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Mastering, Effects, and Compressor
Mastering, Effects, and Compressor

Learn about our mastering tools, new effects, and the compressor.

Noah Feasey-Kemp avatar
Written by Noah Feasey-Kemp
Updated this week

DJ.Studio features a flexible interface for controlling the effects, including a mastering section - both of which have VST compatibility.

In this guide, you'll learn how to get the most out of the effects sections.

Effects

We upgraded the effects system to include more effects.

This can be opened in the bottom Effects Tab.

Click on an effect parameter to change its setting. These can also be automated in the timeline.

  1. Open the effects tab.

  2. Change an effect parameter.

  3. You will now see a line appear in the timeline based on the effect you changed.

  4. Click on the line to create movable points to automate the effect

If you automate many effects at once, the lines can get cluttered and hard to edit. Simply click the S button to solo a line, making it easier to focus on the specific effect you want to control

You can also add VST plugins to the effect section via the + ADD VST button.

Find out more about the DJ.Studio's VST integration here - VSTs in DJ.Studio User Manual


Mastering & Limiter

The Mastering section gives you control over the final output volume, as well as gives you some visual analysis of the frequency content.

You can also use this window to balance the volume between all tracks in your mix, making sure it has a consistent volume level throughout.

Mastering is the final stage of processing applied to an audio file during the production process. This ensures that the dynamic range is correct, the volume is maximized but not excessive, and the volume is consistent.

To master your DJ.Studio mixes:

  1. Open the Master tab from the bottom of the screen.

  2. You will now see the compressor on the left (explained in the next section), and the limiter on the right.

  3. First, set the Ceiling level. This depends on what platform you are releasing your mix on, but typically you want it at around -1 to -2 dB. This means that the audio will not get louder than this level.

  4. Next, turn up the Gain control, until you see some gain reduction in the right meter. This means that you are maximizing the volume, and the limiter is working correctly to prevent distortion and make the volume more consistent.

  5. When you export your mix, the volume will be fully utilized, but the signal will be clean.


Compressor (For making volume more consistent)

Compressors give you control over the dynamic range of your tracks and mix. This means you can easily make sure that the volume is consistent throughout your mix, so the listeners don't need to keep reaching for their volume control.

There are independent compressors for each track and deck.

To compress tracks:

  1. Open the Master tab.

  2. You will now see a horizontal mixer, showing you all the tracks in your mix. Each channel also includes a separate Gain and Comp control, letting you adjust the volume and dynamic range for each track independently.


Export Settings

There are also a few relevant controls in the export window.

  • Master Gain - This gives you a final volume output level for the created mix file.

  • Auto Gain - This toggle enables auto-gain, which will automatically balance the gain levels between each track for a more consistent output.

  • Use Limiter - This engages a limiter, preventing the audio from going above a certain threshold volume.

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