ABOUT THIS MANUAL

Screenshots included in this manual may differ from the actual product. Macintosh, Mac OS X and Audio Units are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technology AG. RTAS is a trademark of Avid Corp. All other trademarks held by their respective owners. This manual is copyright Toontrack Music AB. No duplication, copying and distribution is permitted without written consent from the originator.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 - INTRODUCTION 2 - INSTALLATION

2.1 System Requirements 2.2 Installing EZmix for Windows 2.3 Installing EZmix for Macintosh 2.4 Authorizing EZmix on your computer
3 - EZmix IN OPERATION

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3.1 Browsing the Presets 3.2 Free Text Search 3.3 Changing Column Labels 3.4 Info Box 3.5 The Faders Section 3.6 Managing Favorites 3.7 Getting Help

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CREDITS
Project management: Erik Phersson Presets: Mattias Eklund Programming: Olof Hermansson Graphic artists: Fredrik rletun and Ulf Larsson Configuration Manager: Rogue Marechal Quality Assurance: Stefan Brnberg Manual writing: Scott Sibley Effects powered by Overloud Betatesters: Kevin Afflack, Damian Blunt, John Braner, Chuck Butler, Chaim Goldman, Scott Griggs, Brad Holland, Keith Lubrant, Harry Maes, David Modisette, Murray McDowall, Wilfredo Nanita, Kirk Pennak, John Rammelt, Conley Shepherd, Scott Sibley. Additional thanks to our hard working distributors, supporting families, and of course, all the Toontrack fans out there.

1 - INTRODUCTION
EZmix is a simple, yet powerful, mixing tool that gives you access to a huge array of mix presets for the whole gamut of mixing needs. Whether you need to mix drums, vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards this is your tool. Simply connect EZmix to a channel strip in your sequencer like you would any plug-in, pick a preset for the instrument or sound on that strip. Done. For demo purposes or in full on production EZmix will cut your studio time, speed up and enhance your creative process from the initial hook to the final track. EZmix includes the following effects type: Overloud: A tone enhancer processor which adds warmth and vibrance to the tone by a combination of compression, EQing and harmonic generation. Parametric EQ: 5-band parametric equalizer for tone shaping of the signal. LPF (Low pass filter): A low pass filter passes (allows through) low frequencies while attenuating high frequencies. HPF (High pass filter): A high pass filter passes (allows through) high frequencies while attenuating low frequencies. Compressor: A compressor is used to reduce the dynamic range of the audio signal, typically with a ratio of 2:1 to 9:1. A compressor ratio of 9:1 means 9dB goes into the compressor and results in 1dB out. Limiter: Similar to a compressor but with a ratio of 10:1 or higher. Bit Crusher: Reduces the bit resolution (ex. 16-bit to 8-bit) and simulates a lower sampling rate resulting in a distorted type sound.

Transient: Shapes the signal by exaggerating or attenuating the transient (attack) and the tail (sustain) of the signal. Frequency Gate: Used to control the level of the audio by only passing signal above the threshold. It is also affected by a HPF or LPF. Tape Simulator: Simulates the effects of a tape recorder including bias, tape speed, and wow and flutter. Chorus: Simulates the effect of multiple identical instruments playing the same part (for example, 3 violins playing in unison). It results in a shimmering and thickening effect to the sounds. Inverse Reverb: Produces a reverb sound that fades into the original sound as opposed to a traditional reverb that fades out. Hall Reverb: Provides the sound of a Hall type acoustical space. Tape Delay: Produces an echo type effect. Typically a tape delay results in echoes that get increasingly more distorted with each echo. Filter Delay: Produces an echo effect where the frequency of the echoes can be adjusted. This allows the echoes to react to different frequencies from the original signal. Distortion: Produces the sound of the input of the audio being clipped which adds an overdrive sound. This can add richness or fullness to the sound. In extreme settings distortion can sound thin or buzzy.

2 - INSTALLATION
2.1 System Requirements

Windows XP SP3 or newer, Pentium 4 or Athlon processor with 512 MB RAM. 32 and 64 bit Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 are supported. Mac OS 10.4.11 or higher, G5 with 512 MB RAM (Intel based Macintosh recommended). Only 32 bit hosts are supported under Snow Leopard. 20 MB of free hard disc space, an Audio Unit, VST or RTAS host application. Professional sound card recommended.
2.2 Installing EZmix for Windows

Run the EZmix Installer located in the \Install\ folder of the DVD or electronic download and follow the instructions. The plug-in will be installed by default in the appropriate location for the currently installed host program. You should however verify that this is the case and perform a custom install to change the destination target if this is not adequate for your host program (see your host manual for details). To uninstall simply re-run the installer located on the media that came with this product or use your operating systems removal facility.
2.3 Installing EZmix for Macintosh

Run the EZmix Installer located in the /Install/ folder of the DVD or electronic download and follow the instructions. Please ensure you are logged in as an administrator before proceeding. The plug-in will be installed in the default location for your operating system and should not be moved to remain available to all users and programs. To uninstall simply run the Uninstaller provided.

2.4 Authorizing EZmix on your computer

On first launching EZmix from within your host application, you will be presented with the authorization screen. Simply follow the instructions:

1) Copy the Computer ID exactly as shown in the interface either to the clipboard or onto a piece of paper if your computer is not connected to the Internet. 2) type in the serial number found on the DVD packaging or on the paper or electronic receipt for your purchase. 3) Go to http://www.toontrack.com/register/ (you will need to create a user account if this is your first Toontrack product) and, after registering your product, paste or type your Computer ID and a short description for your computer for easy identification at a later date (this can be anything you want, for example Studio B computer). 4) After generating the Authorization Code online as per step-by-step outlined on the website, you will receive a confirmation email. Type in or paste the code back into your Toontrack product if your application supports it. You will be greeted with a congratulation message telling you that EZmix has been authorized successfully. Should the authorization process fail for whatever reason, please review the Authorization FAQ located at http://www.toontrack.com/support_portal.asp - a walkthrough video of the process is available at the above URL. If you are still unable to authorize your Toontrack product, please use the support embedded into the FAQ, making sure to specify your serial number and Computer ID.

3 - EZmix IN OPERATION
EZmix is an effect plug-in that can be loaded into your projects as an effect insert into your host program. The exact procedure on how to add EZmix instances (you can of course load as many as you need, including several on the same track, assuming your host is featured with full support for multi insert effect chains), will depend on your host. Please refer to its operation manual for details. Before you start you should ensure that your system is configured for basic audio playback. If using virtual instruments, make sure they are set up for monitoring as per your hosts instructions. Should you be unable to hear the result of your experimentations, first check that your program is correctly set up and that you are able to audition your tracks when EZmix is not part of the effect chain.
3.1 Browsing the Presets

When you first load EZmix into your host program, you will be presented with the Graphical User Interface, as pictured below:

The left side of the plug-in window shows the Preset Browser. It is here that youll spend most of your time, selecting various presets, searching for specific sounds using the Free Text Search field, and building your list of Favorite presets.

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Lets take a closer look at each of the Browser features. At startup, all available presets will be listed in the EZmix Browser window. Use the vertical scroll bar located on the right side of the Browser, together with the up/down arrows on the left side, to scroll through the presets. Alternately, you can use your mouse scroll wheel to scroll through the list. When you find one that piques your interest, you can apply it by clicking its name, type or any other property field with your mouse. You will find that these presets load very quickly so it is easy to go through a few until you find what you are looking for. Once you have a close match to what your track requires, you can make changes to a preset by moving the Fader controls available (see section 3.5 for details). Note that any changes to the faders position will cause the presets name to appear italicized. Upon selecting another preset, the changes will revert to their default values, so make sure to save these changes if you want to retain them for later review. To save changes to a preset, see section 3.6, Managing Favorites.
3.2 Free Text Search

When first loading EZmix in your host, you may find it difficult to find exactly the sound you are looking for in the extensive list of presets. This is where the Free Text Search field comes in. For example, type in the word guitar in this field and the Browser will update with just the presets tailored for guitar tracks. You can also search using multiple words if you choose. By using the Text Search function, it is fast and easy to narrow the preset list down to the exact sound you are looking for. You can then sort your search by clicking on the desired column header (Name, Type, Instrument, etc). Clicking the active column a second time will reverse the order of the presets. To clear the search field, click the X to the right of the text dialog box or hit the ESC key on your keyboard (note that some hosts may capture shortcuts if not configured to pass them on to the plug-in, however).

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3.3 Changing Column Labels

You also have the ability to freely change what columns the Browser displays (except for the Name column which is always listed first). For example, by Right PC /Control MAC clicking on the Genre column label you have the possibility to change the Column Contents to another category:

You may also add a column of your choice with the Add New Column menu entry. And you can of course remove columns you no longer need. To help you manage your workspace, resizing columns is quick and convenient, simply click and drag the line separating the headers:
3.4 Info Box

As you select presets, you will notice that the Info Box to the right of the Browser will update with info on what that particular preset includes for effects. In the example pictured above, the Info Box shows that this preset consists of a Reverb, a BitCrusher, and a Filter Delay, and that the Shape fader adjusts a combination of Reverb Time, Delay Time, and Delay Regeneration. Lastly, in this case, the Blend fader controls how wet or dry the effect is.
3.5 The Fader Section

As mentioned earlier in this chapter, the Fader section to the right allows you to modify the presets shipping with EZmix and create your own variations. And as suggested in the description of the Info Box section, the various Faders control different aspects of the preset, as specified therein.

Shape - The Shape faders function in EZmix is variable depending on the preset selected. It can, at times, be controlling more than one parameter of the preset and act like an X-fader, producing at one end an effect where one parameter prevails, to another dominance at the other end.

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These changes take place behind the scenes, so to speak, and cant be manually adjusted. This greatly simplify your workflow and allows you to get great sounds into your mix quickly. As an example, lets look at what is happening with the Shape fader in the case of the Kick Basic 1. As you can see from the Info Box, this preset is made up of an EQ (actually, 2 different parametric EQs) and a Transient. We also see that the Shape fader controls the EQ section. But what is the Shape fader actually doing to the EQ? As you bring the fader up towards the 100 you will notice a gradual boost in the low end from about 150Hz and below. There are slight dips at about 900Hz and 440Hz, and there is also a significant cut at about 100Hz. All of these changes take place inside the EZmix effect engine and are controlled by using the single Shape fader. Pretty cool, huh? Remember that other presets use the Shape fader in similar ways, sometimes controlling more than one parameter at a time. The Shape fader may be controlling the EQ in one preset, but control the Reverb and Delay time in another.

Blend - The Blend fader functions similarly to the Shape fader, insomuch as it can control multiple parameters and may have a different function depending on the preset loaded. You may also notice that the fader cap is removed for some presets. This just means that the Blend fader has no function for that particular preset.
One of the Blend faders main functions is as a Wet/Dry balance control for Send type of effects. Send effects include reverb, chorus, delays, and echoes, amongst others. Send effects are best loaded on dedicated FX or Aux channels in your host application, and are usually set for 100% effect or wet signal. For those presets that use the Blend fader for Wet/Dry balance, bringing the fader up toward 100 will be 100% wet and 0 will be all original dry signal. That said, you can insert send type effects on specific channels and use the fader to control the balance between the effect and dry signal, if that is your prefered way of working. Other presets may implement other types of line, or even X-fader function, as noted in the Info Box. For example, in the Kick Metal 1 preset, the Blend fader controls the Compressor section of the preset in such a way that bringing the fader up towards 100 will increase the amount of compression.

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Level - The Level fader functions as the overall volume control for EZmix. It is useful in cases where you drive EZmix to extreme settings using the Shape and Blend faders and you want to rein in the output level.
Note that the Fader section in EZmix can be controlled by automation in your host application. See you hosts manual for detail on setup procedures. Control PC / Command MAC click a Fader to return it to its default position for the preset.
3.6 Managing Favorites

After using EZmix for a while you may find yourself using some of the same presets over and over. You will obviously want to keep these presets handy. This is the job of the Favorites list. In the Browser section, you will, no doubt, have noticed the + signs in the leftmost column, the one with a heart icon as a header. Click the + sign next to the preset names that you want add it to your Favorites list. Add a couple at this stage. Clicking above the Browser will bring up your Favorites:

You can remove presets from the list by clicking the - sign to the left, or by Right PC clicking /Control MAC clicking the preset name and selecting Delete Favorite.

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Presets among your Favorites can be sorted and searched the same way as in the Presets Browser, so you can use the Free Text Search field to locate a specific preset if you have a large number of Favorites. You can also add and remove columns, as well as alter column labels as described earlier in this manual. Another feature of the Favorites section is the ability to rename your custom presets. Right PC / Control MAC click on a Favorite and select Rename Favorite, and type in the new name. Hit ESC on your keyboard to leave the field without commiting the change. Note that you can also duplicate any of your Favorites by selecting Add as New Favorite. You can, in fact, create as many copies of your Favorite presets as youd like. These new copies will be delineated with a numeral as suffix (2, 3, 4, etc.) You can also make changes to a Favorite preset by altering the fader section and then saving your changes. Once a change has been made in the Fader section, the Save Changes to Favorite selection will be made available in the contextual menu brought up via Right PC / Control MAC click on the preset name. You can save over the existing Favorite preset or you can make a copy first by selecting Add as New Favorite. The latter option will create a new version with your changes applied while leaving the other Favorite intact. This is a handy way to A/B two Favorite presets with slight adjustments made to any of the faders. Keep in mind that the original preset will always remain unchanged in the Preset Browser so any changes made to a Favorite wont alter the original preset, even if the original name has been retained after transferring it to your list of Favorites. In other words, Favorites are more than just a list of factory presets short-listed for convenience, they are copies ready for you to tweak, if you wish to do so.
3.7 Getting Help

Getting help with your Toontrack product is always just one click away. By selecting one of the link featured under the Help ? menu in the top right corner of the plug-in interface, rest assured it wont be long before you are back on track, or to your track! In the unlikely event of a technical difficulty, you will find all the help you need in our Support Portal after following the Online Support link. In addition, the Toontrack community is a force to be reckoned with, and many seasoned mixing engineers visit our forum, so why not ask for opinions on your latest mix there?

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