All PSP Mix- Pack2 plug-ins can easily handle levels above 0dBFS internally. However, levels over 0dBFS might be an issue if this plug-in is the final plug-in before your digital-to-analog converters, or if the output of this plug-in is feeding into a processor or mix bus that cannot handle such high levels. In such cases, clipping may occur. So these LEDs will let you know if the output might possibly exceed 0dBFS so that you can prevent it, if necessary. The LEFT LED indicates the left channel s level and the RIGHT LED indicates the right channel s level. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 18

19 PSP MixPressor2 PSP MixPressor2 is a fully-featured, high precision compressor designed to process either whole mixes or single tracks. PSP MixPressor2 emulates the classic characteristics of compressors with valve and opto-electronic circuits as as classic modern compression solutions. PSP MixPressor2 also offers a highly configurable side-chain feature. The side-chain filter has a significant effect on PSP MixPressor2 s sound and operation. The filter also enables the user to operate the compressor as a de-esser or to lessen the pumping effects of heavy kick drums and the like, based on the side-chain settings. The PSP MixPressor2 offers a wide range of features: a wide range of soft knee characteristics either peak or RMS level detection external or internal side chain signal with a smooth bell-type filter a output algorithm which can operate as either a brick wall limiter or soft saturation algorithm to preserve peaks above 0dBFS. PSP MixPressor2 also works very well in combination with the PSP MixSaturator2. With the PSP MixPressor2 before the PSP MixSaturator2 in the signal path (think of a bus compressor before a tape machine), you can employ both plug-ins simultaneously (at subtle settings!) in order to impart a very cohesive sound, like your mix was being produced on expensive analog hardware. Of course, you can also reverse the order, placing PSP MixSaturator2 before PSP MixPressor2 never be afraid to experiment! PSP MixPack2 operation manual 19

20 MixPressor2 Controls Meters Each meter offers two needles. The red needle indicates digital peak levels, and should correspond with your DAW s peak meter. The dark gray needle is the VU ( Volume Unit ) meter. The VU meter offers a representation of an averaging of the audio level with an integration time of 300ms, which is similar to how we hear the signal s loudness. A reference level for 0VU is -14dBFS, which means that when a sine wave at -14dBFS peak level is measured, the VU meter displays a value of 0VU. The meters also include two text indicators for the peak and VU level under the meter scale. The VU value is displayed under the scale on the far left, and the peak value on the far right, of each meter. The highest value for each indicator is held for one second. The text will appear red for values equal to or above 0VU and/or 0dBFS. The LEDs will also light whenever the signal reaches values equal to or over 0VU and/or 0dBFS. IN: When this button is engaged, the meters will show the input signal level. GR: When engaged, the meters show the gain reduction caused by the compressor using averaging metering only. In GR mode, 0VU indicates there is no gain reduction. Gain reduction metering doesn't contain any attenuation made by the output limiter or saturator. OUT: When this button is engaged, the meters display the level of the signal output from Mix- Pressor2. Dynamics Controls ATTACK: This knob sets the attack time. You can choose to set the attack to Slow, which offers an automatically adjusted slow attack time, or fast, which offers an automatically adjusted quick attack time. If you would like to manually set the attack time, you can also adjust the attack time between.10ms and 1000ms. HOLD: This knob adjusts how long the compressor will hold (sustain) the gain reduction change after the level drops. If no new peaks happen during the hold phase, the signal is then passed into the release phase. You can set the hold time between 0ms and 1000ms. RELEASE: This knob sets the release time. You can choose to set the release to Slow, which offers an automatically adjusted slow release time, or fast, which offers an automatically adjusted quick release time. If you would like to manually set the release time, you can also adjust the release time between.10ms and 1000ms. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 20

21 TIP: If the release time is very short, the compressor will operate more like a limiter, and its sound will resemble a highly saturated or overdriven analog tape. Long release times will cause the compressor to operate as a leveler, which is used for general leveling of the dynamics of particular parts of a mix. LOOK: This button engages and disengages the lookahead processor by applying a small delay between the side-chain and processed signal. When the button is lit, LOOK mode is active. TIP: Lookahead mode uses those extra samples to more thoroughly analyze the sidechain signal and apply more precise gain reduction in advance of processing the signal content. This is accomplished by a simple delay line on the processed signal with an automatically adjusted time difference between the side chain and processed signal based on the current ATTACK setting. You can use the lookahead feature to (at least partially) protect against occasional overloads on transients when you combine medium attack times with deep gain reductions. RMS: This button engages root mean square (RMS) level detection in the side-chain signal. This mode is more musical than Peak detection mode, however the fast response of Peak level detection mode might be better for material with a lot of transient information, such as percussive sounds and drums. When the button is lit, RMS mode is active. TIP: When trying to emulate classic compressors, the RMS level detector is good for emulations of analog compressors with softer responses, while the Peak level detector has a more modern sound, like transistor-based compressors with fast and time-accurate response for precise level control. TIP: You can completely alter the effect of PSP MixPressor2 significantly by experimenting with attack and release times. For example, you can artificially produce a sharper attack with a pad or string track by using a prolonged attack-time setting (300 to 1000ms), short release time (10ms). Alternatively, you can create a pumping effect by setting the attack time to around 30ms and release time around 350ms. Be sure to experiment with the other settings, such as the compression depth (COMPRESS) as well! PSP MixPack2 operation manual 21

22 Compression Configuration Controls COMPRESS: This knob lets you adjust the depth of the compression algorithm (in other compressors, this would be the equivalent of a reversed threshold control, with a high COMPRESS setting equivalent to a very low threshold, and a low COMPRESS setting equalling a very high threshold). You can adjust this knob from 1% to 100%. SHAPE: This dial lets you select from among seven different compression curve characteristics. This affects the knee, or sharpness, of the compression algorithm. You can select the following shapes: None no compression Very soft a very gentle curve that works on a very wide range of levels Soft an intermediate curve with wide processing range of over 30dB Wide knee the knee from MixPressor, which works on a processing range of about 20dB Short knee a soft limiting curve working on the range of about 10dB Sharp knee a narrow knee with a range of just a few db, typical of soft knee limiters Hard Limit knee has 0dB range, the processor operates as a hard knee transistor limiter Side Chain and Filter Controls MAKE-UP: You can use this knob to add make-up gain to manually restore the level of your signal after compression occurs, or to control the exact level when the automatic make-up gain is applied. You can adjust the make-up gain between -12.0dB and +48.0dB. FREQ: This knob sets the center frequency of the side-chain bell filter that drives the compressor s level detector. You can adjust the frequency between 25Hz and 15000Hz. Q: The Q knob determines how steep the filter is. The higher the Q factor, the steeper the slope of the filter, the lower the Q factor, the wider the frequency range that gets through the filter. You can adjust the Q factor between.001 and TIP: The effect of the side-chain filter increases with increasing Q values. If you want to use PSP MixPressor2 as a de-esser, for example, set the Q value high and the FREQ value between 5 and 10 khz. AUTO: This button activates and deactivates the automatic make-up gain function of PSP Mix- Pressor2. With this engaged, PSP MixPressor2 will automatically adjust the output gain depending on the gain reduction of the compressor. When the button is lit, AUTO is active. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 22

23 TIP: When you want the compressor to only operate at certain frequencies (for example, when using PSP MixPressor2 as a de-esser), don t engage the AUTO button. In these cases, the automatic make-up gain feature might cause the limiter/saturator to work too deeply, or produce dangerous levels at the plug-in s output. SCExt: This button activates the external side-chain functionality of PSP MixPressor2. This allows you to use an external signal as the side-chain signal that PSP MixPressor2 responds to. When the button is lit, SCExt is active. Using External Side-Chain Signals with PSP MixPressor2 The exact steps on how to configure your host DAW to send an external side chain signal to an insert slot highly depends on your audio application capabilities. Typically you ll need to configure the insert slot to be able to get three or four channels of input, then route processed signal to channels 1 and 2 and control signal to input 3 and if possible and needed to input 4 and then insert the PSP MixPressor2 into the configured slot. See your host DAW s documentation for details. if your host DAW doesn t allow external side chain inputs for insert slots, the SCExt button will be disengaged. SCL: This button activates the internal side-chain listening function of PSP MixPressor2. When the button is lit, SCL is active. Global Controls PROC: This button activates or bypasses all PSP MixSaturator2 processes. The process is active when the button is lit. INPUT: Use this knob to adjust the level of the signal coming into PSP MixPressor2. You can adjust the input signal by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. MIX: This sets the balance between the original (dry) audio signal and the processed (wet) signal. You can adjust the MIX between 0% (only dry signal) to 100% (only wet signal). TIP: You can get some very creative compression effects by using the MIX knob. Setting this parameter below 100% decreases the influence of compressor operation on the signal peaks by moving the point of its operation to the middle of the dynamic range. This way, you can use PSP MixPressor2 in complete mixes without destroying transients, which will result in simultaneous dynamic modulation and a general increase in the average level. This technique of mixing a deeply-compressed signal with its non-compressed original is known as parallel compression or the New York Drum Sound. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 23

24 OUTPUT: This knob controls the master PSP MixPressor2 output level. You can adjust the output signal by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. LIM: This activates or deactivates the brick-wall limiter algorithm. It can be used to ensure no signal over 0dBFS is output, and it also generates a gentle saturation, perfect for bass, pads, and strings. When the button is lit, LIM is active. THRU: This button, when active, disengages either limiter algorithm. SAT: This button activates or deactivates the saturation limiter function. This mode accentuates transients, which is useful for adding brightness to loops or percussion instruments. Like the limiter, it also ensures no signal over 0dBFS is output from PSP MixSaturator2. When the button is lit, SAT is active. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 24

25 PSP MixSaturator2 PSP MixSaturator2 simulates the way that analog devices such as tape recorders and valve circuits warm up and saturate your audio material. This is achieved by adding harmonics, dedicated filtering, and dynamic processing. PSP MixSaturator2 uses three different algorithms to simulate these devices: A bass frequency processing algorithm, which adds low frequency harmonics and increases the magnitude nonlinearities (more commonly known as the low frequency bump ) typical of analog tape recordings A treble frequency processing algorithm, which simulates tape saturation and high frequency loss at high levels without increasing the level of distortion and aliasing. An overall saturation simulation algorithm, which enables the user to choose between seven distinct non-linearity curves characteristic of valve devices, analog tape machines, and the sound of digital clipping PSP MixPack2 operation manual 25

26 PSP MixSaturator2 Controls Meters Each meter offers two needles. The red needle indicates digital peak levels, and should correspond with your DAW s peak meter. The dark gray needle is the VU ( Volume Unit ) meter. The VU meter offers a representation of an averaging of the audio level with an integration time of 300ms, which is similar to how we hear the signal s loudness. A reference level for 0VU is -14dBFS, which means that when a sine wave at -14dBFS peak level is measured, the VU meter displays a value of 0VU. The meters also include two text indicators for the peak and VU level under the meter scale. The VU value is displayed under the scale on the far left, and the peak value on the far right, of each meter. The highest value for each indicator is held for one second. The text will appear red for values equal to or above 0VU and/or 0dBFS. The LEDs will also light whenever the signal reaches values equal to or over 0VU and/or 0dBFS. IN: When this button is engaged, the meters will show the input signal level. DRV: When engaged, the meters display the exact signal level going into the final saturation section. OUT: When this button is engaged, the meters display the level of the signal output from PSP MixSaturator2. Low Frequency Processing Controls FREQ: This regulates the low frequency algorithm s crossover point. The frequency can be adjusted between 50Hz and 500Hz. WARMTH: This knob controls the emulation of low frequency distortion, in effect increasing some low end frequencies while attenuating others to achieve what is typically called a low frequency bump. You can adjust the range from 0% to 100%. LEVEL: The LEVEL knob sets the level of the bass frequency processing algorithm. You can set the level from -12dB to +12dB. LOW: Press this button to engage or disengage the bass frequency processing algorithm. The process is active when the button is lit. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 26

27 Don t Overuse the Low Frequency algorithm In order to properly adjust the bass frequency algorithm, you ll need a monitoring system that can properly reproduce low frequency signals. Using a poor monitoring system can result in completely undesired low end content, or in extreme cases, equipment destruction. In general, you ll want to use the level knob to reduce the low frequency level added by the WARMTH control, not increase the low frequency content. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 27

28 High Frequency Processing Controls FREQ: This regulates the high frequency algorithm s crossover frequency. The frequency can be adjusted between 2000Hz and 12000Hz. SOFTNESS: You can use this knob to adjust the depth of the soft-knee compression of the high frequency content, which emulates the high frequency compression of analog tape. You can adjust the depth between 0% and 100%. LEVEL: This knob adjusts the level of the high frequency processing algorithm. You can set the level from -12dB to +12dB. HIGH: This button engages or disengages the treble frequency processing algorithm. process is active when the button is lit. The Saturation Section Global Section SATURATION: This knob controls the drive of the main saturation algorithm. The drive can be set between 0% and 100%. SHAPE: The shape knob chooses which of the seven analog saturation simulation curves will be applied to the audio signal. They are: Valve 1 a smooth, warm valve emulation Valve 2 a hotter valve simulation Valve 3 a highly overdriven valve circuit Tape 1 Simulates one tape saturation curve Tape 2 Simulates another tape saturation curve Tape 3 Simulates a third tape saturation curve Digital This simulates digital clipping PROC: This button activates or bypasses all PSP MixSaturator2 processes. The process is active when the button is lit. INPUT: Use this knob to adjust the level of the signal coming into PSP MixSaturator2. You can adjust the input signal by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. MIX: This sets the balance between the original (dry) audio signal and the processed (wet) signal. You can adjust the MIX between 0% (only dry signal) to 100% (only wet signal). PSP MixPack2 operation manual 28

29 TIP: Use the MIX knob to set the optimum processing depth without needing to change control settings of individual algorithms. You can also configure PSP MixSaturator2 to produce exaggerated effects, then use the MIX knob to dial in the desired amount to your clean audio signal. OUTPUT: This knob controls the master PSP MixSaturator2 output level. You can adjust the output signal by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. OUTSAT: This button activates or deactivates PSP MixSaturator2 s soft-clipping algorithm. With soft-clipping engaged, the output signal is prevented from ever exceeding 0dBFS. The process is active when the button is lit. TIP: When using PSP MixSaturator2 for mastering be sure to use PSP MixSaturator2 judiciously and sparingly and to carefully monitor the quality of the output signal on the best available monitoring system. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 29

30 PSP MixGate2 PSP MixGate2 is a professional quality high precision noise gate that makes it s debut in Mix- Pack2 (hence the 2 in the name, so its clear that this plug-in only comes as part of MixPack2). The gate is fully configurable and can operate fast enough for special effects (such as stuttering audio ) and smoothly enough to gate unwanted noise without sounding artificial. PSP MixGate2 includes both high and low pass filters so as to tailor the control signal. By filtering out unwanted frequencies, you can ensure that only the desired frequency can trigger the gate. The Open and Close buttons on the gate let you manually control the status of the gate whenever the automatic signal detection doesn't achieve the desired results or use the gate as an effect by clamping up and down on audio rhythmically. Because of this, these buttons lend themselves to creatively being automated in your digital audio workstation (DAW). These buttons let you use the gate as an effect, clamping down on audio rhythmically. Unlike the other MixPack2 processors, PSP MixGate2 does not offer a MIX knob. Obviously, it makes little sense to have a blend of gated and non-gated signal. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 30

31 PSP MixGate2 Controls Control section THRESHOLD: This knob controls the threshold below which the gate will close. The threshold can be adjusted between - and 0.00dB. The higher the threshold, the louder the audio needs to be before the gate will close. In general, you want to set the threshold so that it is just low enough to close the gate when you want it to close, but not high enough to clamp down on audio material you don t want gated. LEDs: The + and - LEDs indicate if the measured signal is above or below the threshold. Use these LEDs to help you set the ideal threshold for your audio material. LOW (FILTERS): This knob lets you set the frequency of the low cut filter that operates on the gate control signal. You can adjust the frequency between 16Hz and 16000Hz. HIGH (FILTERS): This knob lets you set the frequency of the high cut filter that operates on the gate control signal. You can adjust the frequency between 22Hz and 22000Hz. LISTEN: When you activate this button, you can monitor the gate control signal after the filters. When the button is lit, LISTEN mode is active. TIP: In order to accurately set the high and low pass filters, we recommend that you engage LISTEN mode, then adjust the LOW and HIGH knobs until you only hear the frequencies that you want to use as your gate control signal coming through. Operation Section ATTENUATION: This determines how much level reduction (attenuation) is applied to your audio when the gate is closed. You can adjust the attenuation level between - (full attenuation, no signal at all) and 0.00dB (full signal, no attenuation). LEDs: These LEDs indicate the current state of the gate algorithm. The green O LED indicates that the gate is fully open, and no attenuation is being applied. The red C LED indicates that the gate is fully closed, and the set amount of attenuation is being applied. The middle yellow LED indicates that the gate is at an intermediate state of either opening or closing, and partial attenuation is being applied. OPEN: This button forces the gate to open. If the gate is already open, this button has no effect. CLOSE: This button forces the gate to close. If the gate is already closed, this button has no effect. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 31

32 TIP: If you want to automate or play the gate, the button you would push would depend on the state of the gate. In other words, if you have configured the gate to always remain closed by setting a very high threshold, you would tap or automate the OPEN button to create a rhythm using audio that comes through the gate. If you have configured the gate to always remain open through the use of a lower threshold, tap or automate the CLOSE button to create a rhythm from the attenuation. Gate Configuration Section ATTACK: This sets the attack time, meaning the time it takes the gate to return to a fully open state after it has been closed. You can adjust the attack time from.20ms to 20.0ms. HOLD: The hold parameter sets the minimum amount of time between the attack and release phase. You can adjust the hold time from 1.0ms to 1000ms. If there is not enough time between the attack and the release phase, you can end up with low frequency modulation. RELEASE: This sets the amount of time the gate takes to close. You can adjust the release time from 10ms to 1000ms. HYST: The hysteresis parameter sets the difference between the thresholds use for closing and opening the gate. You can adjust this parameter from -6.00dB to 0.00dB. HYST values other than 0dB will reduce the amount of modulation on low frequencies if the attack and release times are too short. PEAK: When this button is engaged, the gate will use the peak level of your signal to determine when it will open and close. RMS: When this button is engaged, the gate will use the RMS (root mean square) signal level to determine when it will open and close. Global Controls PSP MixPack2 operation manual 32

33 MAIN PROCESS: This button activates or bypasses all PSP MixGate2 processes. The process is active when the button is lit. INPUT: Use this knob to adjust the level of the signal coming into PSP MixGate2. You can adjust the input signal by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. OUTPUT: This knob controls the master PSP MixGate2 output level. You can adjust the output signal by -12.0dB to +12.0dB. LEDs: These LEDs indicate that the level on the output might exceed 0dBFS. All PSP Mix- Pack2 plug-ins can easily handle levels above 0dBFS internally. However, levels over 0dBFS might be an issue if this plug-in is the final plug-in before your digital-to-analog converters, or if the output of this plug-in is feeding into a processor or mix bus that cannot handle such high levels. In such cases, clipping may occur. So these LEDs will let you know if the output might possibly exceed 0dBFS so that you can prevent it, if necessary. The LEFT LED indicates the left channel s level and the RIGHT LED indicates the right channel s level. PSP MixPack2 operation manual 33

34 Support If you have any questions about any of our plug-ins, please visit our website where you can find the latest product information, free software updates and answers to the most frequently asked questions. You can also contact us by We will gladly answer all of your questions. As a rule we respond within 24 hours. PSPaudioware.com s.c. Kwadratowa 4/ Józefoslaw Poland. ph contact@pspaudioware.com User Comments We welcome any opinions and comments related to PSP MixPack2. We would also be grateful if you shared with us your experiences using PSP MixPack2. Please, contact us at: contact@pspaudioware.com PSP MixPack2 operation manual 34