Acustica Titanium3 EQ User manual

1
Introduction
Package Contents
Acustica Audio
Technology
Core 13
What is a ZL instance
Disclaimer
Performance Caution
Plug-in Formats
System Requirements
Sampling Process
Operation
Controls
Product Registration
Product Authorization
References
Copyrights and Credits
Extra
page 2
page 3
page 5
page 5
page 6
page 6
page 7
page 7
page 7
page 9
page 10
page 10
page 30
page 33
page 33
page 34
page 34
page35

2
In order to meet its customers’ growing demands,
Acustica has released a new version of TITANIUM.
Welcome to TITANIUM3!
Besides CORE13,TITANIUM3 is further enhanced with
many more innovative features, it preserves peculiari-
ties already introduced in the previous version like: Ul-
tramatch, the technique for minimizing errors in digi-
tal compression curves, the “ShMod” (a shape control
for the attack behavior of the compressor) and the
“Input Trim” to control the INPUT/OUTPUT compen-
sation of the signal.
1. Introduction
What makes this plugin even more versatile is a switch
allowing customers to choose whichever compressor
they would like to use. The default compressor is the
latest version, but if you prefer the “old” sound you
can select the previous version by pressing the button
labelled “Tit1”.
We have further improved and strengthened this bun-
dle by oering our customers additional, sensational
emulations. We strongly believe that this upgrade will
enhance the potential of this suite, so you’ll just have
to try it out!
Titanium3 channelstrip plugin

2. Package Contents
Titanium3 Strip
Titanium3 EQ
Titanium3 Pre
Titanium3 3B Comp
Titanium3 1B Comp
3

Titanium3 EQ standalone plugin
The Titanium3 suite is made up of six separate Acqua
plug-ins with gorgeous graphical user interfaces that
enable easy and quick parameter changes.
We upgraded our powerful three-band multiband
compressor and the single-band compressor (that can
be used like a typical compressor) and we also added
some more products to complete this fantastic suite,
delivering the legendary tone and features of some
incredible tube-based units released in the market
over the last 25 years.
TheTITANIUM3 STRIP has become the main plugin in
this package, it is not your everyday strip but rather
it is a warm sounding and easy-to-use channel strip
characterized by an intuitive and modern GUI with a
crisp and sophisticated look, a responsive design and
several premium elements. Keep reading for details.
During the modeling process we used the best con-
verters and cables on the market, we measured the
unit in excellent conditions, and employed skilled
experts in the sampling process using our self-devel-
oped sampling application.
Now you have one of the best, high-quality profes-
sional audio software plugins in your audio work-
station. We spend countless hours developing these
no-compromise plug-ins to give you nothing but the
best sound and feel that they are as close to the real
hardware as can be imagined.
Titanium3 suite is made up of:
-Titanium3 3BComp
(standalone three-band -multiband compressor)
-Titanium3 1BComp
(standalone single-band compressor)
-Titanium3 EQ
(standalone all-tube passive Equalizer)
-Titanium3 Pre
(Preamp standalone module)
-Titanium3 Strip
(Channel strip that includes all the previous cited stan-
dalone plugins)
We are condent that this plug-in will help you make
more professional mixes.
Each plug-in included in the Titanium3 suite comes in
a “Standard version” or an alternative “ZL*” version
which operates at *zero latency and is thus suitable
for use when tracking, at the cost of extra processing
resources.
(For details about ZL version refer to Chapter 6)
4

3. Acustica Audio
4. Technology
Acustica Audio is a leading company specializing in
analog hardware virtualization.
Since the birth of Nebula in the summer of 2005, there
has been an active collaboration between forward
thinking developers, beta testers, audio engineers
and equipment samplers from around the world.
The research and development has progressed
through many stages and employs many innovative
processes and technologies as yet unheard of in other
products or devices.
Our technology provides seamless real-time emu-
lations of pre-ampliers, equalizers, compressors,
reverbs, multi-eects, stomp-boxes, cabinets, mi-
crophones and tape emulations, on Intel based ma-
chines, both for Windows and OSX. The Acustica Ac-
qua Engine is a combination of multiple advanced
technical processes that are unique to Acustica Audio.
Eects devices can be successfully sampled without
further editing or adjustment, and then immediate-
ly processed and reproduced via the same engine,
where the sampled data is stored and available for
recalling, loading, saving, and advanced editing when
desired.The quality of reproduction of sampled sourc-
es is nearly indistinguishable from the originals. The
following techniques are merged into a single mod-
el. Nonlinear convolution: The Volterra theorem is
applied as a complete re-thinking, replacement, and
generalized substitution of the convolution algorithm
that is commonly used in audio applications. Accurate
sampling, processing, and reproduction of up to 9 har-
monics is possible with our proprietary technology.
Nonlinear convolution, dynamic Volterra series, and
time-varying models are just some of the state-of-
the-art features that the Core Acqua Engine oers.
The Core Acqua Engine comes complete with all of its
internal tools, and also includes the N.A.T. sampling
system, a stand-alone application shipped with most
of Acustica Audio’s products using dierent congu-
rations.
The company’s goal is to provide the most authen-
tic reproduction of sampled vintage gear and other
high-end hardware devices, using the revolutionary
technology Vectorial Volterra Kernels Technology
(V.V.K.T.) without the negative artifacts created by the
current convolution technology.
After many years of fruitful labor, this creative for-
ward thinking group has evolved into a team of ex-
perts in knowing what it takes to serve the “best of
both worlds” (digital & analog).
Acustica… Audio Renaissance
Support is provided directly from the R&D Team that
is continuously developing the engine. Workshops
and project-specic learning sessions can be organ-
ized for your team.The Core Acqua Engine is available
with a diverse stand-alone library, ready for inclusion
in 3rd party products.
Vectorial Volterra Kernels Technology (V.V.K.T.): Vol-
terra kernels are stored in tree data structures (man-
aging up to 100,000 elements in real-time using a CPU
Pentium IV 3 GHz).The Acqua Engine is capable of im-
plementing a list of modules commonly used in audio
synthesizers (LFO, envelope followers, dynamic mod-
ules, FUNS). Multiple combinations of these process-
es may be applied to control sources and destinations.
Time Varying Models (T.M.V.): A collection of kernels
collect data using an advanced sampling technique,
creating a multi-dimensional snapshot of a nonlinear/
time-varying system.
Multiple recordings are interpolated in order to mim-
ic the time evolution and response to external vari-
ables such as user parameters and input/output as-
sessments (e.g. time-varying cyclic eect processors,
stomp-boxes, digital multi-eect units).
More info about our technology at the following link:
http://www.acustica-audio.com/pages/engine
5

5. Core13
6. What is a ZL instance for?
Titanium3 is based on our Core 13 engine:
NEW: Our new Core 13 engine improves on the previ-
ous versions by introducing our new VLA™ technolo-
gy (Vector Loading Acceleration), which makes the
response of the plugin much faster;
• Upgraded SASM (Symmetric & Asymmetric Sat-
uration Modeling). A high-performance saturation
algorithm;
• Introduction of new post-production sample de-nois-
ing tech for cleaner deconvolved impulses called STT
(Super transient technology);
Acustica Audio’s plug-ins come in two versions: ZL
(zero latency) and normal (non ZL). While the ZL ver-
sion does not introduce any latency to your system,
the standard version does.
This buer varies in size for each plug-in and helps to
signicantly reduce the CPU and system load of your
computer. For this reason we recommend that you
use a ZL instance whilst tracking.
Keep in mind that anything that can reduce the CPU
load on your system should be considered. For ex-
ample the track count of your session, the number
of plug-in instances used, sample rate, etc. You could
also consider the use of direct monitoring or double
the buer/hybrid audio engine in your host if availa-
ble.
• Full compatibility with Client/Server architecture in-
tegrated by default in Acqua plugins;
• Engine optimization introducing a new highly e-
cient algorithm. This innovative technique is applied
to all the deconvolved impulses for further de-noise
processing and subsequent elimination of any incor-
rect low-level behavior (including the so-called “echo
bug”).
Core 13 allows performance improvements for each
plug-in of the Acqua Eects series, while at the same
time preserving all the features already supported in
previous CORE upgrades.
Basically both plug-in instances are identical but the
current Acqua engine can work with a long audio bu-
er or without any audio buer.
The instance without audio buers, “ZL”, or zero la-
tency, do not have any audio buer pre-loaded, and
will process the audio without any delay, so at the
same time the CPU load will be higher compared to
the standard non ZL instance.
The idea behind a ZL instance is to give users the op-
tion to run Acqua Eect products with minimal laten-
cy, which is useful for direct monitoring for example.
6

7. Disclaimer
8. Performance Caution
9. Plug-in Formats Explained (VST, AU, AAX)
We are using the term “EARLY ACCESS” (EX:
“name-product (Early Access)”) to dene the intro-
ductory price of the product. It’s a “Public Beta” Pre-
view.
In other words, we provide to the customers a COM-
MERCIAL VERSION/ TRIAL VERSION that may be im-
proved and bugs xed within this period.
In order to maximize performance and usability of
Titanium3 on your computer, we suggest you follow
some precautionary rules that will help you save pre-
cious CPU cycles.
- First of all, set your buer size setting as large as pos-
sible. For instance, there is generally no specic rea-
son for using a low buer size setting during mixing
or mastering sessions. Increasing buer sizes (hence
also latency) highly decreases required CPU power.
- You should also consider only using the necessary
features.
We do not ensure the complete absence of bugs or
the perfect operation of the product.
Before purchasing, we suggest you download theTrial
version to verify the behavior of the plug-in with your
system.
Below is a rather concise but complete explanation
of the main formats supported for our Acqua plugins.
NOTE:
Titanium3 (COMMERCIAL VERSION) and Titani-
um3-Trial (TRIAL VERSION) are not compatible.
RECOMMENDATION:
Titanium3 (Trial) is a time-limited, fully functional ver-
sion of this product (Titanium 3); it will expire 30 days
after installation.We recommend you to carefully test
our Titanium3-trial before purchase Commercial ver-
sion.
Trial products are fully-functional versions of the rel-
ative commercial plug-in. The trial period expires 30
days after activation.
We do not take any responsibility for misuse of the
product, or collateral problems derived from it.
Normally the Early Access period ends within 30 days
from the publication on the product page but this pe-
riod may vary at our discretion.
This manual includes a description of the product but
gives no guarantee as for specic characteristics or
successful results.The design of our products is under
continuous development and improvement.
Technical specication are subject to change.
These plugin formats are a result of eorts in the au-
dio software industry to create Standards that utilise
the capabilities of either DAWs (Digital Audio Work-
stations) – the host platforms for plugins run on PC
(Windows-based platform) and/or Mac (OSX-based
platform).
7

Format
VST
AU
AAX
Software
Ableton, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Studio One, Reaper, Nuendo
FIG 1 Plugin-format table
Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Studio One, Digital Performer
Pro Tools 12 and later
VST is the most known interface type for eects and
instruments. As of today VST has evolved into its 3rd
version and is commonly referred to asVST3.
Apple’s proprietary audio technology, part of the Core
Audio provided by Mac OS X. It is part of the operat-
ing system so it provides low latency and system-level
support for the interface.
AAX is a unied plugin format which comes in 2 vari-
ations: AAX DSP, AAX Native. AAX was introduced as
Avid created a 64-bit version of Pro Tools ®, and this
meant that a plugin format with 64-bit processing
was required.
NOTE: Please note that the table contents may be subject to change .
VST is the most widely implemented format in the in-
dustry and is supported by DAWs such as Ableton®,
Cubase®, Sonar® and more.
Most DAWs developed for Mac OS X support the Au-
dio Units interface due to its stability and system-level
solutions (which also means faster processing).
With AAX, you can share sessions between DSP-ac-
celerated Pro Tools systems and native-based Pro
Tools systems and continue using the same plug-ins.
9.1 VST (Virtual Studio Technology)
9.2 AU (Audio Units)
9.3 AAX (Avid Audio eXtension)
NOTES:
A proper clarication, some DAWs like those proposed in the previous table (Fig 1) support multiple formats.
Example: OSX - AU (Audio Units) plugins can also be used on Ableton® Live, Reaper® and Digital Performer®.
- In the case of using the VST and AU format for our products, on the same DAW, we recommend opting for
the VST format, also if you have the possibility to choose between the VST2 and VST3 formats we recommend
VST3.
- we also recommend to all customers to pay particular attention to product installation in particular the choice
of the correct plugin format. For further information, please consult the Aquarius user’s manual available at the
following link: http://www.acustica-audio.com/pages/aquarius
8

10. System Requirements
Titanium3 is one of a growing number in the Acqua
Eects plug-in product line. Acustica Audio has been
working on high-quality analog hardware device
software modeling for over eight years. The audio
rendering engine, Acqua, embodies state of the art,
sample-based products, and has set a new quality
standard in the professional audio plug-in market.
Acustica Audio, in a move that is bold even for a cut-
ting-edge company like us, sampled something re-
markable and we are now bringing it to you in the
form of a groundbreaking and exceptional sounding
Acqua plug-in. Of the current software plug-ins avail-
able on the market, none are based on sampling, and
none come close to the sound ofTitanium3.Titanium3
is based on our upgraded technology that uses a new,
extremely fast engine.
During the modeling process we used the best con-
verters and cables in existence, we measured the units
in excellent conditions, and employed skilled experts
in the sampling process using our self-developed sam-
pling application.
Now you have one of the best, high-quality profes-
sional audio software in your audio workstation. We
spent countless hours developing these no-compro-
mise plug-ins to give you only the best sound and
feel that is as close to the real hardware as can be
imagined. We are condent that this plug-in will help
you make more professional mixes.
RECOMMENDATION: We recommend to our
users to constantly spend time on proper hard-
ware maintenance, trying to have the proper
symmetry between hardware, operating sys-
tem, DAW and plugin. Below the system re-
quirement table of Titanium3; We do not guar-
antee correct functioning and compatibility for
any DAW, Operating System not specically
mentioned in the following table.
NOTE: How to get support before opening a help-desk ticket with our agent.
Before opening a new help-desk case, please consider rst checking our knowledge base solutions in our website
support area, since most of your questions may have already been answered and are available online to every-
one here.
http://www.acustica-audio.com/pages/theknowledgebase
9

11. Sampling Process
The sampling process has been performed by Acus-
tica. The units were sampled with mastering quality
converters, using a method which takes considerably
more time than the normal sampling standard.
This method is of benet to the entire audio spectrum.
Two sample rates are provided with Titanium3; the
native sample frequency was 96kHz. The 44.1kHz
frequency was derived from the native one by a
down-sampling and up-sampling process. This meth-
od avoids any negative sample rate conversion (SRC)
artifacts when matching projects with dierent sam-
ple rates and also helps with project loading times.
12. Operation
Below is an explanation of the Titanium3 suite, rst
we will get into the details of each standalone plugin
to facilitate an understanding of each of the controls
included in this new Acqua Eect Plugin suite.
Unless expressly indicated each control will also be
available in the Titanium3 channel-strip version
Titanium3 COMP 1B standalone plugin
Titanium3 COMP 3B standalone plugin
10

Titanium3 compressor is available as two dierent
versions: Singleband and Multiband.
They oer an accurate reproduction of a classic op-
to-compressor unit built in Denmark. The original
units were created taking on the classic optical com-
pression method pioneered by a Californian Company
in the early 1960’s.
Titanium3 1B Comp
The singleband Compressor is an all-tube classic op-
tical mono compressor, very intuitive, musical and it
is able to preserve the clarity of the source even at ex-
treme settings. These features make this compressor
a really useful and valuable resource, enabling you to
achieve your goal very quickly and easily.
Titanium3 3BComp
The multiband Compressor version (as the original
hardware unit) features three independent optical
stereo compressors. Combining the eect of a wide
3 band level control with individual compression of
the three bands creates pure magic, especially on
the main mix bus, but also on submixes like the drum
buss, instrument groups and single tracks.
Titanium 3 1B is not noted as a character piece; it does
warmth and it does smooth, and it does both trans-
parently, so it’s one of the best go-to compressors to
treat everything from vocals and bass, to guitars and
keys.
It is considered to be one of the most creative and
musical audio tools available in the audio market and
we are very proud to give you our CORE 13 upgraded
version.
Titanium3’s compressors preserve the behaviour and
the tube sound of the original units bringing life and
fullness back into your mix!
12.1 Titanium3 1B/3BComp – In use
11

The Titanium3 EQ is an iconic passive, all-tube EQ
plug-in, based on a classic valve equalizer design and
featuring a passive EQ section. The original brand
closed their doors in the late 70s/early 80s, so with the
historical american units out of production for years,
many companies decided to build their own version.
We chose one of the most successful clones, it is by far
the easiest way to achieve this legendary, unique and
coveted sound.
The main idea of this hardware emulation is to give
all of our customers a powerful, modern EQ that does
the same thing as the original 50s American units did
when new. We say “did” because nowadays these vin-
tage devices are often more “grainy” sounding due to
old age and very old components.
12.2 Titanium3 EQ – In use
Titanium3 EQ standalone plugin
LF band - 20 Hz frequency - Boost:5
12

LF band - 20 Hz frequency - Atten:5
LF band - 20 Hz frequency - Boost:10
13

LF band - 20 Hz frequency - Atten:10
LF band - 30 Hz frequency - Boost:5
14

LF band - 30 Hz frequency - Atten:5
LF band - 30 Hz frequency - Boost:10
15

LF band - 30 Hz frequency - Atten:10
LF band - 60 Hz frequency - Boost:5
16

LF band - 60 Hz frequency - Atten:5
LF band - 60 Hz frequency - Boost:10
17

LF band - 60 Hz frequency - Atten:10
LF band - 100 Hz frequency - Boost:5
18

LF band - 100 Hz frequency - Atten:5
LF band - 100 Hz frequency - Boost:10
19