User Manual

WAVELAB
33 – 776 Plug-in Processor Reference
Externalizer
The Externalizer is a plug-in designed for headphone monitoring. It im-
proves the sound and stereo localization by simulating the effect of two vir-
tual speakers in an ideal listening position. A common problem when
listening to music through headphones is the phenomenon known as “in-
head localization”. This means that each sound source appears to be lo-
cated inside your head, on an imaginary line between the ears. Naturally,
this is no place where a sound source would ever be situated, and the re-
sult is therefore perceived as unnatural. However - headphone monitoring
doesn’t have to be this way! Anyone who has listened to binaural record-
ings, those made with a “dummy head” and two microphones, will confirm
this, and will probably remember the transparent and natural sound impres-
sion for a very long time. Steinberg Externalizer provides this experience
with any audio material, by recreating the effect of two virtual speakers in
an ideal listening position. This will transform any recording into something
that is a pleasure, rather than a pain, to listen to on headphones.
Since the Externalizer window only has one control, it is very simple to
use:
Listen to a stereo recording in your headphones and use the fader to ad-
just the sound to your liking. When you raise the fader, you will gradually
move the virtual speakers apart and away from your head, as indicated in
the display.
Hold Time When the modulating signal falls below the set threshold, this setting
determines how long the level will stay reduced before it starts rising to
normal level again.
Rise Time Controls how long it takes for the reduced level to rise to normal level
when the modulating signal falls below the set threshold (after the Hold
time).
Mix Mode If this is activated, the Ducker will output a mix of the two tracks. This is
only useful if the “Route to Upper Track only” mode has been selected
for the modulating track. Then this feature can be used for processing
several clips through the same plug-in chain, if more plug-ins have been
assigned after the Ducker on the upper track. Note that the mixed out-
put is controlled by the upper track. If this is not playing a clip, both of
the tracks will be silent.
Parameter Description