El Directorio

Figure 6.14 shows the main edit screen for Multiquence, a mid-level audio editor made by GoldWave. As you can see from the movie in the top panel, the audio editor enables you to edit and mix audio in sync with video. Somewhere, there’s undoubtedly an independent filmmaker who is using this program to add audio to her indie masterpiece. The only cheaper way to do this is if your uncle owns a sound studio.

Figure 6.14

The GoldWave Multiquence program.

Hot Link: GoldWave Related Software (http://www.goldwave.com/

utils.html)

The good folks at GoldWave were nice enough to put together a page full of links to audio software. It’s a good collection, including some MP3

encoders and some CD burning software—start your downloader.

Sometime a few years from now, this advance—a really inexpensive audio program that includes video support—will seem like no big deal. But as of this writing…wow, this really points out the extent to which the revolution in desktop capability provides creative tools without requiring a big budget.

In addition to its video feature, GoldWave Multiquence has many of the features that are now standard in desktop audio editors. It includes a toolbox of audio helpers like flange, an equalizer, drag-and-drop editing, MIDI capability, and an unlimited number of virtual tracks.

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The SonicSpot (http://www.sonicspot.com/)

The listings in this software-for-download site run the gamut from MP3 encoders to audio mixing to CD burning. Good collection.

Hot Link: The TechZone Music Software Virtual Studio (http://

thetechnozone.com/audiobuyersguide/software/midi/

midi-software.html)

We’ve rarely seen such a far reaching yet compactly organized list of links about audio software. You’ll find plenty of reviews and opinions, as well as a good overview of what’s available in plug-ins and sound cards.

Cubase

Cubase is one of the best desktop audio programs available. We wouldn’t normally quote a company’s product brochure—it’s usually too superlative-packed to be worth much—but in Cubase’s case it sums it up nicely. “Cubase VST is not just an audio recorder; it’s a com-plete audio studio.” That’s true, and the legions of users, both professional and casual, will attest to it.

HotLink: The Cubase Download Page (http://service.steinberg.net/

webdoc.nsf/show/download_e)

This site offers a hot collection of audio goodies, all available as free demo versions. Stop by and stock up on helper programs that will round out your studio’s functionality.

Hot Link: The Cubase Webring (http://www.dbrown.force9.co.uk/

webring.html)

This is a network of sites—dozens of them—devoted to this popular MIDI/audio software. If you become a Cubase believer (and there are many) you might want to add your own site.

Figure 6.15

Cubase is a leading audio production tool.

Cubase combines audio and MIDI capabilities into one seamless environment. This comes in handy in a lot of ways; you don’t have to worry about synchronizing your MIDI and audio programs, and all your songwriting elements are grouped together.

Open up the window that enables you to mix your audio tracks and you’ll find a highly capable array of sound design tools. Each of the 72 channels is equipped with level fader, pan control, solo and mute switches, effects, equalization controls, and a five-stage dynam-ics section.

In addition, each channel can use up to eight auxiliary sends (which enable you to access Cubase’s famed VST plug-in effects rack) and four insert points for internal plug-in effects.

Any of the channels can be routed to one of the eight stereo groups, enabling you to sub-mix tracks of your song, say, the drums or vocal harmonies. (For a discussion of auxiliary sends and submixing, see Chapter 17, “Mixing, Part One.”)

Cubase’s Arrange window enables you to view the various chunks of your songs as they play back; the big red chunk is your verse, the purple chunk is your chorus, and so on. This clear method of “visual song spotting” keeps the emphasis on the music rather than bog-ging you down in audio technology.

PARTIILET’S STARTBUILDING

Cubase VST (http://www.steinberg.net)

Cubase is made by Steinberg, a German software company that makes a whole shelf full of useful audio editing/manipulation programs (see Figure 6.15). Also by Steinberg is DeClicker, DeNoiser, FreeFilter, and the

LoudnessMaximizer.

Figure 6.16

This site publishes a list of that week’s Top Ten Audio Downloads. It’s a good way to track what’s hot and what’s not.

Some desktop musicians use Cubase primarily as a MIDI sequencer. The program allows you to view and edit your MIDI music using a traditional score, or in the events mode that many MIDI composers favor. In a nice touch, you can edit MIDI even while listening. A related program, Cubase VST Score, enables you to print a professional-level music score.

Understanding that collaboration now happens globally, Cubase includes the Inwire fea-ture, which enables musicians to compose—or just jam—with musicians using the Internet.

This is a really cool feature. Your changes are streamed to your partner, who can make additions and stream them back. You can work back and forth for days or hours, as if you were sitting right next to each other. Need to discuss something? No problem. The built-in Internet chat feature enables you to talk in real-time.

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Hot Link: ZDNet Downloads: Audio (http://www.zdnet.com/

downloads/mp3.html)

As you might expect from an offering by such a big publisher, the ZDNet audio download site is jam-packed with audio goodies (see Figure 6.16).

Start the downloader!

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