Steinberg Nuendo 4 Digital Audio Software

Steinberg Nuendo 4 Digital Audio Software

Delivering a next-generation audio production environment for audio post, studio production and live recording, Nuendo 4 empowers audio professionals by elevating creativity and productivity to new heights. Technologically advanced yet extraordinarily intuitive and fully customizable, Nuendo 4 offers streamlined, precision tools that save time and boost creativity for audio professionals in today’s media, recording and film industries. Nuendo 4 provides scaleable, cross-platform systems that integrate easily and fully with premiere components by industry-leading plug-in and hardware manufacturers. Steinberg technologies provide unprecedented power, flexibility and speed, accelerating recording, mixing, editing and sound design workflows to an unprecedented level.

• State-of-the-art digital audio production environment
• Crystal-clear 32-bit audio engine with full surround throughout
• Faster, more efficient workflow with dedicated tools, options and features
• Complete set of next-generation VST3 surround effect plug-ins
• Utilizes best available audio and computer hardware and plug-ins
• Advanced new automation system for full control
• Powerful Control Room integrates into any monitoring setup
• Innovative Network Collaboration for multi-seat projects via LAN or WAN
• Full project exchange with other leading audio and video editing systems
• Cross platform for latest Windows and Macintosh operating systems

Freedom of Choice in Audio Hardware
Nuendo 4 not only leaves the choice of computer platform up to you, it also affords you the freedom to choose the audio hardware. This empowers you to put together a setup tailored to your needs and working method.

Nuendo runs with nearly every audio interface available on the market, regardless of whether it is connected via PCI/PCIe, USB, Firewire or PC bus cards on a laptop. What’s more, Nuendo detects every piece of ASIO-, Core Audio- and MME-compatible audio hardware without further ado, enabling it for immediate use. The audio ports built-in into notebook computers support normally support one of the aforementioned standards, which lets you work outside the familiar studio environment.

A huge range of professional audio vendors offer interfaces in every price range and with different I/O options. Whatever you wish to add to your rig - analog and digital connection options (AES, S/PDIF, ADAT, TDIF, MADI) as well as additional options such as microphone preamplifiers, DB25 connectors or separate inputs/outputs, MIDI and time code I/O – these accessories are available in a dizzying array of combinations. Steinberg developed the ASIO standard to accelerate input-to-output communication in peripheral audio devices to let you monitor live signals at very low latencies, irrespective of the of the given computer’s performance capacity.

Supported File Formats

Recording Formats
Nuendo 4 supports recordings in 16-, 24- and 32-bit float resolution and sampling rates up to 192 kHz. You have numerous recording formats available, from AIFF, WAV and BWAV to WAV64 for recordings which require a file size greater 2 GB due to their length or high number of channels (Surround). You can generate multi-channel recordings in all standard formats from stereo to 10.2 Surround in Interleaved or Split format. With selection of recording modes such as Normal, Merge, Replace, Keep Last und Stacked Lanes to choose from, you can optimize your workflow as you see fit. If Nuendo receives a time code signal, you can automatically ID the recorded data with time stamps. Nuendo plays files on different hard disks and even on different computers within a network simultaneously. Beyond that, you can define a separate destination for every track if the recording situation requires higher hard disk performance.

Supported audio import formats:

• AIFF
• AIFC
• WAV
• BWAV
• WAV64
• MPEG (MP2 and MP3)
• Ogg Vorbis
• WMA* (Pro)
• WMV* (Pro)
• REX
• SD2**

Nuendo imports and exports audio files with sampling rates up to 384 kHz and up to 32-bit floating point resolution. It handles multi-channel audio files in Split or Interleaved format; conversion into Mono Split Format is also an option. Audio CD grabbing is easy with Nuendo; you can even preview results and partially extract a CD track. Its capacity to import files extends to MIDI files as well as Cubase project files.
 
Supported video import formats:

• MPEG (1/2/4)
• AVI
• QuickTime
• WMV*
• WMV Pro*

Supported audio export formats:

• AIFF
• AIFC
• BWAV
• WAV
• WAV64
• MP3 Surround
• Real Audio G2
• WMA* (Pro)
• SD2**
• Ogg Vorbis

Export processes in Nuendo are carried out far faster than in real time, which considerably shortens the wait you may have encountered with other programs. Of course, you can slow audio export down to real time to monitor the process or accommodate external sound generators or effects that by nature of their design can only operate in real time.

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* PC only
** Mac only

Integrated Sound Management System
Nuendo 4 comes with a number of new features that form a breathtakingly powerful new system that manages all your sounds, presets and loops in one centralized database. Thanks to the excellent integration within the creative composition and production processes, the new features have the power to revolutionize your workflow. The heart of the new file management system is MediaBay, a high-performance media database with outstanding search and categorization features. The powerful MediaBay functionality makes FX audio such as, say, a gunshot or car door instantly available, regardless of the location of the library on your system. Track Presets can also save huge amounts of time – importing, say, a dialog track loads EQ and your favorite compressor with all settings. And these are just several of the ways that the new sound management features can radically speed up your workflow: once it’s a part of your production process, you’ll wonder how you managed without…

MediaBay
MediaBay is the central Media Management system of Nuendo 4, and sets new standards in convenient, easy handling of FX sounds und samples, plug-in and instrument presets, MIDI files, Track Presets, videos and even entire Nuendo project files. MediaBay is so much more than traditional file browsers because it binds all media resources on your system directly into your workflow and production processes.

MediaBay searches your hard drives automatically for media files and gives direct access through a clearly laid out file browser. User-definable search locations and a powerful filter section and category search functions make finding exactly the right sound easier than ever before, regardless of where the sound is located. The search results can be sorted by category, file type or any user-defined attribute. The desired sound is then simply pulled into the project using drag & drop drop or any of the predefined insert options. MediaBay even offers file organization capabilities such as cut, copy, paste, delete and rename, allowing you to manage and organize your media files directly within Nuendo.

The Scope section shows a preview of the selected file; MediaBay then allows you to instantly preview audio and MIDI files as well as Instrument presets – even in the context of the project if desired. With the Tag Editor you can give any media file either your own attributes or use the range of predefined labels. These form the basis for the powerful category search and filter functionality that quickly becomes indispensable.
Nuendo 4 also offers countless predefined Track Presets – stored ‘patches’ containing all track information – that reveal the depth of the MediaBay concept.

The Pool
The Pool serves not only as a list of all audio and video clips used by a project, but also offers many processing tools for audio files shown there, including file format conversion and effect rendering. And the Pool’s batch processing facility lets you quickly convert and process many files simultaneously. The entire Pool can also be archived and imported to another project – a boon for transferring projects to another Mac or PC.

You are free to define the folder structure as you see to tidy up even the most extensive projects.
Files are inserted automatically at the desired position via the context menu or freely definable key commands (cursor, Time code position or the time position of the original recording). Useful features as Convert, Conform, Batch Rename, Automatic Minimize and Remove Unused File/File Parts, alongside audio CD import and an archiving option, round out the wide range of functions found in the Nuendo pool.

Meta Data
Nuendo supports metadata in accordance with EBU specifications for BWF (Broadcast Wave) files. On demand, Nuendo will write these data into WAV, WAV64 and files AIFF. In addition, user-defined metadata may be added every audio file within a project, say to document the name of the artist, the role number or the number of takes. BMF metadata are displayed as soon as audio files are import and are also viewable in the pool. Unless you edit metadata when exporting files from Nuendo, the original metadata record is written into the files in order to assure metadata consistency, which is vital for many production processes.

Audio Editing
Range, Pointer, Stretch, Timewarp and many more editing tools may manipulated directly via mouse, keyboard or a connected hardware remote controller. All standard editing actions can be performed directly in the Project window without having to open additional windows.

And you have a powerful Sample editor at your disposal for special tasks such as adjusting the Sync point, real-time pitch-shifting and time-stretching (Audio Warp), and creating individual regions in a longer audio file. A score of audio effects is available for signal processing. All effects are nondestructive, meaning that they do not overwrite the original file.

Any other edit performed in Nuendo Feel may be undone at any time; what’s more, your undo options are unlimited. The Edit History lists every edit, allowing you to reverse every single step or an entire processing sequence. So edit with confidence, safe in the knowledge that you can restore the original data at will.

An Offline Process History oder Task List logs whatever processes you choose to execute, enabling you to remove and modify any effect you have processed audio data – you can even swap one effect for another.

When you’re working with videos, Edit mode in Nuendo ensures that the video image automatically follows all your actions such as moving, trimming, fading and scrubbing. This indivisible audio-to-video bond even holds fast for a unique Nuendo function called "Warp to Picture". This "Elastic Audio" feature lets you stretch an audio sequence within any desired region of an audio file in real time without having to first cut it. The function even lets you manipulate the timeline so that the playback speed changes nonlinearly. And that makes adapting audio to video with pinpoint accuracy a piece of cake.

All fade-ins, fade-outs and cross-fades are nondestructive and computed in real time. An Auto Fade function featuring user-definable fade time facilitates automatic generation of smooth changeovers. You can opt to edit the Fade curve graphically directly in the Project window or - for even more complex tasks - in a separate (Cross) Fade editor.

Freely definable key commands and macros are on board to speed up the working pace. You can program these to execute recurring tasks such as such as pitch-shifting and inversion (and even a combination of the two) at a single keystroke.

Jog and Shuttle are available to help you swiftly locate positions in the song. An additional Scrub tool with adjustable volume and response time lets you scrub individual tracks. You may also assign different jog and shuttle speeds to selected key commands.

Transfer Formats
Nuendo 4 supports all standard formats for transferring projects commonly used today in professional video editing applications and digital audio workstations. AAF, OMF, OpenTL and AES-31 are among these formats.
 
Providing loads of options for enhancing export and import workflows, Nuendo features a handy Preview function for all tracks. It lets you do things like import and export tracks selectively, merely reference media data, and consolidate events.

The Track Export is a fast option for exporting selected tracks and the corresponding media files. Media files may be embedded directly into the track archive or they can remain at their point of origin (in the latter case, the export file contains only references to these files).

Nuendo also offers rather nifty network features facilitating direct, real-time transfer of contents among networked Nuendo projects. A sophisticated access rights management system allows multiple users to work jointly on the same project. Each project is automatically updated to the latest status - even via Internet.

The Nuendo Mixer
The Nuendo Mixer is endowed with a multi-channel audio signal path from front to end. Any mono, stereo or multi-channel signal ranging up to 10.2 may be recorded, edited and mixed. And that goes for every link in the signal chain from the inputs to the outputs, including effect busses and groups.

The main Mixer view encompasses all crucial channel settings, such as Arm for Recording, Mute, Solo, AFL/PFL, Panning and the Channel Fader. You can show additional sections offering parameters such as Input/Output, Gain, Phase Inversion, Inserts, EQs, Sends, Studio Sends, Surround Panning and Metering whenever required.

Channel strips are categorized in different classes on the software console for maximum flexibility. You have Audio, Group, FX Return, MIDI and VSTi channels at your disposal. You can also view all input and output busses if you wish.

Feel free to hide any channel types and sections that you don’t need. This lets you tailor the Nuendo Mixer to suit the task at hand. Mixing console settings can be saved and loaded for individual channels as well as for the entire mixer.

With Nuendo 4, signals can be routed freely throughout the mixer, including configurations such as routing groups to any other group or FX return, or rerouting back to an audio track. This also allows lightning fast setup for stem recording, often a mainstay in audio post or studio productions.

The entire signal path is covered by automatic latency compensation. Every delay caused by a plug-in calculation or a special routing scheme is fully compensated. The timing of audio and MIDI tracks remains perfectly true, regardless of the latency of plug-ins inserted in the signal chain.

To help you tweak levels to perfection, every channel type offers generously sized level meters. They adapt automatically to the given channel width so that they are able to provide an excellent visual reference for Surround signals. A configurable Metering Fallback display, Pre/Post Fader Metering, Peak Hold and user-definable colors for all sections of the dB scale round out the range of metering functions.

Nuendo 4 also offers a powerful Control Room embedded within the mixer. Featuring four Studio Sends, independent switchable monitor setups, 6 external inputs, dedicated heaphone bus, talkback with automatic dimming and much more.

Automation
A first-class automation system is indispensable when mixing massive audio projects with hundreds of tracks. Nuendo 4 offers a state-of-the-art automation system with many powerful and intuitive tools that give fast and full control over every aspect of your project. The heart of the new system is the new floating automation panel, giving direct access to all automation functions at a glance. As with the Nuendo 4 menus, areas not required can be hidden.

Virgin Territories
This feature sees its introduction into the world of software production workstations with Nuendo 4. Automation data is normally filled out from the beginning of a track using the first setting, and to the end of the track using the last recorded data. With the Virgin Territories option activated, automation data is only there where it has actually been recorded. This allows full manual control over all parameters where no automation data has been recorded.

Automation Modes
Nuendo 4 offers three different Punch Out modes, individually selectable for each track.

• Touch
  Automation data is only written as long as the fader is touched.
• Auto Latch
  Writes automation data until playback is stopped or Write is disabled.
• Crossover
  Allows the manual crossover to the original value for smooth transitions between new and existing automation data. Data recording is deactivated when an already existing automation curve is crossed.

Trim Tools
Allows fast trimming of existing volume or send level curves, with a variety of options while the project is stopped or playing back.

Fill Modes
The new Fill modes make automating large sections of project tracks extremely fast, speeding up automation workflow.

• Fill To End
  Imagine you want to automate the volume for a background track at a particular level for a whole two minute scene. Instead of manually setting automation points or holding the fader for two minutes, Fill To End takes the last parameter and fills the track to the end of the project with that setting.
• Fill To Punch
  If you have a scene change with for example a drastic volume reduction for a track but are not sure just how the new setting will be, select the Fill To Punch option, and start rolling from somewhere in the first scene. At the scene change, start moving the fader (Punch In) and takle your time in setting the correct level. Once you’ve found it, let the fader go. Nuendo 4 will now overwrite all automation data written after the punch in, replacing it with the correct level.

Nuendo 4 also offers other flexible Fill Modes such as To Start (automation is written to the beginning of the project) or Loop (fills the area within the locators). Fill Modes can, of course, be combined for even more flexibility when automating data.

Preview Mode
Preview quickly finds the right settings without actually recording data. Preview Mode is a boon particularly in complex projects, and allows fast, intuitive automation setup for multiple parameters at once.
An example post production scenario: an actor walks from the entrance hall of a hotel to an external location. While some parameters will remain the same, many will change almost instantly as the action moves to the new environment. With Preview Mode, finding the right settings for the new location becomes very easy as you search for the right settings without overwriting existing automation, and setting up a variety of parameters one after the other which can then all be simultaneously automated. The Suspend option gives an immediate comparison between the new settings and the old data still on the automation track.

Touch Collect Assistant
The optional Touch Collect Assistant is a unique new automation tool. When activated, this feature groups together certain parameters, so that when data is written for one parameter in a group, automation data is also written for related ones. Touch Collect Assistant is one of the many Nuendo 4 automation features that supports professionals during complex automation tasks in large projects.

Punch Logs
This new feature can speed up automation tasks by saving and recalling automation actions while in Preview Mode. Punch Logs can be renamed using intuitive user-defined labels for easier recall, so finding exactly the right sets become even easier.

Suspend Options
Excluding parameters from automation can be just as important as selecting which ones to automate. Nuendo 4 automation system offers flexible Suspend options to give back manual control of certain operations while automating, further supporting automation of complex projects.

Suspend Write
Excluding a parameter when writing data is as simple as selecting this option for the desired setting. When writing EQ data for a single track, for example, activating solo to focus on that track would normally record that action; activating Suspend Write for solo excludes that parameter from being inadvertently automated.

Suspend Read
Excluding a parameter when writing data is as simple as selecting this option for the desired setting. When writing EQ data for a single track, for example, activating mute on other tracks to focus on the original track would normally record that action; activating Suspend Write for mute excludes that parameter from being inadvertently automated.

Remote Controlling Nuendo
Nuendo provides direct support for over a dozen controllers offered by various distinguished manufacturers, offering a rich selection of options for mixing, editing and controlling transport functions via outboard gear.

Euphonix MC and System 5-MC
Euphonix’s two hardware controllers are among the most advanced available today for Nuendo. Developed in a joint effort by Steinberg and Euphonix, the optionally available EuCon adapter enables Nuendo to communicate directly with MC and System 5-MC (System 5 and Fusion via the Hybrid option). While Euphonix MC offers a fully integrated edit controller, System 5-MC is a fully-fledged mix controller – if you use a System 5 console, you will immediately feel right at home with 5-MC. Revolutionary workflow enhancers for recording, editing and mixing, both controllers give you powerful tools for tactile command in Nuendo.

WK Audio ID Controller
ID from WK Audio is a remote controller developed exclusively for Nuendo. WK Audio engineers cooperated closely with Steinberg’s developer team to develop ID and ID Edit. The result is an outstanding level of integration with Nuendo 4.

Remote Control SDK
Steinberg’s Remote Control SDK (Software Development Kit) is a fresh new technology that Steinberg shares with selected manufacturers of remote controllers. With the aid of this technology, vendors can fine-tune and perfect their products’ interfaces to Nuendo. Hardware controllers that have been tweaked for Nuendo are currently available from   SmartAV and   Novation. Other manufacturers have further adaptations in the works.

Generic Remote
The versatile Generic Remote function lets you set up any MIDI controller or mixing console endowed with MIDI functionality as an individual control device for Nuendo - even if Steinberg does not offer specific support for the device.

Effect Plug-ins
Nuendo 4 contains more than 60 effect plug-ins including 38 new VST3 plug-ins.
VST3 plug-ins offer new VST3 functions such as side chaining or the ability to stop the plug-in processing when no audio signal is present. VST3 plug-ins are also fully surround-compatible, with a single instance providing processing on up to 12 channels. The new effect plug-ins in Nuendo 4 provide Steinberg’s most complete plug-in set ever. They come with more than 800 great-sounding presets, which allow you to experience the excellent quality of these effects from the first moment on.

In addition to the new VST 3 plug-ins, a selection of VST 2 plug-ins are also installed with Nuendo 4, running in the Nuendo 4 environment side-by-side with the new VST3 plug-ins:
 
SMPTE Generator · MultiScope · Mix6to2 · Mix8to2 · MixConvert · SPL DeEsser · DeClicker · DeNoiser · MatrixDecoder · MatrixEncoder · SurroundDither · MixerDelay · TestGenerator · SurroundPan · Metalizer · RingModulator · Chopper · Bitcrusher · Grungelizer · Tonic · Q · NuendoEQ2 · MIDI Gate · DaTube · StepFilter · Tranceformer · VSTDynamics

3rd Party Plug-ins
Beyond that, many reputable manufacturers offer native VST effects that plug into Nuendo. In addition, Nuendo supports professional DSP platforms such as PowerCore and UAD-1. Many distinguished pro audio companies offer plug-ins that integrate smoothly and seamlessly into Nuendo, among them Waves, Universal Audio, Sonnox and TC Electronics.
 
The VST Plug-in Bridge offers maximum compatibility with plug-ins from other manufacturers. Native 32-bit Windows plug-ins can be seamlessly integrated into Nuendo running natively on Vista 64, while Mac PPC versions run on Intel-based Macs even if no Universal Binary update for that plug-in is available.
 
Nuendo compensates for delays throughout the signal path to ensure accurate synchronization and timing regardless of any employed plug-ins’ latency.

Dummy Plug-in
When a project is ported to Nuendo from another system for further processing, a dummy plug-in automatically replaces any plug-ins that Nuendo lacks. If the project is opened again on the source system, the plug-ins are automatically uploaded again.

Integrating External Hardware
External effect processors and MIDI sound generators may be integrated directly into Nuendo and used as plug-ins. All you have to do is set up the external devices once by selecting the physical I/0s and assigning names. Then the external devices will appear in all plug-in and VST instrument selection menus and you may use the immediately. Best of all, Nuendo features automatic latency compensation to make up for the delay produced by the hardware’s AD/DA converters.

This lets you switch external devices’ presets remotely from Nuendo, and even edit individual parameters on the devices via freely definable graphic controls within Nuendo. Preprogrammed panels are available for many devices and can be imported directly. What’s more, you can create individual control panels using an editor offering an extensive tool set. These panels may even be integrated directly into the Track Inspector and the mixer channel strip, thereby granting you direct access to frequently used parameters.

Yamaha Studio Connections
Nuendo also supports Yamaha’s Studio Connections standard. Studio Connections is an innovative technology that links Steinberg's software with mixers, instruments and effects offered by Yamaha and third-party vendors. Serving to integrate and handle external devices, it features Total Recall: When you open a Nuendo project, the entire studio’s settings are restored.

Optimizing Workflows
Nuendo is a phenomenally powerful production environment offering handy tools for every conceivable task. Frankly, though, most users will require just some of the scores functions and tools, depending on working method and project. This is why you can hide any options that you don’t need, in all menus. The same goes for buttons and displays in the Transport panel, tracks, tool bar and other elements appearing on your screen.

User-defined color-coding for parts events, tracks and even mixer channels enhances clarity in even the most complex projects.

Shortcuts and Macros
Keyboard shortcuts are available for nearly all functions in Nuendo. You can assign these key commands freely and export the entire set if you wish to use your personalized key commands on other Nuendo systems. What’s more, you can create several alternative key command sets and switch from one to the other at the touch of a key while you’re working. This lets you do things like use the keys in the numeric keypad as marker shortcuts or for shuttle functions.

User Presets
Users presets feature prominently in Nuendo; you’ll find them in every vital area of the application where they serve to define plug-in settings, general presets, physical audio hardware connections, and much more. Presets are stored in a special folder and are readily copied to another system so you can take your personalized settings with you wherever you go. With the Nuendo 4 Track Presets system, you can create time-saving templates for often-used track configurations, including on audio, MIDI and instrument tracks.

Track Quick Controls
Each audio, MIDI and instrument track in Nuendo 4 now features a further time-saving new feature in the form of eight Track Quick Controls. Each can be setup individually to address almost any available parameter, and offers direct access in the track inspector. The MIDI Learn function makes linking up any Track Quick Control to a remote controller fast and easy.

Video
Nuendo is extremely well-equipped for audio work to picture, with a huge range of first-class tools for mixing, editing and synching audio to picture.

Video Integration
Nuendo features Sony 9-Pin master control of external video playback devices, and syncs to the incoming time code sent from these devices. Alternatively, you can take advantage of operating system technologies in Nuendo to play video files directly. In Windows, video files are rendered via DirectShow, DirectX Video or Quicktime. In OS Mac X Quicktime is always the video player. Nuendo accesses the codecs installed in the operating system directly and therefore supports many video formats. You can import and play MPEG (1/2/4), AVI, QuickTime, WMV and WMV Pro files.

To view videos in Nuendo, you can open several video tracks that show the pictures as thumbnails. Beyond that, a separate Video window is available for viewing purposes; its size may be scaled freely (up to the Maximize option that uses the entire screen). You can readily extract audio from a video file as well as replace the embedded audio track.

Picture Display
With the benefit of a DeckLink video card by Blackmagic Design, the Nuendo video signal may be sent in any desired format to an external TV monitor (from analog to SDI and from SD to HD). Nuendo immediately detects an installed DeckLink card and routes the video signal directly to the video card. You may also opt for a Multihead graphics card that renders TV signals to view the video image on a separate screen or TV monitor in Maximize mode. If you use an Apple computer, you can patch the video signal via the Firewire link to an external D/A video converter that relays the signal to a TV monitor.

Playback Speed
The timesaving audio Pull Up/Down function lets you adjust audio playback speed by 4% and 0.1 % (as well as combinations thereof). It is a big help when a Telecine process or NTSC-to-PAL/SECAM conversion has been carried out and when on-location audio material for film and TV productions must be adapted to the new video speed. You can also accelerate and slow down video playback speed in Nuendo by 0.1 %. This lets you adjust video files that have run through an NTSC Telecine process to match the speed of the original audio recordings.

Timelines and Time Displays
Nuendo offers timelines and displays in all standard formats such as time code, feet+frames, seconds, samples and bars/measures. Alongside referencing the standard ruler in the Project window, you may also insert further timeline tracks anywhere in the project to keep on eye on different time formats.
When working with multimedia projects that use special frame rates, Nuendo offers you the option of defining the desired frame rate and having it displayed in the timeline.

The Nuendo Transport bar features two time displays in definable formats; they let you distinguish the given time position within the song at a glance. You are free to open any number of additional time displays whenever you wish.

Synchronization and Machine Control
Nuendo supports three types of synchronization signals for audio material - time code, MIDI clock and word clock. With these options, you can synchronize Nuendo with a multitude of different external devices, such as tape decks, video recorders and drum computers. Whatever synchronization option you elect to use, Nuendo can serve as master as well as slave.

Timecode
Nuendo receives and sends MIDI time code (MTC) signals from and to any MIDI port on the computer. LTC time code may also be routed to any output of your audio hardware by means of the SMPTE Generator plug-in. And with the help of MTC/LTC/VITC converters, you can slave Nuendo to incoming LTC/VITC time code. Nuendo supports all standard frame such as 24, 25 or 30 fps, as well as Drop Frame rates and HDTV frame rates (23.9, 24.9, 59.9 and 60 fps).
 
MIDI Clock
Nuendo also accepts MIDI clock signals. This lets you lock it in step with external drum machines and hardware sequencers, ensuring stable synchronization with devices at the same BPM speed.
 
Sony 9-Pin
Nuendo can also act as the master for two Sony 9-Pin compatible devices that are connected to a serial interface on the computer. A separate transport bar is provided for every 9-Pin slave; it lets handle the transport functions of and arm up to 48 tracks. An Auto Edit option called Audio Layback serves to return the audio material of a video the correct positions on the audio tracks of the video device after it has been processed in Nuendo. Nuendo may be configured as 9-Pin slave and receive triggering signals from an external 9-Pin controller. This requires an external 9-Pin-to-MMC converter of the type offered by third-party vendors such as CB-Electronics.
 
MMC (MIDI Machine Control)
You can also control external hardware that supports MMC (MIDI Machine Control) via Nuendo. It offers a host of transport functions and the capacity to arm up to 64 tracks. Vice versa, Nuendo may of course be controlled from external devices using the MMC protocol.

VST System Link
VST System Link technology synchronizes several Nuendo systems with near sample-by-sample precision via a digital audio connection. Transport commands are sent along with the synchronization data down the digital audio pipeline so that every Nuendo system may serve as the transport master.

Network Integration
Nuendo 4 offers a next-generation set of networking functions that have the power to revolutionize collaborative realisation of projects in multi-user scenarios.

Every audio, video and MIDI file used in a project, as well as the actual project file, may be reside locally or in any folder within an existing network. Nuendo supports all of the operating system’s network functions. This means that every disk drive detected by your operating system is indicated in Nuendo and may be used for recording and playback purposes.

Network Collaboration
Nuendo offers peerless Network Collaboration features for working on projects jointly in a local network or even via Internet. Access rights can be granted for every project to any number of users in a LAN or WAN. This means several people can work on a project at the same, synchronizing their actions and exchanging ideas. Every added track and every edit is immediately indicated to every participant in the project. You can opt to load updates from other users automatically or manually to your project.

An extensive role assignment and access rights management system affords the project’s “owner” maximum security. Every user may be granted individual write and read rights providing global access to the entire project or limited access to select tracks.

Other Network Collaboration commands let you do things like merge active networked projects and load selected tracks from any network project into the local project. An integrated chat function lets you establish a spirited dialog with your co-contributors to expedite decision-making and the communication flow, especially when participants are working at remote locations.

Control Room
Embedded in the Nuendo 4 mixer is the next-generation Control Room section, which offers many of the advantages of ahardware mixing console within the Nuendo mixer.

Control Room and Headphone Bus
Nuendo 4 includes dedicated output busses for control room and headphone monitoring. Control room settings do not influence the main mix output.

Four Separate Monitor Setups
Directly integrating Nuendo into hardware monitoring environments, the four freely configurable setups let you quickly toggle among different auditioning systems. Options include fold-back as well as useful solo functions such as Solo to Center and Back to Front for Surround environments.

• Inputs for External Sources
  You can quickly select up to six playback inputs for external signal sources such as DAT, CD and tape decks, and route them to any desired studio, headphones or control room bus.
• Four Studio Busses
  You are free to create individual sub-mixes for up to four separate studios. Every audio, group or effect channel in the Nuendo Mixer offers new studio sends with dedicated volume and panorama controls as well as a Pre Fader/Post Fader switch.
• Talkback Function
  The talkback circuit lets you communicate directly with speakers or artists in each of the connected studios. Automatic dimming prevents feedback. You also have a switch available for manual dimming – simply press it to instantly reduce the control room level.
• Separate Click Bus
  A dedicated click bus lets you patch the metronome signal to any studio, headphone or control room bus, whereby volume and panorama may be adjusted individually.

Key Command for Main Mix to Studio Bus
A simple key command is all it takes to route the main mix to each studio. Once this is accomplished, you will find it easy accommodate the speaker/artist’s wishes and adjust the mix accordingly.

MIDI Functions
Nuendo 4 includes a comprehensive toolset of MIDI functions for controlling synthesizers, samplers and FX hardware or synching to MIDI-based protocols.

Both the Project window and Mixer show MIDI tracks and channels alongside the audio tracks/channels. What’s more you can manipulate all MIDI data with tools much like those serving to edit audio material.
When you’re tasked to process with MIDI data, you’re sure to enjoy the powerful editors - Key and List editors are on board. If you wish, you may use integrated MIDI effect plug-ins while playing to manipulate MIDI parameters in real time. The Inplace editor lets you process MIDI data directly in the Project window in context with other tracks.

External MIDI devices are easily integrated: Nuendo lets you create multiple MIDI ports for sending and receiving regular MIDI data and transferring MTC (MIDI time code) and MMC (MIDI Machine Control).

With the MIDI Device Manager, you can control external MIDI sound generators directly from Nuendo. Alongside standard functions such as preset selection and global parameter control, the MIDI Device Manager offers potent tools for creating custom MIDI Device Maps/Panels. These comprise freely definable graphical controls that let you very handily control external MIDI devices.

Surround Sound in Nuendo
The entire signal path in Nuendo is laid out for multi-channel sound. Every input bus, audio channel, return effect, group channel and output bus can contain up to 12 speaker channels. And with that, Nuendo is equipped to handle all standard Surround format prevailing today, such as LCRS, 5.1/6.1/7.1 and even 10.2.
 
Rather than being limited to mono or stereo signals, the AUX sends in the Nuendo Mixer adapt to suit the format of the audio channel. Case in point: If you select Surround 5.1 for the audio channel, the corresponding AUX send will also adopt this format. Of course, all the real-time conversion tools are available at the AUX send and many other places in the signal path so that you can readily resolve format discrepancies within the Nuendo Mixer.
 
All you have to do to set up Nuendo for recording in Surround is define an input bus that has the same format as the incoming Surround signal. You are free determine if the recorded multi-channel file is generated in Split or Interleaved format and process and edit it later as a single file.
 
Of course, the Nuendo Mixer is able to distinguish multi-channel audio from stereo or mono signals and lets you reconfigure all important connecting points in the mixer. Even if the multi-channel configuration varies within a project, track or effect, you can still edit it quickly using numerous tools such as Panners, Down-Mixers and Mix Converters.
 
Once a project is completed, the integrated Matrix Encoder and Decoder ensure full compatibility with the LCRS format.

What's new in version 4?

New Automation System
The completely redesigned Automation System in Nuendo 4 was engineered with the demands of today’s mixing engineers in mind. The new dynamic automation is a perfect fusion of functionalities found in traditional mixing consoles and the innovative possibilities of a modern, feature rich and flexible DAW like Nuendo 4. The large, fully customizable automation panel provides access to all automation functionality and settings.

• Individual punch out modes per channel
• Optional Virgin Territories
• Fill commands for writing automation to end, start, punch or loop
• Multi-functional Preview Mode helps find the right parameters, changes multiple settings at once and
• much more
• Automation Suspend for read and write excludes parameters
  Unique Touch Collect Assistant

These new Features and much more puts Nuendo on par with world-class automation systems. Additional unique features such as the Touch Collect Assistant and a stack of Punch Logs turn mixing with Nuendo into a comfortable and creative process. Reflecting the scalability inherent to Nuendo systems, the new Automation System offers outstanding automation tools.

MediaBay Database Environment
To keep up with the ever-growing number of sounds files included in sound effects libraries, sample databases, loop collections and preset libraries, Nuendo 4 is equipped with a powerful media file management system known as MediaBay. MediaBay offers full control over sample and FX libraries from within Nuendo, with lightning-fast browsing, searching and retrieving of media files, including audio and MIDI files, video data, project files as well as instrument and plug-in presets. The files can be organized in a folder structure and at the same time be outfitted with a variety of predefined or user definable attributes. Using any one or the combination of these two file management mechanisms will provide instant results for any search. The powerful search tools support even most complex tasks such as simultaneous searching in various attributes or extremely fast filtering of results. The latter is achieved by a very user-friendly category search system which includes an intuitive list of graphical filter elements. This way hundreds or even thousands of search results can be downsized with very few mouse clicks. MediaBay naturally includes a tag editor to apply existing attributes or create totally new ones and a Scope section features previewing options of selected material.

New Post Pro Editing Features
To speed up the editing workflow, Nuendo 4 features a total of twenty new editing commands and tool modifiers. Included are often used standards like “Cut Head” “Cut Tail”, daily helpers such as “Enlarge/Move Range to previous/next Event” and a long list of key modifiers which support aligning of events with other events or the cursor.

The new editing commands and shortcuts mean extremely fast and easy positioning events to end at the play head position, stack events vertically or lay them down as a string of events across multiple tracks with Nuendo 4.

38 all-New VST 3 Audio Effect Plug-ins
Nuendo 4 includes 38 all-new surround-capable VST3 audio plug-ins that deliver a powerful set of next-generation processing tools of the very highest quality. Reworked and updated versions of plug-ins from previous Nuendo versions push the total number of plug-ins to over 60 right out of the box, often obviating the need for additional plug-ins.

Among the new plug-ins is a first-class 4-band parametric equalizer that is featured as standard on every audio channel. Specifically designed for post production, the new Post Filter is ideal for quickly finding and removing unwanted noise with standard low/high cut, an extremely narrow banded notch filter as well as a useful Preview facility.

Nuendo 4 also includes new VST3 dynamic tools including three compressors, an Expander and a Limiter, which, like all VST3 plug-ins, can be inserted on surround tracks and automatically adapt to provide full surround processing. A series of great sound design plug-ins allow creative shaping and crafting of sounds.

Advanced Routing and Recording from Summing Objects
Nuendo 4 introduces completely reengineered routing capabilities throughout the entire VST Mixer that allow unrestricted and free routing between group channels regardless of their order, and support sending signals from groups to FX returns and from FX returns into group channels. In addition, audio tracks can not only send signals into groups and FX returns by using the pre fader sends but now also patch signals post fader from the output tab to group channels and FX returns. Another major new feature is the ability to re-route signals of all summing objects such as buses, FX returns and groups directly into audio tracks, allowing instant re-recording of signals from summing objects onto audio tracks in real-time. To prevent feedback loops that can damage equipment and hearing, Nuendo 4 automatically detects which routing combinations would cause a feedback loop, and disables those combinations.

Side Chaining and Drag & Drop for FX plug-ins
The new side chaining ability of selected new VST 3 plug-ins included in Nuendo opens up new creative possibilities for Nuendo users. Signals received from the channel sends or track outputs and can be routed to any side chain-enabled plug-in and control predefined parameters in the plug-ins or used as a modulation source. This allows fast and easy setup for ducking effects, frequency-specific dynamic processing or controlling a modulation effect with another signal. Nuendo 4 insert FX plug-ins can be copied or swapped using drag & drop both as inserts on individual tracks and between tracks for fast, smooth effect handling.

Track Quick Controls
A new section has been added to the Track Inspector: Track Quick Controls. This set of eight user-definable real-time controllers can be assigned to any parameter available on the current track. Track Quick Controls are available for Audio, MIDI and Instrument Tracks. These parameters include any mixer parameter for audio and instrument tracks, insert plug-in parameters, VSTi parameters and MIDI controllers for MIDI and instrument tracks. Track Quick Controls are assigned individually for track and saved with the project, as well as in the new track presets. MIDI Learn functionality makes setting up Track Quick Controls with a remote controller extremely easy. Once assigned, remote control knobs or fader functions will follow the track selection.

Track Presets
A further convenient and powerful new feature in Nuendo 4 is the ability to work with Track Presets – especially when they’re combined with the new MediaBay. Track Presets are snapshots of entire track/channel strips. They are available for Audio, MIDI and Instrument Tracks and can be categorized and managed using the MediaBay search engine and attributes such as Category, Style, Character etc. Audio Track Presets contain EQ and insert effect information, while MIDI Track Presets save the MIDI port, channel and patch data, as well as additional MIDI track parameters like MIDI plug-ins. Instrument Track Presets include a combination of all of the above, as well as selected instrument/preset information.
Track Presets open a whole new dimension in sound and track management. Besides being used as templates for new tracks, Track Presets can also be used to extract EQ or FX settings and paste these into other tracks. Track Presets are also available in the Nuendo MediaBay. Multiple Tracks can even be saved into a single (Multi-)Track-Template, allowing swift access to complex track setups for multiple tracks.

New state-of-the-art Channel EQ
The new Channel EQ in Nuendo 4 is one of the key new plug-ins in Nuendo 4. One of the best-sounding ‘onboard’ EQs available today, the Nuendo 4 Channel EQ provides unparalleled sonic detail and flexibility when compared to “standard” channel EQs in other DAWs. The new Channel EQ now provides up to 7 different characteristics per band and features an inverse switch for quick flipping between amplification and gain reduction. The Q factors of the new shelving modes now act as adjustable slopes of the shelf, allowing creation of resonant peaks for more punch and advanced frequency differentiation. This new EQ – also available in the new StudioEQ plug-in – offers great tools to add character and depth to any sound and represent a major advancement in sound quality and usability for Nuendo.

Ready for Intel-based Macintosh computers, Windows Vista 64
Not only does Steinberg continue to deliver a cross platform product in a single Nuendo package but Nuendo 4 is also ready to run on the latest operating systems by both Microsoft and Apple. While Windows XP and the Apple PPC platform continue to be supported, Nuendo 4 also runs on latest Intel-based Macintosh computers and on Windows Vista. The latter, of course, not only in 32 Bit mode, but also as a real 64 Bit compilation allowing the user to scale projects to an unknown maximum and address up to 128 GB of RAM in a single computer. If plug-ins need to be used which are not available for these new platforms, the included VST Plug-In Bridge for Intel-based Macintosh and Vista 64 will start them in a separate process, thus allowing these plug-ins to run side by side with the native ones.

Redesigned Sample Editor
The Nuendo 4 sample editor now features a new inspector-style section to the left. Features that were spread across many different parts of the program are now in one place. This includes tools for audio tempo definition, quantization, audio warp and Hitpoint-related functions.

Logical Project Editor
A new powerful logical editor opens up countless new possibilities for task automation and project-wide “power-editing”. The Logical Project Editor allows manipulation of tracks and parts/events, including folder tracks with actions such as deleting everything beyond the cursor, un-muting all muted parts, renaming tracks/events or even deleting automation of a specific type. And this can selectively be done to any, all or multiple selected parts/tracks in one single step. But the Logical Project Editor comes with a large selection of Logical Editor Presets, which are available directly from the Edit menu. In addition, users can create their own presets, which are automatically added to the Preset menu. All Logical Editor Project Presets are also available as targets for user definable key commands, making it an extremely powerful tool that can significantly speed up production and editing

Instrument Tracks
Instrument Tracks combine MIDI Input and Audio Output into one single track and mixer channel, and are thus a huge time-saver for using virtual instruments in Nuendo 4. Setting up a track for a VSTi is now only two clicks away. Instrument Tracks are fully integrated with Nuendo’s new SoundFrame Universal Sound Manager, use only a single channel in the VTS mixer and have the additional benefit of showing MIDI and plug-in automation in the same location.

MPEX 3 – High-quality audio time-stretching and pitch-shifting
MPEX3 is the latest and highest-quality MPEX time-stretching and pitch-shifting algorithm available. It offers improved overall sound quality, support for more sampling rates, better performance, and seven different modes to choose from. MPEX3 sounds fantastic and the new modes are optimized for specific audio material, which improves sound quality even further.

New Nuendo EuCon Adapter (Optional)
The optionally available Nuendo EuCon adapter, which provides integration with Euphonix hardware controllers and mixers, has been updated to map the new functions of Nuendo 4 directly onto the hardware surfaces of MC, System 5 MC, System 5 Hybrid and S5 Fusion. The all-new automation system of Nuendo is fully controllable from the hardware. The new routing capabilities of Nuendo 4, including side chaining of the plug-ins and the new recording from busses option, can also be easily controlled. And lastly, the new version of the EuCon adapter further enhances the MIDI implementation by providing access to MIDI routing and the new Instrument channels.

Additional New Features
Nuendo 4 also includes a range of additional new features that can make all the difference:

• VST Plug-in Bridge
• Updated WK-Audio ID Support
• Use Mouse Wheel for Event Volume and Fades
• Fade Handles always-on-top option
• Advanced QuickTime 7 Support
• Separate Goto Timecode command window
• Apple Remote support
• Direct X ASIO 64 Bit
• MP3 Surround
• New Trim Tool
• Load Projects inactive
• Arranger Track: new performance funtions
• Global Track Transpose
• New File Type: MIDI Loop

Important Product Improvements
In direct consultation with users and industry partners, Steinberg has implemented a range of enhancements to existing Nuendo functionality to offer more streamlined and powerful tools in a range of tasks and processes.

• Improvement for Output Configuration of VSTi’s
• Improved Channel Strip
• Improved Waveform Resolution
• Improved Audio Warp Real-time Transpose
• Track Control Context Functions Improvements
• Improvements on the Track Inspector
• Improved Audio & MIDI Hardware Setup
• Track Sheet Printing Improvements
• Time Displays Windows Improvements
• Improved Remote Controller Support
• Improved XML scripts for EuCon mapping of VST plug-in parameters
• ADM (ASIO Direct Monitoring) Improvements

System Requirements (Mac)

• Mac OS X v10.4
• Power Mac G4 1 GHz or Core Solo 1.5 GHz
• 1 GB RAM
• DVD drive required for installation
• CoreAudio compatible audio hardware is required
• USB port required for Steinberg Key (copy protection device)
• Internet connection required for license activation

System Requirements (Windows)

• Windows Vista, Windows XP Home and Professional with SP 2
• Intel / AMD Prozessor 2 GHz minimum
• 1 GB RAM
• DVD drive required for installation
• Windows DirectX compatible audio hardware; ASIO compatible audio hardware recommended for low latency performance
• USB port required for Steinberg Key (copy protection device)
• Internet connection required for license activation