Track Parameters

Each track contains a number of parameters, which you can use to manipulate the audio signal of the track in various ways. Let's take a look at some of the parameters that are commonly used during mixing and bouncing.

• ATT: Allows you to adjust the attenuation of the signal from “12dB to +12dB. Normally, this parameter is used to boost the level of a signal that was recorded too low.

• Phase: Allows you to invert the phase of the signal. Using multiple microphones to record a single source can cause phase cancellation, and you can flip the phase of one or more tracks to help correct it.

• MIX Level: Allows you to increase or decrease the level of the track. Adjusting the track fader changes this value.

• Pan: Allows you to place the track somewhere within the stereo field. Adjusting the track Pan knob changes this value. Panning tracks in various places within the stereo field can result in a more clear and full sound.

• EQ Switch: Allows you to turn on EQ settings for the track. Once you enable EQ on the track, you have access to a low-band shelving EQ, a mid-band parametric EQ, and a high-band shelving EQ. The mid-band EQ is only available when you select the 3- band EQ in the Master Block. As a general rule, it's best to use EQ to cut frequencies rather than boost them.

• Ofs Level and Ofs Bal: These parameters are only available when you have configured two mono tracks as a stereo track via the Channel Link parameter. For stereo tracks, the odd-numbered track fader controls the offset level, and the even-numbered track fader controls the aux send level. Also, the odd-numbered Pan knob controls the offset balance. When you are working with stereo tracks, these offset parameters control the level and balance of the stereo track. If you want to adjust the levels and panning of the left and right channels independently, you'll need to adjust the Pan and MIX Level parameters. In most cases, you'd leave the Pan and MIX Level parameters alone and just adjust the offset parameters as necessary.