Sonalksis DQ1 Plug-in Operation Manual For VST, DirectX, AudioUnit and RTAS technologies VST is a registered trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
Contents 1: Introduction 2: Sonalksis 'state-space' technology 3: System Requirements 4: Installation 5: The Interface 6: Operation 7: Preferences and Presets 8: Processing Resources 9: Support APPENDIX A: Specifications APPENDIX B: FAQ's 1
Sonalksis DQ1 Plug-in 1. Introduction Welcome to the SONALKSIS DQ1 audio plug-in for VST, Direct-X, RTAS and AudioUnit host technologies. This manual describes the features, operation, applications and technology of the DQ1. The Sonalksis DQ1 The Sonalksis DQ1 is a multi-band dynamic equaliser, an extremely versatile processing tool that can be used for precision sculpting, creative moulding, ambient enhancement or restoration maintaining the same unparalleled audio quality expected from Sonalksis plug-ins and making the DQ1 a unique and indispensable addition to any audio processing toolbox. Dynamic equalisation allows frequency sculpting beyond the limits of standard 'static' equalisers, by linking the user-defined frequency response to the dynamically varying signal level; thus frequency imbalances can be corrected 2
psychacoustically, altering an equalisation response curve dynamically (and automatically) on the basis of programme loudness. The parameters available on the DQ1's four filter bands are intuitive yet sophisticated, with several levels of graphical feedback to aid the set up process. Each filter band is able to act independently, with separate control over individual filter threshold, attack and release parameters. This makes the DQ1 extremely flexible and suitable for a variety of sound design roles, working as a perfect compliment alongside the Sonalksis SV-517 multi-style (static) EQ The DQ1 is implemented with an exceptional degree of engineering refinement, featuring: High quality minimum phase 'true analogue' filters Zero Latency absolutely no internal delay whatsoever 64bit floating point precision internal processing throughout [native versions] Support for sampling rates of up to 192 khz Ultra efficient processing, with specific optimisations for all native processors. 3
2. SONALKSIS 'state-space' technology Like the Sonalksis SV-517 EQ, the DQ1 follows a design philosophy that aims to maintain the sonic aesthetic of traditional analogue equalisation. In order to achieve this, the DQ1 uses a sophisticated state-space modelling technology. This enables analogue signal path characteristics to be captured in a digital design. Standard digital implementations of processes such as Compression or EQ rely on emulating the external characteristics of the process. This means the processor is designed according to mathematical equations that relate the output signal to the input signal. However, factors that are extremely important in the design of high quality audio processors, such as the transient response, or the response to dynamic parameters, are typically part of the internal description of a processor, and as such can not be accurately modelled using normal methods. Sonalksis state-space technology superimposes the internal characteristics of a processor onto the external model, meaning the state-space model provides a more detailed description of the processor than a standard 'input-output' emulation. As the filters sections in the DQ1 are modelled from analogue prototypes, and implemented with state-space technology, the resulting processor retains a true and original analogue sound. 4
3. System Requirements [Native Versions] In order to install, register and use the DQ1, the following minimum system hardware requirements are necessary: Minimum PC System Requirements Minimum Mac System Requirements Windows 2000/XP* Pentium III 600 MHz 64 MB RAM XVGA [High Colour 1024x768] Mac OS 9* G4 400 MHz 64 MB RAM XVGA [High Colour 1024x768] *The DQ1 will run on Windows 98/ME platforms, however performance will be variable depending on individual system configurations. Sonalksis make no claim to support Win 98/ME. *OS X is required for the AudioUnit and RTAS versions of the DQ1 While the minimum system requirements stated are adequate, faster processors are recommended if many instances of the plug-in are to be run simultaneously. Other Requirements Compatible format host software For example: Cubase / Nuendo - VST format plug-in, Logic / DigitalPerformer - AU format plug-in, Sonar / Samplitude - DX format plug-in, ProTools - RTAS format plug-in A valid e-mail account Note that in order to register your plug-in for unrestricted use, an unlocking key file will be sent to your e-mail account. This key file must be installed on the same system as the DQ1 plug-in. Therefore if your host system is not the system you use for your e-mail, you must have the ability to transfer this file to your audio host system. 5
4. Installation The DQ1 plug-in can be obtained by downloading or ordering from the Sonalksis web site www.sonalksis.com, or acquired from a licensed dealer. In order to run and register the plug-in, you require two files: For the Mac OS X RTAS, VST and AudioUnit versions of the DQ1 you require: DQ1Installer.dmg DQ1.licence For the PC Windows RTAS, VST and DirectX versions of the DQ1 you require: DQ1Installer.msi DQ1.reg For the Mac OS 9 VST version of the DQ1 you require: DQ1Installer.hqx DQ1.licence The first of these files [DQ1Installer] is the plug-in installation file: if you purchased a boxed CD copy of the plug-in you will find the installer file on the CD If you purchased the plug-in online you will have been e-mailed a link to download the installer file. Select the DQ1Installer in the appropriate manner for your chosen platform, and follow the on screen instructions. Installation should be a very simple procedure, however if you have any problems please visit our web site for support. 6
After you have installed the plug-in, you will need to activate it for unrestricted use. To do this you will need the registration key file DQ1.licence [Mac version] or DQ1.reg [PC version]. If you purchased the plug-in online, this registration file will have been sent to your e-mail account shortly after you made the purchase. If you purchased a boxed CD version of the plug-in, details of how to receive the registration file e-mail will be included with the CD. To install the registration file, follow the simple procedure described in the registration file e-mail. Again, if you follow the instructions you should not encounter any problems, but if you require assistance please visit our web site www.sonalksis.com for support. Once you have registered the plug-in, further software updates can usually be installed without the need to re-register [unless otherwise stated in the update information]. 7
5. The Interface The Sonalksis DQ1 interface. Threshold 1. Low / High threshold for Eq band 1 2. Low / High threshold for Eq band 2 3. Low / High threshold for Eq band 3 4. Low / High threshold for Eq band 4 Static / Dynamic EQ 5. Static / Dynamic switch for Eq band 1 6. Static / Dynamic switch for Eq band 1 7. Static / Dynamic switch for Eq band 1 8. Static / Dynamic switch for Eq band 1 8
Frequency 9. Frequency for dynamics band 1 10. Frequency for dynamics band 2 11. Frequency for dynamics band 3 12. Frequency for dynamics band 4 Q 13. bandwidth for dynamics band 1 14. bandwidth for dynamics band 2 15. bandwidth for dynamics band 3 16. bandwidth for dynamics band 4 Filter Response. 17. bell/shelf for dynamics 1 18. bell/shelf for dynamics 4 Attack 19. attack for dynamics band 1 20. attack for dynamics band 2 21. attack for dynamics band 3 22. attack for dynamics band 4 Release 23. attack for dynamics band 1 24. attack for dynamics band 2 25. attack for dynamics band 3 26. attack for dynamics band 4 In/Out 27. in/out switch for dynamics band 1 28. in/out switch for dynamics band 2 29. in/out switch for dynamics band 3 30. in/out switch for dynamics band 4 Gain Link 31. Low / High gain and gain meter for Eq band 1 32. Low / High gain and gain meter for Eq band 2 33. Low / High gain and gain meter for Eq band 3 34. Low / High gain and gain meter for Eq band 3 35. link thresholds for dynamics band 1 36. link thresholds for dynamics band 2 37. link thresholds for dynamics band 3 38. link thresholds for dynamics band 4 Side-Chain filter 39. Side-chain Low frequency filter 40. Side-chain High frequency filter 41. Side-chain filter on/off 42. Side-chain filter listen 9
Output Section 43. Master in/out switch 44. Master output gain/attenuation 45. Output Meter - monitors the output signal level of the processor 46. 'Over' LED illuminates when the signal exceeds 0dBFS Graphical section 47. Copy current programme settings to temporary buffer B 48. A/B - switch contents of programme buffer A with the temporary buffer B 49. Reset all plug-in parameters to default values 50. Presets access preset default programmes 51. Graph - In normal operation, displays the dynamic frequency response 52. Setup - access preferences pages 10
5.1. Interface Control Methods Plug-in settings are displayed, metered and controlled through the editor interface window. The primary method of changing plug-in parameters is to alter a 'Control' setting on the interface. A 'Control' can be any one of the following: a circular knob a linear slider a button a numerical 'text-display' a 'display-handle' Button type controls can simply be clicked with the mouse at the appropriate point to select a respective setting. To change knob, slider, display-handle or text-display control settings, click and drag the mouse. There are two distinct control modes when moving circular knob controls: Circular Mode In order to move the knob when it is in Circular Mode, the control must be selected close to its pointer, and dragged in a circular motion clockwise or anticlockwise to increase or decrease the value of the parameter. Linear Mode When the knob is in Linear Mode, it can be grabbed by clicking anywhere on the knob, and movements of the mouse vertically either up or down will increase or decrease the value of the respective parameter. The default knob mode is set via a user preference (see section 7). Regardless of which knob mode is set, holding down the ALT key before selecting the control will instantaneously switch the mode. The mode will revert to the preference setting once the 'ALT' key is released. Some Sonalksis plug-in parameters may also be altered directly by dragging 'display-handles' (if available) on the graphical LCD display. Note that this feature is not available on all sonalksis plug-ins. 11
Sometimes it is necessary to fine-tune a particular control. There are three methods that may be useful in this respect: Velocity Sensitive mode Selecting this preference (see section 7.1) ensures that the scale of parameter changes are relative to the speed of mouse movement on a knob/slider. Thus when enabled, a very slow mouse movement will induce a very small change in the respective parameter value, while a fast movement will induce a large change. [Note this is not effective for circular knobs unless set to Linear Mode ] Fine Control Mode - Holding down the Shift key decreases the sensitivity of mouse movements, thus enabling finer control over the parameter. If 'velocity sensitivity' is active, controls exhibit even greater relative sensitivity when moved slowly.[note this is not effective for circular knobs unless set to Linear Mode ] Lock Mode - Double-clicking a control acts to lock the mouse to that control. This is useful if one parameter is being adjusted for an extended period, as the mouse button does not have to be held down. To release a control from this mouse-lock, simply click the mouse once more. A control may be reset to its default value at any time: Any control can be set to its default value by holding the Ctrl key [PC] or 'Apple/Command' key [Mac] before clicking it with the mouse. 5.1.1. Control Automation Unless otherwise stated, all Sonalksis plug-in interface parameters may be automated - refer to your host software documentation for details on automation modes and procedures. 12
6. Operation This section describes the general operation and functions of the DQ1, beginning with an explanation of the concept behind this multi-band dynamic equaliser. It is assumed that the user is familiar with the standard form of 'static' Equalisation. If required, more details about this process can be found in the operation manual for the Sonalksis 'SV-517' plug-in. The DQ1 presents users with a sophisticated set of controls with which to refine dynamic signal equalisation. Users can define a standard (static) filter, with the addition of a range parameters to determine the effect of this filter at differing signal levels. Using all four available equaliser bands a precise frequency response can be fixed, but with the addition of threshold and attack/release parameters this response can be adapted to vary according to the level of the audio signal (or with the use of the side-chain-filter according to the level of selectable frequencies in the input signal). The DQ1 is a frequency sculpting processor first and foremost, appropriate more for dynamic-filtering purposes than frequency-selective dynamics, and although these two applications are to some extent interchangeable, the DQ1 will be more at home as a tool to provide gentle but precise sculpting of the audio spectrum. If greater dynamic impact is required it can be achieved with the Sonalksis CQ1, the sister product of the DQ1, which is designed first and foremost as a frequency-selective compressor/expander, providing a means to aggressively shape the signal dynamics of explicit frequency bands. The interface can be divided into several distinct sections for the purposes of this functional description: Dynamic Equaliser Band sections Graphical LCD Display section Side-Chain filter section Output section There follows a detailed explanation of these sections. 13
6.1. The Dynamic Equaliser Band Sections There are four dynamic equaliser filter sections, each with definable frequency and bandwidth parameters, plus a set of controls that determine the filter gain at varying signal levels. A dynamic filter band is set up in exactly the same way as a standard equaliser, with the addition of controls to select the filter gain applied at a low (adjustable) threshold and the amount of gain to be applied at a higher threshold. The IN/OUT button switches the entire dynamic equaliser band in or out of circuit. When a filter band is switched out, the meters and text displays will dim, giving a clear indication of the excluded status of the band. The FREQ and Q controls are the standard equaliser parameters, used to define the range of frequencies influenced by the respective band. Filter Band 1 and Band 4 both have 'bell/shelf' selectors to switch between standard parametric and shelving filter styles. Each equaliser band is capable of 'static' operation in addition to the normal dynamic operating mode. In static mode, the filter band acts like a 'standard' EQ, with a fixed gain independent of signal level. The static/dynamic switch underneath the 'Gain' faders enables each equaliser band to act either statically or dynamically. When set to 'stat', the respective gain setting above the switch becomes the static gain parameter for the filter; the alternate gain,the threshold and attack/release parameters are not effective when in static mode. 14
When a filter band is set for dynamic operation, the instantaneous gain used by the filter is determined by the threshold and gain settings with respect to the input signal level. The low-gain parameter determines the filter gain when the input signal is below the low-threshold. The high-gain parameter determines the filter gain when the input signal is above the high threshold. When the input signal falls between the low and high thresholds, the filter 'morphs' smoothly between the low and high gain settings, thus providing true dynamic operation. The 'input meter' monitors the signal used to key the filter band. The sliders beneath this meter are used to set the low and high threshold values. Threshold levels may be linked across dynamics bands: when the 'Link' button is activated, the thresholds of any other filter band with a Link also activated will be set identically to this band. The low and high gain faders set the filter gain that is used at the low and high thresholds. The lowgain parameter sets the filter gain that is active when the audio signal falls below the low threshold. The high-gain sets the filter gain that is active when the audio signal reaches the high threshold. The LED meter situated between the gain faders monitors the actual instantaneous filter gain. Attack and Release parameters allow control over the level detection timeconstants. These parameters determine the speed with which the filter morphs between the high and low gain settings when the low threshold is exceeded or the signal descends below the high threshold. The attack-time determines the time taken to initiate the filter response change from the low gain setting to the high gain setting, once the signal level exceeds the low threshold. The release parameter determines the time taken to initiate the change from high gain setting to the low gain setting once the signal level falls below the high threshold. 15
6.2. The Side-Chain filter section The side-chain filter section can be switched in circuit, allowing the user to select or remove a particular frequency band from the signal level-detection circuits. Therefore with careful use of the side-chain filter, the equaliser filters can be activated by a specific frequency band, as well as acting on an independent selected frequency band. This feature is enormously flexible, as it effectively allows any frequency to determine the dynamic behaviour of any other frequency. The left hand side and right hand side black 'pointer' sliders control the cut-off frequencies of the low cut and high cut filters respectively. The 'in/out' control switches the filters in and out of circuit The 'listen' button allows the user to hear the currently filtered side-chain signal. In listen mode, the graph displays the frequency response of the side-chain filters When the 'listen' mode is activated, the side-chain filters will automatically be switched in circuit (otherwise there would be no side-chain signal to hear). When the side-chain circuit is in 'listen' mode, the icon on the 'listen' button will flash, indicating that the side-chain signal is being routed directly to the plug-in output. The graph in the LCD window will also display the (static) frequency response of the side-chain filter section while in 'listen' mode. 16
6.3. The Output Section The Output Section consists of a master on/off switch, a meter that monitors the signal level at the output of the processor, and a control to change the gain of this output level. The very high precision internal processing of this plug-in assures a headroom large enough to avoid internal clipping, thus it is not necessary to provide input signal control. The Output meter has a selectable ballistic (see section 7.2.2), with a range from -96dBFS to 0dBFS. An 'Over' indicator LED illuminates when the output signal reaches 0dBFS. Ideally the output signal should not exceed 0dBFS, hence the OUTPUT GAIN control should be used to attenuate the signal when high levels of filter gain are applied. If the signal exceeds 0dBFS, a simple method exists to automatically reduce the output gain by an amount equal to the excess level: When the level clips, the Over LED is illuminated. Clicking the Over LED while holding the Ctrl key [PC] or 'Apple/Command' key [Mac] will attenuate the OUTPUT GAIN by exactly the amount of the clip excess. The MASTER ON/OFF button is an effective bypass control that may be used for simple In/Out comparisons. When the plug-in is switched off, the numerical parameter displays of any dynamics sections switched in will turn from white to black, giving a clear visual indication of the bypassed status of the plug-in. 17
6.4. The Global programme section This section includes the graphical 'LCD' display, the SETUP and PRESETS buttons, and three buttons that affect global parameter settings: A/B, COPY, and RESET. In general use, the graphical display provides real-time visual feedback on the dynamic amplitude-frequency response of the plug-in. A graph shows the response across the audible spectrum from 20Hz to 20kHz. The effect of the individual equaliser bands on this global response can be determined by viewing the gain meters situated in the separate EQ sections. The SETUP button is used to access the global preferences for the plug-in. One of these preferences allows the user to set the scale of the graphical display. See Section 7 for further details on the application of preferences. Details of the PRESETS can also be found in Section 7 of this manual. The A/B, COPY, and RESET buttons relate to a snapshot of the plugin parameters as a whole. The collection of all parameter settings is known as a programme. The DQ1 is equipped with a temporary programme buffer [buffer B ] that can store an entire set of control parameter values at the touch of a button. The active parameter storage buffer [buffer A ] can be copied to or swapped with buffer B with one click of the mouse. This is particularly useful when auditioning two different settings in quick succession in order to decide on the most appropriate sound. To audition an A/B comparison, set your first response in the usual manner, then click COPY. This will copy the current settings to buffer B. Next, set up the second 18
response as required. The active buffer [buffer A ] now holds the settings of your second response, while buffer B holds the initial response settings. Clicking on A/B will swap the two buffers, so you can now flip between both programme settings to audition or automate the change. Clicking the RESET button will set all plug-in parameters to their default values. 19
7. Preferences and Presets 7.1 Presets Users can access the built in presets via the 'PRESETS' button on the right of the graphical display screen. Once accessed, simply click on the desired name to activate the snapshot of parameter values. Note that it may be necessary to adjust the 'threshold' parameters after selecting a preset, in order to account for appropriate signal levels. Individual presets or banks of presets may be created, stored and recalled if your plug-in host supports this feature; please refer to your host software guide for further details. 7.2 Preferences The DQ1 maintains a number of setup preferences that may be selected by the user. Most of these preferences are global, in that they affect every instance of the plug-in. All preferences are stored and recalled according to the user logged into the host system; therefore a unique set of preferences is maintained for each system user. The preferences may be accessed by means of the 'SETUP' button to the top right of the graphical display. Click the button first to access the preferences, and again to exit the setup screen once the preferences are set. When the setup mode is entered, four internal pages are accessible via the heading tabs at the top of the graphical LCD display screen. The first three of these pages relate to three types of preference: Control Prefs, Display Prefs, and Processing Prefs. The fourth page - accessed by clicking on the 'registration' tab - displays details about the registered user and the software version. 20
7.2.1 Control Preferences These preferences relate exclusively to mouse control settings. Knob Mode - sets the default knob mode. When 'as host' is selected, the knob mode is requested from the host software (assuming the host supports this feature). Otherwise the knob mode defaults to the selected setting. In order to move the knob when it is in Circular Mode, the control must be selected close to its pointer, and dragged in a circular motion clockwise or anticlockwise to increase or decrease the value of the parameter. When the knob is in Linear Mode, it can be grabbed by clicking anywhere on the knob, and movements of the mouse vertically either up or down will increase or decrease the value of the respective parameter. Velocity Sensitive mode Selecting this preference enables the size of any knob/slider control adjustments to be relative to the speed of mouse movement. Thus when enabled, a very slow mouse movement will induce a very small change in the respective parameter value, while a fast movement will induce a large change. Mousewheel Sense - controls the sensitivity of the mouse wheel. When set to 'very fine', a large move of the mouse wheel will introduce a very small change in the respective parameter. When set to 'coarse', a small movement will introduce a relatively large change in the parameter. 21
7.2.2 Display Preferences These preferences relate exclusively to settings that directly affect the interface display. Graph Range The graph (displaying the overall gain reduction or expansion with respect to frequency) is drawn to scale, with a maximum or minimum gain set via this preference. So when set to '12' db, the graph is drawn showing a maximum gain or attenuation of 12dB, and when set to '24' db the graph is drawn showing a maximum gain or attenuation of 24dB. Meter Type - allows the user to set the ballistic of the output meter. The PPM meter type gives a fairly accurate indication of peaks while preserving a visual signal dynamic that reasonably resembles the audible dynamic. The 'True Peak' setting will ensure that the meter displays an entirely accurate depiction of the signal peaks, however this meter type may appear visually less coupled with the audio. Clip Led - When set to 'instant', the clip LED will illuminate only when the output signal exceeds 0dBFS, switching off the instant the signal falls below this level. When set to '5 Sec', the clip LED will stay illuminated for a minimum of 5 seconds, regardless of how briefly the signal exceeds 0dB. When set to 'clicked', the clip LED will remain illuminated once the signal exceeds 0dBFS, and will only switch off when the user clicks on it. 22
7.2.3 Processing Preferences These preferences relate exclusively to settings that directly affect the audio processing. Symmetric EQ Switches the general operating mode of the filters between standard symmetric or traditional analogue cut response. Shelving cut response with symmetric filter Shelving cut response with asymmetric filter Thresh Separation Determines the minimum separation between low and high threshold settings for each filter band. Note that small separations between low and high threshold settings may have undesirable effects if there is a large differential between the low and high gain settings, as this can induce rapid changes in the filter gain during fast attack or release cycles. Minimum threshold separations of less than 6dB are therefore not recommended unless very subtle gain changes are desired. 23
8. Processing Resources [Native Versions]. The amount of processing resources consumed by a plug-in is an important consideration, particularly if multiple instances of the process may be required. With this in mind, the native versions of our software plug-ins are individually tailored to suit respective platforms. Thus when running the plug-in on a PC, optimisations for both INTEL and AMD processors ensure the best possible performance is obtained, regardless of the processor. The Mac versions benefit similarly from optimisations for respective processor types. The DQ1 is also optimised to ensure processing resources are only allocated when a filter band is switched in. Therefore when processing resources are at a premium, switching out any EQ bands not in use will free more resources. Conserving processor resources in this way enables Sonalksis to provide just two versions of the DQ1 plug-in [mono and stereo], rather than requiring the user to select a 2-band version or a 3-band version in order to save resource allocation. Although running the DQ1 with 2 bands on will never allow twice as many instances as processing with 4 bands on [there is other circuitry common to both examples than must be always be modelled], there are significant savings to be made in processing resources by switching unused bands off. Processing resources can also be conserved by closing the interface window of the DQ1 when it is not required. The metering on all Sonalksis plug-ins is based on a high quality model, and implemented at the sample rate, not the display rate like some plug-ins. This enables extremely accurate metering, however it consumes processing resources like any other process, particularly with regard to the frequency response metering in the DQ1. When the interface window is closed, the rest of the plug-in continues to function but the meter process is effectively switched off, thus conserving resources. 24
9: Support Please visit our web site www.sonalksis.com to find the latest product information and obtain free software updates. If you are a registered user you will automatically receive information about new releases and products. Should you encounter any difficulties when installing or using our products, you should contact your dealer in the first instance. If you purchased directly from Sonalksis, we ask that you ensure you have fully read all appropriate product documentation (including this user manual) before you contact us. If you are unable to resolve your problem after reading the documentation, you may find the solution to the issue if you view the support forum on our web site. You can also contact us directly for assistance via e-mail at support@sonalksis.com. When contacting Sonalksis please quote your product registration code in all correspondence. Web: E-mail: www.sonalksis.com support@sonalksis.com Tel: +44 (0)870 7660303 Address: Sonalksis Ltd. Mariners House Queens Dock Business Centre 67-83 Norfolk Street Liverpool L1 0BG England 25
APPENDIX A: DQ1 Specifications DQ1 Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 khz 48 khz 88.2 khz 96 khz 176.4 khz 192 khz DQ1 Control Ranges: Band No. Filter Response Type/s Low/High Gain (db) Frequency Range Q / Slope Attack Range (ms) Release Range (s) Low/High Thresh (dbfs) 1 Bell / Shelf +/- 18 15 Hz - 510 Hz 0.4 10.0 / 0.5 5.0 1.0 100.0 0.05 2.5-60 - 0 2 Bell +/- 18 50 Hz 8.5 khz 0.4 10.0 1.0 100.0 0.05 2.5-60 - 0 3 Bell +/- 18 100 Hz - 18.0 khz 0.4 10.0 1.0 100.0 0.05 2.5-60 - 0 4 Bell / Shelf +/- 18 1.0 khz - 22.0 khz 0.4 10.0 / 0.5 5.0 1.0 100.0 0.05 2.5-60 - 0 26
APPENDIX B: FAQ's 27