HEDD Lineariser. Lineariser. Installation & User s Guide. Linear full range Latency 100 ms. Type 05. In / Out. Linear >500 Hz Latency 5 ms

Transcription

1 Heinz Electrodynamic Designs Installation & User s Guide EN In / Out Bypass for rendering MODEL Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve PHASE Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms

2 Table of contents - Introduction Quick start Define your situation Installation guide for the Lineariser Plugin Installation on Windows Installation on Mac OSX Setting up the Lineariser Plugin within your DAW Re-scan your plugin folders Inserting the Lineariser correctly in your project Setting up the Lineariser Standalone Application General notes Windows Setting Lineariser up to be used with a standard media player like Windows Media Player, VLC, Spotify etc Setting Lineariser up for use with external sound sources with a proper high-quality soundcard Using the Lineariser directly within foobar Mac OSX Setting Lineariser up to be used with a standard media player like itunes, VLC, Spotify etc Setting Lineariser up for use with external sound sources with a proper (high quality) soundcard Using the Lineariser AU Plugin system-wide with MenuBus Using the Lineariser Set the parameters right Do s and Don ts Measurements Uninstall Windows Mac OSX Technical data

3 - Introduction With the Lineariser, we are introducing a unique software solution for one of the most challenging problems in loudspeaker designing: Phase Linearisation. A lot of monitors are using DSPs these days, but only a very few use their processing power for phase optimization. The Lineariser takes a different approach: It uses the superior power of the host computer CPU (up to 92 khz, 32bit), to perfect the phase and frequency response, so that no additional AD/DA conversion is necessary. The result is a perfectly aligned loudspeaker or, as CEO Klaus Heinz puts it: When activating the Lineariser, transients are reproduced in perfect accuracy and the spatial qualities are being increased. Acoustic recordings will impress with their natural and intriguing character. The Lineariser can be used in mixing, mastering, and even recording sessions (at lower latency settings) within any DAW, or as a standalone application for enjoying audio played from streaming platforms and media players such as Soundcloud, Spotify, VLC, foobar2, Youtube, itunes, Groove, etc. Thank you for downloading and enjoy working with the Lineariser. founders Klaus Heinz and Dr. Frederik Knop in the anechoic chamber of TU Berlin, taking measurements of the Type 2. 3 Lineariser

4 2 - Quickstart What is the Lineariser plugin doing? It linearises both the frequency and phase response of your monitors simultaneously something not possible in analog designs. How does it sound? You will hear a more natural sound with an improved imaging and transient response. How should it be used? The Lineariser can either be used in the last slot of your DAW master bus (post Limiter!) or as a standalone application. Ideally, there should be nothing between your D/A converter and your Studio Monitors except a volume control and if necessary a room correction EQ. What parameters can be adjusted? The plugin has two sets of parameters: MODEL & PHASE. Choose your model via the Model dropdown menu. Then, choose between two frequency response curves: Lineariser MODEL Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve PHASE Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms alignment curve This setting represents what we consider to be the ideal sound for usual listening rooms. It exhibits a bass response identical to the analog design. Anechoic flat curve Based on m measurements in an anechoic room, this setting leads to a different bass response. PHASE Linear Full Range (recommended for mixing, mastering and normal playback) Linear > 5 Hz (lower latency, better suited for recording) Minimum Phase (no phase linearisation, frequency linearisation only) IN / OUT Use it to A/B between the linearised (processed) and non-linearised (original) signal. IMPORTANT: We had to lower the overall gain by 9 db in order to gain headroom for the linearisation process and to preserve the full dynamics. Please compensate the level drop with your monitor controller. Bypass for rendering When you finish your session, make sure to always (!) press the Bypass for rendering button before bouncing! It bypasses the plugin and resets the output back to db. 4

5 3 - Define your situation The Lineariser comes in two variations. As an Audio-Plugin in VST-, AU- and AAX-flavors for the use in all major DAWs and similar plugin hosts for Windows (7, 8, 8. and, x86 and x64) and Mac OSX (.8 or newer). Example: PC or Mac DAW like Cubase, ProTools, Reaper etc.? DAC / Soundinterface Monitor controller (Volume) Speaker MODEL PHASE In / Out Bypass for rendering Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms Speaker -> Skip to Chapter 4.3 for a detailed setup guide for this case. 2. As a standalone application for Windows (7, 8, 8. and, x86 and x64) and Mac OSX (.8 or newer) for the use in applications, where no DAW or other plugin hosts can be used. Examples: Player like VLC, itunes, Spotify etc. VB Cable (Win) Soundflower (Mac) PC or Mac Lineariser Standalone Application In / Out Bypass for rendering MODEL Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve PHASE Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms? DAC / Soundcard / AV-Preamp Speaker Speaker PC or Mac Lineariser Standalone Application AD-DA-C / Soundcard with two In/Outs Speaker? MODEL PHASE In / Out Bypass for rendering Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms Signal source like CD-Player, Tape Deck or Record Player (with Preamp) Speaker -> Skip to Chapter 4.4 for a detailed setup guide for this case. 5

6 4 - Installation guide for the plugin 4. - Installation on Windows The following chapter will show you how to install and use the Lineariser Plugin on Windows machines. Note: the Lineariser Plugin will run on all Windows versions from 7 to (x86 and x64), including 8 and 8.. It might also work on older machines running Windows Vista or XP, but this is experimental and not guaranteed.. Download the Windows installer.exe from our Homepage at (if you haven t already) 2. Save it to a proper folder on your hard-disc 3. Navigate to the folder you ve placed the download at and double-click on the downloaded file ( _Lineariser.exe ) 4. Read the EULA carefully. If you accept it, choose I accept the agreement, otherwise do not accept the agreement. Click on Next >. Note: you can only install the Lineariser if you accept the EULA. Otherwise, it s not possible to install and use the Lineariser. 5. Specify the folders where your VST-plugins are located at (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\steinberg\vstplugins for the 32-Bit-plugins and C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VSTPlugins for the 64-Bit-plugins) and click on Next > 6

7 4. - Installation on Windows 6. Select the type of plugins that should be installed and click on Next > Note: the AAX-flavor is only necessary if you have ProTools installed on your machine. Otherwise, you ll need the VST-flavors only. It is also fine if you want both the VST-Plugin and the Standalone- Application. In case of doubt, simply install all components. 7. Check again that you ve selected the correct VST-installation-folders and click on Install 8. Now, the Lineariser will be installed on your machine. Click on Finish when the process is completed Now, the Lineariser is installed and ready to use on your machine. 7

8 4.2 - Installation on Mac OSX The following chapter will show you how to install and use the Lineariser on machines running Mac OSX. Note: the Lineariser will run on Mac OSX.8 or newer. Older versions of Mac OSX are not supported.. Download the Mac OSX installer.pkg from our Homepage at (if you haven t already) 2. Save it to a proper folder on your hard-disc 3. Navigate to the folder you ve placed the download at and double-click on the _Lineariser.pkg 4. Read the EULA carefully. Click on Continue >. Afterwards, you ll be asked if you accept the EULA terms and conditions. Click on Agree, otherwise Disagree. Note: you can only install the Lineariser if you accept the EULA. Otherwise, it s not possible to install and use the Lineariser. 5. You should now see the Lineariser installer. Click on continue 8

9 4.2 - Installation on Mac OSX 6. If necessary, change the install location, where the Lineariser should be installed at, by clicking Change install location (not needed in most situations). 7. If you want to define which flavor of the Lineariser should be installed on your system, click on Customize and select all components you want to install manually Note: the AAX-flavor is only necessary if you have ProTools installed on your machine. Otherwise, you ll need the VST2/3 and AU-flavors only. It is also fine if you only want both the VST/AU-Plugin and the Standalone-Application. In case of doubt, simply install all components by choosing Standard Install 8. If you have made all settings, click on Install to run the installation process. You might be asked for your administration password. The installer will then install the Lineariser on your machine. 9. When the installer has completed the installation process, you should see this window. Click on close. The Lineariser is now installed on your machine and ready to use. 9

10 4.3 - Setting up the Lineariser plugin within your DAW Note: this section is valid for both Windows and Mac OSX platforms Re-scan your plugins folders In most cases, it is necessary to perform a re-scan of your plugin folders within your DAW in order to get the Lineariser recognized in your plugin list. Usually, this can be done by open the Preferences of your DAW (Options -> Preferences or similar) and selecting something like Re-Scan VST-folder or similar. Below, you see the Preferences -> VST-Menu of the DAW Reaper, where you can do this operation easily Inserting the Lineariser correctly in your project What you usually want is to insert the Lineariser Plugin in your Master-Bus FX chain, so that it processes the whole sum signal of your project. In the FX list of your master bus chain, simply search for Lineariser, select it and click OK. Note: in ProTools, you ll find the Lineariser in the Soundfield -section.

11 alignment curve flat curve Latency ms Latency 5 ms Latency 2 ms Setting up the Lineariser plugin within your DAW Now, you should see the user interface of the Lineariser and you can immediately set it up and use it as described in chapter 5. Note: it is a good practice to use a separate Monitor Out -path and insert the Lineariser as an FX into it, if you have one. Some DAWs (like Cubase) already have this opportunity build-in. Otherwise, create a new track and route the audio like depicted below. If you re using a mastering limiter or similar in your master bus, insert the Lineariser afterwards. If you re using a room equalization plugin or similar, the Lineariser must be inserted before these. From single tracks Master Bus Master Limiter In / Out Bypass for rendering To HDD MODEL PHASE Type 5 Anechoic Linear full range Linear >5 Hz Minimum Phase? (optional) Room EQ To Speakers Pro tip: if you can or have one, use a linear phase (FIR) EQ plugin for room- and/or taste correction, and adjust only the frequency response of it. Then, you ll retain the full phase response correction of the Lineariser for your studio monitors (at a cost of a little bit added latency, but most phase linear EQs don t add too much of it in general )

12 4.4 - Setting up the Lineariser Standalone Application In this chapter, we ll show how you can set up the Lineariser standalone application. Note: be sure that you ve installed the Lineariser standalone application correctly, by means that you ve installed the Standalone component while running the installer. If not, see chapter 4. (Windows ) and 4.2 (Mac OSX) for a detailed guide on how to install General notes There are in principle three major variants for using the Lineariser standalone application or using the Lineariser VST/AU-Plugin in a standalone manner:. As an audio post-processing part for your audio playback applications like Windows Media Player, VLC Media Player, Spotify, itunes or other streaming media applications, or even the audio coming from your browser running YouTube (all sound sources within the computer). 2. With an external, physical sound source that is connected to your soundcard either the analogue or digital way (like a CD-Player connected via SPDIF or a Tape Deck connected via analog Line-Ins, when the Lineariser in combination with a dedicated audio PC should, for example, become a part as a component in your HiFi system). 3. Directly inserted in an audio playback application, with the help of the VST-/AU-versions of the Lineariser Windows Setting Lineariser up to be used with a standard media player like Windows Media Player, VLC, Spotify etc.. Download VB Cable here: 2

13 Setting Lineariser up to be used with a standard media player like Windows Media Player, VLC, Spotify etc. 2. Navigate to the folder where you ve placed the download, right-click on the downloaded VB_CABLE.zip and select Extract all. Define a place where the files should be extracted to and let the extracting process take place. 3. Navigate to the folder where you ve extracted the files, search for VBCABLE_Setup.exe, right-click on it and choose Run as administrator Note: be sure to run the setup as an Administrator. Otherwise, the VB-Cable sound device cannot be installed and you only get an error message. 4. In the upcoming window, select Install driver Afterwards, you might get a windows security warning message to allow the installation of the driver. Click on Install in this case. When the installation is completed, you get a warning message that you should reboot your PC. Please do so afterwards. 3

14 Setting Lineariser up to be used with a standard media player like Windows Media Player, VLC, Spotify etc. Note: it is important to reboot your PC after installing the VB Cable virtual soundcard. Otherwise, it might not be accessible. 5. After rebooting, go to Start -> Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Sound or search for Sound (or right-click on the speaker symbol in the taskbar and select Playback devices ). You should now see the following window: 6. Find the CABLE Input in the list, right-click on it and chose Set as standard device. A green check box should now be visible beside the CABLE input symbol 7. Start the Lineariser standalone application by navigating to Start -> All programs -> Audio GmbH -> Lineariser 4

15 Setting Lineariser up to be used with a standard media player like Windows Media Player, VLC, Spotify etc. 8. In the Lineariser main window, click on Options -> Audio/MIDI-Settings and do the following settings: On Output, select the name of your soundcard device (might be different than depicted here). Input- Device should be CABLE Output (VB-Audio Virtual Cable). Click on Test to get a short sine test tone out of the soundcard output. Listen carefully for cracklings and drop-outs. If you hear such artifacts, increase the Audio buffer size a bit. If you re finished, uncheck the Mute audio input afterwards and close the Audio/MIDI-Settings-window. Note: if you soundcard supports ASIO, it is not directly possible to use ASIO in this configuration. If you re using a (high quality) soundcard for output, you can safely use the standard MME Windows Audio kernel supplied for standard system-wide usage of your soundcard, as it is playback only and doesn t need low latency anyway. 9. Now, you can start your audio player application (like VLC, Windows Media Player, Spotify or similar) and start audio playback. You should hear the audio now processed by the Lineariser application. Confirm this by clicking on the Bypass for rendering -button. The overall volume of the audio should now become louder (for 9 db). In / Out Bypass for rendering MODEL Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve PHASE Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms 5

16 Setting Lineariser up to be used with a standard media player like Windows Media Player, VLC, Spotify etc.. If successful, deactivate the Bypass for rendering. It is normal and on purpose, that the audio becomes softer, as the frequency and phase linearization process needs some additional headroom. Note: you can use the Bypass for rendering -button to completely turn off the Lineariser process (resulting in virtually no additional CPU load) and use it as a simple audio loop-through might be useful for testing and debugging.. Now, you are ready to set up and using the Lineariser as described in chapter Setting Lineariser up for use with external sound sources with a proper high-quality soundcard Note: It is advisable to use a professional grade/high quality soundcard or AD/DA-C that supports ASIO. Other soundcards (like generic on-board soundchips) can be used, but offer in most cases poor latency performance and often also weak signal-to-noise ratios.. Start the Lineariser standalone application by navigating to Start -> all programs -> Audio GmbH -> Lineariser 2. In the Lineariser main window, click on Options -> Audio/MIDI-Settings 3. If your soundcard supports ASIO : If possible, use ASIO, because it offers way more stability and lower overall latency then Windows Audio Device or DirectSound. Most professional soundcards support ASIO. Switch the Audio device type to ASIO On Device, choose your ASIO soundcard device Set the sample rate to at least 44. khz. If you soundcard supports higher sample rates, you can choose higher ones up to 92 khz. Be aware that this leads also into higher CPU load and possible drop-outs. If you experience any of these artifacts, raise the Audio buffer size a bit. The standard 52 samples usually is a good and safe value for most machines and sample rates to start with. You can test the configuration by clicking on Test. You should now hear a short sine tone burst. Listen carefully for cracklings and drop-outs. If you hear such artifacts, raise the Audio buffer size a bit. 6

17 Setting Lineariser up for use with external sound sources with a proper high-quality soundcard 4. If your soundcard doesn t support ASIO : This should be used only when ASIO is not supported by your soundcard. If possible, use a high quality soundcard that supports ASIO, because it offers way more stability and lower overall latency on Windows -machines. Switch the Audio Device type to Windows Audio or DirectSound. Consider the following: Windows Audio: Standard Windows Multimedia sound sink. A good compromise between stability and compatibility (recommended). DirectSound: DirectX sound sink. Use only if Windows Audio doesn t work it s the most compatible, but also the most unreliable connection to your soundcard. On Output, select the output channel pair of your soundcard that should output your music signal to your speakers. On Input, select the input channel pair that should be set to the input channel on which your sound source is connected to. Set the sample rate at least to 44. khz. Higher sample rates up to 92 khz can be used, but also raises the CPU load at the other hand. If you experience audio drop-outs or crackling sound, try to raise the Audio buffer size a bit. Note: If you don t (want or cannot) use ASIO, be sure that the sample rate of your soundcard, which is set in the windows sound control panel, matches the In/Output of the Lineariser. Otherwise, the Windows sound kernel will resample the audio to match the different sample rates, which can result into degradation of the audio quality (alias distortion artifacts etc). 5. Uncheck the Mute audio input -button. You should now already hear audio from your input device that is connected to your soundcard input. Watch the small level meter next to the Input -selector and level the input source to your soundcard so that it doesn t clip. 6. Now, you can close the Audio/MIDI-Settings window and start audio playback of your audio source that is connected to your soundcard input. You should hear the audio now processed by the Lineariser application. Confirm this by clicking on the Bypass for rendering -button. The overall volume of the audio should now become louder (for 9 db). In / Out Bypass for rendering MODEL Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve PHASE Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms 7

18 Setting Lineariser up for use with external sound sources with a proper high-quality soundcard 7. If successful, deactivate the Bypass for rendering. It is normal and on purpose, that the audio becomes softer, as the frequency and phase linearization process needs some additional headroom. Note: you can use the Bypass for rendering -button to completely turn off the Lineariser process (resulting in virtually no additional CPU load) and use it as a simple audio loop-through might be useful for testing and debugging. 8. Now, you are ready for setting up and using the Lineariser as described in chapter Using the Lineariser directly within foobar2. Make sure to install the Lineariser with at least the VST2-components ( VST2 ) 2. Download the Foobar2 VST-Adapter here: (on the page, choose the foo_vst.zip ) 3. Start Foobar2, go to File -> Preferences -> Components and select Install 8

19 Using the Lineariser directly within foobar2 4. Navigate to the folder, to which you have downloaded the foo_vst.zip, select it and click on Open. 5. In the Preferences-Window, click on Apply. Foobar2 says that it wants to restart. This is fine, click on OK. 6. After restarting Foobar2, go again to File -> Preferences -> Components. Now, you should see the substructure VST plug ins. Click on it and on Add 7. Navigate to the place, where you have installed the VST-Plugin, usually C:\Program Files (x86)\steinberg\vstplugins\ Audio, and select the Lineariser.dll. Click on open. Click on Apply. Again, Foobar2 wants to restart. Confirm by clicking OK. 9

20 Using the Lineariser directly within foobar2 8. After Restarting, go to File -> Preferences -> Playback -> DSP Manager. You should see the Lineariser in the Available DSP list on the right. Click on it, then click on the upper white arrow to drag it into the Active DSP -list. Click on the Lineariser in the Active DSP List and click on Configure selected. Now, the Lineariser window should pop up. 9. Start playback in Foobar2 to make sure your audio chain is working. Now, you can set up and use the Lineariser as described in chapter 5. In / Out Bypass for rendering MODEL Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve PHASE Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms You can close the Lineariser and the Preferences -Window while normal listening, if you like (click on Apply before closing the Preferences -Window). The linearization will be still applied in background. Even if you restart foobar2, the Lineariser is still inserted and ready to use with the last configuration, although you don t see the GUI of the Lineariser. 2

21 Mac OSX Setting Lineariser up to be used with a standard media player like itunes, VLC, Spotify etc.. Download Soundflower here: and save the file to a proper folder on your hard disc. 2. Navigate to the folder you ve downloaded the file, and double-click on the downloaded.dmg 3. After mounting the.dmg, double-click on the Soundflower.pkg 4. Now, the Soundflower installer window should pop up. Click on Continue and follow the instructions to install Soundflower. 5. After the installer has completed the installation of Soundflower, click on Close. 6. Now, go to System preferences -> Sound. On the Output -tab, select Soundflower (2ch) as the audio output device. 2

22 Setting Lineariser up to be used with a standard media player like itunes, VLC, Spotify etc. 7. Start the Lineariser by navigating to Applications and double-clicking the Lineariser logo 8. Go to Options -> Audio/MIDI settings and do the following configuration. On Output, select your soundcard output device (might be other than depicted here). On Input, select Soundflower (2ch). Set the sample rate to at least 44. khz. If you soundcard supports higher sample rates, you can choose higher ones up to 92 khz. Be aware that this leads also into higher CPU load and possible drop-outs. If you experience any of these artifacts, raise the Audio buffer size a bit. The standard 52 samples usually is a good and safe value for most machines and sample rates to start with. You can test the configuration by clicking on Test. You should now hear a short sine tone burst. Listen carefully for cracklings and drop-outs. If you hear such artifacts, raise the Audio buffer size a bit. Click on Test to get a short sine test tone out of the soundcard output. Listen carefully for cracklings and drop-outs. If you hear such artifacts, increase the Audio buffer size a bit. If you re finished, uncheck the Mute audio input afterwards and close the Audio/MIDI-Settings-window. 9. Now, you can start your audio player application (like VLC, itunes, Spotify or similar) and start audio playback. You should hear the audio now processed by the Lineariser application. Confirm this by clicking on the Bypass for rendering -button. The overall volume of the audio should now become louder (for about 9 db). In / Out Bypass for rendering MODEL Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve PHASE Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms 22

23 Setting Lineariser up to be used with a standard media player like itunes, VLC, Spotify etc.. If successful, deactivate the Bypass for rendering. It is normal and on purpose, that the audio becomes softer, as the frequency and phase linearization process needs some additional headroom. Note: you can use the Bypass for rendering -button to completely turn off the Lineariser process (resulting in virtually no additional CPU load) and use it as a simple audio loop-through might be useful for testing and debugging. Now, you are ready to set up and using the Lineariser as described in chapter Setting Lineariser up for use with external sound sources with a proper (high quality) soundcard It is advisable to use a professional grade/high quality soundcard or AD/DA-C. Other soundcards (like generic on-board soundchips) can be used, but offer in most cases poor latency performance and often also weak signal-to-noise ratios.. Start the Lineariser by navigating to Applications and double-clicking the Lineariser logo 2. Go to Options -> Audio/MIDI settings and do the following configuration. On Output, select your soundcard output device. On Input, select your soundcard input device (both might be named other than depicted here). Set the sample rate to at least 44. khz. If you soundcard supports higher sample rates, you can choose higher ones up to 92 khz. Be aware that this leads also into higher CPU load and possible drop-outs. If you experience any of these artifacts, raise the Audio buffer size a bit. The default setting of 52 samples usually is a good and safe value for most machines and sample rates to start with. You can test the configuration by clicking on Test. You should now hear a short sine tone burst. Listen carefully for cracklings and drop-outs. If you hear such artifacts, raise the Audio buffer size a bit. Click on Test to get a short sine test tone out of the soundcard output. Listen carefully for cracklings and drop-outs. If you hear such artifacts, increase the Audio buffer size a bit. 23

24 Setting Lineariser up for use with external sound sources with a proper (high quality) soundcard 3. Uncheck the Mute audio input -button. You should now already hear audio from your input device that is connected to your soundcard input. Watch the small level meter next to the Input -selector and level the input source to your soundcard so that it doesn t clip. 4. Now, you can close the Audio/MIDI-Settings window and start audio playback of your audio source that is connected to your soundcard input. You should hear the audio now processed by the Lineariser application. Confirm this by clicking on the Bypass for rendering -button. The overall volume of the audio should now become louder (for 9 db). In / Out Bypass for rendering MODEL Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve PHASE Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms 5. If successful, deactivate the Bypass for rendering. It is normal and on purpose, that the audio becomes softer, as the frequency and phase linearization process needs some additional headroom. Note: you can use the Bypass for rendering -button to completely turn off the Lineariser process (resulting in virtually no additional CPU load) and use it as a simple audio loop-through might be useful for testing and debugging. 6. Now, you are ready for setting up and using the Lineariser as described in chapter Using the Lineariser AU Plugin system-wide with MenuBus There is a simple and convenient (but not free) application called MenuBus ( available for $39), which can make the Lineariser AU Plugin to be used to process all audio coming from all applications (like itunes, Spotify and your Web Browser) within your Mac.. Buy and download MenuBus from Note: if you only need or want to insert the Lineariser Plugin and no other AU-Plugins at a time, the MenuBus Light-version is sufficient (available for $2), as it only supports one AU-Plugin to be inserted. You can even try out the MenuBus Light for 4 days before you buy. 2. Unpack the.zip and install MenuBus 3. Start MenuBus by navigating to Applications -> MenuBus 4. Now, a small icon should appear in the right area of your task bar. Click on it.

25 Using the Lineariser AU Plugin system-wide with MenuBus 5. Choose Insert FX -> Audio GmbH -> Lineariser 6. Now, the Lineariser main window should pop up. You can set and use the Lineariser now as described in chapter 5. It will now process every audio that is coming from any application within your Mac and send it through your default sound output device to your speakers. Note: if you want to use a room correction EQ or similar in combination with the Lineariser, the EQ must be inserted after the Lineariser in the effect chain. 7. If you want to get rid of the Lineariser for any reason, simply remove the Lineariser Plugin by clicking the small arrow right to the Slot, where the Lineariser is inserted, and choose Remove Plugin 25

26 5 - Using the 5. - Set the parameters right Click on the Logo to see the Credits of the Lineariser Click on the? to get to this manual? In / Out Bypass for rendering MODEL Type 5 alignment curve Anechoic flat curve PHASE Linear full range Latency ms Linear >5 Hz Latency 5 ms Minimum Phase Latency 2 ms Note: the Lineariser is for use with monitor speakers only. It does not function properly at all with speakers from other manufacturers. The Lineariser comes with only two sets of parameters: Model and Phase. First you must choose your speaker model via Model drop-down menu. Then, you can choose between two frequency response curves: alignment curve: This setting represents what we consider to be the ideal sound for conventional listening rooms. It exhibits a bass response identical to the analog design. Magnitude in db Type 3 on axis frequency response ( alignment curve) k k Anechoic flat curve: Based on m measurements in an anechoic room, this setting leads to a different bass response. 5 Type 3 on axis frequency response (anechoic flat curve) -5 Magnitude in db k k 26

27 5. - Set the parameters right With Phase you can switch between three different modes: Linear Full Range (Best quality, highest latency (recommended)): results in a flat phase response in the full frequency range the speaker is capable of to replicate. This gives you the best quality possible, but added latency is about ms, so this is only usable if latency doesn t matter at all (e.g. if you only listening to prerecorded audio during mastering or simply when you just playing back pre-recorded music). Phase angle in degree Type 3 on axis wrapped "Linear full range" phase response - -5 k k Linear >5 Hz (Best compromise between quality and low latency): results in a flat phase response from about 5 Hz to the end of the frequency range the speaker is capable of to replicate. Quality is nearly the same as Linear full range but latency is reduced to about 5 ms. Use this setting if latency does matter a bit, but you don t need lowest latency possible (for example in editing situations where higher latencies are a bit uncomfortable, but not a problem in general). Phase angle in degree Type 3 on axis wrapped "Linear >5 Hz" phase response -5 k k Minimum Phase (should only be used if latency is a problem): in this setting, you get no phase-, but only frequency response liniearisation. Latency is reduced to about 2 ms, so this setting can be used, when lowest latency is the matter (like in live recording situations). However, be aware that you don t get the full sonic experience in this setting, so it should only be used if really required. Phase angle in degree Type 3 on axis wrapped "Minimum phase" phase response - Note: the given latencies are only referring to the latencies of the Lineariser Plugin itself. For live applications, the overall latency might be larger because of added round-triplatencies of your soundcard and/or Plugin host. -5 k k Use the In/Out-Button for A/B-comparison between processed (linearised) and unprocessed audio. Be aware to switch the Bypass for rendering -button on before rendering the project output to your hard drive! It bypasses the plugin and sets the output back to db! Be sure to turn the Bypass for rendering off while normal listening. If you re using the Lineariser standalone application, you can use the Bypass for rendering -button to completely turn off the Lineariser process (resulting in virtually no additional CPU load) and use it as a simple audio loop-through might be useful for testing and debugging. 27

28 5.2 - Do s and Don ts Do carefully A/B the effect of the Lineariser with the help of the In/Out button, to get a feel of what your linearised studio monitors will sound like when linearization process take place. Especially phase linearization is perceived rather subtle, because our hearing is by nature not very phasing sensitive. Take your time! Do compensate the overall attenuation of 9 db by raising the volume on your monitor controller complementary. The linearization process needs some headroom, which is not lost, but rather used in the process of linearization of your monitor speakers. This is also very content-dependent a hot mastered pop track that has a spectral distribution more like pink noise and a waveform more like square waves will need almost all of the headroom, while a dynamically recorded acoustical instrument will probably don t need any of the headroom. Do use the low/high-shelf on the back of your monitor speaker in the normal way for fitting your speakers in your room acoustics, of for tuning to your taste. If both low/high-shelf are set to, the speaker behaves like it s intended to do so with the Lineariser in an anechoic room. Don t use a low quality soundcard or audio interface! The more linear the frequency/phase response, and the greater the SNR of your soundcard is, the better the Lineariser works. Don t use any of EQs or dynamics processing afterwards supplied with your soundcard, monitor controller etc., unless you need some EQ for compensating for room acoustics or similar. The signal part after your DAW or the Lineariser standalone application should be as straight as possible to your monitor speakers. Don t use the Lineariser before any (mastering) limiter or similar! Always be sure that the Lineariser is the last processing stage before leaving the DAW or the Lineariser standalone application, except room correction EQs or similar afterwards. 28

29 5.3 - Measurements Find Frequency- and phase response plots before and after applying the Lineariser and Impulse-/ Hz square wave responses before and after applying the Lineariser for each monitor speaker below. Type 5 Type 5 on axis frequency response ( alignment curve) Type 5 on axis frequency response (anechoic flat curve) Magnitude in db -2 Magnitude in db -2-4 k k -4 k k Type 5 on axis phase response ( alignment curve) Type 5 on axis phase response (anechoic flat curve) Angle in degrees - Angle in degrees - k k k k Type 5 impulse response ( alignment curve) Type 5 impulse response (anechoic flat curve) Type 5 Hz squarewave response ( alignment curve) Type 5 Hz squarewave response (anechoic flat curve)

30 5.3 - Measurements Type 7 Type 7 on axis frequency response ( alignment curve) Type 7 on axis frequency response (anechoic flat curve) Magnitude in db -2 Magnitude in db -2-4 k k -4 k k Type 7 on axis phase response ( alignment curve) Type 7 on axis phase response (anechoic flat curve) Angle in degrees - Angle in degrees - k k k k Type 7 impulse response ( alignment curve) Type 7 impulse response (anechoic flat curve) Type 7 Hz squarewave response ( alignment curve) Type 7 Hz squarewave response (anechoic flat curve)

31 5.3 - Measurements Type 2 Type 2 on axis frequency response ( alignment curve) Type 2 on axis frequency response (anechoic flat curve) Magnitude in db -2 Magnitude in db -2-4 k k -4 k k Type 2 on axis phase response ( alignment curve) Type 2 on axis phase response (anechoic flat curve) Angle in degrees - Angle in degrees - k k k k Type 2 impulse response ( alignment curve) Type 2 impulse response (anechoic flat curve) Type 2 Hz squarewave response ( alignment curve) Type 2 Hz squarewave response (anechoic flat curve)

32 5.3 - Measurements Type 3 Type 3 on axis frequency response ( alignment curve) Type 3 on axis frequency response (anechoic flat curve) Magnitude in db -2 Magnitude in db -2-4 k k -4 k k Type 3 on axis phase response ( alignment curve) Type 3 on axis phase response (anechoic flat curve) Angle in degrees - Angle in degrees - k k k k Type 3 impulse response ( alignment curve) Type 3 impulse response (anechoic flat curve) Type 3 Hz squarewave response ( alignment curve) Type 3 Hz squarewave response (anechoic flat curve)

33 6 - Uninstall 6. - Windows. Go to Start -> all programs -> Audio GmbH. 2. Select Uninstall Lineariser 3. Select Yes and let the Uninstaller de-install the Lineariser from your machine. 4. When the Uninstaller process is completed, you get this message: 5. Click on OK. The Lineariser is now successfully removed from your machine Mac OSX. Open the Finder and navigate to Applications. 2. Simply drag & drop the Lineariser icon to the Trash bin 3. Empty the Trash bin 4. The Lineariser is now successfully removed 33

34 7 - Technical data Flavors: VST (Version 2 and 3), AU and AAX, both 32 bit and 64 bit Supported OS: Microsoft Windows 7, 8., 8., (x86 and x64) Mac OSX.8 and higher Required disc space: 5 MB in total for all plugin flavors Supported number of channels: 64 Supported sample rates: 8 92 khz Bit depth: 32 bit floating point (if supported by your host, otherwise up to 24 bit fixed point) Lineariser Standalone Application Supported numbers of channels: 2 Supported OS: Microsoft Windows 7, 8., 8., (x86 and x64) Mac OSX.8 and higher Supported sample rates: 8 92 khz Bit depth: up to 24 bit fixed point (depends on your audio hardware) Required disc space:,2 MB Supported sound I/O s: Windows : MME, DirectSound, ASIO Mac OSX: CoreAudio Microsoft, Windows, Windows 7/8/8./ are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Apple and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. ASIO and VST are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. ProTools is a registered trademark of Avid Technology Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.