How to use Waves VOCAL RIDER in CUBASE

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through using Waves VOCAL RIDER in Cubase, a powerful tool for automatic vocal level adjustment. Whether you’re mixing music or podcasts, VOCAL RIDER helps to ensure that your vocals sit perfectly in the mix without the need for extensive manual automation.

Step 1: Install Waves VOCAL RIDER

1. Purchase and download Waves VOCAL RIDER from the Waves website.
2. Install the plugin by following the on-screen instructions.
3. Open Cubase and ensure that the plugin is recognized:
   • Go to Devices > Plug-in Information.
   • Check the list of installed plugins to confirm VOCAL RIDER is present.

Step 2: Add VOCAL RIDER to Your Track

1. Open your project in Cubase.
2. Select the vocal track you want to process.
3. In the track’s channel strip, locate the Inserts section.
4. Click on an empty insert slot and choose Waves > Vocal Rider from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Configure VOCAL RIDER Settings

1. Set Input Level:

   • Adjust the Target level slider to set the desired vocal level.
   • Ensure the input signal is strong enough for effective processing.

2. Adjust Sensitivity:

   • Use the Sensitivity control to determine how responsive VOCAL RIDER should be to changes in vocal level.
   • A higher sensitivity will react more to lower-level vocals.

3. Fine-Tune the Ride:

   • Adjust the Range to control how much gain reduction or boost is applied.
   • Set the Attack and Release times according to the dynamics of the vocal performance.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust Output

1. Play your track and watch the VOCAL RIDER meters to see how it’s reacting to the vocals.
2. Make adjustments to the settings as needed:
   • If the vocals are not sitting well in the mix, tweak the Target and Sensitivity until you achieve a balanced sound.
3. Use the bypass feature to compare the processed and unprocessed vocals.

Step 5: Finalize Your Mix

1. Once satisfied with the settings, you can proceed to mix other elements of your track.
2. Remember to automate any additional effects or adjustments to ensure your mix maintains a polished sound.
3. Consider saving a preset in VOCAL RIDER for future use on similar vocal tracks.

Conclusion

Using Waves VOCAL RIDER in Cubase can significantly streamline your mixing process, allowing you to achieve consistent vocal levels effortlessly. Remember to experiment with different settings depending on the vocal performance, and don’t hesitate to revisit your adjustments as you mix the other elements. Happy mixing!