User Guide

Nero SoundTrax

Ahead Software AG

Information on copyright and trade marks The Nero SoundTrax user manual and all its contents are protected by copyright and are the property of Ahead Software. All rights reserved. This user manual contains material that is protected by internationally valid copyright. This manual may not - in whole or in part - be copied, transmitted or otherwise reproduced without the express written permission of Ahead Software AG. All trade names and trademarks are the property of the respective owners. Ahead Software rejects any claims that transcend the legal guarantee rights. Ahead Software AG does not undertake any liability for the correctness of the content of the Nero SoundTrax user manual. The contents of the software supplied, as well as of the Nero SoundTrax user manual, may be changed without prior warning. The trademarks mentioned here are only listed for information purposes. Copyright 2003 Ahead Software AG REV 1.0

Contents

1 Information about Nero SoundTrax.. 4

1.1 Nero SoundTrax... 4

Working with Nero SoundTrax.. 6
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.5.1 2.5.2 Inserting an audio file... 6 Creating crossfades... 10 Buttons.... 11 Recording audio clips... 12 Wizards... 14 Recording from records... 14 Recording from cassettes... 18

Index.... 22

Contents 3
Information about Nero SoundTrax

1.1 Nero SoundTrax

Nero SoundTrax is a professional program for the production of audio CDs. Using Nero SoundTrax you can: Record audio clips Add your own audio material Mix different audio clips Add audio effects and crossfading Write your audio project to a CD without leaving Nero SoundTrax, as Nero SoundTrax uses the Nero API. Instead of simply putting audio files together on a CD as you have in the past, you now have the option of mixing or changing the contents of the audio files. Of course, you can also create tracks, set index marks and insert pauses. Using the integrated Karaoke filter, you can remove the vocals from songs and add your own rendition of the vocals. You can then write the results to CD and amaze your friends. Last but not least, Nero SoundTrax allows you to create complex music productions using several audio tracks, which can be played at the same time to produce a new file on CD. Nero SoundTrax is seamlessly integrated with Nero Wave Editor, which means that all the audio effects available in Nero Wave Editor can also be used in Nero SoundTrax. The effects range from the echo in studio quality recordings to amusing voice modifications. Additional audio effects, which are available as DirectX or VST plug-ins, can be added to Nero SoundTrax, if the large range of existing effects does not fulfill all your requirements. You can export or import audio clips in all the formats supported by Nero. Nero SoundTrax also allows you to cut and loop the clips. If you want to make more extensive changes, you can open Nero Wave Editor simply by double-clicking and use its fine tuning functions. After you close Nero Wave Editor, the changes are checked and the file is immediately imported into Nero SoundTrax.
Information about Nero SoundTrax 4
You can create gentle crossfades between clips by dragging the clips over one another and blending them to make one song. You can choose between different types of crossfading and even stretch the length of a clip, if this produces a better rhythmical crossfade. Both Nero SoundTrax and Nero Wave Editor are nondestructive which means that all the processes can be carried out very quickly, and the results cancelled or repeated as often as you want to, without overloading your hard disk. The preparations for burning the audio CD are made in the project window itself. In the same way as you add clips to a project, you can also include tracks, index marks or pauses. You can add the title and artist information by double-clicking and when you're happy with the results, you simply click on the burn button in the toolbar to start the process of burning the CD. It's as easy as using Nero itself, because Nero SoundTrax is based on the revised burn engine of Nero 6.0, which burns error-free CDs quickly, and easily. The Nero SoundTrax wizards are automated processes, which allow you to carry out frequent tasks such as copying records or audio-cassettes onto CD quickly and easily. The wizard guides you through the individual steps in the process, from recording right through to burning the CD. Tracks are identified automatically and separated from one another. The wizard also automates the noise reduction feature from Nero Wave Editor and cleans up the recording automatically. This allows you to remove hissing, crackling, clicks and pops in a matter of seconds.

Information about Nero SoundTrax 5
Working with Nero SoundTrax
2.1 Inserting an audio file
1. Start Nero SoundTrax by clicking on Start > Programs > Ahead Nero > Nero SoundTrax.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 6
2. From the 'Insert' menu, choose 'Audio File' and select a file. The file is inserted in the first track.
3. From the 'Insert' menu, choose 'New Track' and a new track will be created.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 7
4. Select the second track, and from the 'Insert' menu, choose 'Audio File' and select a file. The file is inserted in the second track. Depending on the positions of the different clips, a range of options is available. In the example below, the clips are played at the same time.
5. To change the starting position of a clip, select the clip and drag it to the position where you want it to start.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 8
6. If you right-click on a clip, a pop-up menu appears, which, amongst other things, allows you to open Nero Wave Editor, so that you can modify the clip quickly and easily.
7. If you are happy with the results, you can export the new track, which consists of two clips, and save it as a new file. To do this, choose 'Export to Audio Track' from the 'File' menu, enter the name of the new file in the dialog box which appears and click on the 'Save' button. You can also create more than two tracks.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 9

2.2 Creating crossfades

1. Start Nero SoundTrax and insert two clips in one track, by choosing 'Audio File' from the 'Insert' menu. In the example below, the two clips are played one after another and between the end of the first clip and the start of the second clip is a pause.
2. Select the second clip and drag it as far as you want into the first clip. The area where the two clips overlap is colored in red.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 10
3. Place the mouse pointer on the overlap between the two clips and right-click. In the pop-up menu which appears, choose the method you want to use for crossfading between the two clips.
As well as choosing the crossfade, you can also match the tempo of the two clips. Choose the 'Match Tempos' command, choose the number of BPM (beats per minute) and select the option you want for the crossfade.

2.3 Buttons

The play buttons in the Nero SoundTrax interface allow you to access your audio clips quickly and easily.

Button

Function Starts the recording console Plays the selected clips Plays all clips Plays all the selected clips and starts again at the beginning of the selection once it has reached the end. This continues until you click the Stop button. Stops playing. Jumps to the previous clip

Working with Nero SoundTrax 11
Fast forward Fast rewind Jumps to the next clip
2.4 Recording audio clips
1. Choose 'Record' from the 'Audio' menu to start the recording console. Enter a name for the file you want to create and specify whether you want to record the clip in stereo and what the resolution should be.
2. Choose the input device for the clips and click on the recording.

button to start the

Working with Nero SoundTrax 12
3. Click on the 'Keep' button to accept the recording and close the dialog box. The clip is automatically imported into the project and displayed in the project window.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 13

2.5 Wizards

The Nero SoundTrax wizards allow you to take music from records and cassettes and burn it quickly and easily onto CD. The integrated filters help you to make the best of your recordings, for example if there are scratches on the record.

Recording from records

1. Choose 'Wizards' from the 'Tools' menu and select 'LP to CD Wizard' to start the recording console. 2. Choose the input device by clicking on the button on the dropdown list and selecting the device. Specify the input level for the recording by moving the slider. You can obtain the best quality recording by keeping the recording level mainly in the yellow area. Click on the red record button to start recording.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 14
3. Choose the maximum noise level in the pauses between the tracks, by turning the 'Silence Threshold' knob to the required number of decibels. Choose the minimum duration of pauses between the tracks and tracks themselves by entering a value in the corresponding field. Then click on the 'Detect' button to divide the recording into different tracks using the settings you have selected.
4. Use the sliders to specify the level of the noise suppression filter (Denoiser), the scratch removal filter (Declicker) and the crackle removal filter (Decrackler). Click on the 'Preview' button to play the recording and see if you are happy with the results.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 15
5. Finally define which action(s) are to be carried out and click on the Finish button to start these actions and close the window. Highlight the required checkbox if files are to be burnt and/or Nero Cover Designer is to be started. Open a window in which the burn settings are selected. Start the Nero Cover Designer. Highlight the required options field according to whether you want a pause between tracks or whether you want tracks to crossfade. Both options allow you to specify the relevant length in seconds and milliseconds. This pastes a pause in between the tracks. Enables crossfading of tracks.

Working with Nero SoundTrax 16
Working with Nero SoundTrax 17

Recording from cassettes

1. Choose 'Wizards' from the 'Tools' menu and select 'Cassette to CD Wizard' to start the recording console. 2. Choose the input device by clicking on the button on the dropdown list and selecting the device. Specify the input level for the recording by moving the slider. You can obtain the best quality recording by keeping the recording level mainly in the yellow area. Click on the red record button to start recording.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 18
3. Choose the maximum noise level in the pauses between the tracks, by turning the 'Silence Threshold' to the required number of decibels. Choose the minimum duration of pauses between the tracks and tracks themselves by entering a value in the corresponding field. Then click on the 'Detect' button to divide the recording into different tracks using the settings you have selected.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 19
4. Use the slider to specify the level of the noise suppression filter (Denoiser). Click on the 'Preview' button to play the recording and see if you are happy with the results.
Working with Nero SoundTrax 20
Working with Nero SoundTrax 21
A Audio files Inserting 6 Recording 12 B Buttons 11 C Cassettes Recording from 18 Crossfades Creating 10 R Records Recording from 14

Index 22

Menu Edit

Menu View Menu Insert
Menu Audio Menu Tracks Menu Tools Menu Options Menu Help

4.2.2 Toolbar

The toolbar offers the following setting possibilities: Creates a new project. Opens an existing project. Saves the project.
User interface 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. 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.
User interface 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.

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.
9. If you want to change the target file:
1. Click on the Change Target File button. The Save As dialog box is opened. 2. In the Save menu select the folder where you want to save the audio file. 3. Enter the desired file name in the File Name input field. 4. Click the Save button.
10. Click the 11. Click the
The system will start recording.
button to stop capturing.
12. Click the Next button.
The Automatic Track Detection screen is displayed.
Auto Track Detection screen
13. Turn the Silence Threshold controller until the value whose volume level indicates a pause

is reached.

14. 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.
15. Enter the minimum duration that a track should have in the Minimum duration of track text
16. Click on the Detect button.
The tracks in the recording will be detected automatically. The detected tracks will be
displayed in the appropriate screen.
17. Click the Next button.
The Noise Reduction screen is displayed.
Noise suppression screen.
18. Move the Denoiser Level slider until the desired threshold value for removing background
noise such as hissing, crackling, and humming is reached.
19. 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.
20. Move the Declicker Level slider until the desired threshold value for removing clicks that
occur when recording LPs is reached.
21. Move the DeCrackler level until the desired threshold value for removing background
crackle that occurs when recording LPs is reached.
22. 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

25. If you want to burn the project immediately then check the Burn project immediately box 26. If you want to launch Nero CoverDesigner then check the Launch Nero CoverDesigner
27. If you want pauses between the individual tracks then select the Pause option button. 28. If you want to have the tracks run into each other then select the Crossfade option button. 29. Enter the duration in seconds and milliseconds in the appropriate text boxes. 30. Click the Finish button.
You have recorded or imported an LP or cassette.

See also: Burning the project on an Audio CD 40

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
3. In the CD-ROM device drop-down menu, select the drive in which you have inserted the

audio CD.

4. To specify the folder where the imported audio files will be stored click on the 6. In the list box, select all CD tracks that you want to import.
5. In the directory tree, click on the folder in which you want to store the imported CD tracks.
You can select multiple entries in a selection list by keeping the shift key depressed while clicking.

7. Click the OK button.

You have imported CD tracks from an audio CD.

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

The Recording Settings dialog box is opened.
2. Select the desired bit depth in the Resolution menu. 3. If you just want to record in mono, uncheck the Stereo recording box. 4. If you want to change the folder in which the recorded file will be stored:
1. Click the button. The Save As dialog box is opened.
2. In the Save in drop-down menu, select the folder where you want to save the audio file. 3. Enter the desired file name in the File name text box. 4. Click the Save button. The Save As dialog box is closed.

5. Click the OK button.

The Recording Console window is opened.
6. Select the recording input in the Audio input line drop-down menu. 7. If you want to hear how the sound quality is modified by changing the recording volume then
8. Start playback on the capture device. 9. Move the Record level slider until the display in the Level meter is primarily in the yellow

range.

10. If you want to pause recording until a signal is detected at the recording input then check the
11. 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.

12. If you want to change the target file:
1. Click on the Change Target File button. The Save As dialog box is opened. 2. In the Save in drop-down menu, select the folder where you want to save the audio file. 3. Enter the desired file name in the File name text box. 4. Click the Save button.
13. Click the 14. Click the
15. Click on the Keep button.
You have recorded a track.
See also: Recording from record or cassette 21

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.

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.
2. If you want to change the track properties:
1. Click the menu Tracks > Track Properties. The Track Properties window is opened. 2. Change the track properties as desired.
3. If you want to insert an audio clip in the track:
1. In the Track view call up the context menu with the right mouse button and click the Add audio file(s) entry. 2. 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.
4. If you want to insert an audio loop:
1. 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. The audio file will be inserted in the track as a peak file. 2. In the file system select the audio file that you want to insert.
5. If you want to insert a ScratchBox clip:
1. 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. 2. Create the ScratchBox Clip in the ScratchBox (see Create ScratchBox Clip 51). 3. Close the ScratchBox. The ScratchBox clip will be inserted in the track automatically.
6. If you want to insert a SoundBox clip:
1. 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. 2. Create the SoundBox Clip in the SoundBox (see Insert SoundBox Clip 47). 3. Close the SoundBox. The SoundBox clip will be automatically inserted in the track.
7. If you want to capture an audio clip and immediately insert it in the track as an audio file:
1. 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. The Recording Console window is opened. 2. Enter the storage location in the file system where you want to save the recording. 3. Record the audio clip (see Audio recording 25). 4. After recording click on the Keep button. The audio clip will be inserted in the track.

1. Right-click on the curve point and select the Edit curve point entry in the context menu that is displayed.
Working wth tracks The Edit Curve Point dialog box is opened.
2. In the Time Line Position area enter the desired position of the curve point in the Min. and Sec. input fields. 3. In the Value area, enter the desired volume in decibels in the Volume text box. 4. Click the OK button.
You have added an effect group curve to the track.
See also: Effect chains 34
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.

Volume

Low Fidelity Modulation Multi-Tap Delay

Phaser

Pseudo Reverse
Re-analogue Reverb Stutter
Effect chains Surround Reverb Changes the room sound. A different environment can be artificially 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. Modifies the voice in a piece of music. For example you can change the pitch. Is primarily used to influence the sound of electric guitars. The term wah-wah approximates the sound of the induced effect.
Voice Modification Wah-Wah

Enhancement context menu

The enhancement context menu offers the following selection possibilities: Band Extrapolation Camera Denoiser DC Offset Correction Declicker Declipper DeHum Filter Toolbox Noise Reduction Enables generation of high and low frequency harmonies. Removes (or reduces) the humming noises that frequently occur with video cameras with graphic view. Automatically removes DC components that can be harmful to speakers. Removes pops. The intensity can be adjusted manually. Removes parasitic noise and distortion that result from digital as well as analog saturation. Removes hum. Set of filters that suppress feedback and irregularities. Reduces undesired noise when saving analog signals.
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:
Effect chains 1. Click the menu Add > Effect in > Master Effect Chain. The Effect Chain Editor - Master window is opened.
2. If you want to create an effect chain for a specific track:
1. Click the menu Add > Effect in > Track Effect Chain. The Effect Chain Editor - Track window is opened.
3. 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.
4. Make the rest of the settings as desired.
The subsequent settings differ depending on the effect selected and are not described in further detail.
5. Repeat the preceding steps until you have added all desired effects. 6. Click the Close button. 7. If you want to delete the effect chain:
1. 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. 2. 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. 3. If you want to delete the entire effect chain then remove all effects one after the other.

7. If you have selected a normalization, move the Normalization level slider until the desired
decibel value is reached.
8. 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.
9. If you want to add the same artist information to all tracks:
1. Click the Select All button. 2. Click on the Properties button. The CD Track Properties dialog box is opened. 3. Enter the joint artists of the CD track in the appropriate input field. 4. Click the OK button.
10. If you want to add titles and artist to specific tracks:
1. Select the desired track in the CD Track List area. 2. Click the Properties. 3. 4. 5. 6. The CD Track Properties dialog box is opened. Enter the title of the CD track in the appropriate input field. Enter the artist of the CD track in the appropriate input field. Click the OK button. Repeat these sub-steps for each track to which you want to add title and artist.

11. Click the OK button.

1. If you have selected the Image Recorder as destination, then the dialog box Save As will open. 2. In the Save In menu select the desired folder and enter the desired file name in the File name input field. 3. Click the Save button. A dialog box with information concerning the successful burning process will open. 4. Click the OK button.
The Burn Progress window is opened.
12. If you would like to save a log file:
1. Click the Save button. The Save As dialog box is opened. 2. Select the desired folder from the Save in drop-down menu. 3. Enter the desired file name in the File Name input field.
Exporting 4. Click the Save button. 5. Click the Close button.
13. If you would like to print a log file:
1. 2. 3. 4. Click the Print button. In the menu, choose the Name of the desired printer. Carry out the desired settings in the Printer Area and Copies menu. Click the OK button.
14. If you do not want to save a log file for the burning process, click the Discard button.
You have burned an audio CD.

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.

11.1.4 Sequencer area

The following selection possibilities are available in the Sequencer area with which the individual tones can be edited. Button Delete Button Random Randomly selects a pattern. Deletes a pattern.
Nero SoundBox Slider Decay Slider Distortion Slider Cut off Slider Resonance Slider Sound 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. Changes the sound using various parameters. 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. Gives the tone more resonance. Distorts the tone and allows it to seem louder. Specifies the length of tones.
11.1.5 Bereich Text II Speech
The following setting options are available in the Text II Speech area with which you can enter text into the text box. Slider Time Slider Pitch Slider Envelope Option buttons Normal, voice, whisper Check box Rapper Input field Specifies the text that will be converted to speech. Specifies the pronunciation type. Changes the formats of the voice without changing the pitch. The higher the value of the controller, the higher voice formats will be moved. Defines the playback volume. Influences the pitch of speech. Changes the playback speed.

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

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

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:
Nero ScratchBox 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. Shows the name of the audio file. Changes the playback speed of the audio file.
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.
Nero ScratchBox 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. 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.

control element in the ScratchBox Editor: 1. Click on the Learn Hardware button. 2. Activate the control element on the DJ hardware. 3. Click on the control element in the ScratchBox that you want to connect with the corresponding control element on the DJ hardware. 4. Click again on the Hardware Learn button to end the recording. 5. 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.

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) Recource Interchange File Format WAVE (WAV, WAVE) Windows Media Audio (WMA) Nero WaveEditor File (NWF) Nero SoundTrax Project File (NPF)

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 20 Hz and 100 Hz. 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.
Effect group curve.. 31 Pan curve... 30 Volume curve... 30

Cassette

Capturing.. 21

Change

Surround sound distribution.. 32
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
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
Assignable effects.. 9 Assignable Effects.. 12 Audio CD
Importing... 24 Writing... 40
Conventions, manual.. 5 Convolution Reverb. 35 Create
Effect chain.. 36 Effect groups.. 38 ScratchBox clip.. 51 SoundBox clip.. 47

Audio file

Capturing.. 25 Exporting.. 40 Importing... 21 Write... 21
Audio Format Settings.. 14, 18 Audio input

Define.. 18

Audio output
D DC Offset Correction.. 36 Declicker.. 36 Declipper.. 36 Deesser.. 34 Define
Audio input.. 18 Audio output... 18 Device settings.. 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
DeHum.. 36 Delay... 35 Device settings.. 14 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

M Main Screen

Nero ScratchBox... 48 Nero SoundBox.. 43 Nero SoundTrax.. 9
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

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

F File Selection.. 48, 50 Filter Toolbox.. 36 FIR filter.. 16 Flanger.. 35 Frequency.. 12, 45 G General components.. 43 General settings. 14 I IIR filter.. 16 Image Recorder. 40 Importing
Audio CD.. 24 Audio file... 21
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
K Karaoke filter... 34 L LFE channel.. 39 LFE track.. 10 Loop.. 48, 50, 51 Low Fidelity.. 35
Program settings.. 15 Project... 13 Project... 9 Project area.. 7 Project settings.. 14 Project templates

Select... 8