VST Effect Effect Plug-Ins Plug-Ins VST

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Operation Manual by Ernst Nathorst-Bs, Ludvig Carlson, Anders Nordmark, Roger Wiklander Quality Control: Cristina Bachmann, Heike Horntrich, Sabine Pfeifer, Claudia Schomburg The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Steinberg Soft- und Hardware GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media except as specically allowed in the License Agreement. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written permission by Steinberg Soft- und Hardware GmbH. All product and company names are or trademarks of their respective owners. Windows, Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows 2000 are trademarks of Microsoft Inc. Steinberg Soft- und Hardware GmbH, 2000. All rights reserved.

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Introduction
Cubase VST comes with a number of VST Plug-in effects included. This chapter describes the included effects parameters. For general details about how to assign and set up effects, see the chapter Installing and using VST plug-ins in the Getting into the Details document.

About VST 2.0

Version 2.0 of the VST plug-in standard allows plug-ins to receive MIDI from the host application (in this case, Cubase VST). Possible uses for this feature include tempo-based delays, MIDI control of pitch-shifters and harmonizers, etc.

MIDI Timing information is automatically provided to any VST 2.0 plug-in that requests it.

About the Earlier VST Plug-ins Folder

Cubase VST 5.0 comes with a completely new set of effect plug-ins. To ensure backwards compability with Songs created using previous versions of Cubase, the previous standard set of VST plug-ins is included as well. These are located in the subfolder Earlier VST PlugIns on your effect menus. The parameters for these effects are described in a separate document.

Table of Contents
Dynamics - see page 4. Chorus - see page 5. DoubleDelay - see page 6. ModDelay - see page 7. Flanger - see page 8. Symphonic - see page 9. Phaser - see page 10. Distortion - see page 11. Overdrive - see page 12. Chopper2 - see page 13. Reverb - see page 14. Reverb 32 - see page 15. Metalizer2 - see page 16. Tranceformer2 - see page 17. Karlette - see page 18.

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About the Dynamics plug-in

Dynamics is a plug-in version of the VST Dynamics Panel that is available in the Channel Settings window. The reason for having a separate plug-in version is to make dynamic processing available to Group, ReWire and VST Instrument channels (which cannot use the VST Dynamics panel in the Channel Settings). In addition, it is also possible to use the Dynamic plug-in as a Master effect. Dynamics features three separate processors: AutoGate, Compress and Limit, covering the most common dynamic processing functions.

See the chapter Mixing Audio and using Effects in the Getting into the Details documentation for a description of the available parameters.

Two additional dynamic processors are available in the VST Dynamics panel: AutoLevel and SoftClip. For technical reasons, these are not available in the Dynamics plug-in. One additional feature - Routing - is available in the Dynamics plug-in, which is not available in VST Dynamics panel. This is described below.

Routing section

In the Routing section you can set the signal flow order for the three processors. Changing the order of the processors can produce different results, and the available options allow you to quickly compare what works best for a given situation. Beside each processor label, there is a number. These numbers are used to represent the signal flow options shown in the Routing section. There are three routing options:

1-2-3 (Compress-Gate-Limit) 2-1-3 (Gate-Compress-Limit) 1-3-2 (Compress-Limit-Gate)

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Chorus

The Chorus plug-in adds a short delay to the signal, and pitch modulates the delayed signal to produce a doubling effect. The parameters are as follows:
Parameter Mix Values 0-100% Description Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If Chorus is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send. This sets the modulation rate. This controls the depth of the Chorus effect. This adds one or two more delay taps, producing a thicker, multilayered chorus effect.

Freq Delay Stages

0-5Hz 0-5ms 1-3

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DoubleDelay

Clicking on the no sync label in the graphic display opens the delay value pop-up for the respective delay!

Note that a No Sync setting will not produce any delay.

This effect provides two separate tempo-based delays. Cubase automatically provides the plug-in with the current Song Tempo. The parameters are as follows:
Parameter Mix Values 0-100% Description Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If DoubleDelay is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send. This sets the number of repeats for both the delays.

Feedback

0-100%

Tempo Sync No sync, 1/1 to 1/32, Click on the upper no sync label to open the delay value poppop-up 1 1/1 to 1/32 Triplet, up to set the value for the first delay. The fixed delay values cor1/1 to 1/32 Dotted respond to note values, and will be synced to the tempo. Tempo Sync As above pop-up 2 TmpSync1 TmpSync2 Pan1 Pan2 x1 to x10 x1 to x10 -100 to 100% -100 to 100% Click on the lower no sync label to open the delay value popup to set the value for the second delay, as above. This multiplies the delay time (note value) for the first delay by a factor selectable between x1 and x10. This multiplies the delay time (note value) for the second delay by a factor selectable between x1 and x10. This sets the stereo position for the first delay. This sets the stereo position for the second delay.

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ModDelay

This is a delay effect that can either be tempo-based or use freely specified delay time settings. The delay repeats can also be modulated. The parameters are as follows:
Parameter Mix Values 0-100% Description Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If ModDelay is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send. This sets the number of repeats for the delay.

Feedback

0-100%

Tempo Sync No sync, 1/1 to 1/32, Clicking the no sync field opens the Tempo Sync pop-up. The pop-up 1/1 to 1/32 Triplet, fixed delay values correspond to note values, and will be synced 1/1 to 1/32 Dotted to the tempo. Tmp Sync knob Time DelayMod x1 to x10 0-5000ms 0-100% This multiplies the delay time (note value) for the tempo sync delay by a factor selectable between x1 and x10. This sets the delay time when tempo sync is off. This controls the pitch modulation rate for the delay effect.

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Wild Flanger

Wild Flanger is a classic flanger effect with stereo enhancement. Parameters are as follows:
Parameter Mix Values 0-100% Description Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If WildFlanger is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send.

Tempo Sync No sync, 1/1 to 1/32, Clicking the no sync field opens the Tempo Sync pop-up. The pop-up 1/1 to 1/32 Triplet, fixed delay values correspond to note values, and will be 1/1 to 1/32 Dotted synced to the tempo. Tempo Sync x1 to x10 knob Shape Sync knob Feedback Rate Depth Delay Stereobasis 1-16 0-100% 0-5Hz 0-100% 0-100ms 0-100% This multiplies the delay time (note value) for the tempo sync delay by a factor selectable between x1 and x10. This changes the shape of the modulating waveform, altering the tone of the effect. This determines the character of the flange effect. Higher settings produce a more metallic sounding sweep. This sets the rate of the modulation sweep. This sets the depth of the modulation sweep. This parameter affects the frequency range of the modulation sweep, by adjusting the initial delay time. This sets the depth for the Stereobasis effect. 0% is mono, 50% original stereo, and 100% maximum stereo enhancement.

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Symphonic

The Symphonic plug-in combines a stereo enhancer, an auto-panner and a chorus/ flanger-type effect. The auto-panner can use Tempo Sync. For best results, apply the Symphonic effect to stereo signals.
Parameter Mix Values 0-100% Description Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If Symphonic is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send. This sets the delay time of the Symphonic effect. This controls the depth of the Symphonic effect. This sets the modulation rate for the Symphonic effect. This multiplies the delay time (note value) for the tempo sync panning by a factor selectable between x1 and x10.

Delay Depth Rate

0-100 ms 0-100% 0-100%

Tempo Sync x1 to x10 knob

Tempo Sync No sync, 1/1 to 1/32, Clicking the no sync field opens the Tempo Sync pop-up. The pop-up 1/1 to 1/32 Triplet, fixed values correspond to note values, and will be synced to 1/1 to 1/32 Dotted the tempo. Stereobasis 0-100% This sets the depth for the Stereobasis effect. 0% is mono, 50% original stereo, and 100% maximum stereo enhancement.

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Phaser

The Phaser plug-in produces the classic swooshing sound that characterizes phasing. It works by shifting the phase of the signal and adding it back to the original signal, causing partial cancellation of the frequency spectrum.
Parameter Mix Values 0-100% Description Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If the Phaser is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send. This sets the amount of Feedback. A higher value produces a sharper sounding effect. This multiplies the delay time (note value) for the tempo sync phasing by a factor selectable between x1 and x10. This sets the modulation rate for the Phaser effect, when no sync is selected.

Feedback

0-100%

Tempo Sync x1 to x10 knob Rate 0-6Hz

Tempo Sync No sync, 1/1 to 1/32, Clicking the no sync field opens the Tempo Sync pop-up. The pop-up 1/1 to 1/32 Triplet, fixed values correspond to note values, and the phasing will be 1/1 to 1/32 Dotted synced to the tempo. Stereobasis 0-100% This sets the depth for the Stereobasis effect. 0% is mono, 50% original stereo, and 100% maximum stereo enhancement.

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Distortion

The Distortion effect plug-in is capable of producing anything from a soft crunch to all-out distortion. There is a selection of factory presets available. Note that these presets are not only stored parameter settings, but actually use different basic algorithms to produce distortion. The basic character of the distortion preset models is indicated by their names. The parameters are as follows:
Parameter Input Values -24dB to 0dB Description Sets the Input level. This parameter can also be controlled by the Master input slider in the VST Send Effects panel. If you are using Distortion as an Insert effect, you can use this to boost or cut the input level. Sets the Output level. As distortion generates harmonics, it increases the level of the processed signal . You can use the Output fader to compensate for the level increase. The Shape parameter determines how much the input signal is affected by the distortion effect. Non-linear 2 will produce the strongest distortion. This is a selective low pass filter , altering the tonal quality of the distortion. Governs the amount of distortion. Select one of five presets, which can be used as they are, or as a basis for further tweaking.

Output

-24dB to 0dB

Shapes

Linear, Non-linear 1, Non-linear 2 0-100% 0-100%

Contour Drive

Factory Pre- Soft, Crunchy, sets Dirty, Wracky, Evil

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Overdrive

Overdrive is a distortion-type effect, emulating the sound of a guitar amplifier.

Parameter Input Values -15 to +15dB Description Sets the Input level. This parameter can also be controlled by the Master input slider in the VST Send Effects panel. If you are using Overdrive as an Insert effect, you can use this to boost or cut the input level. Sets the Output level. As overdrive generates harmonics, it increases the level of the processed signal . You can use the Output fader to compensate for the level increase. Tone control for the low frequencies, allowing a 15 dB boost or cut. Tone control for the mid frequencies, allowing a 15 dB boost or cut. Tone control for the high frequencies, allowing a 15 dB boost or cut. Governs the amount of overdrive. Simulates the sound of a speaker cabinet.

Output

-15 to +15dB

Bass Mid Hi Drive Speaker simulation

-15 to +15dB -15 to +15dB -15 to +15dB 0-100% On/Off

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Chopper2

Chopper2 is a combined tremolo and autopan effect. It can use different waveforms to modulate the level (tremolo) and left-right stereo position (pan), either using Tempo Sync or manual modulation speed settings. Parameters are as follows:
Parameter Mix Values 0-100% Description Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If Chopper is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send. Sets the Input level. This parameter can also be controlled by the Master input slider in the VST Send Effects panel. If you are using Chopper as an Insert effect, you can use this to boost or cut the input level. Sets the Output level. This knob sets the modulation rate for the Chopper effect. If Tempo Sync is off, a frequency value can be set. If Sync is On, the knob scrolls through the available Tempo Sync note values (see below).

Input

0-100%

Output Speed

0-100% 0-50Hz

Tempo Sync No sync, 1/1 to Clicking the Sync button so that it lights up activates Tempo Sync. pop-up 1/32, 1/1 to 1/32 To open the Tempo Sync pop-up, click the field above the Speed Triplet, 1/1 to button. The fixed delay values correspond to note values, and will be 1/32 Dotted synced to the tempo. Sync button On/Off Stereo/Mono Stereo/Mono button Waveform buttons Depth Sine, Square, Saw, reverse Saw, Triangle 0-100% Turns Tempo Sync on or off. If this is set to Stereo, the signal will pan left and right , in sync with the level modulation. Sets the modulation waveform.

Sets the depth of the Chopper modulation.

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Reverb

Reverb is used to add ambience and space to recordings. Reverb features the following parameters:
Parameter Mix Values 0-100% Description Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If Reverb is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send. Governs the size of the simulated room environment. This parameter sets a delay between the direct sound and the reverb effect output. A short predelay before the reverb reduces reverb clutter which blurs the sound, and makes the reverb effect more natural-sounding. This parameter sets the length of the reverb effect. This parameter dampens the higher frequencies, producing a rounder and smoother sounding reverb.

Roomsize Predelay

0-100% 0-100%

Reverb Time 0-100% Damp 0-100%

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Reverb 32 (VST/32 Only)

Reverb 32 is a reverb plug-in which provides smooth, dense reverb effects. Reverb 32 has the following parameters:
Parameter Room Size Predelay Values 20-100 0-100ms Description This setting determines the size of the simulated room environment. This parameter sets a delay between the direct sound and the reverb effect output. A short predelay before the reverb reduces reverb clutter which blurs the sound, and makes the reverb effect more natural-sounding. This parameter sets the length of the reverb time.

Reverb Time 0,2sForever

Filter Hi Cut -15 to 0dB This filters out high frequencies for the reverb, which can make the reverb sound softer. Filter Lo Cut -15 to 0dB This filters out the lower frequencies for the reverb. It can be used to reduce low frequency rumble. Mix Dry/Wet Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect (wet). If Reverb 32 is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum wet, as you can instead control the dry/wet balance with the send.

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Metalizer2

The Metalizer feeds the audio signal through a variable frequency filter, with Tempo sync or time modulation and feedback control. The parameters are as follows:
Parameter Mix Values 0-100% Description Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If Metalizer is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send. Governs the character of the filter effect. The higher the value, the narrower the affected frequency area, procucing sharper sound. Governs the tonal quality of the effect. Sets the amount of feedback. Higher values produces a more metallic sound. This knob sets the modulation rate for the Chopper effect. If Tempo Sync is off, a frequency value can be set. If Sync is On, this knob scrolls through the available Tempo Sync note values (see below).

Sharpness

0-100%

Tone Feedback Speed

0-100% 0-100% 0-10Hz

Tempo Sync No sync, 1/1 to 1/32, Clicking the Sync button so that it lights up activates Tempo pop-up 1/1 to 1/32 Triplet, Sync. To open the Tempo Sync pop-up, click the field above 1/1 to 1/32 Dotted the Speed button. The fixed delay values correspond to note values, and will be synced to the tempo.

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Tranceformer2

Tranceformer2 is a ring modulator effect. A ring modulator allows a signal to apply amplitude modulation to another signal, resulting in complex distortion of the harmonic spectrum. A variable frequency oscillator is used to amplitude modulate the input signal. A second oscillator can be used to modulate the frequency of the first oscillator.
Parameter Mix Values 0-100% Description Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If Tranceformer is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send. Governs the frequency (pitch) of the modulating oscillator. This knob sets the modulation rate for Tranceformer. If Tempo Sync is off, a frequency value can be set. If Sync is On, this knob scrolls through the available Tempo Sync note values (see below). Turns modulation of the Pitch parameter on or off. Sets the pitch modulation waveform. Governs whether the effect output will be stereo or mono.

Pitch Speed

1 - 5000Hz 0-10Hz

On button Waveform buttons

On/Off Sine, Square, Saw, reverse Saw, Triangle

Stereo/Mono Stereo/Mono button

Tempo Sync No sync, 1/1 to 1/32, Clicking the Sync button so that it lights up activates pop-up 1/1 to 1/32 Triplet, 1/1 Tempo Sync. To open the Tempo Sync pop-up, click the field to 1/32 Dotted above the Speed button. The fixed delay values correspond to note values, and will be synced to the tempo.

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Karlette

The Karlette is a four-channel delay, that emulates a tape-loop echo. The four "tape-heads" can be set to a certain note value, or a certain time, depending on whether Tempo Sync is activated or not. For each of the four tape-heads, you can set the following parameters:
Parameter Delay Values Description

1/32, 1/16, 1/16*, 1/8, With the sync button activated, the delay can be set to a note 1/4T, 1/8*, 1/4, 1/2T, value synced to the Cubase tempo. If the sync button is 1/4*, 1/2, 3/4, 1/1 deactivated, the delay can be freely set to a time value. Sync Off: 0 - 2 sec. Off to OdB 0.000 to 1.000 The amplitude of the delay. With the knob turned all the way to the left, the delay is muted. The higher the value, the more the delay is dampened (the high frequencies are attenuated) to produce a more subtle effect. Sets the stereo position for the delay. Sets the number of delay repeats.

Volume Damp

Pan Feedback

L64/< C >/R64 0.000 to 1.000

In addition, the following global parameters are available:

Dry/Wet 0-100% Sets the level balance between the dry signal and the effect. If Karlette is used as a send effect, this should be set to maximum as you can instead control the dry/effect balance with the send. Turns Tempo Sync on or off.

Sync

On/Off

The Karlette works best as a send effect, since using it as an insert effect with a mono audio channel confines the output to the left channel only.
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