ProChannel

ProChannel features a collection of audio processing modules that can be dynamically added, removed, and reordered per audio track, Instrument track and bus in the Inspector and Console view. Combining compression, equalization, tube saturation modeling, console emulation, tape emulation, and convolution reverb in one convenient processor, ProChannel is designed to make it fast and easy to enhance any track or bus.

Figure 435. ProChannel provides compressor, equalizer, tube saturation, console emulation, tape emulation, and convolution reverb processing for each channel.

Sonar includes the following ProChannel modules:

Compressor. The Compressor modules let you limit the dynamic range and balance the overall level. Compression makes the loud parts of the signal quieter, resulting in a more even level. Sonar includes two different compressor modules:

PC76 U-Type Channel Compressor. This is the default mode when using ProChannel on a track. This mode is meticulously modelled after one of the most renowned and famous solid-state (F.E.T.) compressors that is used in professional studios and recordings. Known to bring out the brightness and presence of a sound. Commonly used on vocal tracks, but also recommended for stereo drum buses and guitar tracks. For details, see PC76 U-Type Channel Compressor module.

Note: The PC76 U-Type Channel Compressor is faithfully modelled after the hardware circuitry of a classic compressor that does not support sidechaining. Consequently, the PC76 U-Type Channel Compressor does not support sidechaining either. If you need to use sidechaining, use the PC4K S-Type Bus Compressor mode.

PC4K S-Type Bus Compressor.  This is the default mode when using ProChannel on a bus. This mode is based on the legendary center console stereo bus compressor in one of the world's most successful analog studio production mixing consoles. Known to add punch and drive to a mix. Also recommended for instruments like piano and drums. This mode supports sidechaining. For details, see PC4K S-Type Bus Compressor module.

QuadCurve Equalizer. The QuadCurve Equalizer module allows you to fine tune the frequency spectrum of your music or sound. You have control over six individual bands, which allows you to attenuate or boost specific frequency ranges and shape the overall characteristics of the audio signal. Equalization may also be applied creatively, to add presence or enhance certain frequencies, to remove noise, hum or low-end rumble, for special effects or numerous other purposes. The QuadCurve Equalizer fly-out panel also includes a real-time FFT spectrum analyzer. For more information, see QuadCurve Equalizer module.

PC2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier. PC2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier is meticulously modeled after a legendary vintage electro-optical tube compressor. This compressor, known for its automatic gain control characteristics, delivers vintage sound with incredibly warm and rich compression. It is revered by audio engineers worldwide for its trademark sound, and has been used on countless hit records since the late 1960s. It is one of the true classics in the audio recording industry. For details, see PC2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier.

Tube Saturation. Digital audio recordings can sometimes sound sterile and lifeless. The Tube Saturation module employs advanced analog vacuum-tube circuit modeling, which allows you to apply ultra-high-quality analog warmth and saturation to individual tracks and full mixes. Under the hood are dynamic, virtual vacuum-tubes that mimic the “animated” nature of their real, analog counterpart as they respond to different audio input. The result is the coveted warm, lively and realistic analog sound of classic vacuum-tube processors and amplifiers. For details, see Tube Saturation module.

Softube Saturation Knob. The Softube Saturation Knob module borrows from Softube’s famous German FET distortion and compression circuitry modeling, and provides smooth, one-knob, frequency saturation operation for adding just the right amount of tube warmth to any track. For details, see Softube Saturation Knob.

Console Emulator. The Console Emulator module emulates the sound of three classic recording consoles in Sonar's mixer. For details, see Console Emulator module.

FX Chain. The FX Chain module lets you save and load audio effect plug-in chain presets called FX Chain. The FX Chain module can be used as an FX Rack that can be inserted between other ProChannel modules. For details, see FX Chain module.

BREVERB 2 Cakewalk ProChannel. The BREVERB 2 Cakewalk ProChannel module by Overloud provides world-class studio reverb. Dozens of professional presets are included. Sonar includes both VST and ProChannel versions of BREVERB 2 Cakewalk. For details, click the Help button in the BREVERB 2 Cakewalk VST version.

Tape Emulator. The Tape Emulator module by Overloud lets you add the warmth and richness of analog magnetic tape saturation to your digital mixes. For details, see Tape Emulator module.

REmatrix Solo. The REmatrix Solo module by Overloud is a world-class convolution reverb that includes 100 impulse responses (IRs) designed by MoReVoX. You can also import your own IRs and control the EQ, length, delay, and stereo field of any single IR. REmatrix combines the high fidelity of a convolution reverb with the flexibility of an algorithmic reverb. The included presets were created in real mixing sessions, and are ready-to-use for music production/mixing. For details, see REmatrix Solo convolution reverb.

Concrete Limiter. Concrete Limiter is a transparent look-ahead brickwall peak limiter. It is designed to reduce peak levels without coloring the sound. The purpose of ProChannel Concrete Limiter is to increase loudness as much as possible while preventing the signal from exceeding the maximum output level. For details, see Concrete Limiter module.

Style Dial FX. Style Dial FX are powerful audio processing modules with a simple user interface. Each Style Dial FX module features only a single knob that lets you dial in the desired effect. The knob range goes from subtle to fully processed. Sonar includes the following Style Dial FX:

GRIT (saturation). Digital audio recordings can sometimes sound sterile and lifeless. The GRIT module provides smooth frequency saturation operation for adding just the right amount of tube warmth to any track. Dial in anything from warm tube sound to more of a modern amp overdrive. For details, see GRIT (saturation) module.

MAX (volume maximizer). The MAX module is a one-knob volume maximizer that transparently increases the overall sound loudness of a track or bus by reducing the dynamic range. Use MAX as a convenient track leveler and compressor. For details, see MAX (volume maximizer) module.

SPACE (reverb/ambience). The SPACE module adds reverb/ambience to the audio signal. Simulate environments from small rooms to huge halls. The space gets increasingly larger as you increase the knob value. For details, see SPACE (reverb/ambience) module.

SMOOTHER (de-esser / de-harsher). The SMOOTHER module is designed for vocals and guitars and removes sibilance or harsh frequencies without losing presence. For details, see SMOOTHER (de-esser / de-harsher) module.

GATER (remove noise). The GATER module is a simple noise gate for removing unwanted noise in a track. For details, see GATER (remove noise) module.

DEPTH (chorus / stereo shaping). The DEPTH module adds a lot of space and makes the sound feel wider and bigger. For details, see DEPTH (chorus / stereo shaping) module.

PULSE (tremolo). The PULSE module adds an auto volume swelling effects, and at higher settings gets a bit of saturation and modulation. For details, see PULSE (tremolo) module.

SHAPER (transient control). The SHAPER module lets you shape the audio signal’s attack phase independently of the decay/sustain phase. For details, see SHAPER (transient control) module.

Additional modules will be available in the future from Cakewalk and third party vendors. For help with external ProChannel modules, select a module and press F1 to open its online Help.

Figure 436. ProChannel modules.

To show/hide ProChannel

To show/hide ProChannel in the Console view, click the Modules menu, then click ProChannel.

To show/hide ProChannel in the Inspector, click the Show/Hide ProChannel button at the top of the Inspector, or press CTRL+I.

Note: Due to technical limitations of the VST plug-in format, it is not possible to show more than one instance of a ProChannel module. As a result, the same ProChannel instance can not be displayed in the Inspector and Console view at the same time. If you open ProChannel in the Inspector, the same ProChannel will close in the Console view, and vice versa.

To expand/collapse ProChannel in the Console view

Click the Expand/Collapse button in the Inspector or Console view.

To close all instances of ProChannel, hold down the CTRL key and click any Expand/Collapse button .

 

Note: When expanding ProChannel in the Console view, ProChannel extends to the right of the channel strip.

 

See:

Using ProChannel

ProChannel modules and controls

PC76 U-Type Channel Compressor module

PC4K S-Type Bus Compressor module

QuadCurve Equalizer module

Tube Saturation module

PC2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier

Softube Saturation Knob

Console Emulator module

FX Chain module

Tape Emulator module

REmatrix Solo convolution reverb

Concrete Limiter module

GRIT (saturation) module

MAX (volume maximizer) module

SPACE (reverb/ambience) module

SMOOTHER (de-esser / de-harsher) module

GATER (remove noise) module

DEPTH (chorus / stereo shaping) module

PULSE (tremolo) module

SHAPER (transient control) module

 

See also:

Track Inspector overview

Console view

Mixing