An Introduction to the ControlHub TracerUpdated 23 days ago

What is the ControlHub Tracer?

The ControlHub Tracer is an expansion for the ControlHub subscription that allows users to capture entire signal chains all on their own. This means you can capture preamps, equalizers, compressors, limiters, and more in any combination.

What is a Trace?

A trace is what we call the captured signal chain. It's saved as a preset that you're able to load up in ControlHub to use, and to share on our new Trace Exchange platform.

How do I access / activate the Tracer?

If you are a ControlHub Pro subscriber or a ControlHub Expansions subscriber, you simply need to update to the latest version of the plugin. Since the update is free, the new Tracer and Trace Exchange sections will be unlocked in the main navigation menu.

How do I make a Trace? 

When you open the Tracer tab, you will have two options: Complete Signal Chain or individual Compressor

Using Complete Signal Chain is best for capturing preamps, EQ, and compressors that are intended to be used as a full chain.

The Compressor trace allows you the flexibility to load that compressor model into an existing preset, and also capture the characteristics and color of an individual compressor.

Complete Signal Chain

1. Click Complete Signal Chain to begin the setup.

2. Locate the Tracer Tone audio file by clicking the Locate button, then import the file into your DAW. 

It is important to make sure the sample rate and bit depth of the Tracer Tone audio file and your session is marched. Most DAWs will automatically convert the Tracer audio file on import; however, please be aware these settings need to be the same for the Tracer to function correctly.

3. Run the Tracer Tone audio file from your DAW out through your desired signal chain.

For best practices on creating optimal traces, please see the bottom section of this article.

4. Import your processed (100% wet) Trace Tone audio file by clicking the Import button.

The Tracer analyzes the imported audio and prepares the file for tracing. You will be prompted on the audio levels of your processed file to let you know if the Tracer is receiving optimal levels.

5. Click either Trace Mono or Trace Stereo to begin the Tracing process.

Mono tracer presets can still be used on stereo audio files and vice versa.

6. Save your Trace!

Here is where you can tweak any of the modules to further customize your preset. For example, you can increase the color module circuits to more closely match your reference track's complex saturation/distortion, or add ControlHub modules not in your original chain to take your preset to another level.

Once you hit save, you will be prompted to input the metadata for your preset.

Compressor

1. Click Compressor to begin the setup.

2. Locate the Tracer Tone audio file by clicking the Locate button, then import the file into your DAW. 

It is important to make sure the sample rate and bit depth of the Tracer Tone audio file and your session is marched. Most DAWs will automatically convert the Tracer audio file on import; however, please be aware these settings need to be the same for the Tracer to function correctly.

3. Run the Tracer Tone audio file from your DAW out through your desired signal chain.

For best practices on creating optimal traces, please see the bottom section of this article.

4. Import your processed (100% wet) Trace Tone audio file by clicking the Import button.

The Tracer analyzes the imported audio and prepares the file for tracing. You will be prompted on the audio levels of your processed file to let you know if the Tracer is receiving optimal levels.

5. Click either Trace Mono or Trace Stereo to begin the Tracing process.

Mono tracer presets can still be used on stereo audio files and vice versa.

6. Save your Trace!

Here is where you can tweak any of the modules to further customize your preset. For example, you can increase the color module circuits to more closely match your reference track's complex saturation/distortion, or add ControlHub modules not in your original chain to take your preset to another level.

Once you hit save, you will be prompted to input the metadata for your preset.

Where are my presets saved? 

Your Complete Signal Chain presets are saved in the Tracer Presets folder in the navigation menu. Clicking the tab enables the drop-down menu where you can manage your presets.

Your individual Compressor models are saved in the Tracer Compressors folder in the navigation menu.

You can also locate your compressor models in the My Tracer Compressors folder located in the updated compressor modules drop-down menu.

How do I share my Traces? 

You can share your Traces using our Trace Exchange.

Recommended best practices

Here are our guidelines for getting the best result from the ControlHub Tracing Technology:

• Avoid digital clipping! Do not exceed 0 dBFS. Aim for a target level of around -3 dBFS at the loudest peaks of the Tracer Tone audio file.
• Extreme deliberate clipping/distortion may produce unwanted results.
• No wet/dry parallel blends. Must be the 100% wet processed signal. Tip! Trace only the parallel signal chain and use the ControlHub mix knob to blend in the 100% wet parallel preset.
• Moderate threshold and gain reduction settings (-3db to -12db gain attenuation on the loudest parts of the Trace Tone audio file).

And here are our guidelines for the best results for training a Compressor:

• 20ms Attack Time, 100ms Release Time, 4:1 ratio
• Moderate threshold and gain reduction settings (-3db to -12db gain attenuation on the loudest parts of the Trace Tone audio file).
• Avoid digital clipping! Do not exceed 0 dBFS. Aim for a target level of around -3 dBFS at the loudest peaks of the Tracer Tone audio file.
• Avoid lookahead options in compressors and limiters.
• No Mid/Side processing.
• No wet/dry parallel blends. Must be the 100% wet processed signal.
• Avoid internal side chain filters and optional distortion circuits.

Note: these suggested settings are for optimal ControlHub training purposes. You can still achieve great results with more extreme settings. Remember, after tracing is complete, feel free to adjust the compressor settings to dial them in further before saving.

Here are some further recommendations to get the best out of the Tracer:

• Avoid heavily distorted signal chains. It is possible for the ControlHub Tracer to match these presets; however, be aware it is not how it is intended to be used. Tip! Use the Color module to add more drive to your chain by using the Pre EQ to push into the Color module's circuits.
• ControlHub is not able to trace time-based effects such as delays, reverbs, tremolo/phase effects, doubler, and stereo-width enhancing tools.
• ControlHub cannot trace Expanders/Gates. We recommend bypassing these processing when tracing as it may affect optimal training results.
• If compressor stacking (e.g. 1176 into a LA2A) the ControlHub Tracer analyzes this as one compression stage, so keep in mind that the resulting ratio and threshold may be higher than you expected.