Matrix in Wavelab

[Candace]

A long time ago I did some matrix recordings by the seat of my skirts  Most of my current recording has been multitrack through a soundboard and then mixing down. I currently have Wavelab 13 and Cubase 15 as my DAWs. Can anyone give a girl some tips on doing a matrix? I think I'd prefer to do it in Wavelab. 

[nulldogmas]

I've only used Audacity for matrixing, but can help recommend a basic plan of attack.

First question: Are the two recordings synced, or made with different recorders? If the latter, getting them aligned is the first (and biggest) step.

[AbbyTaper]

Definitely easier in Audacity, if you can find  copy

[Candace]

I've only used Audacity for matrixing, but can help recommend a basic plan of attack.

First question: Are the two recordings synced, or made with different recorders? If the latter, getting them aligned is the first (and biggest) step.

It was the same recorder, because the tracks are labeled ST12 and ST34

Isn't Audacity a free download?

[nulldogmas]

I've only used Audacity for matrixing, but can help recommend a basic plan of attack.

First question: Are the two recordings synced, or made with different recorders? If the latter, getting them aligned is the first (and biggest) step.

It was the same recorder, because the tracks are labeled ST12 and ST34

Isn't Audacity a free download?

It sure is:

https://www.audacityteam.org/download/

If the tracks are already synced, just drag them both to the same Audacity window, and you'll have one pair of stereo tracks on top, one on the bottom. You can then adjust the relative volume to taste with the gain sliders for each source, or apply EQ or other effects to one or the other. There are no rules here: Just keep tweaking the mix until it sounds the best to you.

If you want to go down a real rabbit hole, you can split each source to stems first (using a program like iZotope RX or Ultimate Vocal Remover or several others) and end up with what are effectively multitracks for each source, so you can do things like "I want to use only the SBD vocals, only the AUD drums, and a mix of both for the rest." It's not usually needed, but can be handy for times when you're not happy with the compromises required for a straight mix of the two original sources.

[AbbyTaper]

I've only used Audacity for matrixing, but can help recommend a basic plan of attack.

First question: Are the two recordings synced, or made with different recorders? If the latter, getting them aligned is the first (and biggest) step.

It was the same recorder, because the tracks are labeled ST12 and ST34

Isn't Audacity a free download?

OOPS!  I actually meant Audition.  But yes, it is easier in Audacity too.

[phil_er_up]

Use wavlab for my matrix's though have a older version then yours.

Here is my process:

1) open wav file in wavlab.
2) Go to "'Edit" pull down and select "Create Audio montage from wav".
3) Inside the file window (in the audio montage window) at the left select "1" tab and "add stereo track"
4) do step 3 for each additional wav file you want to add into the mix.
5) from there you can increase volume or add plugins to each wav file.

Select "render" (from effects window) when done with editing and mastering.

If you want more help PM off board. Gave you a screen shot of Step 3.

Hope this helps you.

[Candace]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. They've been very helpful!

[Gutbucket]

From the "things you probably already know" department, not Wavelab or DAW related-

Try mixing and listening to the matrix both ways: 
1) AUD microphone source primary, made better and supported as needed by the addition of SBD (clearer, closer, better balanced).
2) SBD source primary, brought to life and made 3-dimensional and real sounding with the addition of the AUD.

You'll likely reach somewhat different sounding mixes each way, and can then compare and choose the better of the two.  Approaching it two different ways and comparing them can be rather enlightening.

[goodcooker]

I use an older version of Wavelab but the work flow for this probably hasn't changed much (if at all) for later versions

File > New > Audio Montage - select sample rate
Under files tab navigate to files and select multiple files - it will ask you how to add them (un-check the shift existing box, add each file to separate track, etc)
Switch to Clips tab to change the display at the top - this opens up the list for basic editing and is where I add offset for time aligning SBD and AUD files, gain, etc)
I almost always add any plugins to the master buss (compression, de click, EQ) 
Click render and select your output format, filename, location, etc.

All done.