MASTER X HD NATIVE / Manual

16 MASTER X HD User Manual
5.11 Mix
The Mix feature is new to the MASTER X HD, compared to MASTER X3 for Pro
Tools/Powercore. It enables parallel compression, where the Dry signal is mixed
with the Compressed signal, and the two signals are time-aligned perfectly
within the MASTER X HD, eliminating any potential phase issues. This is
something that can be a challenge in some DAWs, and makes the MASTER X HD
perfectly suited for placing as an insert on either a channel, a sub-mix bus or the
master bus output.
Note that the “WET” signal chain includes all three processing blocks, Expander,
Compressor and Limiter.
MIX Setting
MIX = 100%
MIX = 0%
MIX On/O
Parallel compression, sometimes called New York compression, or upward
compression, reduces the dynamic range of your content by bringing up
the softest parts, enhancing the details while preserving the transients.
Sometimes, upward and downward compression is used in series for less audible
“compression” or for really “heavy compression." A setup with two instances of
MASTER X HD is ideal for this trick and there are suitable presets “pairs” located in
the Preset - Tools menu for this purpose.
The only processing done after MIX is Soft Clipping, Output Gain, and Balance.
Using the Mix Enable On?O button, you can easily check if the current setting is
to your liking on your specic audio content.
More details can be found in the Dry/Wet Mix or Parallel Compression chapter.
5.12 SoftClip/IO/MIX controls
Click on the S/C, IO, or MIX text to view or hide three pairs of controls. The
settings of these controls are saved with each preset.
Balance
Input
Gain
Soft
Clip
Output
Gain
MIX
On/O
Look
Ahead
Input Gain
Use this control to adjust the input levels to suit, dependent upon where the
MASTER X HD is used, on a channel, a bus, or the master bus. Observe the input
level meters.
Note: Due to the auto-makeup of the Compressor, you may nd it suitable to
adjust the Input Gain in combination, especially with the Compressor Threshold,
in order to balance the coloring and amount of compression in each frequency
band, otherwise dened by Compressor Threshold, Ratio, Curve, Factor and Band
Gains.
Output Gain
Use this control to adjust the output levels to suit, dependent upon where the
MASTER X HD is used, on a channel, a bus, or the master bus. Observe the output
level meters. The gain control sits on the output of MASTER X HD.
CAUTION: If the MASTER X HD sits as the nal insert on the Master Bus, you must
ensure that no peaks exceed 0dBFS. Observe the output level meters and make
sure the peaks do not go into the red.
Balance
Use this control to adjust the output left/right balance. It sits before the Soft Clip.
Look-Ahead Delay
Master X HD can “look into the future” and in this way, be prepared for sudden
peaks in your material, thus ensuring a much better quality processing. Increase
the setting to better catch transients, or decrease the setting to add some
Compressor/Limiter punch.