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How to Use a PAZ Analyzer

The PAZ Analyzer by Waves is a plug-in tool for measuring audio frequencies in real time. It provides a visual representation of audio processing as it happens. This is necessary to isolate those frequencies that may be overemphasized or otherwise problematic in a recording. While there are many similar audio analysis plug-ins on the market, PAZ is unique in that it analyzes only the range of frequencies that the human ear can perceive. This makes it particularly useful for analyzing music. PAZ requires a VST-, AU- or RTAS-compatible host application to run.

Things You'll Need

  • VST-, AU- or RTAS-compatible host application
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open your host application. This will most likely be a digital audio workstation (DAW) environment such as Logic, Pro Tools or Reaper, but numerous less-comprehensive host applications exist.

    • 2

      Load the recording you want to analyze onto a new track in your DAW. If within a project with multiple tracks, mute all but the track you want to analyze.

    • 3

      Insert the PAZ Analyzer in an effects slot on the track you want to analyze. Note that PAZ can analyze both recorded audio and audio produced via MIDI. The PAZ Analyzer interface will appear.

    • 4

      Reset the PAZ Analyzer by clicking the "Load" button on the PAZ interface and selecting "PAZ Full Reset" from the drop-down menu. This will "zero" all of the PAZ Analyzer's input data, making it ready to receive new audio for analysis.

    • 5

      Press "Play" in your DAW to play the track you want to analyze. Allow the track to play all the way through. The PAZ Analyzer will analyze the track for frequency peaks and create a frequency profile of the overall track.

    • 6

      Look at the frequency profile for frequency ranges that are especially pronounced. These will appear as peaks, or "spikes," in the PAZ Analyzer's graphical representation of the overall sound. For example, many vocalists have a difficult time maintaining a constant volume over their full singing range. If a singer tends to become too loud in their upper range, the PAZ Analyzer will show spikes at those frequency ranges. You can now use EQ or other techniques, such as compression or limiting, to precisely diminish these problematic frequency ranges, making volume consistent.

Digital Music

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