Using Shift+Scroll Wheel adjusts the view until the frequency range is narrowed down to
0-600 Hz. The new view provides ideal visual access to relevant audio material. After creating a new empty layer and naming it 'Backbeat', we use the Extract Harmonics Tool to copy over four synthetic percussion hits (shown here in yellow) only one mouse click per hit is required for complete extraction!
Three-step audio extraction
After zooming all the way back out and intensifying the screen contrast to enhance the view, notice that the Extract Harmonics Tool has reached all the way up into the 20,000 Hz range, pulling the percussion sound's rich harmonic overtone structures directly into the Backbeat layer with only a single mouse click on each sound's fundamental tone.
Three-step audio extraction
Inverting the Backbeat layer's phase and scaling the view back down to
0-600 Hz, we can actually see that what were once percussion hits are now black holes in the spectra. Significantly, none of the surrounding content was disturbed. In the meantime, the sounds that used to be there now live in the Backbeat layer, and are available for any purpose, both now and in the future.
Spectral Casting/Spectral Molding™
In SpectraLayers Pro 2, you can use the frequency spectrum of one layer as a mold or cast for carving an impression of its frequency signature directly into the spectrum of a second layer. The enormous sound design capabilities of this feature are poised to take creative music and sound design to an unprecedented new level. More about Spectral Casting/Spectral Molding.
Interoperability with Sound Forge Pro 11
Transfer audio data between SpectraLayers Pro 2 and Sound Forge Pro 11 and experience the thrill of working freely across the world's premiere waveform and spectral editing applications. More about interoperability with Sound Forge Pro 11.
View, modify, and draw tools
SpectraLayers Pro 2 turns sound into a three-dimensional world of eye candy that can be entered and operated on using configurable tools. From research science to mad science, these tools are indispensable for achieving the ideal edit every time. More about view, modify, and draw tools.
Noise reduction
You'll never again see unwanted noise in the same light after working with it in SpectraLayers Pro 2. Click below to investigate a comprehensive noiseprint-based noise reduction exercise that was accomplished in mere minutes.
What's new in SpectraLayers Pro 2
The new features in SpectraLayers Pro 2 span a wide and truly fascinating range, from the most frequently
user-requested conveniences, to the most exotic, original, and
paradigm-shifting processes.
Significantly enhanced performance
SpectraLayers Pro 2 features a redesigned engine that can deliver up to an eightfold increase in performance speed. Enjoy faster spectral graph explorations in any scenario, even while using 3D Displace mode.
One-click noise extraction
To improve upon the "artistic noiseprint" approach to noise reduction, SpectraLayers Pro 2 provides a convenient
one-click command that instantly extracts your custom noiseprint over the target layers entire spectral expanse. More about
noiseprint-based noise reduction in SpectraLayers Pro 2.
Spectral Casting/Spectral Molding
In SpectraLayers Pro 2, you can use the frequency spectrum of one layer as a mold or cast for carving an impression of its frequency signature directly into the spectrum of a second layer. The resulting third layercalled the impression layercan then be shaped with any process. You can even invert its phase and combine it with the second layer to create a
wide-open space for the first layer to breathe, free from any problematic sonic interference or masking caused by the second layer. The creative possibilities are limitless. Spectral Casting/Spectral Molding can be a far more elegant approach than simple ducking, and the enormous sound design capabilities of this new feature are poised to take creative music and sound design to an unprecedented new level.
View and edit markers and metadata
Pass markers and metadata freely between SpectraLayers Pro 2 and SoundForge Pro 11. Place and edit markers in SpectraLayers Pro 2 and switch them on and off as needed to operate on a clear spectral graph. SpectraLayers Pro 2 automatically merges markers from incoming files to help keep your screen uncluttered.
Shape tool
The new Shape tool in SpectraLayers Pro 2 makes intuitive selection of sounds in the spectrum easier than ever. Perfect for extracting drum sounds, simply point and click to pull your hits to the active layer. More about the extraction tools in SpectraLayers Pro 2.
Frequency range display options
Toggle your view to display audio frequency ranges plotted on your choice of logarithmic scales. More about the new display options in SpectraLayers Pro 2.
Interoperability with Sound Forge Pro 11
Transfer audio data between SpectraLayers Pro 2 and Sound Forge Pro 11 and experience the thrill of working freely across the world's premiere waveform and spectral editing applications. Open a large file in Sound Forge Pro 11 and transfer selections of any size to SpectraLayers Pro 2 for fast, precise editing, then bring the result back to the source file in Sound Forge Pro 11automatically and with
sample-accurate precision. Send multiple files from Sound Forge Pro 11 to SpectraLayers Pro 2 for deep layering, remixing, and sound design work, and then return your finished products back to Sound Forge Pro 11 for further editing and finalization.
SpectraLayers Pro 2
Sound Forge Pro 11
Faster project resampling with full channel remixing options
Resampling in SpectraLayers Pro 2 is now three times faster, and an advanced channel remix dialog allows you to freely define, route, and mix channels during the resampling process.
Improved pitch shifting
SpectraLayers Pro 2 features a new, flexible
pitch-shifting algorithm that delivers better results in less time. It allows you to optimize the quality of your transpositions via the Window Overlap and Window Size controls while simultaneously previewing your edits.
User interface improvements
- Peer deeper into the spectral graph while taking advantage of your Retina display equipped MacBook Pro.
- Expand the frequency axis while keeping the spectral graph anchored to the 0 Hz baseline.
- View selections clearly against any spectral graph.
- Clear any selection at any time with the Esc key.
Features
SpectraLayers Pro 2 features a significantly faster processing engine, seamless interoperability with Sound Forge Pro 11, and a host of new tools, methodologies, and user interface improvements for even more convenience, creative options and enhanced workflow.
Smart editing tools
SpectraLayers Pro 2 features five tools that are used for identifying, selecting, and extracting audio material in the spectral display. Every tool is unique, intelligent, highly specialized, and
user-configurable.
Area
Select and extract anything under your cursor. Program this tool to make tiny,
sharp-edged selections with pinpoint accuracy, or just use it like an aerosol spray can to execute giant spectral cuts that span octaves.
Frequency
Trace, follow, select, and extract continuous frequency bands in the spectrum. Program this tool to reach forward in time and intelligently seek out continuous streams of the target frequency.
Harmonics
Train this tool on the fundamental frequency of any pitched sound and watch it automatically select that frequency as well as a
user-defined number of its associated higher harmonics.
Shape
This new tool focuses on solid spectral shapes located directly under your cursor. Five
user-configurable controls set all the thresholds and tolerances you need to make ideal selections in any spectral graph.
Noise
This tool delivers
noiseprint-based noise reduction that features artistic noiseprintscustomized noiseprints containing multiple frequency bands of any width.
New! Spectral Casting/Spectral Molding
Spectral Casting / Spectral Molding is a revolutionary, SpectraLayers Pro 2 exclusive feature. Now you can use the frequency spectrum of one layer as a mold or cast for carving an impression of its frequency signature directly into the spectrum of a second layer. The resulting third layerthe impression layercan then be shaped using any process, or even
phase-inverted with the second layer, creating a
wide-open space for the first layer to breathe, free from any problematic sonic interference or masking caused by the second layer. The creative possibilities are limitless. Spectral Casting / Spectral Molding can be a far more elegant approach than simple ducking, and the enormous sound design capabilities of this feature are poised to take creative music and sound design to an unprecedented new level.
Layer-to-layer copy/paste
Quickly identify and extract target frequency ranges, then use the full menu of SpectraLayers Pro 2 tools and resources for processing new layers in isolation.
New! Interoperability with Sound Forge Pro 11
Transfer audio data between SpectraLayers Pro 2 and Sound Forge Pro 11 and experience the thrill of working freely across the worlds premiere waveform and spectral editing applications. Open a large file in Sound Forge Pro 11 and transfer selections of any size to SpectraLayers Pro 2 for fast, precise editing. Then bring the result back to the source file in Sound Forge Pro 11automatically and with
sample-accurate precision. Send multiple files from Sound Forge Pro 11 to SpectraLayers Pro 2 for deep layering, remixing, and sound design work, and then return your finished products back to Sound Forge Pro 11 for further editing and finalization.
Bandwidth-limited selections
SpectraLayers Pro 2 displays frequencies on the vertical axis, allowing you to make
bandwidth-limited selections for audition and extraction to new layers via copy and paste.
In this screenshot, all program material between 1,200 and 2,200 Hz has been selected, and can be auditioned in isolation by hitting the space bar.
The same selection, placed into its own discrete layer. Now that the selection exists on its own layer, it can be
post-processed in any number of ways in SpectraLayers Pro 2.
View, modify, and draw tools
SpectraLayers Pro is a world of sound and vision all its own. From scientific analysis and R&D, to purely creative work using frequencies and noise, the configurable View, Modify, and Draw tools are there for you to use on any layer, at any time.
3D displace tool
Explore audio data on a multidimensional spectral display that reveals time and frequency events in astonishing detail.
Modify tools
The Amplify, Clone, and Erase tools in SpectraLayers Pro can be used to edit audio on any layer at any time. Access these options at any stage in the editing process to assist with critical repair and restore operations, creative sound design work, and fun experimentation. Tool behaviors can be modified in useful and interesting ways. Use the controls located right above the spectral display to design your own tool tips.
Clone tool
Select any point on the spectral graph and build it into a brush for creating copies of any size at any other point. This tool is perfect for interpolating and grafting audio material in both restorative and creative ways.
Draw tools
Frequencies and noises can be drawn directly into Spectral Display in SpectraLayers Pro 2.
Noise reduction
SpectraLayers Pro invites you to open an audio file, extract the elements you need, and leave the rest behind; it's a new way of thinking about noise reduction! In addition,
noiseprint-based noise reduction using artistic noiseprints a fresh new twist is also available.
In this legendary 1969 broadcast, astronaut Neil Armstrong reacts after planting his boots on the Moon. Notice that the recording contains at least 13 clearly visible bands of relatively
high-amplitude hum and noise.
Time and Pitch Manipulation
Sound can be freely transposed in SpectraLayers Pro by using the Select, Move, and Scale tools.
In this scenario, a new 'Layer A' was extracted from 'Original File' and then duplicated for a total of three layers. The audio material in 'Layer A (copy)' was then moved to a new location in the spectrum using SpectraLayers Pro copy and paste functionality. Layer A was then phase inverted to invoke cancellation of its counterpart audio source material contained in Original File. The end result: a sound cleanly separated from its source,
post-processed, and relocated.
Frequency range display options
Toggle your view to display audio frequency ranges plotted on your choice of logarithmic scales. Options include the popular mel scale, Bark scale, ERB (Equivalent Rectangular Bandwidth), and
MIDI-logarithmic
System Requirements
Windows
Mac OS
32-bit
or
64-bit
SP2, Windows 7
32-bit
or
64-bit
SP1, Windows 8
32-bit
or
64-bit
, or Windows 8.1
32-bit
or
64-bit
operating system
Dual-core
processor
(quad-core
processor recommended)
2 GB RAM
2 GB of free hard disk space (for temporary files)
Supported NVIDIA or AMD/ATI GPU with 512 MB or more RAM:
- NVIDIA: GeForce GTX 2xx Series or higher with driver 285.62 or later. Quadro 400 or higher (or Quadro FX x700 or higher) with driver 285.62 or later.
- AMD/ATI: Radeon HD 47xx or higher GPU with Catalyst driver 11.7 or later. If using a FirePro GPU, FirePro unified driver 8.85 or later is required.
1280x720 display resolution
Windows-compatible
audio hardware
Internet Explorer 8 or later, Firefox 10 or later, or Google Chrome 13 or later (for viewing help)
- Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) or 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
- Intel
dual-core
processor
(quad-core
processor recommended)
2 GB RAM
2 GB of free hard disk space (for temporary files)
OpenGL 2.1 compatible graphics card with 256MB
1280x720 display resolution
CoreAudio-compatible
audio hardware
You must provide registration information to Sony Creative Software Inc., a US company, in order to activate the software. Product requires online registration.
Supported File Formats
Read
Write
AAC, AIFF, Apple Core Audio Format (.caf), Apple Lossless (.alac), FLAC, MP3, RAW/PCM, Real Media (.rm), Sun (.au, .snd), Video (AVI, MXF, MP1, MP2, MP4, MKV, QuickTime, .vob, .wmv), Ogg Vorbis, Wave, WMA
24-bit
PCM, Apple Core Audio Format (.caf), Apple Lossless (.alac), FLAC, MP3 - 320kbps, Wave -
24-bit,
Wave -
32-bit,
RAW/PCM
32-bit,
Ogg Vorbis - 320kbps, WMA