Cubase SX/SL 2 Power!

Chapter 12. Mixer and Channel Settings

Up until now, we have explored both the project window and the editing environments provided for MIDI and audio tracks. This chapter discusses the mixing environment inside Cubase and ways you can edit settings applied to a channel. The Mixer in Cubase offers an interface that resembles a typical mixing console. In this Mixer, you will find a replica of settings that have been described in Chapter 6, as well as functions described in Chapter 7 when discussing MIDI and audio recording.

So, why this fancy mixing window? Instead of having to select tracks in the Track List area, then expanding the Channel section of the Inspector area for each channel you want to view, and then switching to the Inserts section or Send Effects section, everything is available to you in a single window. This not only makes it easier to see the settings applied to all your tracks, but it also makes it easy to automate the mix for an entire project, as you will see later. A mixing environment is all about flexibility, accessibility, and your personal aesthetics when it comes to how music or sound appeals to your ears. The last part is yours to develop; fortunately, however, Cubase offers both flexibility and accessibility.

Here's a summary of what you will learn in this chapter:

• Explore the different areas of the Mixer window.

• Learn how to save channel settings and apply them to other channels inside the Mixer window.

• Find out how to customize your Mixer window to fit the tasks at hand.

• Learn how to use additional audio outputs by activating buses.

• Understand what channel EQs are and how to use them.

• Understand what dynamic control is and how to use it.

• Learn how to use groups to create submixes and monitor mixes .