SOUNDTRAX 9 - Music creation software NERO - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL SOUNDTRAX 9 NERO

Copyright and trademark information

This document, like the software described therein, is provided as a license and may only be used or reproduced in accordance with the licensing agreement. The contents of this document, as well as the associated software, is subject to change without prior notice. Nero AG rejects any responsibility for the correctness of the contents of this document and rejects any claims that transcend the clauses of the guarantee agreement.

This document and all of its contents are protected by copyright and are the property of Nero AG. All rights reserved. In addition, this document contains material that is protected by internationally valid copyright. This document may not be reproduced, transmitted, or transcribed in whole or in part without the express written permission of Nero AG.

Please keep in mind that existing graphics, pictures, videos, music titles, and other materials that you may wish to insert or transcribe into projects may be protected by copyright. The unauthorized use of this type of material in your projects may violate the rights of the owner of the copyright. Make sure that you obtain all necessary authorizations from the owner of the copyright.

Unless you own the copyright, have permission from the copyright owner, or your actions fall under the "fair use" provisions of copyright law, you may be violating national or international copyright laws. The transcribing, duplication, modification or publication of copyright-protected material may lead to claims for damages and the enforcement of other legal measures against you. If you are unsure of your rights, you should contact your legal advisor.

Some of the applications of the Nero Suite require technology developed by third-party manufacturers and may be included in Nero Suite as demo versions. These applications can be activated online free of charge or by sending an activation fax to enable unlimited use of the version. Nero will only transmit the data necessary for activation of the technology licensed from third parties. For unlimited use of Nero Suite, it is therefore necessary to have an Internet connection or a fax machine.

Copyright © 2006 - 2008 Nero AG and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Adobe, Acrobat, Acrobat Reader and Premiere are brands or protected trade names of Adobe Systems, Incorporated.

AMD Athlon™, AMD Opteron™, AMD Sempron™, AMD Turion™, ATI Catalyst™ and ATI Radeon™ are brands or protected trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices. Inc.

ASTC is a trademark of Advanced Television Committee.

ICQ is a registered trademark of AOL, LLC.

Apple, iPhone™, iPod, iTunes, FireWire, and Mac are brands or registered trade names of Apple, Inc.

ARM is a registered trademark of ARM, Ltd.

AudibleReady is a registered trademark of Audible, Inc.

BenQ is a trademark of the BenQ Corporation.

Blu-ray Disc is a brand of Blu-ray Disc Association.

CyberLink is a registered trademark of CyberLink Corp.

DLNA is a registered trademark of Digital Living Network Alliance.

DivX and DivX Certified are registered trademarks of DivX, Inc.

Dolby, Pro Logic and the double-D symbol are brands or registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

DTS and DTS Digital Surround are registered trademarks of DTS, Inc.

DVB is a registered trademark of the DVB Project.

Freescale is a brand of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

Google and YouTube are trademarks of Google, Inc.

WinTV is a registered trademark of Hauppauge Computer Works, Inc.

Intel, Intel XScale, Pentium and Intel Core™2 Duo are brands or registered trademarks of the Intel Corporation.

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Memorex is a registered trademark of Memorex Products, Inc.

ActiveX, ActiveSync, DirectX, DirectXShow, Internet Explorer, Microsoft, HDI, MSN, Outlook, Windows, Windows Mobile, Windows NT, Windows Server, Windows Vista, Windows Media, Xbox, Xbox 360, the Start button of Microsoft Windows Vista and the Windows logos are brands or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

MySpace™ is a brand of MySpace, Inc.

NVIDIA, GeForce and ForceWare are brands or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation.

Nokia is a registered trademark of Nokia Corporation.

CompactFlash is a registered trademark of SanDisk Corporation.

Sony, Memory Stick, PlayStation, PLAYSTATION and PSP are brands or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.

HDV is a brand of Sony Corporation and Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC).

UPnP is a registered trademark of the UPnP Implementers Corporation.

Labelflash is a registered trademark of Yamaha Corporation.

All brands are for information purposes only. All trade names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Nero AG, Im Stoeckmaedle 13-15, D-76307 Karlsbad, Germany

Table of contents

1 Start Successfully 5
1.1 About the manual 5
1.2 About Nero SoundTrax 5
2 Launching the program 6
3 Terminology 7
4User interface 8
4.1 Nero SoundTrax templates 8
4.2 Main Screen 9
4.2.1 Menu bar 10
4.2.2 Toolbar 10
4.2.3 Mastertrack area 11
4.2.4 Assignable Effects area 12
4.2.5 Tracks area 12
4.2.6 Track display area 12
4.3 Project area 13
5 Configuration 14
5.1 Project settings 14
5.1.1 Audio Settings tab 14
5.1.2 General tab 15
5.1.3 Tempo and beat tab 15
5.2 Program settings 15
5.2.1 General tab 15
5.2.2 Save/Output Settings tab 16
5.2.3 View tab 17
5.2.4 Folders tab 17
5.2.5 VST Plug-Ins tab 17
5.2.6 DirectX Plug-ins tab 18
5.3 Device settings 18
5.4 Audio Format Settings 18
5.4.1 Decoder tab 19
5.4.2 Encoder tab 19
5.4.3 Converter tab 19
6 Import and Recording Audio Files 21
6.1 Recording from record or cassette 21
6.2 Importing an Audio CD 24
6.3 Capture audio file 25
7 Working wth tracks 27
7.1 Edit the available track 27
7.1.1 Adding a volume curve to the track 30
7.1.2 Adding a pan curve to the track 30
7.1.3 Adding an effect group curve to the track 31

7.2 Surround sound distribution 32
7.2.1 Changing the surround sound distribution 32

8 Effect chains 34

8.1 Plug-ins context menu 34
8.2 Toolbox context menu 34
8.3 Effects context menu 35
8.4 Enhancement context menu 36
8.5 Effect chains and effect groups 36
8.5.1 Editing an effect chain 36
8.5.2 Editing the effect chain template 37
8.5.3 Editing an effect group 38

9 Surround projects 39

10 Exporting 40
10.1 Export project in an audio file 40
10.2 Burning the project on an Audio CD 40

11 Nero SoundBox 43

11.1 Nero Soundbox main screen 43
11.1.1 General components 43
11.1.2 General settings 44
11.1.3 Beat editor area 45
11.1.4 Sequencer area 45
11.1.5 Bereich Text II Speech 46
11.1.6 Ambience area 47
11.2 Patterns 47
11.3 Inserting a SoundBox clip 47

12 Nero ScratchBox 48

12.1 Main screen - Nero ScratchBox 48
12.1.1 Turntables area 48
12.1.2 Peak file view 49
12.1.3 Mixing console area 49
12.1.4 File Selection 50
12.1.5 Tools area 50
12.2 Creating a ScratchBox clip 51
12.2.1 Scratch Editor 53

13 Technical Information 54

13.1 System requirements 54
13.2 Formats supported 54
13.2.1 Audio formats and codecsc 54
14 Glossary 55
15 Index 56
16 Contact 59

1 Start Successfully

1.1 About the manual

This manual is intended for all users who want to learn how to use Nero SoundTrax. It is process-based and explains how to achieve a specific objective on a step-by-step basis.

To make best use of this documentation, please note the following conventions:

○	Indicates warnings, preconditions or instructions that have to be precisely followed.
○	Indicates additional information or advice.
1. Start ...	The number at the beginning of a line indicates a prompt for action. Carry out these actions in the order specified.
→	Indicates an intermediate result.
→	Indicates a result.
OK	Indicates text passages or buttons that appear in the program interface. They are shown in boldface.
(see...)	Indicates references to other chapters. They are executed as links and are shown in red and underlined.
[...]	Indicates keyboard shortcuts for entering commands.

1.2 About Nero SoundTrax

Nero SoundTrax is the professional application for the production of audio CDs. Instead of simply compiling audio files into a playlist for a CD as before, you can now mix or change the contents of the audio files. A number of wizards are provided to help you copy your records or cassettes to your computer in just a few steps. Thanks to the many templates, even demanding projects are no longer a problem: 5.1. Surround, 7.1 Surround - simply select the template and Nero SoundTrax opens along with the relevant tracks. In addition, the integrated Nero ScratchBox provides user-friendly functions for mixing and scratching.

2 Launching the program

To start Nero SoundTrax via Nero StartSmart, proceed as follows:

1. Click the StartSmart icon.

The Nero StartSmart window opens.

Click the

The list of Nero applications appears.

Nero StartSmart window

1. Select the Nero SoundTrax entry in the selection list.
2. The Nero SoundTrax window opens.

You have launched Nero SoundTrax via Nero StartSmart.

3 Terminology

The following terms are specific to Nero SoundTrax:

Clip refers to a single audio file.
- Track refers to a single audio track. A track can contain multiple clips in succession. Each track has its own settings for volume and effects.
- Channel refers to audio information that is contained in a clip, e.g. the left and the right channel.
- Project refers to the process of adding existing audio files, editing these files, and exporting them as a finished audio file. A project can be saved with all changes made in a project file, and it can be re-opened later. The project file has the extension *.npf (Nero project file). Project files themselves do not contain audio files, rather they only contain links to the audio files used, as well as mix and effect settings.

In summary: A project has as its goal an edited audio compilation consisting of multiple tracks. These tracks in turn contain multiple clips in which audio is recorded in multiple channels.

4 User interface

4.1 Nero SoundTrax templates

When starting Nero SoundTrax, a window opens where you can select project templates.

Selecting Nero SoundTrax tasks

The following selection options are available:

Menu icon Templates	Offers templates for frequently used projects such as CD mix, stereo, and surround projects.
Menu icon User templates	Offers user-created templates for projects.
Menu icon Wizards	Opens wizards for recording a record or cassette (see Recording from a record or cassette→21).
Menu icon Recently used files	Shows recently used files.
Menu icon Open existing project	Opens the Open dialog box that offers access to an existing project.

See also:

Surround projects 39
Recording from record or cassette 21

4.2 Main Screen

The main screen appears when Nero SoundTrax is started. The main screen is divided into the following sections:

Main screen with inserted audio file

• Menu bar and toolbar (1)
  Master track settings (2)
  ■ Assignable effects (3)
  Tracks (4)
  Track display (5)
  Project (6)

The main screen is the starting point for all tasks that can be carried out with .

See also:

Menu bar 10
Toolbar 10
Mastertrack area 11
Assignable Effects area 12
Tracks area 12
Track display area 12
Project area 13

4.2.1 Menu bar

The menu bar offers the following setting possibilities:

Menu File	Opens the File menu, containing file functions such as opening, saving, and closing that you are already familiar with from Windows. In addition tem-plates can be inserted and called up and CD tracks and the tracks created in Nero SoundTrax can be exported as audio files.
Menu Edit	Opens the Edit menu, containing editing functions for the files in the selec-tion screen such as cutting, copying, and deleting that you are already famil-iar with from Windows. In addition you can chain the notes of the tracks cre-ated in Nero SoundTrax.
Menu View	Opens the View menu offering the possibility of individually adjusting the menu bar and toolbar, and enlarging or reducing the view of the project. In addition, you can change the time format of the project.
Menu Insert	Opens the Insert menu that offers the possibility of inserting audio files, au-dio loops, SoundBox and ScratchBox clips in tracks that have been created in Nero SoundTrax. In addition you can import tracks from audio CDs, generate an automatic LFE track, add effects in effect chains and create as-signable effect groups.
Menu Audio	Opens the Audio menu that offers the possibility of recording, importing, and playing audio files.
Menu Tracks	Opens the Tracks menu that offers the possibility of inserting and deleting tracks. You can also add different effect curves to a track and change the track properties.
Menu Tools	Opens the Toolbox menu that offers the possibility of burning a CD, open-ing other Nero applications and selecting wizards to record analog audio tracks.
Menu Options	Opens the Options menu that offers the possibility of specifying general and special settings for the project, for the connected devices, and for the audio format.
Menu Help	Opens the Help menu that offers the possibility of calling up online help and viewing the version number and other registration data.

4.2.2 Toolbar

The toolbar offers the following setting possibilities:

	Creates a new project.
	Opens an existing project.
	Saves the project.
	Cuts out the selected section and saves it on the clipboard
	Copies the selected section and saves it on the clipboard
	Pastes the contents of the clipboard at the selected point.
X	Deletes the selected clips.
	Undoes the last action.
	Restores the last action that you have undone.
	Zooms into the project.
	Zooms out of the project.
	Zooms into the project so that the selected section is displayed in a manner that fills the screen.
	Zooms out of the project in such a manner that the entire project is displayed.
	Inserts a new track after the selected track.
	Opens the Open dialog box and inserts an audio file at the point selected.
	Burns the project to CD. This button is only available if the project contains at least one clip.
	Opens the selected clip for editing. If the clip is an audio file, then Nero WaveEditor will be opened. If the clip is a SoundBox or ScratchBox clip, then the respective application will open. This button is only available if a clip is selected.
	Aligns the selected clips at the same start position; the start position that is furthest to the left will be used. This button is only available if multiple clips are selected.

4.2.3 Mastertrack area

The Mastertrack area is where settings that apply for all tracks that are inserted into the project are made.

The Master track area offers the following possibilities for settings and buttons:

	Shows distribution of the surround sound.
	Adjusts the volume of all tracks in the project.
	Opens the Effect Chain Editor - Master window. This is where you can create an effect chain that can be assigned to all tracks.
	Opens the Project settings window.

4.2.4 Assignable Effects area

In the Assignable Effects area you can create effect chains that can later be assigned to specific tracks.

The following setting can be carried out in the Assignable Effects area:

Opens the Assignable Effect Groups window. Here you can create and edit the effect groups.

4.2.5 Tracks area

The Tracks area is where the inserted tracks are shown. Track settings can also be edited here.

The following settings can be made in the Tracks area:

Changes the surround sound, i.e. volume distribution on the various channels/speakers.

Adjusts the volume of the track.

Visualizes the volume level.

Start/stops track playback.

Opens the Effect Chain Editor - Track window. This is where you can create and edit an effect chain for the track.

Opens the Track Settings window. Here you can edit the track settings.

4.2.6 Track display area

The Track display area is where the channel frequencies of the inserted audio clips are displayed. The audio clips are displayed individually and in different colors.

Open the context menu by clicking with the right mouse button within the track display.

Clicking on an audio clip opens the Clip context menu. Here you can delete, select, copy, and cut clips. In addition, you can open clips in, select the output channels, and group clips.

Clicking on the Track opens the Track context menu. Here you can insert clips of various types, delete, copy, and deactivate them. In addition, you have the possibility of inserting effects and effect chains, track splits, CD indices and labels.

4.3 Project area

The Project area is divided into the frequency area and the toolbar.

In the frequency section the frequencies of all tracks are displayed in overlay. Here the depiction of the project can be altered with the aid of the red markings.

The following buttons are available:

	Opens the Recording Settings dialog box. Records a clip.
	Plays the project back from the point where the cursor is located.
	Plays back the project from the beginning.
	Plays back the project or the selected section in an endless loop.
II	Pauses playback of the project.
	Stops playback.
	Sets the cursor at the beginning of the project.
	Moves the cursor back quickly.
	Moves the cursor forward quickly.
	Sets the cursor at the end of the project.
	Adjusts the volume.
120.00	Specifies the tempo in the BMP unit.

5 Configuration

You can configure Nero SoundTrax to suit your needs. And for this purpose the following adjustable areas are available to you.

Project settings
General settings
Device settings
Audio Format Settings

See also:

Project settings 14
Program settings 15
Device settings 18
Audio Format Settings 18

5.1 Project settings

In the Nero SoundTrax project settings, audio and general settings such as project titles and the name of the artists can be made on various tabs. In addition it is possible to define the tempo and the beat of your music project.

You reach this window via Options > Project Settings in the menu bar.

5.1.1 Audio Settings tab

The Audio Settings tab offers the following setting options:

Drop-down menu Rendering Sample Ra-te	Specifies the sampling rate. The scan rate is the frequency that a signal is scanned per time interval. The default rate is 44100.
Drop-down menu Rendering Bit Depth	Determines the bit depth. Bit depth indicates the precision with which a vibration will be captured. The default setting is 16-bit (CD and DAT).
Option button Channels	Specifies the number of channels. Stereo: This entry is selected by default. 5.1 Channel Surround: 6-channel surround. 7.1 Channel Surround: 8-channel surround (see Surround pro-jects→39).

See also:

Surround projects 39

5.1.2 General tab

The General tab offers the following setting options:

Input field Project length	Specifies the length of the project in minutes.
Input field Project title	Specifies the title of the project.
Input field Artist's name	Specifies the name of the artist.
Input area Comments	Specifies comments for the project.
Check box Automatically add CD track splits	Adds a short stop between two audio clips in the same track.

5.1.3 Tempo and beat tab

The Tempo and Meter tab offers the following setting options:

Input field Beats per minute	Specifies the tempo of the project, i.e. the beats per minute.
Input field Beats per measure	Specifies the beats per measure for the project.

5.2 Program settings

In the Nero SoundTrax program settings, it is possible to make output and saving settings as well as determine aspects of display and plug-ins on various tabs. In addition general settings such as a standard export file format and folder in which the music files are saved can be made.

You reach this window via the Options > Settings menu.

5.2.1 General tab

The General tab offers the following setting options:

Input field Maximum number of undo levels	Limits the number of steps that can be undone to the speci-fied value.
Input field Default duration of CD track splits	Specifies the duration of the pause of new CD track splits.
Drop-down menu Default export file format	Specifies the file format in which Nero SoundTrax will ex- port audio files in the default setting.

5.2.2 Save/Output Settings tab

The Save/Output Settings tab offers the following setting possibilities:

Check box Use noise shaping when converting to lower bit depths.	Activates noise shaping, which ensures higher audio quality when converting.
Drop-down menu Noise Shaping Filter	Specifies the type of noise shaping. IIR filter (2nd order): Infinite Duration Impulse Response. Uses IIR filter. IIR filters can provide an infinitely long and continuous impulse response. In general they achieve a better subjective audio quality than FIR filters do, however they have higher levels of interference energy outside of the audible range. Second order means that sound is attenuated by 12 dB. FIR filter (3 taps): Finite Impulse Response filter. Uses FIR filters. FIR filters possess a pulse response with guaranteed finite length. This entry is selected by default.
Drop-down menu Play surround audio as	Specifies how surround audio is played back. Multichannel audio (true surround sound): Plays back surround audio with all channels. Stereo using Nero HeadPhone (Virtual Surround): Plays back surround audio filtered down as stereo, with a virtual surround effect generated for head-phones. Stereo with Nero VirtualSpeakers (virtual surround): Plays surround audio filtered down as stereo, whereby a virtual sound effect is generated for speakers.

5.2.3 View tab

The View tab offers the following setting options:

Check box Automatically scale track heights to fill the main window	Automatically enlarges the display of the track so that its height fills the main window.
Check box Show path name in audio clips	Shows the clip path in the track display in addition to the file name.

5.2.4 Folders tab

The Folders tab offers the following setting options:

Input field Temporary folder	Defines the folder in which temporary files are stored. The folder should be located on a drive with plenty of storage space.
Input field Peak file folder	Specifies the folder where peak files are stored. Peak files are cache files that Nero uses to more quickly open Nero SoundTrax audio files. The folder should be located on a drive with ample storage space.
Input field "My Music" folder	Specifies the My Music folder.
...	Opens a dialog box where the folder can be selected for the respective files.
Check box Always start the File Open dia-log in the "My Music" folder.	When calling the Open dialog box, the system will always first show the folder that is specified in the My Music folder text box.

5.2.5 VST Plug-Ins tab

The VST Plug-Ins tab offers the following setting possibilities:

Display area Installed VST Plug-ins	Shows the currently installed VST plug-ins.
Button Delete	Deletes the selected VST plug-in
Button Add Plug-in	Opens the Open dialog box. Installs a new VST plug-in
Button Scan folder	Opens the Open dialog box. Searches for new VST plug-ins in the specified folder.

5.2.6 DirectX Plug-ins tab

The DirectX Plug-ins tabThe following settings can be made:

Display area Installed DirectX Plug-ins	Shows the currently installed DirectX plug-ins
Button Disable Plug-in	Disables the marked DirectX Plug-in
Button Scan DirectX Plug-ins	Carries out an intensive search for DirectX Plug-ins.

5.3 Device settings

In the device settings of Nero SoundTrax it is possible to make determinations for the audio input and output.

You reach this window via Options > Device Settings in the menu bar.

The following settings can be made in the Device Settings window.

Audio input area:

Drop-down me-nu Device

Specifies the audio device for the audio input.

Audio output area:

Drop-down menu Device	Specifies the audio device for the audio output.
Input field Latency	Specifies the delay time of the sound card, in order to convert an audio signal from the input of the card to the output of the card.

5.4 Audio Format Settings

In the audio format settings from Nero SoundTrax it is possible to undertake various definitions for decoder, encoder and converters on different tabs.

You reach this window via the menu Options > Audio Format Settings in the menu bar.

5.4.1 Decoder tab

On the Decoder tabThe following settings can be made:

Button Configure	Opens a dialog box where additional settings can be made for the selected decoder. This button is not available for all decoders.
Button Info	Opens the About dialog box where information about the se- lected encoder is displayed. This button is not available for all decoders.
Button Move Up	Moves the decoder up one entry.
Button Move Down	Moves the decoder down one entry.
Button Artist/Title Information Source	Opens the Fetch Artist / Title Information dialog box where you can specify the source from which information relative to artist and title will be read.

5.4.2 Encoder tab

The Encoder tabThe following settings can be made:

Button Configure	Opens a dialog box where additional settings can be made for the sele- lected encoder. This button is not available for all encoders.
Button Info	Opens the About dialog box where you can view information about the selected encoder. This button is not available for all encoders.
Button Artist/Title In- formation Source	Opens the Get Artist / Title Information dialog box where you can specify the source from which information about artist and title will be read.

5.4.3 Converter tab

The Converter tabThe following settings can be made:

Button Configure	Opens a dialog box where you can make additional settings for the sele- lected converter. This button is not available for all converters.
Button Info	Opens the About dialog box where you can view information about the selected converter. This button is not available for all converters.
Button Artist/Title Information Source	Opens the Get Artist / Title Information dialog box where you can spec-ify the source from which information about artist and title will be read.

6 Import and Recording Audio Files

The Nero SoundTrax wizards allow you to take music from records (LP) and cassettes and burn it quickly and easily onto CD. The wizards offer filters that you can use to equalize disturbances such as scratches, and thus obtain optimal recording quality.

6.1 Recording from record or cassette

In order to edit audio files in Nero SoundTrax you must first either import them or record them directly.

The following requirement must be fulfilled:

• A record player or cassette recorder must be connected to the input on the sound card.

To record from record or cassette, proceed as follows:

1. If you want to record from a record, then click the menu Toolbox > Wizards > LP to CD Wizard.
2. If you want to record from a cassette, then click the menu Toolbox > Wizards > Cassette to CD Wizard.
   The LP to CD Wizard or Cassette to CD Wizard window will then open with the Recording Console screen.

Recording console screen

1. In the Audio input line menu select the input of the sound card.

2. If you want to hear how the sound quality is modified by changing the recording volume then check the Digital monitoring box.

3. Start playback on the capture device.

4. Move the Record level slider until the display in the Level meter is primarily in the yellow range.

If the level meters are predominantly in the red range then the audio quality will be reduced.

1. If you want to pause recording until a signal is detected at the recording input then check the Pause recording until signal detected box.
2. If you want to pause recording if a signal has not been detected at the recording input after 20 seconds, for instance because the cassette has reached the end of one side, then check the Pause recording after 20 seconds of silence box.

3. If you want to change the target file:

4. Click on the Change Target File button.

The Save As dialog box is opened.

1. In the Save menu select the folder where you want to save the audio file.
2. Enter the desired file name in the File Name input field.

3. Click the Save button.

4. Click the button.
   The system will start recording.

5. Click the button to stop capturing.
6. Click the Next button.
   The Automatic Track Detection screen is displayed.

Auto Track Detection screen

1. Turn the Silence Threshold controller until the value whose volume level indicates a pause is reached.
2. Enter the minimum duration of a pause in the Minimum duration of pause text box. Nero SoundTrax detects passages in the audio file and will automatically inserts a pause.
3. Enter the minimum duration that a track should have in the Minimum duration of track text box.
4. Click on the Detect button.

The tracks in the recording will be detected automatically. The detected tracks will be displayed in the appropriate screen.

1. Click the Next button.

The Noise Reduction screen is displayed.

Noise suppression screen.

1. Move the Denoiser Level slider until the desired threshold value for removing background noise such as hissing, crackling, and humming is reached.
2. Move the DeRumble Level slider until the desired threshold value for removing low frequency signals that occur when recording LPs is reached.

The derumble filter can also erase bass frequencies that are part of the recording. Consequently do not set the threshold value of the slider too high.

1. Move the Declicker Level slider until the desired threshold value for removing clicks that occur when recording LPs is reached.
2. Move the DeCrackler level until the desired threshold value for removing background crackle that occurs when recording LPs is reached.
3. Click on the Preview button.

The recording will be played with noise suppression.
23. Click on the Stop button to stop the preview.
24. Click the Next button.
The CD Compilation screen is displayed.

CD Compilation screen

1. If you want to burn the project immediately then check the Burn project immediately box
2. If you want to launch Nero CoverDesigner then check the Launch Nero CoverDesigner box.
3. If you want pauses between the individual tracks then select the Pause option button.
4. If you want to have the tracks run into each other then select the Crossfade option button.
5. Enter the duration in seconds and milliseconds in the appropriate text boxes.
6. Click the Finish button.

You have recorded or imported an LP or cassette.

See also:

Burning the project on an Audio CD 40

6.2 Importing an Audio CD

To import CD tracks from an audio CD, proceed as follows:

1. Insert the audio CD in a CD drive.
2. Click on Audio > Import from Audio CD.

The Audio CD Import dialog box is displayed.

Audio CD Import dialog box

1. In the CD-ROM device drop-down menu, select the drive in which you have inserted the audio CD.
2. To specify the folder where the imported audio files will be stored click on the button.
3. In the directory tree, click on the folder in which you want to store the imported CD tracks.
4. In the list box, select all CD tracks that you want to import.

You can select multiple entries in a selection list by keeping the shift key depressed while clicking.

1. Click the OK button.

You have imported CD tracks from an audio CD.

6.3 Capture audio file

The following requirement must be fulfilled:

• A capture device, e.g. a microphone, is connected to the input of the sound card.

To record proceed as follows:

1. Click the button.

The Recording Settings dialog box is opened.

1. Select the desired bit depth in the Resolution menu.
2. If you just want to record in mono, uncheck the Stereo recording box.

3. If you want to change the folder in which the recorded file will be stored:

4. Click the button.

The Save As dialog box is opened.

1. In the Save in drop-down menu, select the folder where you want to save the audio file.
2. Enter the desired file name in the File name text box.

3. Click the Save button.
   The Save As dialog box is closed.

4. Click the OK button.

The Recording Console window is opened.

1. Select the recording input in the Audio input line drop-down menu.
2. If you want to hear how the sound quality is modified by changing the recording volume then check the Digital monitoring box.
3. Start playback on the capture device.
4. Move the Record level slider until the display in the Level meter is primarily in the yellow range.
5. If you want to pause recording until a signal is detected at the recording input then check the Pause recording until signal detected box.

6. If you want to pause recording if a signal has not been detected at the recording input after 20 seconds then check the Pause recording after 20 seconds of silence box.

7. If you want to change the target file:

8. Click on the Change Target File button.
   The Save As dialog box is opened.

9. In the Save in drop-down menu, select the folder where you want to save the audio file.
10. Enter the desired file name in the File name text box.

11. Click the Save button.

12. Click the button.

The system will start recording.

1. Click the button to stop capturing.

2. Click on the Keep button.

You have recorded a track.

See also:

Recording from record or cassette 21

7 Working wth tracks

If you have recorded or imported an audio file then this file will be shown in the track as a peak file. You can now edit the tracks containing the audio files.

7.1 Edit the available track

To edit a track, proceed as follows:

1. Click the menu Tracks > Add Track.

A track will be inserted in the Tracks area.

1. If you want to change the track properties:

2. Click the menu Tracks > Track Properties.

The Track Properties window is opened.

1. Change the track properties as desired.

2. If you want to insert an audio clip in the track:

3. In the Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Add audio file(s) entry.

4. In the Open window that is displayed, select the audio file that you want to insert.

The audio file will be inserted in the track as a peak file.

1. If you want to insert an audio loop:

2. In Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Insert audio loop(s) entry.

The Open window appears.

1. In the file system select the audio file that you want to insert.

The audio file will be inserted in the track as a peak file.

1. If you want to insert a ScratchBox clip:

2. In Track view, call up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Insert ScratchBox Clip entry.

The ScratchBox program is opened.

1. Create the ScratchBox Clip in the ScratchBox (see Create ScratchBox Clip 51

2. Close the ScratchBox.

The ScratchBox clip will be inserted in the track automatically.

1. If you want to insert a SoundBox clip:

2. In Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Insert SoundBox clip entry.

The SoundBox program will open.

1. Create the SoundBox Clip in the SoundBox (see Insert SoundBox Clip 47).

2. Close the SoundBox.

The SoundBox clip will be automatically inserted in the track.

1. If you want to capture an audio clip and immediately insert it in the track as an audio file:

2. In Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Insert audio clip entry.
   The Recording Settings window is opened.

3. Enter the storage location in the file system where you want to save the recording.
   The Recording Console window is opened.

4. Record the audio clip (see Audio recording 25).

5. After recording click on the Keep button.
   The audio clip will be inserted in the track.

6. If you want to edit the effect chain for the track:

7. In Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Edit track effect chain entry.
   The Effect Chain Editor - Track window is opened.

8. Edit the effect chain for the track.

9. If you want to insert a CD track split:

10. Call the context menu in the track view with the right mouse button and click on the Insert CD track split entry.
    The CD track split will be inserted in the track.

11. To change the properties of the CD track split, click the right mouse button to call up the context menu of the icon. and click the Properties entry.
    The Track Split Properties window is opened.

12. Enter the position and the length of the CD track split, the title of the audio clip, and name of the artist.

13. If you want to insert a CD index:

14. In Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Insert CD index entry.
    The CD index will be inserted in the track.

15. To change the properties of the CD index, click the right mouse button to call up the context menu of the icon. and click the Properties entry.
    The Index Properties window is opened.

16. Enter the position of the index.

17. If you want to insert a label:

18. Call the context menu in the track view with the right mouse button and click on the Insert label entry.
    The label will be inserted in the track.

19. To edit the properties of the label, right-click to call the context menu of the icon.
    The Label Properties window is opened.

20. Enter the position and the title of the label.

21. If you want to insert a volume curve in the track.

22. Click the menu Tracks > Insert volume curve.

The volume curve will be inserted in the track.

1. Continue to edit the volume curve (see Insert volume curve for track 30).

2. If you want to insert a pan curve in the track:

3. Click the menu Tracks > Add Pan Curve.

The pan curve will be inserted in the track.

1. Continue to edit the pan curve (see Insert pan curve for track 30 ).

2. If you want to insert a sound change in the track:

3. In the Track area click the Edit Effect Chain button.

The Effect Chain Editor window is opened.

1. Add the desired sound change from the categories tools, effects, or enhancement to the effect chain.

2. If you want to add an assignable effect group curve to the track:

3. In Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Insert assignable effect curve entry.

The Add Effect Group Curve window is opened.

1. Select one of the effect group curves and click on the OK button.

The effect group curve will be inserted in the track (see Insert effect group curve for track 31).

1. If you want to disable the track, call the context menu in the track view with the right mouse button and click on the Deactivate track entry.

The track will be disabled. The peak file will be hidden.

1. If you want to edit a crossfade of two overlapping audio tracks:

2. In the Track view right click to call up the context menu of the crossfade that is displayed in red.

3. Click on the desired crossfade type.

4. If you want to match the tempos of the audio clips, click on the Match Tempos entry.

The Crossfade Tempo window is opened.

1. Make the desired settings.

2. Click the OK button.

You have edited the track.

See also:

Creating a ScratchBox clip 51
Inserting a SoundBox clip 47
Adding a volume curve to the track 30
Adding a pan curve to the track 30
Adding an effect group curve to the track 31
Capture audio file 25

Nero SoundBox 43
Nero ScratchBox 48
Effect chains 34

7.1.1 Adding a volume curve to the track

A volume curve allows you to vary the volume over the length of the track.

To create a volume curve, proceed as follows:

1. Select the track whose volume you want to change.
2. Click the menu Tracks > Insert volume curve.

The volume curve will be displayed in the track. On the left border of the track a percentage scale from 0 to 100 is displayed for the volume.

1. Move the starting point of the curve, i.e. the square box at the left corner, to the desired initial volume.
2. Click on the point in the volume curve where you want a volume change and move the box up or down.
3. Repeat the previous step until you have specified all desired points of the volume curve.
4. If you want to delete a specific curve point, right-click on the curve point and select the Remove curve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.

5. If you want to define the settings for a curve point more precisely:

6. Right-click on the curve point and select the Edit curve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.

The Edit Curve Point dialog box is opened.

1. In the Time Line Position area enter the desired position of the curve point in the input fields Min. and Sec.
2. In the Value area, enter the desired volume in decibels in the Volume text box.
3. Click the OK button.
   You have added a volume curve to the track.

7.1.2 Adding a pan curve to the track

A pan curve allows you to vary the volume in the individual channels over the length of the track. For example, for stereo you can initially make the left channel louder than the right channel and thus simulate a movement.

To create a pan curve, proceed as follows:

1. Select the track whose volume distribution you want to change.
2. Click the menu Tracks > Add Pan Curve.

The pan curves are displayed in the track. On the left border of the track a percentage scale from -100 to 100 is displayed for the volume. The starting point of the curve is at 0, which represents uniform volume allocation.

1. Move the starting point of the curve, i.e. the square box at the left corner, to the desired initial distribution.
2. Click on the point in the volume curve where you want a volume distribution and move the box up or down.
3. Repeat the previous step until you have specified all desired points of the pan curve.
4. If you want to delete a specific curve point, right-click on the curve point and select the Remove curve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.

5. If you want to define the settings for a curve point more precisely:

6. Right-click on the curve point and select the Edit curve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.

The Edit Curve Point dialog box is opened.

1. In the Time Line Position area enter the desired position of the curve point in the Min. and Sec. input fields.
2. In the Value area, enter the desired pan in percent in the Pan text box.
3. Click the OK button.
   You have added a pan curve to the track.

7.1.3 Adding an effect group curve to the track

The following requirement has to be fulfilled:

An effect group must already be created.

In order to add an effect group, proceed as follows:

1. Select the track to which you want to assign the effect group curve.
2. Click the menu Tracks > Add Assignable Effect Curve.

The Add Effect Group Curve dialog box is opened.

1. Select the desired effect group.
2. Click the OK button.

The effect group curve will be displayed in the track. A percentage scale from 0 to 100 will be displayed for the volume at the left margin of the track.

1. Move the starting point of the curve, i.e. the square box at the left corner, to the desired initial distribution.
2. Click on the point in the effect group curve where you want an effect change and move the box up or down to the desired intensity.
3. Repeat the preceding step until you have specified all desired points of the effect group curve.
4. If you want to delete a specific curve point, right-click on the curve point and select the Remove curve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.

5. If you want to define the settings for a curve point more precisely:

6. Right-click on the curve point and select the Edit curve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.

The Edit Curve Point dialog box is opened.

1. In the Time Line Position area enter the desired position of the curve point in the Min. and Sec. input fields.
2. In the Value area, enter the desired volume in decibels in the Volume text box.
3. Click the OK button.

You have added an effect group curve to the track.

See also:

Effect chains 34

7.2 Surround sound distribution

Nero SoundTrax allows you to allocate different output levels to the speakers during playback of a track; this changes the sound center of the room so that the sound "migrates". For this key points are created in the track so that the movement of sound can be re-used in subsequent playbacks.

Changed surround sound distribution with key points

7.2.1 Changing the surround sound distribution

In order to change the surround sound distribution, proceed as follows:

In general: The farther you move the dot away from a speaker the softer the sound in that speaker will be. The nearer you move the green dot to the speaker the louder the sound will be.

The sound from the right speaker becomes louder when the dot is moved to the right; the sound from the left speaker becomes louder when the dot is moved to the left.

If you place the dot in the corner above one of the speakers then only that particular speaker will provide sound; the other speaker will be completely muted. You can achieve the same effect by double-clicking on one of the speakers to turn it yellow.

1. In the Surround Sound Distribution field located in the Track section, click the green dot, keep the mouse button depressed, and move the dot.
   The dot movement is marked by key points in the track view. These key points consist of a dotted line and a diamond at the top of the line.

2. If you want to move a key point in the track, click on the diamond at the top of the key point and move it to the right or left.

3. If you want to delete a key point in the track, click on the diamond at the top of the key point and press the Delete key on your keyboard.

You have changed the surround sound distribution of the track.

8 Effect chains

You can assign effect chains that consist of multiple effects to a specific track or to the master track. It is also possible to define effect chains and to assign them to the tracks as an effect group curve. With the effect group curve you can adjust the intensity of the effect group over the length of the track.

When putting an effect chain together you can choose from the following categories.

Plug-ins
Tools
Effects
Enhancements

8.1 Plug-ins context menu

The Plug-ins context menu offers the following possibilities for selection:

DirectX settings	Opens the Settings window with the DirectX Plug-Ins tab.
VST Settings	Opens the Settings window with the VST-Plug-ins tab.

See also:

DirectX Plug-ins tab 18
VST Plug-Ins tab 17

8.2 Toolbox context menu

The Toolbox context menu offers the following selection possibilities:

Deesser	Automatically lowers the sibilance level in a voice or song recording.
Dynamic Processor	Corresponds to the physical term of loudness (loudness perception).
Equalizer	Equalizes sound frequencies and allows sound quality of bases and high notes to be modified (sound design).
Karaoke filter	Filters out frequencies that are exactly the same on both tracks. Frequently in songs the vocal is the same on both tracks and is thus removed.
Noise Gate	Suppresses soft segments in the signal transmission. It is used to suppress background noise for example.
Pitch Tuning	Among other things pitch tuning is used to change the playback speed and the pitch.
Stereo Proces-sor	Specifies settings for the left and right audio channel and generates artificial stereo.
Time Correction	Specifies settings for the playback speed.
Transpose	Changes the pitch of music passages and their playback speed.

8.3 Effects context menu

The following setting options are available:

Chorus	Adds several slightly distorted signals to the original signal.
Convolution Reverb	Uses convolution to convert depictions of real sounds into audio signals by A computer system.
Delay	Outputs one or more delayed copies of the input signal and thus achieves an echo-like sound.
Distortion	Distorts the signal. Frequently used for electric guitars.
Flanger	Copies the input signal and returns the copy (phase shifted) to the original. The main difference to the similar phaser effect is the feeding back of the copied signal to the input. The feedback can be finely adjusted.
Volume	Describes the hearing-based volume. With this effect the per- ceived volume can be increased without exceeding the maximum permissible amplitude.
Low Fidelity	Simulates a low sampling rate and thus generates a lesser sound quality.
Modulation	Modulates the signal with a freely selectable control signal. Sup- ports amplitude modulation as well as frequency modulation.
Multi-Tap Delay	Generates individual echoes or a single reflection and describes the number of simultaneously possible echoes. This is a delay ef- fect based on taps.
Phaser	Copies and filters the input signal with a varying band-stop filter. Then the signal reproduced is phase-displaced to the original sig- nal. It is similar to the flanger effect.
Pseudo Reverse	Produces the impression that the file is being played backwards by reversing only fragments; in reality, however, the file is being played in the correct direction.
Re-analogue	Offers several effect options by inserting interference effects, such as artificial aging through noise.
Reverb	Gives a reverb effect to the file.
Stutter	Produces a stuttering effect though cut outs or repetitions.
Surround Reverb	Changes the room sound. A different environment can be artifi-cially assigned to the music file. It is possible to specify the room depth, width, and height, the finish of room surfaces, as well as other parameters.
Voice Modification	Modifies the voice in a piece of music. For example you can change the pitch.
Wah-Wah	Is primarily used to influence the sound of electric guitars. The term wah-wah approximates the sound of the induced effect.

8.4 Enhancement context menu

The enhancement context menu offers the following selection possibilities:

Band Extrapolation	Enables generation of high and low frequency harmonies.
Camera Denoiser	Removes (or reduces) the humming noises that frequently occur with video cameras with graphic view.
DC Offset Correction	Automatically removes DC components that can be harmful to speakers.
Declicker	Removes pops. The intensity can be adjusted manually.
Declipper	Removes parasitic noise and distortion that result from digital as well as analog saturation.
DeHum	Removes hum.
Filter Toolbox	Set of filters that suppress feedback and irregularities.
Noise Reduction	Reduces undesired noise when saving analog signals.

8.5 Effect chains and effect groups

In Nero SoundTrax effects are organized in an effect chain; its effects are applied sequentially, for example first noise reduction, then volume change, and a reverb effect.

Once an effect chain is created you can save it as an effect chain template.

The second way of assigning effects to tracks is to form an effect group and then assign it to the track as an effect group curve.

See also:

Adding an effect group curve to the track 31

8.5.1 Editing an effect chain

To create an effect chain for all tracks, proceed as follows:

1. If you want to create an effect chain for all tracks:

2. Click the menu Add > Effect in > Master Effect Chain.

The Effect Chain Editor - Master window is opened.

1. If you want to create an effect chain for a specific track:

2. Click the menu Add > Effect in > Track Effect Chain.

The Effect Chain Editor - Track window is opened.

1. Click the Add button and from the displayed menu choose the desired effect.

The displayed menu contains the Toolbox effects and the Enhancements effect groups.

Different control elements are displayed depending on the effect selected.

1. Make the rest of the settings as desired.

The subsequent settings differ depending on the effect selected and are not described in further detail.

1. Repeat the preceding steps until you have added all desired effects.
2. Click the Close button.

3. If you want to delete the effect chain:

4. Right click in a free area of the track, whose effect chain you want to delete, and select Edit track effect chain in the displayed context menu.

5. If you want to delete a single effect then right-click on the effect that you want to delete and select Remove effect in the context menu that is displayed.
6. If you want to delete the entire effect chain then remove all effects one after the other.
   You have edited an effect chain.

8.5.2 Editing the effect chain template

To edit an effect chain template, proceed as follows:

1. Open the Effect Chain Editor window.
2. Select an effect.
3. Select the desired template in the drop-down menu in the lower left corner of the window.

The settings of the selected template will be accepted when you close the Effect Chain Editor window.

1. If you want to create your own template:

2. Define the effect as you desire.

3. Enter a name in the drop-down menu in the lower left corner of the Effect Chain Editor window.
4. Click the button.

You have saved an effect template.

1. If you want to delete a template:

2. Select the Effect Chain Editor in the menu in the lower left corner of the window.

3. Click the button.

You have deleted the template.
You have modified an effect chain template.

8.5.3 Editing an effect group

To create and edit an effect group, proceed as follows:

1. Click the menu Add > Effect in > Assignable Groups.
   The Assignable Effect Groups window is opened.

2. Click on the Add Group button.
   The new group will be displayed in the table.

3. Select the newly created group.

4. Click on the Edit Chain button.

The Effect Chain Editor - Track window is opened.

1. Click the Add button.

The displayed menu contains the Toolbox, Effects and Enhancement effect groups.
Different control elements are displayed depending on the effect selected.

1. Make the rest of the settings as desired.

The subsequent settings differ depending on the effect selected and are not described in further detail.

1. Repeat the preceding steps until you have added all desired effects.
2. Click the Close button.

3. If you want to delete an effect group:

4. Select the desired effect group.

5. Click the Remove button.

You have edited an effect group.

9 Surround projects

With Nero SoundTrax you can create 5.1 and 7.1 surround projects. These numbers correspond to playback with a surround system with

5 speakers + subwoofer Or
7 speakers + subwoofer.

In addition to two different types of surround projects, Nero SoundTrax offers the selection of the number of speakers:

• Projects in which all speakers will be addressed with one sound track.
• Projects in which all speakers will receive a separate channel.

In addition you can insert an automatically generated LFE channel in the project.

Edit individual tracks in a surround project precisely in the same manner as described in the chapter Editing a track

See also:

Edit the available track 27

10 Exporting

10.1 Export project in an audio file

To export the project to an audio file, proceed as follows:

The subsequent settings differ depending on the selected effect and will not be described in further detail.

1. If you want to make additional settings for the audio format:

2. Click on the Options button.

A dialog box opens.

1. Make the rest of the settings as desired.

2. Click the OK button.

3. Click the Save button.

You have exported the project to an audio file.

10.2 Burning the project on an Audio CD

To burn an audio CD, proceed as follows:

1. In the Toolbox menu click Burn to CD.
   The Audio CD Recorder window is opened.
2. Insert a writable CD in the CD recorder drive.
3. In the area CD recorder options in the menu Device choose the CD recorder into which you have placed the writable CD. If you want to burn the project as a disc image, select the Image Recorder entry in the Device drop-down menu.

You can burn a disc image later on using Nero Burning ROM or Nero Express.

1. If you want to perform a simulation to verify whether the recorder can burn the CD, activate the check box Simulate before burning.
   Prior to burning, the program verifies that all files selected for burning are available.
2. If you want to run a speed test prior to recording then check the Test maximum speed before burning box.

Before burning, the program will verify whether the recorder is capable of burning the session with the selected writing speed.

1. If you do not want to normalize the volume, then in the Normalizing volume levels area choose the Do not normalize option field. If you wish to normalize the volume of the individual CD tracks individually, then choose theNormalize each track separately option field. If you wish to normalize the volume of the whole CD, choose theNormalize all option field.
2. If you have selected a normalization, move the Normalization level slider until the desired decibel value is reached.
3. If you wish to add a CD text, enter the desired title and artist in the Title and CD Text area.

With CD players that support CD text, the title of the CD, the name of the audio file as well as the name of the artist appear in the display.

1. If you want to add the same artist information to all tracks:

2. Click the Select All button.

3. Click on the Properties button.

The CD Track Properties dialog box is opened.

1. Enter the joint artists of the CD track in the appropriate input field.

2. Click the OK button.

3. If you want to add titles and artist to specific tracks:

4. Select the desired track in the CD Track List area.

5. Click the Properties.

The CD Track Properties dialog box is opened.

1. Enter the title of the CD track in the appropriate input field.
2. Enter the artist of the CD track in the appropriate input field.
3. Click the OK button.

4. Repeat these sub-steps for each track to which you want to add title and artist.

5. Click the OK button.

6. If you have selected the Image Recorder as destination, then the dialog box Save As will open.

7. In the Save In menu select the desired folder and enter the desired file name in the File name input field.
8. Click the Save button.

A dialog box with information concerning the successful burning process will open.

1. Click the OK button.
   The Burn Progress window is opened.

2. If you would like to save a log file:

3. Click the Save button.
   The Save As dialog box is opened.

4. Select the desired folder from the Save in drop-down menu.

5. Enter the desired file name in the File Name input field.

6. Click the Save button.

7. Click the Close button.

8. If you would like to print a log file:

9. Click the Print button.

10. In the menu, choose the Name of the desired printer.
11. Carry out the desired settings in the Printer Area and Copies menu.

12. Click the OK button.

13. If you do not want to save a log file for the burning process, click the Discard button.

You have burned an audio CD.

11 Nero SoundBox

With Nero SoundBox you can create audio clips. Various rhythms, music types, and instruments are available to you. You can also enter a text which a computerized voice will speak in time with the music and add background noises to the audio clip.

11.1 Nero Soundbox main screen

The main screen of Nero SoundBox is organized into the following sections.

General settings
Beat Editor
Sequencer
Text II Speech
Ambience

Nero SoundBox Main Screen

11.1.1 General components

The following setting possibilities are available. They are repeated in the various sections of the Nero SoundBox interface.

Switches the section on and off.
	Specifies the intensity of effects.
	Indicates the volume of effects.
	Indicates the surround sound allocation. This element is shown when you click the button.
	Provides different profiles for selection.
	Calls up the complete pattern of the selected profile into a new window.
	Copies content (rhythm, melody) of a measure into the selected measure.
	Specifies the rhythmic pattern. The pattern is divided into four measures.
	Deletes a template or a profile.
	Saves a template or a profile. This can be re-used at any time.

See also:

Patterns 47

11.1.2 General settings

In addition, the following settings are available in the Nero SoundBox interface, and are applicable in all areas within the SoundBox.

►	Starts playback of the SoundBox clip.
II	Pauses playback of the SoundBox clip
■	Stops playback of the SoundBox clip.
◎	Repeats the entire SoundBox clip.
◎	Repeats only the active section of the SoundBox clip.
Input field Tempo	Indicates the tempo of the SoundBox clip.
Drop-down me- nu Quantization	Subdivides the measure.
Drop-down me- nu Bars	Shows up to 4 bars in the pattern view and makes these changeable. Thus the same measure is not always played back in succession.
	Graphically shows the allocation of sound in the room.

11.1.3 Beat editor area

In the Beat Editor, the following setting possibilities are available with which you can create the rhythms in various musical directions.

Button Delete	Cleared a pattern.
Button Random	Randomly selects a pattern.
Slider Boost	Indicates the intensity of the selected profile.
Slider Pitch	Influences the pitch of the profile.
Drop-down me- nu Musical direc- tion	Specifies a musical direction. Depending on the musical direction the entries below the menu change. They will then show the percussion instrumenst that are typical for the selection. In the context menu of the individual percussion instruments you can replace a particular instrumen with a different instrument.

11.1.4 Sequencer area

The following selection possibilities are available in the Sequencer area with which the individual tones can be edited.

Button Delete	Deletes a pattern.
Button Random	Randomly selects a pattern.
Slider Decay	Specifies the length of tones.
Slider Distortion	Distorts the tone and allows it to seem louder.
Slider Cut off	Designates the frequency up to which the tone will be generated. The higher the value of the controller, the higher the frequencies that will be contained in the generated tone.
Slider Resonance	Gives the tone more resonance.
Slider Sound	Changes the sound using various parameters.
	Graphically represents the tones.
	Switches between polyphony and monophony. Polyphony plays multiple tones at the same time. Monophony selects one pitch per time unit.
	Opens a drop-down menu where wave files with characteristic instrument sounds can be selected. Bass, guitar, piano, flute, or saxophone can be selected.

The following setting options are available in the Text II Speech area with which you can enter text into the text box.

Slider Time	Changes the playback speed.
Slider Pitch	Influences the pitch of speech.
Slider Envelope	Changes the formats of the voice without changing the pitch. The higher the value of the controller, the higher voice for-mats will be moved.
Option buttons Normal, voice, whisper	Defines the playback volume.
Check box Rapper	Specifies the pronunciation type.
Input field	Specifies the text that will be converted to speech.

11.1.6 Ambience area

In the Ambience area you can select profiles and introduce these as background noises in your sound.

Slider Intensity / volume	Specifies volume and intensity of the background noises.
Drop-down menu	Selects an existing profile. The Intensity and Volume sliders are adapted to suit the imported profile.

11.2 Patterns

The pattern in the Beat Editor area specifies the beats of the individual percussion instruments per bar.

The pattern in the Sequencer area specifies the tones in the specific bars. In order to hear the tones before inserting them in the pattern, you can click on the keyboard and listen to the tone.

In the Accent area with a single click on a box in the meter of the sample you can assign a tone. Double-clicking turns the box green and causes the tone to change its frequency level linearly over the length of the tone rather than in a single step.

In the glide area of the sample, it is possible to give the tone its properties, adapt the basic tone to flow into the next tone in order to prevent an audible end to the tone change. In this way the end of the "Sliding" tone pitch is the same as that of the next tone.

11.3 Inserting a SoundBox clip

To create a SoundBox clip, proceed as follows:

1. Select the General Settings for all sections.
2. Select the desired settings in the Beat Editor area.
3. Select the desired settings in the Sequencer area.
4. Select the desired settings in the Text II Speech area.
5. Select the desired settings in the Ambience area.
6. Click OK.

You have inserted a SoundBox clip in the track.

See also:

General components 43
Beat editor area 45
Sequencer area 45
Bereich Text II Speech→ 46
Ambience area 47

12 Nero ScratchBox

With Nero ScratchBox you can insert an audio clip in the track.

Nero ScratchBox consists of two virtual turntables on which audio files can be played. This means, for example, you can professionally mix the audio files into each other, process the audio files with diverse effects, and scratch the audio files.

12.1 Main screen - Nero ScratchBox

In the Nero ScratchBox the main screen is divided into the following sections:

Turntable (1)
Peak file view (2)
Mixing console (3)
File selection (4)
Tools (5)

Main screen - Nero ScratchBox

12.1.1 Turntables area

You can play back and edit audio files on the Turntables.

The following setting options are available:

	Plays back audio files.
	Starts playback of the audio file.
	Stops playback of the audio file.
	Pauses playback of the audio file.
	Specifies the starting point of a loop.
	Specifies the end point of a loop.
	Plays back the specified loop in the audio file.
	Changes the playback speed when starting and ending the audio file.
	Briefly slows playback. The function simulates manually holding of the LP.
	Briefly accelerates playback. The function simulates manual acceleration of the LP.
TEST-DAT2	Shows the name of the audio file.
	Changes the playback speed of the audio file.
0%	Shows which percentage value is used to specify faster or slower playback of the audio file.

12.1.2 Peak file view

The following setting options are available:

Displays the audio file as peak file.

12.1.3 Mixing console area

On the Mixing console you can change the playback of the audio files on the turntables.

The following setting options are available:

Determines the volume of the overall audio output.

	Indicates the playback volume of the respective turntable.
	Graphically displays the playback.
	Mixes the playback of both turntables.
	Fades highs, mids, and lows out and in.
	Adjusts the intensity of highs.
	Adjusts the intensity of the mid-range.
	Adjusts the intensity of lows.
Auto DJ	Triggers an automatic crossfade from one audio file to another.
160.0	Indicates the "Beats per minute."
	Is illuminated when the meter of one audio file agrees with the meter of the other audio file and the two files can be mixed well together.

12.1.4 File Selection

The familiar Windows folder structure is shown in the file selection area.

This is where you can select the files that you want to play on the turntables.

12.1.5 Tools area

In the Extras area you can select sample effects and play them on the turntables. In addition you can record the playback of the turntables, post-edit the scratches added to the recording in the ScratchEditor, and record actions on the mixing console.

The following setting options are available:

Records the playback of both audio files. Each sound action that is executed after activating this button will be recorded.
Fast forwards the recording.
Rewinds the recording.
00:00:00	Indicates the temporal progress of the recording.
	Displays a loop.
1	Displays sample sounds, scratches and effects.
Button Learn hardware	Establishes a connection between a control element on the DJ hard-ware and a control element in the ScratchBox. This button is only active if DJ hardware is connected.
Button ScratchEditor	Calls up the ScratchEditor window.

12.2 Creating a ScratchBox clip

To create a ScratchBox clip, proceed as follows:

1. Select a file in the file system in the lower left corner of the ScratchBox.
2. Drag the file onto one of the turntables.

The name of the audio file is displayed in the field above the turntable.

1. If you want to define a loop in the audio file:

2. Start playback of the audio file.

3. At the desired starting point of the loop, click the button.
4. At the desired end point of the loop click the button.

5. Click the button to playback the defined loop.

6. If you want to briefly reduce the playback speed, click the Minus button on the turntable.

7. If you want to briefly accelerate the playback speed, click the Plus button on the turntable.

8. If you want to continuously accelerate the playback speed, move the slider on the turntable up.
   The speed increase is shown in the red field above the slider as a percentage value.

9. If you want to permanently slow down the playback speed, move the slider on the turntable down.
   The reduction in speed is displayed as a percentage value in the red field above the controller.
10. If you desire a slow fade-in and fade-out at the beginning and end of the audio file playback, then turn the slider on the turntable to the right.
11. If you want to completely filter highs, mid-range, or lows out of the audio file, then push the switch for the respective tone to the right.
    The switch will be illuminated red.

12. If you want to automatically crossfade from one audio file to another, then slide the AutoDJ slider on the mixing console to the right.

13. If you want to manually crossfade from one audio file to another, move the lower slider on the mixing console in the direction of the desired turntable.

14. If you want to change the volume of one of the playbacks, move the vertical slider on the respective side.
15. If you want to change the volume for both audio files, move the slider on the mixing console.
16. If you want to play back a loop from the Tools section, drag the loop icon onto the turntable.
17. If you want to use a sample scratch, click on the numbered buttons in the upper right in the Tools area. Scratches 1 - 3 will be used on the left turntable, scratches 4 - 6 will be used on the right turntable.
18. If you want to use a sample sound, click the numbered buttons in the lower left of the Tools section.
19. If you want to use a sample effect, click the numbered button in the lower right of the Tools section.

20. If you want to record a playback:

21. Click the button.

22. Start playback of the audio file(s). All actions that you execute during the recording will also be recorded.
23. If you would like to end the recording click the button.
24. Click on the button to play the recording.

25. Click the and buttons to fast forward and rewind the recording.

26. If you want to postprocess the scratches in your recording:

27. Click the ScratchEditor button in the Tools section.
    The Scratch Editor window is opened.

28. Change your scratches by clicking the playback curve of the respective turntable and then moving the handles that appear due to scratching.

29. Close the Scratch Editor.
    The changes are accepted.

30. If you want to establish a connection between a control element on the DJ hardware and a control element in the ScratchBox Editor:

31. Click on the Learn Hardware button.

32. Activate the control element on the DJ hardware.
33. Click on the control element in the ScratchBox that you want to connect with the corresponding control element on the DJ hardware.
34. Click again on the Hardware Learn button to end the recording.
35. If you want to control the desired control element in the ScratchBox then click again on the control element on the DJ hardware.

You have created a ScratchBox clip.

See also:

Scratch Editor 53

12.2.1 Scratch Editor

In the ScratchEditor you will see a curve for each turntable. At normal play speed the curve runs linear at 100% of the y-axis.

Scratches are expressed in the curve as deflections in the positive and negative % range. Negative deflections mean that the audio file is played in reverse for this time, positive deflections means that the audio file is played back faster.

The x-axis therefore describes the point in time, and the y-axis describes the play speed of the audio file at this point in time.

13 Technical Information

13.1 System requirements

Nero SoundTrax is installed along with the Nero Suite. Its system requirements are the same. You can find more detailed information on the system requirements under www.nero.com.

In addition, the following requirements apply:
16-bit Windows compatible sound card and speakers or headphones
- Optional: CD recorder

Installation of the newest WHQL certified drivers is recommended. WHQL stands for Windows Hardware Quality Labs and means that the device driver certified by Microsoft is compatible with Microsoft Windows and the relevant hardware.

13.2 Formats supported

13.2.1 Audio formats and codecs

Advanced Audio Coding (ACC) - import only
Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF, AIF)
Dolby Digital (AC-3) - import only
MP3 / mp3PRO
- Moving Picture Experts Group-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3)
- Moving Picture Experts Group-4 (MP4)
Nero Digital (MP4)
OGG Vorbis (OGG, OGM)
Recourse Interchange File Format WAVE (WAV, WAVE)
Windows Media Audio (WMA)
Nero WaveEditor File (NWF)
Nero SoundTrax Project File (NPF)

14 Glossary

Bit Depth

Bit depth indicates the precision with which an oscillation vibration will be captured. The greater the value, the more accurate is the acquisition and the better is the audio quality.

FIR Filter

A filter is a system that links an input signal with a transmission function and makes this changed signal available at its output. With a filter with finite pulse response (FIR filter) the output signal is made up of several partially buffered values of the input signal.

Frequency

The frequency denotes the oscillations per second of an electrical or magnetic field. With audio files this means that the frequency increases with rising pitch. The unit is Hertz (Hz). The highest magnitude of oscillation is called the amplitude.

IIR Filter

A filter is a system that links an input signal with a transmission function and makes this changed signal available at its output. A filter with infinite pulse response (IIR filter) uses the input values as well as buffered values of the output signal.

LFE channel

A Low Frequency Effect channel is used for transmitting low frequency sound via a special low frequency channel that is specially reduced in its bandwidth. The bandwidth is limited to the bases and thus to frequencies between 20Hz and 100Hz . The LFE channel is used in various multi-channel sound systems. Because of its limited bandwidth it is not counted as a full channel in the designation of multi-channel sound systems but as a suffix marked as "1"(e.g. 5.1).

Noise shaping

Noise shaping is a process in which the noise of a digital signal is more strongly concentrated in certain frequency ranges. The noise is thus displaced into frequency ranges that are irrelevant for further signal processing. These frequency ranges can subsequently be damped with the aid of various filters and in this way the noise is suppressed.

Sample Rate

The sample rate indicates the frequency with which a signal is sampled per interval of time. It is measured in sampling values per second. The higher the sample rate the more precise the measurement, and the better the audio quality.

15 Index

A

Add

Effect group curve 31
Pan curve 30
Volume curve. 30

Ambience 43

Amplitude 35

Area

Ambience. 47
Assignable Effects 12
Beat Editor 45
Master track. 11
Project 13
Sequencer 45
Text II Speech 46
Tools 50
Track display 12
Tracks 12

Assignable effects 9

Assignable Effects 12

Audio CD

Importing. 24
Writing 40

Audio file

Capturing 25
Exporting 40
Importing 21
Write 21

Audio Format Settings 14, 18

Audio input

Define 18

Audio output

Define 18

B

Band Extrapolation 36
Beat editor. 45
Beat Editor 43
Bit depth 14, 16

C

Camera Denoiser 36

Capturing

Audio file. 21, 25
Cassette 21
From a record or cassette 21
Record 21

Cassette

Capturing 21

Change

Surround sound distribution 32

Channel 7,30

Chorus 35

Clip 7,13

Nero ScratchBox. 51
ScratchBox clip 51
SoundBox 47

Context Menu 12

Clip. 13
Effects 35
Enhancements 36
Plug-in. 34
Tools 34
Track. 13

Conventions, manual 5

Digital monitoring 21, 26

Display

Peak file 49

Distortion 35

Dynamic Processor 34

E

Edit

Effect change template 37

Effect groups 38
Track 27

Effect chain 34, 36

Create 36

Effect Chain Editor 37

Effect change template 36

Edit 37

Effect group curve 31, 34, 36

Add 31

Effect groups. 36, 38

Create 38
Edit 38

Effects 34, 35
Enhancements 34, 36
Equalizer 34
Exporting Audio file. 40

F

File Selection. 48, 50
Filter Toolbox 36
FIR filter. 16
Flanger 35
Frequency 12,45

G

General components 43
General settings 14

1

IIR filter. 16

Image Recorder 40

Importing

Audio CD 24
Audio file. 21

K

Karaoke filter 34

L

LFE channel 39
LFE track. 10
Loop 48, 50, 51
Low Fidelity 35

M

Main Screen

Nero ScratchBox 48
Nero SoundBox. 43
Nero SoundTrax. 9

Manual, conventions 5

Master track 11
Master track settings 9
Menu bar 9, 10
Mixing console 48, 49
Modulation 35
Multi-Tap Delay 35

N

Nero ScratchBox 48
Main Screen 48
Nero SoundBox 43, 44
Nero SoundTrax. 5
Noise Gate 34
Noise Reduction. 23, 36
Noise shaping 16
Noise Shaping Filter 16

P

Pan curve 29, 30
Add. 30
Peak file 49
Peak file view 48
Phaser 35
Pitch 45
Pitch Tuning 34
Plug-in 34

Program - Launching the Program 6 - Startup 6
Program settings 15
Project 13
Project 9
Project area. 7
Project settings. 14
Project templates Select. 8
Pseudo Reverse 35

R

Re-analogue. 35

Record

Capturing 21

Recording from record or cassette. 21

Recording Settings. 26

Reverb. 35

S

Sample Rate 14, 35

Scratch Editor. 53

ScratchBox clip

Create. 51

ScratchEditor 50

Scratching 48

Select

File 50
Nero SoundTrax templates. 8
Project templates. 8
Select files 50
Templates 8

Sequencer 43, 45

Sound center point 32

SoundBox. 43, 44

SoundBox clip

Create 47

Startup

Program 6
Stereo Processor 34
Stutter 35
Surround projects. 39
Surround Reverb. 35
Surround sound distribution 32
Change 32
System requirements 54

Other 54

T

Tab

Audio Settings. 14
Convertors 19
Decoder 19
DirectX Plug-in 18
Encoder. 19
Folder. 17
General 15
Save/Output Settings 16
Tempo and beat. 15
View 17

Text II Speech 43
Time Correction 34
Toolbar 9,10
Tools 34, 48, 50
Track 7
Edit. 27
Track display. 9, 12
Tracks 9,12
Transpose 34
Turntables 48

V

Virtual surround. 16
Voice Modification 35
Volume 35
Volume curve 29, 30
Add. 30
VST Plug-Ins tab 17

W

Wah-Wah 35

Writing 40

Audio CD. 40

16 Contact

Nero SoundTrax is a Nero AG product.

Nero AG

Glendale, CA 91203-2335

USA

Internet: www.nero.com

Help: http://support.nero.com

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Nero KK

Rover Center-kita 8F-B, 1-2-2

Nakagawa-chouo Tsuzuki-ku

Yokohama, Kanagawa

Japan 224-0003

Internet: www.nero.com

Help: http://support.nero.com

Copyright © 2008 Nero AG and its licensors. All rights reserved.