ProChannel (Producer and Studio only)

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, and tube saturation modeling in one convenient processor, ProChannel is designed to make it fast and easy to enhance any track or bus.

Figure 306. ProChannel provides compressor, equalizer and tube saturation processing for each channel.

SONAR X3 includes the following ProChannel modules:

Compressor (Producer only). 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 (Producer only).

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 (Producer only).

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.

Tube Saturation (Producer only). 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 (Producer only).

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.

Console Emulator (Producer only). The Console Emulator module emulates the sound of three classic recording consoles in SONAR's mixer. For details, see Console Emulator module (Producer only).

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 effects bin that can be inserted between other ProChannel modules. For details, see FX Chain module.

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

Tape Emulator (Producer only). 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 (Producer only).

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.

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 ProCh 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 (Producer only)

PC4K S-Type Bus Compressor module (Producer only)

QuadCurve Equalizer module

Tube Saturation module (Producer only)

Console Emulator module (Producer only)

FX Chain module

Tape Emulator module (Producer only)

 

See also:

Track Inspector overview

Console view

Mixing