CAKEWALK sonar x3, Reference Manual

Page: 1027 / 2094

1027 ProChannel (Producer and Studio only)
“QuadCurve Equalizer module” on page 1019
“Console Emulator module (Producer only)” on page 1027
“FX Chain module” on page 1031
“Tape Emulator module (Producer only)” on page 1039
Console Emulator module (Producer only)
Figure 323. Console Emulator module.
A. Clipping LED B. Console Emulator enable/disable C. Emulation mode D. Output VU meters (left and right
channels) E. Trim (not available in bus module) F. Drive G. Tolerance H. RMS/Peak meter toggle
When recording to analog tape, the mixing console is the centerpiece of the studio. The audio signal
is affected as it passes through the circuitry of the console. Each console employs a different design
and components, which adds to the sonic imprint of each console. There are various elements that
define the sound of each console.
Digital audio is often accused of lacking “character”. Although mixing entirely inside a computer
(often referred to as “mixing in the box”) has many benefits, it can sometimes lack the character of
using an analog mixing console.
The Console Emulator module emulates the sonic characteristics of three classic mixing consoles.
This has nothing to do with EQ and compression, but rather mimics the subtle non-linear distortion
and noise that occurs when passing an audio signal through a mixing console’s analog circuit.
The Console Emulator module is based on the following principles:
• Input transformer emulation, which introduces hysteresis and frequency dependent saturation.
• Frequency response shaping of the channel.
• Bias drift of the active stages.
• Component tolerance simulation by slightly changing the filter's values in the different channels.
• Saturation of the mix bus.
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S-Type N-Type A-Type