Wavesfactory TRACKSPACER User manual

TRACKSPACER
2 . 5 . 2
Wavesfactory Trackspacer
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INTRODUCTION 3.................................................................................................................
WHAT’S NEW IN VERSION 2.5 3.........................................................................................
GETTING STARTED 3............................................................................................................
SPECIFICATIONS 3.......................................................................................................................................
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 3.......................................................................................................................
INSTALLATION 4...........................................................................................................................................
TROUBLESHOOTHING 4............................................................................................................................
DEMO EVALUATION 4.................................................................................................................................
AUTHORIZATION 5......................................................................................................................................
ABOUT SIDECHAINING 5.....................................................................................................
LOGIC PRO 6..................................................................................................................................................
PRO TOOLS 6................................................................................................................................................
CUBASE 6.......................................................................................................................................................
LIVE 6...............................................................................................................................................................
REAPER 6........................................................................................................................................................
BITWIG 6..........................................................................................................................................................
DIGITAL PERFORMER 6..............................................................................................................................
STUDIO ONE 6..............................................................................................................................................
FL STUDIO 6...................................................................................................................................................
MASCHINE 6..................................................................................................................................................
USER INTERFACE 7...............................................................................................................
ADVANCED PANEL 8...................................................................................................................................
USE CASES 8..........................................................................................................................
SUPPORT 8.............................................................................................................................
FUTURE UPDATES 9.............................................................................................................
FINAL WORDS 9....................................................................................................................
CREDITS 9.......................................................................................................................................................
EULA 10............................................................................................................................................................
CHANGELOG 11......................................................................................................................
Wavesfactory Trackspacer
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INTRODUCTION
Trackspacer is a mix tool that creates space in the mix for an instrument, voice, or other audio by
performing automatic, multi-band equalisation on a channel based on the spectrum of another
channel. In real-time it analyses the audio frequency content via side-chain, and applies an
intelligent 32-band EQ to subtract those frequencies from the track where Trackspacer is inserted.
This may sound a little bit confusing, but in reality it’s a very useful mixing tool that can be managed
with a single knob. It’s utility is simple: blend two tracks together giving priority to one over the other.
In order to do that, we insert the plug-in in the track that we want to apply the effect, and set up the
side chain so Trackspacer listens to the track that we give priority. At that moment, you’ll be able to
see the spectrum analyser moving. It’s analysing the incoming side-chain signal and reducing the
needed frequencies to the track we inserted Trackspacer in. Then, you just need to increase the
“Amount” knob to the desired value and you’re done.
WHAT’S NEW IN VERSION 2.5
Trackspacer has been ported to a new framework, coded from the ground-up in order to keep it
simple for making regular updates and improvements. Then number 1 request we’ve got since its
original release has been lowering the CPU consumption, and that’s what we’ve done in this update.
We also re-created the whole UI from scratch, making it bigger (600 x 600 instead of 400 x 400)
making is suitable for modern displays.
There is only one installer now instead of a different binary for demo and full versions. When
installing the demo you’ll be able to enter the serial number at anytime and turn it to the full version
without having to install anything else.
Support for RTAS has been dropped as well as support for MacOS 10.5 and 10.6, and Windows XP
and Vista.
GETTING STARTED
SPECIFICATIONS
‣Carve specific frequencies that a track needs in real time.
‣32 band EQ that reacts to side-chain.
‣Apply the reduction to L/R or M/S.
‣Attack and release controls.
‣Pristine audio quality.
‣Low-cut and high-cut filters for adjusting the range of the effect.
‣Simple authorisation using a serial number, no iLok required.
‣New graphics with bigger screen size.
‣Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX (32/64 bit).
‣Platforms: OSX, Windows.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Mac OSX 10.7 or superior.
Windows 7 or superior.
Wavesfactory Trackspacer
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INSTALLATION
Mac
Double-click on the PKG file downloaded from Wavesfactory.
Follow the steps to install the plugin.
The installer will place the different plugin formats in the right folders for you:
‣AU: Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Trackspacer.component
‣VST: Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/Trackspacer.vst
‣VST3: Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Trackspacer.vst3
‣AAX: Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/Trackspacer.aaxplugin
The installer will also create a folder in Library/Application Support/Wavesfactory named
Trackspacer that will contain all the necessary files like user manual and license.
Windows
Double-click on the EXE file downloaded from Wavesfactory.
Follow the steps to install the plugin.
The installer will place the different plugin formats in the right folders for you:
‣VST 64 bit: C:\Program Files\Steinberg\Vstplugins\
‣VST 32 bit: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steinberg\Vstplugins\
‣AAX 64 bit: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins
‣AAX 32 bit: C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins
The install will also create a folder at C:\Users\’username’\AppData\Wavesfactory named
Trackspacer that will contain all the necessary files like user manual and license.
TROUBLESHOOTHING
If Trackspacer doesn’t appear in your DAW plug-in list you can try following these steps:
‣Re-scan all plug-ins.
‣If you’re on Windows make sure that the plug-in is in the correct folder as the installer will place it
in the default VST location but your DAW may be using a custom one.
‣Make sure that your OS version is 10.7 minimum on Mac and Windows 7 minimum on Windows.
If Trackspacer crashes your DAW on start-up or while using it please delete it from the folder and
reinstall it.
Make sure that you have the latest version by downloading a new installer from your user area:
https://www.wavesfactory.com/my-account/downloads
If the crashes continue, contact support with any available crash reports, specifying your OS version,
DAW version and any other valuable information that you may have.
https://www.wavesfactory.com/contact
DEMO EVALUATION
Trackspacer will run in demo mode by default. It will output a short burst of noise every 45 seconds,
parameters won’t be recalled when saving the session. All other features will be available for full
evaluation with no specific time expiration.
While in demo mode the plugin will show the authorisation panel every time you open the UI, if you
still want to evaluate it you have to click on “Continue evaluation” at the bottom of the pop-up.
Wavesfactory Trackspacer
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AUTHORIZATION
When purchasing Trackspacer from Wavesfactory you’ll receive an e-mail immediately containing
the serial number. This will be formatted like this:
Serial: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
You have to copy this to the clipboard by selecting it and either
‣Right-click and select “copy”.
‣Press ctrl+C on Windows or cmd+C on Mac.
Make sure that you copy them without empty spaces as it will result in a not valid authorisation.
Then open the plug-in and the authorisation panel will appear. Insert your username (e-mail address)
and serial. Press “paste” and the contents of the clipboard will be copied accordingly. Finally, press
the Activate button. If the information is correct he plug-in will save your serial number in
Wavesfactory/Trackspacer/License/. If the information is not correct the panel won’t disappear and
the version will still be in demo mode.
In order to de-authorise you can simply delete the file inside Wavesfactory/Trackspacer/License.
ABOUT SIDECHAINING
Side-chaining is a production technique used in a wide variety of music genres where an effect is
activated by an audio track different to the one that the effect is inserted in. In other words, an audio
effect uses an alternative audio source to trigger a processor.
It’s very commonly used in EDM to create a pumping effect on a bass or pad by putting a
compressor in side-chain mode listening to the kick and lowering the volume of the pad every time
the kick hits.
There seems to be a little bit on confusion on how to effectively set up Trackspacer in your DAW, so
here you have a selection of online tutorials (mainly from YouTube) on how to do side-chaining in all
major DAWs. If a link is down please report it here: https://www.wavesfactory.com/contact
Wavesfactory Trackspacer
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LOGIC PRO
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR0NSr4vn6I
PRO TOOLS
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXDjtj6xC1Y
CUBASE
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-hlD45Yv30
LIVE
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCXuqKTd590
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeJ7hPhhBAQ
REAPER
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDa-ydf1P3U
BITWIG
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUMTXxt_pi0
DIGITAL PERFORMER
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvaX_eBN8Dk
STUDIO ONE
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faqls72NvjM&t=3s
FL STUDIO
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frpTvh98ynA (Russian)
MASCHINE
‣https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKcSmX03U2c
Wavesfactory Trackspacer
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USER INTERFACE
This is the main view of the plug-in. On the top you have a spectrum analyser that will show you the
analysis of the incoming signal. When you set up the side chain the blue line will show the analysis
of the side chain signal and the white analysis the reduction amount based on the amount knob.
The Amount knob sets the amount of reduction that is being applied to the signal (the negative gain
of the filters).
Use the Low-Cut and High-Cut filters in order to reduce the range to which the effect is applied. For
example, if you are using a kick drum to duck the frequencies of a bass you don’t need the top
information from the kick, you just need the lower part of the spectrum. Turn the High-Cut knob
down so the higher information is not taken into account.
The Freeze button can be activated with a single click and will pause the reduction to the current
state of the filters. This is useful for having a static EQ that’s set up automatically based on the side-
chain spectrum.
Click on the Wavesfactory logo in order to show the info panel.
If you look closely in the spectrum analyser you’ll see a little blue dot. When you activate this button
the Advanced Panel will be shown.
Wavesfactory Trackspacer
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ADVANCED PANEL
In the advanced panel you can find a set of parameters for a better audio control.
‣Pan: controls the panorama of the effect. In L/R mode you can set the effect to the left or to the
right or anything in between. In M/S mode you can set the effect to the mid channel or the sides
channel or anything in between.
‣L/R - M/S: Selects the processing mode to regular stereo (L/R) or to mid / sides (M/S).
‣Attack: Sets how quickly the gain reduction reacts to changes in the input signal level.
‣Release: Sets how fast the gain reduction.
‣Side-chain: When activating this button you’ll hear the side chain signal with the Low-Cut and
High-Cut filter applied for a better fine-tuning.
USE CASES
‣Make space for a vocal in a wall of electric guitars and synths.
‣Make space for the kick drum in a heavy low-end mix.
‣Snare low-end cutting-through the lower-mids.
‣Voice-over on top of the background music in a more musical way than having a full-band
compressor.
‣You name it!
SUPPORT
If you find any bug or you have any questions please get in contact with us following this link:
https://www.wavesfactory.com/support
Wavesfactory Trackspacer
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FUTURE UPDATES
The purpose of making this new version from scratch is making it more maintainable. It has been
ported to a widely used framework for a more easy access to the code and rapid development.
The next planned update is going to feature a resizable interface functionality and a more detailed
display.
FINAL WORDS
A huge thanks to all people involved in this project. Beta testers, video makers, reviewers, artists,
designers, composer friends and coding friends!
We hope you like it as much as we do and it helps you take your mixes to the next level.
Thank you very much for supporting Wavesfactory.
CREDITS
‣Production: Wavesfactory
‣Design: Nanopsy, Jesús Ginard.
‣DSP: Xavier Oudin, Ivan Cohen.
Wavesfactory Trackspacer
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EULA
I. Grant of License:
In consideration of payment of the Licensee fee, which is a portion of the price you paid,
Wavesfactory, as Licensor, grants to you, the Licensee, a nonexclusive right to use this copy of this
audio plugin (hereinafter the "SOFTWARE") on a single computer. All rights not expressly granted to
Licensee are reserved to Wavesfactory.
II. Software Ownership:
As the Licensee you own the disks on which the SOFTWARE is recorded or fixed. Wavesfactory shall
retain full and complete title to the SOFTWARE recorded on the enclosed disks and all subsequent
copies of the SOFTWARE, regardless of the media or form on or in which the original disks or copies
may exist. This License is not a sale of the original SOFTWARE.
III. Copyright Restrictions:
This SOFTWARE and the accompanying printed or written materials are copyrighted. Unauthorized
copying of the SOFTWARE, including those instances where the SOFTWARE has been modified,
merged, or included with other Software, or of the printed or written materials, for any reason, is
expressly forbidden. Licensee may be held liable for copyright infringement which results from such
unauthorized copying.
IV. Restrictions on Use:
Licensee may physically transfer the SOFTWARE from one computer to another, provided that the
SOFTWARE is used on only one computer at any one time. Licensee may not electronically transfer
the SOFTWARE to multiple computers over a network system. Licensee may not distribute copies of
the SOFTWARE or accompanying materials to others. Licensee may not modify, adapt, translate,
reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works b a s e d o n t h e
SOFTWARE or it's accompanying printed or written materials.
V. Transfer Restrictions:
Licensee shall not assign, rent, lease, sell, sublicense or otherwise transfer the SOFTWARE to
another party without prior written consent of Wavesfactory. Any party authorized by Wavesfactory
to receive the SOFTWARE must agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER
VI. Limited Warranty:
Wavesfactory warrants that the disks on which the SOFTWARE is furnished to be free from defects
in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
purchase. Your receipt shall be evidence of the date of purchase. Any implied warranties on the
SOFTWARE are limited to thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. Some states do not allow
limitations on duration of an implied warranty, so the above limitation may not apply to you. All
programs and accompanying materials are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. The
complete risk as to the quality and performance of the programs is with you. Should the program
prove defective, you assume the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair or correction.
VII. Remedies:
Wavesfactory's entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be at Wavesfactory's option either (a)
return of the purchase price or (b) replacement of the disk that does not meet the Limited Warranty
and which is returned to Wavesfactory with a copy of your receipt. This limited Warranty is void if
failure of the SOFTWARE has resulted from accident, abuse, modification, or misapplication. Any
replacement software will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or thirty
(30) days, whichever is longer.
Wavesfactory Trackspacer
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VIII. No other Warranties:
The above warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not
limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. No oral or
written information or advice given by Wavesfactory, its dealers, distributors, agents or employees
shall create a warranty or in any way increase the scope of this limited warranty. No Liability for
Consequential Damages Neither Wavesfactory nor anyone else involved in the creation, production,
or delivery of this product shall be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental
damages arising out of the use of, or inability to use this product (including without limitation,
damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information and the like)
even if Wavesfactory was previously advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not
allow limitations on the length of an implied warranty or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
CHANGELOG
All bug-fixes, additions and all relevant changes made to Trackspacer will be documented here.
# Version 2.52 - 29 / 05 / 2018
-Fixed: attack and release ballistics matched with the ones in version 2.0.
-Fixed: license folder is created if it’s not found in the system. This fixes the authorisation issues
that were sometimes present on macOS.
# Version 2.5.1 - 17 / 05 / 2018
-Changed binary names so old version and new version can coexist in the same DAW.
-Bigger font size for the parameter’s label.
# Version 2.5.0 - 16 / 05 / 2018
-New version created from scratch using a new framework for better maintenance.
-General CPU optimisation.
-New graphics.
-Dropped: RTAS support.
-Dropped: support for 10.5 and 10.6 MacOS.
-Dropped: support for Windows XP and Vista.
# Version 2.0.7 - 29 / 09 / 2016 - Private update
-Fixed: Logic X bugs.
# Version 2.0.5 - 18 / 06 / 2015
-Fixed: silent output in Logic X.
# Version 2.0.4 - 02 / 04 / 2014
-Fixed: minor bugs.
# Version 2.0.3 - 30 / 06 / 2013
-Fixed: minor bugs.
# Version 2.0.2 - 24 / 06 / 2013
-Fixed: Pro Tools 11 signing.
-Fixed: AAX authorisation issue.
-Fixed: CPU peaks on Windows.
# Version 2.0.1 - 05 /06 / 2013
-NOT PUBLIC.
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# Version 2.0.0 - 03 / 06 / 2013
-Added: AAX support.
-Added: Advanced panel.
-Changed: UI background.
# Version 1.0.4 - 26 / 12 / 2012
-Improved: more time between watermarks.
-Added: mono versions.
# Version 1.0.3 - 12 / 12 / 2012
-Fixed: Reaper crash.
# Version 1.0.2 - 07 / 12 / 2012
-Added: VST3 format.
-Added: Filter automation.
-Added: Custom install.
# Version 1.0.1 - 07 / 12 / 2012
-Improved: CPU optimisation.
# Version 1.0.0.1 - 13 / 11 / 2012
-Fix: AU 64 bit installed correctly.
-Fix: Demo AU 64 bit didn’t allow side-chain.
# Version 1.0.0 - 12 / 11 / 2012
-Initial release.
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