Master section

A master is similar in structure to a track. In the following, only the differences to the controls of the track are described and the controls that are additionally available in the master.

The In section is not present, the input signal is composed of all tracks and buses routed to the master. Therefore, there is also no section AUX.

The Plug-Ins section, here called Master Plug-Ins works exactly the same as the one in Tracks.

The master equalizer is identical to the one in the tracks, but there are additional knobs for adjusting the frequencies of the bands.

Stereo enhancer: The panorama control is replaced by a stereo base width control. Clicking on StEn opens the dialog of the multiband stereo enhancer. With the Stereo Enhancer you change the stereo image of the overall signal separately for three frequency ranges. As with EQ, as long as no adjustments are made, the effect is not active.

Mono: This button causes the overall signal to be played back in mono. This can be used to test mono compatibility.

Normalize (N): This is the master normalization. When you click this button, the master level is adjusted so that the loudest part played reaches 0 dB. The basis for this is the maximum level reached during the last playback process, which is displayed above the peak meters.

Note: If the level display is clicked in the stopped state, the play cursor will jump to the position indicated by the level.

Link: This button links the left and right channels of the master signal.

Master automation: The master can also be automated. However, the master track is hidden by default in the arranger. To edit the automation curves for the master, select Show master track in arranger in the context menu of this button.

For detailed information on automation, refer to the chapter "Automation".

Master Out: Only hardware outputs are available in the Master Out menu. Specify the playback device for the master here. Select Master inactive if you do not want to use a master output in the project (for example, to use multiple buses routed directly to output channels instead).

Mix to File

You can perform a mixdown in real time, in which the output of the master is written to a file during playback. You can change your mix during playback, just as mixing was done in the analog studio: The mix is played back and the controls on the mixing console are moved live.

  1. By clicking the Mix to File button you can specify the name and location of the wave file. Once you click On, the master output will be written to a wave file during playback.
  2. Now start the playback of the project. During playback, any parameter may be changed to record any live sound adjustments that are made.
  3. Stop the playback.
  4. When you are satisfied with the recording, uncheck the button On. Otherwise, each time you start play back, the wave file will be written again, overwriting the previous mix.
  5. Alternatively, you can click Mix to File again. Then a new recording file with a consecutive number is created.

You do not necessarily have to use the Mix to File function to record mixer movements during playback. Use the Automations function instead!