Support & Documentation

Canvas Comp Guide

Master the art of lookup table compression with these tips:

Understanding the Interface

The 8-point transfer curve is the heart of Canvas Comp. Each point represents an input/output relationship:

• Drag points vertically to adjust output level
• Create custom compression curves
• Use presets as starting points
• Enable waveshaper for harmonic enhancement

Key Features

• Custom Compression Curves: Draw your own unique compression curve to create custom threshold and ratio settings, giving you complete control over how your signal's dynamics are shaped
• Signal-Dependent Timing: Attack/release adapt to input level for natural dynamic response
• Waveshaper Design: Create your own 8-point waveshaper curve for custom saturation and harmonic coloration, perfect for adding warmth or edge while further sculpting your signal's envelope

Getting Started with Canvas Comp

1. Start with a preset - Load a preset that's close to what you want as a starting point
2. Adjust the input gain - Turn the input knob until you start hearing the compression working on your signal
3. Understanding the Compression Curve:
   • X-Axis (Horizontal) = Input Level: This represents how loud your incoming signal is. The left side is for quiet sounds (like the tail of a snare), the middle is for moderate levels (like the body of a vocal), and the right side is for loud peaks (like the initial hit of a kick drum)
   • Y-Axis (Vertical) = Output Level: This controls what happens to each input level. Pull points down to compress (make loud parts quieter), push points up to expand (make quiet parts louder). A straight diagonal line means no compression
   • The Magic: By placing points at different positions, you're telling Canvas Comp exactly how to treat each volume level of your signal - something traditional compressors can't do
4. Experiment and listen - Move control points while listening to hear how each position affects your sound. Trial and error is your best teacher!

Canvas Comp may take more time than traditional compressors to find your sound initially, but once you understand how it works, you'll be able to shape your tracks in more musical ways that are perfectly tailored to your taste.

Understanding the Waveshaper

The waveshaper does two things: shapes your dynamics through clipping AND adds tonal color (warmth, grit, or edge) to your sound:

• What it does: Think of it as a "tone shaper" that can make your sound warmer, crunchier, or more aggressive
• How to use it: Click the waveshaper button to access the curve. It starts with a straight line (no effect) and the mix at 0%. Turn up the waveshaper mix knob to hear your changes, then pull the line into different shapes while listening:
• Common Shapes and Their Sounds:
  • Gentle S-curves (literally the shape of the letter S) = Adds warmth and thickness with soft clipping (great for vocals, bass)
  • Steeper curves (like a reverse letter Z) = More obvious saturation and presence (perfect for drums, guitars)
  • Sharp corners or flat-top curves = Hard clipping for aggressive distortion and bite (for creative effects)
  • The steeper the curve, the harder the clipping: Gradual slopes = soft, musical saturation. Sharp angles = hard clipping like a limiter
• The Mix knob is your friend: Set it low (20-30%) for subtle enhancement, higher for more obvious coloration
• Quick tip: If you're unsure, start by making a gentle curve and slowly make it more extreme until you hear the effect, then back off to taste

Quantum EQ Guide

Precision equalization techniques for professional results:

Working with Bands

Each of the 10 bands can be configured independently:

• Click on the spectrum to create/modify bands
• Double-click band buttons to toggle on/off
• Use keyboard shortcuts 1-0 for quick access
• Right-click control points to reset

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

• Alt + Drag Up/Down: Modify the Q (width) of the filter while dragging an EQ point
• Ctrl + Click on a band: Solo that band to hear it in isolation
• Ctrl + Alt + Drag: Solo the band AND adjust its width at the same time - perfect for fine-tuning

Advanced Features

• Proportional Q: Automatically adjusts bandwidth with gain (2x narrower for cuts, 0.5x wider for boosts)
• Asymmetric Curves: Adjustable asymmetry (1.0-2.0x) for natural-sounding bell curves
• Matched-Z Transform: Superior high-frequency response with minimal cramping
• 120 FPS FFT: Ultra-smooth spectrum analyzer with 4096-point resolution
• Cascaded Filters: Up to 48dB/oct slopes using Butterworth biquad stages

Troubleshooting

Solutions to common issues:

Plugin Not Showing in DAW

• Ensure you've installed the correct format for your DAW
• Rescan your plugin folders
• Check plugin blocklist/blacklist
• Verify installation path matches DAW scan path

Performance Issues

• Increase buffer size for mixing
• Update graphics drivers
• Close other CPU-intensive applications