Log In
Or create an account ->
Imperial Library
Home
About
News
Upload
Forum
Help
Login/SignUp
Index
Acknowledgments
Introduction. Welcome to the World of Audio
Getting Started in Audio Production
Who Should Read This Book
About This Book
Requirements and Prerequisites
Media Files
Course Organization and Sequence
Conventions and Symbols Used in This Book
Keyboard Shortcuts and Modifiers
Icons
Chapter 1. Computer Concepts
Selecting a Computer
Mac Versus Windows Considerations
The Importance of RAM
Processing Power
Storage Space
Storage Options
Onboard Sound Options (Audio In and Out)
Other Options to Consider
Working with Your Computer
File Management
Launching Applications
Saving Files
Working with an Application
Menus
Keyboard Shortcuts and Other Key Commands
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 1. Exploring Audio on the Computer
Chapter 2. DAW Concepts
Functions of a DAW
What Can a DAW Do?
Common DAWs
Plug-In Formats
What Is a Plug-In?
Common Plug-In Formats
Cubase Systems
Cubase Software Options
Cubase Hardware Options
Downloading and Installing Cubase Elements
Accessing the Installer
Installation Steps
Launching Cubase Elements for the First Time
Important Concepts in Cubase Elements
Project Files Versus Audio Files
Audio Versus MIDI
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 2. Working with a Multi-Track Project
Chapter 3. Audio Recording Concepts
The Basics of Audio
Frequency
Amplitude
Microphones
Traditional Microphones
USB Microphones
Other Considerations
Basic Miking Techniques
Multi-Tracking and Signal Flow
What Is Multi-Track Recording?
Recording Signal Flow
Moving Audio from Analog to Digital
Analog Versus Digital Audio
The Analog-to-Digital Conversion Process
The Audio Interface
Audio Interface Considerations
Working Without an Audio Interface
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 3. Selecting Your Audio Production Gear
Chapter 4. MIDI Recording Concepts
A Brief History of MIDI
Digital Control
The Birth of MIDI
The MIDI Protocol
MIDI Notes
Program Changes
Controller Messages
MIDI Controllers
Tone-Generating Keyboards
Keyboard Controllers
DrumPad Controllers
Grid Controllers
Alternate Controllers
What to Look for in a MIDI Controller
Purchasing a Keyboard Controller
Setup and Signal Flow
Plug-and-Play Setup
MIDI Cables and Jacks
Using a MIDI interface
Considerations for Using Multiple MIDI Devices
MIDI Versus Audio
What Is MIDI?
Monitoring with Onboard Sound Versus Virtual Instruments
Tracking with Virtual Instruments
Creating Tracks for Virtual Instruments
Summary
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 4. Selecting Your MIDI Production Gear
Chapter 5. Reason Concepts, Part 1
Creating a Project
Main Windows
Project Window Overview
MixConsole Overview
Transport Panel
Working with Tracks
Adding Tracks
Primary Track Types
Mono Versus Stereo Tracks
MIDI Versus Instrument Tracks
Events Versus Files
Basic Navigation
Using the Transport Controls
Zooming and Scrolling in the Project Window
Controlling Playback Behavior
Monitoring Your Timeline Location
Ranges and Selections
Locator Ranges Versus Range Selections
Playing a Range Selection
Range Scenarios
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 5. Configuring and Working on a Project
Chapter 6. Cubase Concepts, Part 2
Setting Up for Recording
Recording Audio
Specifying a Record Range
Record-Enabling Audio Tracks
Monitoring Record-Enabled Audio Tracks
Initiating a Record Take
Undoing a Record Take
Recording MIDI
Monitoring a MIDI Controller
Record-Enabling MIDI and Instrument Tracks
Selecting a MIDI Record Mode
Importing Media
Supported File Types
Importing Files from the Desktop
Using the Import Command
Snap Types and the Grid
The Snap Types
Snap Off
Setting the Grid Type
Working with Parts and Events
Recognizing Parts and Events in the Project Window
Selecting the Right Tool
Basic Editing Techniques
Advanced Editing Techniques
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 6. Importing and Editing MIDI Parts and Audio Events
Chapter 7. Mixing Concepts
Basic Mixing
Setting Levels
Panning
Processing Options and Techniques
Gain-Based Processing
Time-Based Processing and Effects
Inserts Versus Sends
Mixing in the Box
Advantages of In-the-Box Mixing
Getting the Most Out of an In-the-Box Mix
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 7. Creating a Basic Mix
Chapter 8. Signal Processing
Plug-In Basics
Viewing Inserts on Channels
Inserting Plug-Ins on Tracks
Moving and Duplicating Plug-Ins
Displaying Plug-In Windows
Common Plug-In Controls
Adjusting Plug-In Parameters
Adjusting Parameters with the Mouse
Adjusting Parameters with a Scroll Wheel or Track Pad
Adjusting Plug-In Parameters with the Computer Keyboard
EQ Processing
Types of EQ
Basic EQ Parameters
EQ Plug-Ins in Cubase Elements
Strategies for Using EQ
Dynamics Processing
Types of Dynamics Processors
Basic Dynamics Parameters
Dynamics Plug-Ins in Cubase Elements
Strategies for Using Compression
Reverb and Delay Effects
What Is Reverb?
Reverb in Cubase Elements
Applications for Reverb Processors
What Is Delay?
Delay in Cubase Elements
Applications for Delay Processors
Wet Versus Dry Signals
Using Time-Based Effects as Inserts on Effect Tracks
Using Send-and-Return Configurations
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 8. Optimizing Tracks with Signal Processing
Chapter 9. Finishing a Project
Recalling a Saved Mix
Using Automation
Selecting an Automation State
Writing Real-Time Automation
Creating Automation Manually
Editing Automation Events
Using the Line Tool for Automation
Creating an Audio Mixdown
Adding Processing on the Output Fader
Considerations for Bouncing Audio
Exporting an Audio Mix
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 9. Preparing the Final Mix
Chapter 10. Beyond the Basics
Customizing Key Commands in Cubase
The Info Line
Submixing with Group Tracks
Simplifying a Mix
Creating Stems
Project Window Zones
Left Zone
Lower Zone
Right Zone
Using the Chord Pads
Selecting and Modifying Chords
Adding Chords to Tracks
Using the Chord Assistant
Accessing the Chord Assistant
Circle of Fifths
Auditioning Chords and Adding Chords to a Project
Keyboard Shortcuts
Common Functions and Operations
Commonly Used Tools
Common Zoom Commands
Common Fade Functions
Common Edit Functions
Track Commands
Review/Discussion Questions
Exercise 10. Finalizing a Project
Exercise 11. Exploring in Cubase
About the Authors
← Prev
Back
Next →
← Prev
Back
Next →