January 30, 2008 ™ After CD Architect software is installed and you start it for the first time, the registration wizard appears. This wizard offers easy steps that allow you to register the software online with Sony Creative Software Inc. Alternatively, you may register online at http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/ at any time.
Technical support For a detailed list of Technical Support options, we encourage you to visit http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/support/default.asp. To listen to your support options, please call 608-256-5555. Note: Customers who have purchased the full version of CD Architect receive 60 days of complimentary phone support. The complimentary support begins the date of your first call. (Registration is required to receive this complimentary support.
Legal notices Vegas, Vegas+DVD, DVD Architect, Vegas Movie Studio, Vegas Movie Studio+DVD, DVD Architect Studio, ACID, Music Studio, Sony Sound Series, Groove Mapping, Groove Cloning, CD Architect, Sound Forge, Audio Studio, and Cinescore are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Creative Software Inc., or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the United States and other countries.
Sony Creative Software Inc. 1617 Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 USA The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a guarantee or commitment on behalf of Sony Creative Software Inc., in any way. All updates or additional information relating to the contents of this manual will be posted on the Sony Creative Software Inc. Web site, located at http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/.
Table of Contents Overview of CD Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Evolution of CD-R devices technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 CD-ROM technology basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 From CD-ROM to CD-R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Event selection and editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Playback and preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Trimmer commands . . . . . . . .
Working with tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Creating tracks automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Creating tracks from existing events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Using the timeline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working with regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Working with CD layout markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Using an external audio editing program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Setting up an audio editing program . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Envelope Edit tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Adjusting fade properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Showing or hiding a timeline volume envelope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Locking envelopes to events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applying effects to the Master bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Default master effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Adding a plug-in chain to the Master bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Editing a plug-in chain on the Master bus . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1 Overview of CD Technology CDs have become the standard in audio distribution. Due to the comprehensive set of CD industry standards and formats, CDs have become the least expensive and most reliable vehicle for exchanging information. Evolution of CD-R devices technology To understand the CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) disc, it is first necessary to understand standard compact disc (CD ROM) technology and how it has evolved.
There are four types of organic dye used in CD-R discs: Organic Dye Description Cyanine Metal-stabilized cyanine Phthalocyanine Considered to be the standard in recording and is characterized by its bright emerald-green color. Visually indistinguishable from cyanine, but it is more resistant to age degradation. Azo Considered to be superior in longevity but, for the most part, is identical in quality to cyanine-based CDs. Pale blue in color.
Information area Within the information area are three primary areas: lead-in, program, and lead-out. Lead-in area The lead-in area comprises approximately the first two minutes on any compact disc and is generally unused for recording actual audio data. The main purpose of this area is to store the table of contents (TOC), which keeps an account of each track's location on the disc. The TOC is written to the lead-in area of the disc once all of the information has been recorded to the disc.
Subcode channels R through W (remaining six bits) Some CD players ignore the R-W channels, while others use them to display additional information, such as the title of the CD, name of the artist, and track titles, if the information is available on the CD. A common term used when recording audio to a compact disc is “PQ editing”. PQ editing allows you to edit the P and Q channels on the disc. This allows you to increase the length of pause time between tracks and during Lead-In.
The CD-R technology CD Recorder drives currently are available in a variety of different recording speeds. Single speed (1X) CD-R drives record in real time (same as the playback speed of the CD). Faster drives record at multiples of the playback speed, and as a result, reduce writing time. A six-speed (6X) drive, for example, can write a 74-minute CD in 12 minutes.
12 | CHAPTER 1
Chapter 2 Introduction Welcome to CD Architect™ software, the easiest way to create your own Red Book audio CD compilations. With CD Architect software, you can nondestructively place, arrange, and edit audio files to produce professional audio CDs based on the Red Book specifications. You can build PQ lists automatically or manually by adding tracks and indices.
Getting help You can access two varieties of help within CD Architect software: • Online help • What’sThis? help (also referred to as context-sensitive help) Online help To access online help, choose Contents and Index from the Help menu or press F1. Note: To view online help, Internet Explorer 4.0 or later must be installed on your system. Internet Explorer 5.0 is included on the CD Architect CD-ROM for your convenience.
What’sThis? help What’sThis? help allows you to view pop-up window descriptions for menus, buttons, and dialog boxes. Menus and buttons Choose What's This? from the Help menu, press Shift+F1, or click the What’sThis? help button menu or button. on the toolbar and then click any Dialog boxes To use What’sThis? help in a dialog box, click the question mark button item in the dialog box.
16 | CHAPTER 2
Chapter 3 Learning the CD Architect Workspace CD Architect™ software is designed to be an easy-to-use program with many tools that provide power and flexibility when preparing audio files prior to premastering a CD. As you will learn, many of the operations, menu items, and shortcut keys are common to other popular software applications. Main window When you start the application, the main window appears.
New: Creates a new blank project using default settings Extract Audio from CD: Extracts tracks from an audio CD and adds them to your project as wave files Save: Saves the current project Automatic Crossfades: Select this button to automatically create a crossfade when two or more events overlap.
Ruler The ruler displays the time for your project. You may specify how the ruler measures time: seconds, samples, frames, etc. CD layout bar The CD layout bar displays information about the tracks you’ve created for your CD project. Each CD track in the CD layout bar shows the track’s number, active take name, and length. Required pause time indicator Note: Red indicators are drawn at both ends of the CD layout bar.
Drag the handle on the left side of a docked window to remove a window from the docking area and float it. Drag the handle away from the docking area to float the window. Close window Expand window To prevent docking, hold the Ctrl key when dragging near the docking area. Explorer window - Alt+1 The Explorer window is similar to the Windows Explorer. Use the Explorer window to select media files to drag to the project timeline or add to the Media Pool.
Trimmer window - Alt+2 The Trimmer window allows you to select portions of a piece of media that can be placed into events on the timeline. Note: When a media file is placed in the Trimmer window, any regions or markers that were previously stored in the media file are displayed in the Trimmer. Mixer window - Alt+3 The Mixer window allows you to access your project’s audio properties, add Master FX, and access the project and preview volumes from the Explorer, Trimmer and Media Pool windows.
Playlist window - Alt+5 This window is a chronological list of the events in your timeline. You can use this window to edit each event’s start and end times, length, and active take name. You can also normalize an event. Track List window - Alt+6 This window is a chronological list of all track and index markers in your project. You can use this window to edit each track’s start, end, and pause times, length, and title and artist name.
Keyboard command reference CD Architect keyboard commands are shortcuts that you can use while working with your project.
Cursor placement, loop region, and time selection Note: Holding the Shift key in combination with cursor positioning shortcuts creates or extends a time selection.
Command Keyboard shortcut Move selected events down one layer Move selected events right one pixel Move selected events left one pixel Move selected events right on grid Move selected events left on grid Move selected events right one frame Move selected events left one frame Move selected events by the first selected event's length Copy events Slip: move media within event without moving the event Slip trim: moves the media with the edge as it is trimmed Trim adjacent: trims selected event and adjacent e
Playback and preview Command Keyboard shortcut Start/Stop playback Play All Play from any window Stop playback Start/pause playback Looped playback Previous CD track Next CD track Previous track or index Next track or index Scrub playback Spacebar Shift+Spacebar Ctrl+Spacebar or F12 Esc or Spacebar Enter Q Ctrl+comma Ctrl + Period Comma or > Period or < J, K, or L Tip: If you have a supported multimedia keyboard, you can use the Play/Pause, Stop, Prev Track, and Next Track buttons to control playback.
Miscellaneous Command Keyboard shortcut Online Help What'sThis? help Shortcut menu Rebuild audio peaks Make fine fader adjustments Move region without changing length F1 Shift+F1 Shift+F10 F5 Ctrl+drag fader Alt+drag region tag Mouse wheel shortcuts Command Mouse shortcut Zoom in/out Scroll horizontally Move the cursor in small increments Move the cursor by frames Auto-scroll Move fader/slider Move fader/slider in fine increments Rotate mouse wheel forward or back Shift+wheel Ctrl+Shift+wheel Ctrl+Al
Signal flow 28 | CHAPTER 3
Chapter 4 Getting Started This chapter details the basic operations you’ll need to begin arranging your audio CD using CD Architect™ software. Creating a project Organization is critical in the audio CD premastering process. CD Architect software handles the organization of your CD using a small project file (CDP) that saves information about source file locations, edits, cuts, and insertion points. This project file is not a multimedia file, but is instead used to create the CD when editing is finished.
Ruler tab The Ruler tab allows you to change ruler settings used in your project. You can also change ruler settings in the timeline. For more information, see Changing the ruler format on page 102. Item Description Ruler time format Ruler start time Choose a ruler time format from the drop-down list. Enter a value that the ruler will use at the beginning of your project. This feature is useful for synchronization purposes.
3. Select a file in the browse window or type a name in the File name box. Detailed information about the selected file appears at the bottom of the dialog box. Note: To limit the files displayed in the dialog, choose a file type from the Files of Type drop-down list or enter *. and an extension in the File name box. For example, enter *.cdp to display all CD Architect project files in the current folder, or enter *guitar*.cdp to display all project files that have the word guitar in the file name. 4.
1. From the File menu, choose Save. Note: The first time you save a project, the Save As dialog appears. In subsequent saves, the dialog is bypassed, your existing file name is retained, and your project is updated to include any implemented changes. 2. Using the Save in drop-down list, locate the folder where you want to save the project. 3. In the File Name box, enter a name for the file. 4. Click the Save button.
1. From the File menu, choose Save As. 2. Using the Save in drop-down list, locate the folder where you want to save the project. 3. In the File Name box, enter a name for the file. 4. From the Save as type drop-down list, choose CD Architect Image File (*.wav). 5. Click the Save button. Note: You can also render a temporary image automatically before you burn a CD. Temporary images work very well for slower computers.
Previewing media files You may preview media files from the Explorer window or Media Pool before placing them in your project. The Explorer window and Media Pool both have a mini-transport bar with Play, Stop, and Auto Preview buttons sent to the Mixer Preview bus. . When you preview a file, its stream is 1. Select the media file in the list view. 2. Click the Start Preview button to preview the file. 3.
Using the Explorer window Learning the Explorer window Name Description Address Bar Displays the current folder. Tree View Contents Pane Up Refresh New Folder Delete Add to My Favorites Start Preview Stop Preview Auto Preview View You may also specify a particular file type to display. To specify a file type, make sure that All Files is not selected in the Views button and click in the text box. Type the wildcard followed by the extension. For example, *.wav or ?into?.
Tips: (1) If you don’t want to create a CD track when you add an event on the timeline, click the Automatically Create Tracks button to turn off automatic track creation. You can then arrange events on the timeline and create CD tracks to indicate where each track begins and ends. (2) To add a track from an audio CD, browse to your CD drive and double-click a .cda file (or drag it to the timeline). You will be prompted to specify a name for the file before the track is extracted.
Using Media Pool views You can control the information that is displayed in the Media Pool by clicking the Views button View Description List Detailed Displays a list of each file currently included in the Media Pool. Displays all the properties for each file. The information is presented in a table format. and selecting a view. You can customize the information displayed: Region • Reorder columns (fields) by dragging the column label to a new position.
2. Drag the media file to the timeline or CD marker bar. An event for the media file appears where you released the mouse. The event contains the media file in its entirety. Note: Your first track should be dropped at 00:00:02:00 on the timeline to conform to the Red Book specification. Dragging multiple media files to the timeline 1. Select multiple media files in the Explorer or Media Pool.
4. Click the Open button. The selected file replaces the old file in the Media Pool, and any events in the timeline containing the old file are updated to contain the new media file. Cleaning the Media Pool You may have files in the Media Pool that are not incorporated into your project. Click the Remove Unused Media from Project button to remove any files that have not been used on the timeline.
3. From the Action drop-down list, choose the method you want the application to use for extracting the CD audio: • • • Read by track - Use this option to choose the tracks you want to extract from the CD. Read entire disc - Use this option to automatically extracts all tracks on the disc. The entire CD is extracted into one new file in the Media Pool. Read by range - Use this option to extract audio from a specified range of time. 4.
Working with events Events are the most basic objects in a project in CD Architect software. An event is something that happens in time and has a specific duration. Understanding files and events The objects you work with in CD Architect software are referred to as media files and events. • Files are objects that are stored on your hard disk. You will work with media files, such as music files. CD Architect software neither operates on nor changes these files.
Editing events An easy way to view and edit events in your project is by using the Playlist window. Every event you add to the timeline is automatically added to the Playlist. You can use the Playlist window to edit the event’s start and end times, duration, active take name, and the take start. You can also edit events directly on the timeline. For more information, see Trimming events on page 50. Working with tracks A project can consist of many tracks. All tracks appear within the timeline.
• Ctrl+hover over fader and use wheel to move fader/slider in fine increments. Zooming directly controls the accuracy of your editing. Viewing playbacks and previews CD Architect software allows you to play back your project directly from the timeline. Using playback in CD Architect software The transport bar allows you to play back your entire project or portions of your project based on a time selection or the current cursor position. Playing an entire project 1. Click the Play From Start button 2.
Playback reference The following table describes all the transport bar buttons and their keyboard equivalents. You may use these playback functions at any time while working in your project. Note: CD Architect software also supports the use of many multimedia keyboards for controlling playback.
Chapter 5 Basic Editing Techniques CD Architect™ projects are multilayer compilations of events that occur over time. The events in your project are references (pointers) to source media files. CD Architect software is a nondestructive editor, so editing events in your project does not alter the source media files in any way. Getting around When editing and playing back the project, the cursor identifies where you are along the project’s timeline.
Selecting a time range Time selections are indicated by a shaded box and a bar that appears on the top of the timeline. You may use the time selection bar for playing back a smaller portion of your project or to apply dual-layer edits. A selected time range affects all events, or portions of events, that occur within the range. Only those events are affected by edits or played back. Dragging to select a time range 1. Position the mouse pointer above the ruler (on the marker bar).
2. Place the mouse pointer above the ruler (on the marker bar). The mouse pointer changes to a left/right arrow cursor . 3. Drag to select the region. Notice that events that were not initially selected in step 1 remain unselected. Editing and ripple editing events How CD Architect software cuts and pastes material depends on whether ripple editing is enabled. The application is in ripple edit mode when the Ripple Edits button is selected.
Copying a time selection and events When you copy a time selection and events, selected events and portions of selected events within the time selection are reproduced and placed on the Clipboard. Time information is also placed on the Clipboard. Cutting events Cutting events removes them from the timeline, but places the cut information (events and time) on the Clipboard. Once on the Clipboard, you may paste the information into your project. 1.
Using Paste Repeat Use Paste Repeat to specify how many times the Clipboard events are pasted at the cursor position on the timeline, and to specify the space between each pasted event. 1. Copy a selection to the Clipboard. 2. From the Edit menu, choose Paste Repeat. The Paste Repeat dialog displays. 3. Specify the number of times to paste the Clipboard contents and the space between successive copies. 4. Click OK when finished.
Inserting empty time You can make space in a project by inserting a length of time into the timeline. To insert a period of time, from the Insert menu, choose Time. Trimming events This section describes simple ways to trim events. Trimming an event 1. Move the cursor over the edge of the event. The cursor changes when properly positioned . 2. Drag the edge of the event to trim it. Trimming a time selection Trimming events removes all media outside the time selection.
Splitting a time selection Unless locked, all events within a time selection are split at the starting and ending points of the time range, meaning that two splits are made. Events before splitting Events after splitting Splitting a time selection across selected events Only selected events within a time selection are split at the starting and ending points of the time range.
Sliding an event Hold Ctrl+Alt while dragging an event. The slide cursor appears . As you drag, the relative position of the media remains fixed on the track, and the event position changes. You can use this technique when you want to maintain an event's length, but have the event play a different section of the source media file at a different point in your project. The original media file. The event on the timeline.
Using automatic crossfades The automatic crossfade feature turns the overlapping portions of two events into a smooth crossfade. This feature is enabled as a default. Click the Automatic Crossfades button Events before crossfade or press X to disable or enable automatic crossfades. Events after crossfade Drag one event to overlap the other Changing crossfade curves You can set the crossfade curves that the application uses to fade in and out between two events.
Moving events between layers 1. Select the events you want to move. 2. Press 8 on the numeric keypad to move events to the first layer, or press 2 to move events to the second layer. Note: You can also drag events across layers. The keyboard shortcuts, however, will ensure that you don’t change the events’ position on the timeline. Adding events and tracks to a two-layer project Adding and arranging media uses the same process for one- or two-layer projects.
2. From the drop-down list, choose the edit that you want to undo. Items above it Use the mouse to select a series of edits (subsequent edits) are selected automatically. CD Architect software restores your project to the state prior to those edits. When you undo an edit or a series of edits, they are added to the redo history. This feature allows you to restore your project to a previous state. Note: From the Edit menu choose Undo All to undo all edits in the history.
Inserting a marker during playback During playback, press M. The marker appears on the marker bar. You may name the marker after it has been set. Naming (or renaming) a marker 1. Place the mouse pointer on the marker you want to name or rename. The pointer changes to a hand icon . 2. Right-click to display a shortcut menu. 3. From the shortcut menu, choose Rename. A text box opens next to the marker. 4. Type the marker name. 5. Press Enter to set the marker’s name.
Working with regions Regions identify ranges of time and provide a way to subdivide your project. A region is defined as the area between two region markers that share the same number. Regions can function as semi-permanent time selections. Region information can be displayed in the Explorer by clicking the arrow next to the View button and selecting Region View. Inserting regions 1. Make a time selection. For more information, see Selecting a time range on page 46. 2.
Deleting regions 1. Place the mouse pointer on the region marker’s starting or ending point. The pointer changes to a hand icon . 2. Right-click to display a shortcut menu. 3. From the shortcut menu, choose Delete. The region is removed from your project. CD Architect software does not renumber the tags as you remove them. For example, if you have five regions in your project and delete region 3 and 4, the remaining regions are listed at 1, 2 and 5.
Opening a file in an audio editor You can directly edit the media file to which an audio event is referenced. Any changes you make and save in the audio editor are permanent and are reflected in the event in your project. 1. Select the event to be edited. 2. From the Tools menu, choose Open in Audio Editor. Your selected audio editing application opens the event’s referenced media file. Make the necessary changes and save the file in the audio editor.
60 | CHAPTER 5
Chapter 6 Advanced Editing Techniques This chapter builds on the techniques that were introduced in the last chapter. Ripple editing, pitch shifting, and takes are just three of the more advanced editing topics that are covered in this chapter. Snapping events CD Architect™ software is preset to snap events into place as you drag them. Events can snap to another event’s edges, to the cursor position, or to a time selection. CD Architect software also allows events to snap to grid lines and markers.
Adding takes Multiple media files can be added to the timeline at the same time to a single event as takes. You can also add regions within media files as takes. For more information, see Adding regions as takes on page 66. Adding media files to the timeline as takes 1. Locate the media files that you want to insert as takes in the Explorer or Media Pool and select them: • • Select a range by holding Shift and clicking the first and last file in the range.
2. From the shortcut menu, choose Take. 3. From the submenu, choose Delete Active to immediately remove the active take or choose Delete to open a dialog with a list of all of the takes contained in this event. Working with take names Displaying take names on events Take names may be displayed on the events in the timeline. 1. From the Options menu, choose Preferences. The Preferences dialog appears. 2. On the General tab, select the Show active take name in events check box to enable it. 3. Click OK.
Using the Trimmer window The Trimmer allows you to work with and edit one media file at a time. The entire file is opened into the Trimmer, in contrast to events on the timeline that may only contain a portion of the actual source file. The main function of the Trimmer window is to allow you to trim a media file and place portions of it on the timeline. You can also add regions and markers to a file, preview the media file, or open it in an external audio editing program.
If you know the exact timecode of the point where you want to begin and end a time selection, you can enter it into the boxes at the lower right part of the Trimmer window. Double-click to enter a value Selection Selection start end Selection length Hint: Press Backspace to recall the last five time selection areas in the Trimmer. Adding selections to the timeline You can use the Trimmer window to do traditional three-point and two-point editing.
5. Drag the event from the Trimmer to the timeline and allow it to snap into place within the time selection. Adding and saving regions and markers to a media file The Trimmer allows you to add markers and regions to a media file in the same way that you add them to your project. Media file markers and regions are different from project markers and regions.
Right-click an entry to display a shortcut menu, or double-click an entry to edit it. If necessary, use the scroll bar to view other columns in the window. Event information The following table explains each column and describes its function. Column Description Edit function Start Displays when on the timeline the event starts playback. Displays when on the timeline the event ends playback. Displays the total length of the event. Displays whether the event is normalized.
68 | CHAPTER 6
Chapter 7 Working with Events Events are windows into media files in a project and are the most basic unit of editing in CD Architect™ software. Media files that are inserted into the timeline are automatically contained within an event. Trimming and editing an event does not affect the source media file in any way. Setting event switches Event switches are important functions that are used to determine the basic behavior of events in CD Architect software.
Recalculating the normalization When you normalize an event, the application analyzes the event and raises the volume based on the waveform’s highest peak and then adjusts the rest of the event accordingly. If you have adjusted the edge of an event to exclude the (formerly) highest waveform peak, you may want to recalculate the event’s normalization. 1. Right-click the event to display a shortcut menu.
Setting an event’s fade in and out The event handles allow you to change an event’s fade in and out volume. You can also change the type of curve that the event uses to control the volume’s fade in or out. 1. Place the mouse pointer on a handle (upper corners of the event). The pointer changes to the envelope cursor . 2. As you drag, the volume envelope appears. The time in the event and the decibel level both display.
Adding or removing a timeline volume envelope You can add or remove a timeline volume envelope to or from either audio layer. To add or remove an envelope, from the Insert menu, choose Insert/Remove Volume Envelope. If you remove an envelope, all points you set are deleted. Note: You can hide an envelope without deleting the points or affecting playback. For more information, see Showing or hiding a timeline volume envelope on page 74.
Using the Envelope Edit tool Envelopes can also be edited by using the Envelope Edit tool. To use this tool, click the Envelope Edit Tool button on the toolbar. The advantage of switching to this tool to edit envelopes is that events cannot be moved when this tool is selected, thereby protecting them from changes. This effectively locks all of the events and effects in a project while the various envelopes are being modified. Selecting and adjusting envelope points 1.
Showing or hiding a timeline volume envelope You can display the timeline volume envelope to set the volume levels, and hide it from the view again when you are done, if desired. Hiding the volume envelope does not affect playback. The points that you set still automate the volume, even though the envelope is not visible. To show the timeline volume envelope, from the View menu, choose Show Volume Envelope (or press V). Choose this option again to hide the envelope at any time.
Clearing a group You may ungroup all events by clearing the entire group. Clearing a group does not remove events from your project. 1. Select one of the members of the group. 2. From the Edit menu, choose Group, and choose Clear from the submenu. All events are removed from the grouping. Suspending grouping temporarily You can temporarily suspend the grouping behavior of all groups in CD Architect software by choosing Ignore Event Grouping from the Options menu.
76 | CHAPTER 7
Chapter 8 Working with Tracks Tracks contain the media events on the timeline of a project. Your entire CD can be created from a single event on the timeline, or each track can be created from a single event or multiple events on the timeline. Tip: If you want to create a live CD with no silence between tracks, move your events so no space exists between them and insert silence only before the first track.
Inserting CD tracks From the Insert menu, choose CD Track to add a CD track using the current selection as the track length. If no selection exists, the Red Book minimum of four seconds is used. Your first track should begin at 00:00:02:00 to conform to Red Book standards. Note: CD track numbering is based on the First track number on disc setting on the CD tab in the Project Properties dialog. 1. Select the time range that you want to use to create a track. 2. From the Insert menu, choose CD Track.
• Right-click between two tracks and choose a command from the shortcut menu. Command Select Pause Time Set to Default Pause Time Edit Pause Time Description Creates a time selection equal to the pause time between tracks. Moves all tracks upstream so the default pause time exists between the tracks where you clicked. Changes the pause time display to an edit box where you can type a new value.
Inserting a CD index From the Insert menu, choose CD Index to add a CD index at the cursor position. You can use indices to subdivide a track. For example, in a track that contains an orchestral composition, indices could allow navigation to each of the movements. Each track on a Red Book audio CD can contain up to 99 indices. You can use the Previous Track or Index timeline.
Editing track position and length Double-click the Position, End, and Length boxes and type a new value in the box to edit an event's starting or ending point or length. Typing a new value in the boxes has the same effect as moving or resizing the CD track in the timeline: • Editing the Position or End value moves the track forward or backward in time while preserving its length. • Editing only the Length value changes the track's ending time while preserving its start time.
Field Description D Recording — Represents the recording's serial number made by the same producer in that year: This value will use three digits (300-999) when the CD has 10 or more tracks. This value will use four digits (0001-2999) when the CD has 9 or fewer tracks. E Recording Item (1 or 2 digits) — Identifies tracks on a CD (each track can have a different ISRC code). 1. Double-click the ISRC box in a track row. 2. Type the appropriate code for the track. 3. Press Enter.
Printing the track list 1. From the Tools menu, choose Print Track List (or click the button in the Track List window. The Print Track List dialog is displayed. 2. Choose the format you want to apply to your track list information: Cue sheet for replication — the track list is formatted so track times are listed relative to the beginning of the CD. This is the preferred format for CD replication houses.
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Chapter 9 Adding Effects Audio effects, or plug-ins, can be used to improve the quality of the audio in a production, or can be used as special artistic effects. Additional DirectX plug-in effects, both from Sony Creative Software Inc. and other third-party plug-ins, can also be used. Using effects There are two ways to use audio effects in CD Architect™ software: on individual events, or on the entire project through the Master bus.
Using the Plug-In Chooser window 1. Click the Event FX button . The Plug-In Chooser window appears. Note: Before you add effects to an event, the Event FX button appears gray. Once you add an effect to an event, the button turns green for that event. Chain area 2. Select the plug-ins you want to use in your plug-in chain. There are three ways to add a plug-in to the chain: • • • Double-click the plug-in. Drag the plug-in to the chain area. Select the plug-in and click the Add button. 3.
5. Click a specific plug-in and adjust the effect’s parameters manually, or choose one of the presets from the Preset drop-down list. For more information about effect parameters, click the Plug-In Help button in the Audio Plug-In window. Hint: You can save an effect’s parameters as a preset to be used in other projects. To save a preset, enter a name in the Preset box and click the Save Preset button. 6. Click the Close button to close the Audio Plug-In window.
Editing a plug-in chain After you have created a plug-in chain for an event, you can adjust the chain until you have just the right sound. You can add, move, bypass, or remove effects in a plug-in chain, and you can adjust parameters for individual effects. Adding additional effects There are two ways to add additional effects to an existing event plug-in chain: using the Plug-In window or the Plug-In Chooser window. Using the Plug-In Chooser window 1. Click the Event FX button .
1. If the Plug-Ins window is not displayed, press Alt+7. 2. In the Plug-Ins window, navigate to the Audio folder and select the FX folder. 3. Drag the plug-in you want to add to an event. The Audio Plug-In window displays. The plug-ins already in the chain appear at the top of the window. Note: You may add multiple plug-ins at the same time when you click them while pressing Shift or Ctrl and then dragging them to the desired location. 4.
3. Adjust the effect’s parameters manually, or choose one of the presets from the Preset drop-down list. For more information about effect parameters, click the Plug-In Help button in the Audio Plug-In window. Hint: You can save an effect’s parameters as a preset to be used in other projects. To save a preset, enter a name in the Preset box and click the Save Preset button. 4. Click the Close button to close the Audio Plug-In window.
Changing the default Master effects 1. Create or edit the master effects to create a plug-in chain. For information on creating a chain, see Adding a plug-in chain to the Master bus on page 91. For information on editing a chain, see Editing a plug-in chain on the Master bus on page 93. 2. Close the Audio Plug-In window when you are satisfied with your plug-in chain. 3. Right-click the Master bus and choose Set Default Master FX from the shortcut menu. 4.
4. Click OK. The Plug-In Chooser window closes. The Audio Plug-In window displays the plug-in chain and the settings for the plug-in last selected on the Plug-In Chooser window. 5. Click a specific plug-in and adjust the effect’s parameters manually, or choose one of the presets from the Preset drop-down list. For more information about effect parameters, click the Plug-In Help button in the Audio Plug-In window. Hint: You can save an effect’s parameters as a preset to be used in other projects.
5. Click the Close button to close the Audio Plug-In window. Editing a plug-in chain on the Master bus After you have created a plug-in chain for an event, you can adjust the chain until you have just the right sound. You can add, move, bypass, or remove effects in a plug-in chain, and you can adjust parameters for individual effects. Adding additional effects There are two ways to add additional effects to an existing Master bus plug-in chain: using the Plug-In window or the Plug-In Chooser window.
3. Drag the plug-in you want to add to the Master bus. The Audio Plug-In window displays. The plug-ins already in the chain appear at the top of the window. Note: You may add multiple plug-ins at the same time when you click them while pressing Shift or Ctrl and then dragging them to the desired location. 4. Click a specific plug-in and adjust the effect’s parameters manually, or choose one of the presets from the Preset drop-down list.
Bypassing plug-ins on the chain You may bypass plug-ins on a plug-in chain using the Audio Plug-In window. Bypassing a plug-in prevents it from being processed on the event. The plug-in remains bypassed until you enable it again. 1. Click the Master FX button . The Audio Plug-In window appears. 2. Clear the check box on the plug-in you want to bypass or right-click the plug-in and choose Bypass from the shortcut menu.
Plug-in packages that you have created and saved 1. Click the Event FX or Master FX button 2. Click the Plug-In Chain button . The Audio Plug-In window appears. . The Plug-In Chooser window appears with the plug-in chain displayed at the top. 3. Click Save As. The Save Plug-in Package dialog appears. 4. Enter a name for the package. 5. Click OK or press Enter to save the package. Editing saved FX packages Plug-ins on package chains may be added, deleted, and rearranged at any time.
Chapter 10 Burning Audio CDs Once you’ve added all of your files, events, and tracks to your project, previewed it, and are satisfied with the layout, you can use CD Architect™ software to both burn your CDs and erase the rewritable discs you used to test your mix. Using disc-at-once burning Disc-at-once (DAO) writing is the most common burning method in the music industry. This writing mode is used when creating a master disc to be sent to a disc manufacturer for mass replication.
• • • Burn CDs - records your audio to CD as soon as you press the OK button. Test first, then burn CDs - performs a test first to determine whether your CD can be written without the occurrence of buffer underruns. If the test is successful, CD Architect burns your CD at the end of the test. Test only (do not burn CDs) - performs a test to determine whether your CD can be written without the occurrence of buffer underruns. No audio is burned to the CD.
Erasing a disc 1. From the Disc menu, choose Erase CD. The Erase CD dialog appears. 2. In the Drive drop-down list, choose the CD-recordable drive containing the CD you want to erase. 3. In the Speed drop-down list, choose the speed of your drive. The Max setting will use your drive’s fastest possible speed. You can use a lower speed to if you usually have difficulty burning. 4. Choose an erase mode: a. Quick erases only the CD’s table of contents. b. Full erases the contents of the entire CD. 5.
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Chapter 11 Customizing CD Architect Software You can customize CD Architect™ software to suit your project needs and working preferences. Many of the settings depend on your equipment or studio setup. CD Architect software can be set to work with the components that you use in your studio. In this chapter, you will find information about functions that allow you to customize the appearance of CD Architect software, set a project’s properties, and set the application’s preferences.
Adding buttons to the toolbar CD Architect software includes a series of buttons that you may add to the toolbar. These buttons are listed in the Customize Toolbar dialog. You may also add separators on the toolbar to organize the buttons to suit your preferences. You may return the toolbar to its default settings by clicking the Reset button on the dialog. 1. From the Options menu, choose Customize Toolbar. The Customize Toolbar dialog appears. 2.
Time format name Units Samples Time Seconds Time & Frames Absolute Frames SMPTE Film Sync (24 fps) SMPTE EBU (25 fps, Video) SMPTE Non-Drop (29.97 fps, Video) SMPTE Drop (29.97 fps, Video) SMPTE 30 (30 fps, Audio) numbered (starting with zero) hh:mm.ss.sss sssss.sss (to three decimal places) hh:mm:ss.
General tab The General tab includes a variety of settings. The following is a list of these preferences and their meaning. Preference Description Automatically open last project on startup Show logo splash screen on startup Show active take name in events Draw waveforms in events Create undos for FX parameter changes Confirm media file deletion when still in use When CD Architect software is run, the last project saved automatically opens.
Preference Description Include wide SCSI devices when Select this check box if you want CD Architect software to scan for searching for drives wide SCSI CD drives when you attempt to extract data from or burn CDs. When the check box is cleared, CD Architect software will not scan for wide SCSI devices, which can increase compatibility with some USB device drivers that incorrectly identify themselves as wide SCSI.
Preview tab The Preview tab allows you to set preferences to optimize how CD Architect software uses your computer’s components to handle resource-intensive audio. This tab also allows you to configure CD Architect software to the equipment that is connected to your computer. Preference Description Playback buffering (seconds) Sets the amount of memory CD Architect software uses during project playback. For more information, see Adjusting the playback buffering slider on page 106.
Editing tab Preference Description Preserve pitch when stretching When this check box is selected, the pitch of an audio event is preserved when audio events you hold Ctrl and drag the end of the event to change its duration. When the check box is cleared, audio events' pitch will increase when you make an event shorter and will decrease when you make an event longer. Collapse loop region when no When this check box is selected, the loop region is reset when no data is selected.
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Index Creating a cue sheet, 82 Creating a PQ list, 82 Creating a track list, 82 Creating tracks from events, 77 Crossfades, 52 automatic, 53 curve types, 53 curve types, changing, 53 sliding, 53 Cue sheet creating, 82 Customizing CD Architect, 101 grid spacing, 103 preferences, 103 project properties, 29 Cutting events, 48 ripple mode, 48 time and events, 48 time selections, 48 A Adjusting overall project volume, 71 Adjusting timeline volume, 72 ASR, 70 Audio, 29 ripping from CD, 39 Audio editor program, 5
Envelopes, 70 adding envelope points, 72 adding timeline volume, 72 adjusting, 72 adjusting fade properties, 73 ASR, 70 copying points, 73 cutting points, 73 deleting envelope points, 72 editing, 73 Envelope Edit tool, 73 event envelopes, 70 fade in and out, 71 fade types, 71 hiding timeline volume, 74 locking to events, 74 moving points, 72 pasting points, 73 removing timeline volume, 72 showing timeline volume, 74 volume (event), 70 Erasing discs, 99 Event editing, 47 Event properties displaying names, 63
Inserting CD tracks, 78 Installation system requirements, 13 Installing CD Architect, 13 Inverting audio event, 69 ISRC codes editing, 81 Normal Edit tool, 45 Normalize audio event, 69 O Online help, 14 Ordering of effects, 90, 95 Overview main window, 17 P K Keyboard commands, 23 cursor placement, 46 L Layer second audio, 53 Locking envelopes to Events, 74 Loop playback, 46 Looping events, 69 M Main window, 17 Marker bar, 18 Markers CD layout markers, 58 deleting, 56 inserting, 55 moving, 56 navigati
regions, 57 takes, 62 time range, 46 Sliding crossfades, 53 events, 52 Sliding events, 51 Slipping events, 51 Slip-trimming events, 51 Snapping events quantizing to frames, 61 to grid lines, 61 to marker lines, 61 Splitting time selection, 51 Splitting events, 50 Switches, 69 invert phase, 69 loop, 69 mute, 69 normalize, 69 System requirements, 13 time selection, 43 Projects adjusting volume, 72 creating, 29 properties, 29 renaming, 32 saving, 31 Properties events, 70 project, 29 Punch-in, 49 Q Quantizing
copy-protection flags, 81 editing track names, 81 editing track position and length, 81 pre-emphasis flags, 81 rearranging tracks, 80 using, 80 Track list copying to clipboard, 82 creating, 82 exporting as text file, 82 printing, 83 Track List window, 22 Tracks bonus, 79 creating automatically, 42 creating from events, 77 creating from existing events, 42 editing names, 81 editing position and length, 81 hidden, 79 moving, 83 rearranging, 80 working with, 42 Transport bar, 19, 43, 44 buttons, 44 Trimmer win
vi | INDEX
