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About the Input Meters
On the left side of the first MTK page (or the
upper left-hand corner of the MTK if you're
viewing on a VGA monitor), you'll see the input
meters. These meters show the signal level
received at the input of the MTK.
You can adjust the level arriving here by using
the mix's track faders. Set the level so that the
loudest parts of your mix reach between -1 and
-4 on the meters. If any part of the mix makes
the CLIP indicator light, distortion will occur. If
CLIP lights, back off the level until it doesn't.
It's important to adjust the MTK's input level properly, as this ensures that
you're taking full advantage of the VS8F-3's 56-bit processing.
The Tone-Shaping Processors
The MTK provides three different tone-shaping processors
(highlighted below) to manipulate the overall tonality or
"spectral balance" of the signal.
EQ
The MTK's first tone-shaping processor is a powerful EQ, or
"equalizer, " that allows you to raise or lower the volume of
specific frequencies within a sound. Using EQ in mastering,
you can adjust a mix's tonal balance—making it brighter or
warmer, harsher or sweeter. You can lower the volume of any
frequencies you don't like, or emphasize certain frequencies
by making them louder. You can even remove an entire range
of "problem" frequencies altogether.
The MTK's EQ features four separate frequency ranges called
"bands. " Each band allows you to target a specific frequency
between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. A variable bandwidth—or "Q"—
control determines the range of frequencies below and/or
above a targeted frequency that are affected by the EQ band.
Each band has an adjustable level control, which allows you
to raise or lower its frequency range +/- 15 dB. There's also a
display that shows your EQ adjustments in a graphic curve.
For overall control, the EQ has a master section with master
input and output level controls, as well as a bypass switch.
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