Peak Pro 5.20 Read Me

June 2006

Welcome to Peak Pro 5.2! We hope you enjoy this new version of Peak, the industry standard for stereo recording, editing, processing and mastering on the Mac platform. We've been hard at work incorporating your suggestions and ideas and are excited to offer this latest version of Peak.

Version 5.2 is a Universal application, which runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macintosh computers.

System Requirements

G4, G5, or Intel-based Mac (>400MHz processor recommended)

Macintosh OS 10.3.9 minimum (10.4 recommended; Intel-based Macs and burning CD-TEXT require 10.4)

Minimum 1024 x 768 screen resolution

256 MB RAM (512 MB or more recommended)

330 MB available free disk space

18 ms hard drive (average seek time) or faster

QuickTime 6.0 or later

Support for third-party audio hardware may require compatible Core Audio drivers

Installation Notes

The Peak Pro 5 installer places various components into several locations these are outlined below:

The Peak Pro 5 application is installed in: /Macintosh HD/Applications/

The Peak Envelopes folder is installed in: /Macintosh HD/Users//Library/Preferences/

The ImpulseVerb sampling reverb library is installed in: /Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/BIAS/Peak/Peak Impulses/

The Peak Pro 5 User's Guide (and other documentation) is installed in: /Macintosh HD/Library/Documentation/BIAS/Peak 5 Documentation/

Using Third-Party Plug-Ins

Most third-party plug-ins will automatically be installed into the correct directories however, if you are manually installing Audio Units and VST format effect & instrument plug-ins, they should be placed into:

Audio Units:/Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/VST:/Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/

or

Audio Units:/Macintosh HD/Users//Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/VST:/Macintosh HD/Users///Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/

Peak Pro 5 supports subfolders within the VST and Components (Audio Units) folders, so feel free to organize your plug-ins within these folders.

Updated Product Registration & Authorization System

Serial Number-based System:

Peak Pro 5.2 (and later) uses an updated registration and authorization process, designed to give users the utmost in flexibility. The standard method for authorizing is serial number-based, and allows authorization of up to two computers for example, a desktop Mac in a studio, and a laptop Mac for mobile use.

Optional USB Key-based System:

Users of earlier versions of Peak 5.x, which were authorized with a USB Key may continue using this method simply plug a previously authorized key into an available USB port, and Peak 5.2 will work with it.

While Peak may be authorized on up to two computers, it may only be used on one computer at a time.

New users of Peak 5.2 who prefer using USB Key-based authorization may purchase a USB Key from BIAS please contact the BIAS Sales Department for additional information:US:1-800-775-BIAS (2427)International:+1-707-782-1866Email:sales@bias-inc.com

The Authorization Process:

To Authorize Peak on a computer which has internet access, you will need to have first installed the software, and you will need your serial number. Your serial number is located on the Owner's Certificate in a boxed product, or on the electronic receipt of a downloadable product.

1. Launch Peak upon first launch on an unauthorized computer, the BIAS Authorization Manager utility will appear.

2. Enter your Peak serial number and email address.

3. Click the "Authorize" button Peak is authorized.

If the host computer (on which you plan to run Peak) does not have internet access, you may use another Macintosh computer to aid in the authorization process.

1. Launch Peak upon first launch on an unauthorized computer, the BIAS Authorization Manager utility will appear.

2. Enter your Peak serial number and email address, and click the "Alternate Authorization" button.

3. In the Alternate Authorization dialog, follow the on-screen directions, to create an Authorization Request File.

4. Transfer the Authorization Request File to another Macintosh computer with internet access (via LAN, CD-ROM, flash drive, iPod, etc.).

5. On the Macintosh computer with internet access, run the stand-alone BIAS Authorization Manager utility from your Peak installer CD.

6. Click the "Alternate Authorization" button, and begin with Step 3 in the Alternate Authorization dialog.

7. Upon successful transmission of your Authorization Request File to the BIAS server, BIAS will respond with your Authorization File.

8. Save this Authorization File (called "BIAS Peak Pro 5.x"), and transfer it back to the host computer (on which you plan to run Peak).

9. In the BIAS Authorization Manager's Alternate Authorization dialog, go directly to Step 4 click the "Open Authorization File" button.

10. Locate the Authorization File (called "BIAS Peak Pro 5.x"), and click the "Open" button Peak is authorized.

If you do not have internet access on any Macintosh computer, please contact BIAS for assistance:

US:1-800-775-BIAS (2427)International:+1-707-782-1866

For more information on registering/authorizing Peak 5.2, please consult your user's guide, or visit:

http://www.bias-inc.com/support/faq/

What's New in Peak Pro 5?

Completely redesigned Playlist with graphic waveform view, user-configurable list view, Slip & Shuffle modes, move & trim tools, user-definable Playlist time units & snapping, nudge controls, crossfade auditioning w/pre- & post-roll, new workflow keyboard shortcuts, Playlist bounce w/dither and sample rate conversion, and DDP 2.0 fileset Export (optional) 100% Red Book Replication-ready CD burning with ISRC support, PQ subcodes, and CD-TEXT VST and Audio Units instrument support in Vbox and inserts VST and Audio Units instrument playback via a dedicated keyboard window, from an external MIDI keyboard, or from a QWERTY keyboard Ability to enter MIDI keymap info with note names (e.g. C4) instead of just numerically Vbox SE 2.0 now supports Audio Units plug-ins Enhanced Audio Units preset support with load/save buttons and bypass control Ability to adjust plug-in parameters while recording through plug-ins Freq-4 v.2.0 EQ plug-in Automatic plug-in latency compensation New high-quality DSP algorithms for Change Pitch, Change Duration and Sample Rate Conversion Advanced new algorithm for real-time sample-rate-conversion during playback Additional DSP items including Envelope from Audio, RMS Normalize, Strip Silence, and Auto-Define Tracks RMS calculation added to Find Peak... DSP command Normalize in dB or Percent ImpulseVerb includes an updated user interface and now offers gain control for both impulse response and source Recover Audio File command enables users to recover damaged files New Region Split command allows existing Regions to be sub-divided New "Snap To" Options (CD frames, Sony PS2/Microsoft Xbox Loop boundaries, Custom) High-Resolution tape-style scrubbing Batch File Processor now enables the preservation of file resolution and type Support for Unicode, allowing the use of non-English file names Support for file names longer than 32 characters Record files up to 10 GB (10GB per-session recording automatically split across 5 2GB files) Edit history in document contents drawer New tiling windows functionality automatically tiles as documents are opened. A new waveform drawing algorithm enables more audio phase information to be seen in the audio waveform display SMPTE HD and CD Frames time units has been added to the time display New "Hide All Audio Documents" feature Support for filename extension hiding Increased number of recently used documents from 8 to 12 Increased maximum number of open documents from 200 to 500

Peak Pro 5 Feature Highlights

Fast and powerful nondestructive & destructive sample accurate editing, processing, and professional audio CD mastering application for Mac OS X Simultaneous document viewing with window tiling Multi-threaded processing and MP optimized Unlimited Undo/Redo with graphic edit histories Customizable display, key commands, and tool bar Reads/Writes AIFF, SDII, QuickTime, MP3, MP4, WAVE, AU, Sonic AIFF, JAM Image, Raw, and more Supports built-in Mac I/O and Core Audio compatible hardware Read & write region, loop & reference markers Integrated DSP Toolset, including Fade In/Out, Normalize, Gain Envelope, Reverse, Invert, Harmonic Rotate, ultra-accurate POW-r dithering, Convolve, Mix, Change Pitch, Panner, Find Peak, Invert, Strip Silence & more Professional 100% Red-Book CD Mastering playlist featuring advanced waveform views, crossfades, realtime effects, PQ sub-codes, ISRC, CD-TEXT and more. Ultra high quality real-time and off-line SRC (Sample Rate Conversion) Up to 32-bit 10MHz, including 24 bit 96KHz (HD) Advanced looping tools including the highly acclaimed Loop Surfer, LoopTuner, Crossfade Loop & Guess Tempo Audio Units and VST effects & instrument support with ALC (Automatic Latency Compensation) Dozens of free high quality VST audio effects plug-ins and Audio Units effects from Mac OS X Includes BIAS Sqweez compressor/limiter plug-in and BIAS Freq 4-band paragraphic EQ Includes SFX Machine LT plug-in with 21 real-time special effects Advanced VST/Audio Units plug-in routing matrix via integrated Vbox SE Automated Repair Clicks & Remove DC Offset ImpulseVerb applies real room ambiance to any audio file includes over 150 spaces Supports all SMDI hardware samplers Integrated Batch File Processor Change Duration DSP with Tempo Envelope and Transient mode high-quality time compression/expansion without affecting pitch or smearing attacks Recording notepad & timer Threshold function automatically divides files by amplitude Trigger playback & cueing of up to 10 audio documents using Mac keyboard Advanced QuickTime/DV support with sample accurate synchronization Auto-Define Tracks divides LP/Tape recordings into single tracks for easy CD burning, export to iTunes and more Use stand-alone or integrated as an external editor launched from Deck, Digital Performer, Live, Final Cut Pro, and more

Peak 5.20 Fixes

Peak 5.20 now supports saving .mp3 files with filenames longer than 31 characters. The Sample Rate Converter algorithm now includes an auto-limiter. You are now able to use "Auto Snap to Zero" on the right channel of a stereo file. Peak 5.2 now supports input and output channel names for Core Audio drivers that support this feature. DDP filesets now contain entries for lead-in, and correct a problem with the index on the lead-out. The Preferences button has been removed from the Change Pitch and Change Duration windows. Sqweez 1.1 compressor includes an updated algorithm. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where burning Playlists with 20 or more tracks resulted in the last 2 seconds being cut off. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where burning from some Playlists resulted in clicks at the track transitions. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where CD-TEXT was written with "unknown" ISO 639 language code. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where dragging PC WAV Files Into Peak's Playlist From the Finder wasn't working. Peak 5.20 changes the default behavior to include pre-roll and post-roll when clicking on the fade audition controls in the playlist and no longer requires control-clicking. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where there was no UI response when "Capture region to Playlist" was selected when no playlist was open. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where bouncing a playlist did not add the file type extension. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where dragging a playlist event from the playlist to the desktop caused Peak to crash. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where you were allowed to make the gap time of track 1 longer than 2 seconds when In Audio CD mode. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where you couldn't adjust regions boundries in Playlist if the TS Offset amount was longer than the track. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where opening a WAVE file with more than 256 regions caused Peak to crash. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where moving an audio document window vertically was sluggish. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where the "Duplicate" command was pasting audio at the beginning of a document instead of at the insertion point. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where the file size Info in the Audio Info window was not consistent with the file size info on the document window (large files). Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where the cursor info overview remained visible even though the cursor was no longer in the document window. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where using Strip Silence in the batch file processor sometimes caused Peak to freeze. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where an error message was displayed when attempting to save an empty audio file that has been modified by DSP. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where a document wasn't redrawn correctly after performing the "Crossfade Loop" DSP. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where performing some DSP processes crashed Peak when using an envelope saved from "Envelope from Audio". Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where checking or unchecking the Envelope checkbox in Impulseverb caused the Impulseveb selection to change. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where clicking 'Apply' in the Impulse Verb UI after changing the envelope caused Peak to crash. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where de-instantiating an AU plug-in twice by choosing "None" in the AU menu caused Peak to crash. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where the burn image was not being updated when doing multiple burns and the settings were changed between burns. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where the recording notepad was not working properly after pausing a recording. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where Playlist Sample Rate Conversion prior to CD burn was not using the new Sample Rate Conversion algorithm. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where 2 second gaps were present between regions when burning a CD from a document. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where exporting Regions through the Batch Processor was not applying the file name and file type. Peak 5.2 now fully supports 32-bit files as input sources for the Batch File Processor to create compressed AIFF and QuickTime documents. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where exporting regions through Batch File Processor with plug-ins displayed a bypass/disable plug-ins alert dialog for each region. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where saving as an 8 bit Quicktime file resulted in white noise in the saved file. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where saving a QuickTime movie audio track resulted in digital distortion in the saved file. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem when opening a silent QuickTime movie In Peak LE. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem when compressing some files to QT and mp3 files. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where the 8 bit menu item was available when saving as an mp3. Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where the windows preferences window was named "Floaters". Peak 5.20 fixes a problem where Peak crashed when using the emagic usb driver (Unitor 8). Peak 5.20 a problem where SMDI samplers were not recognized.

Peak 5.02 Fixes

Peak 5.02 has a new feature in the Burn CD dialog that allows for leaving the CD session open so data can be burned to the Enhanced CD after the audio tracks are burned with Peak. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem in which when run in Japanese, the application could crash when attempting to select a CD burner in the Burn Audio CD dialog. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem in which when run in German, the pop-up menu choices for the POW-r dither preferences dialog contained the wrong choices. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where the French localization was unavailable in OS 10.4.2. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem with the POW-r dithering algorithm pop-up menu choices. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where clicking in the pre-roll or post-roll fields in the Playlist did not always select the field. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where the Change Duration command saved into a Batch Script document that was recalled for later use could cause a crash. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where the Change Duration command used with the Batch File Processor could create a file containing a click. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem with the Change Duration command used in the Batch File Processor where changing only a portion of the audio file by a percentage and with Blending turned on could create a file that contained a click at the blend position. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem with the record counter display in the Transport when viewed with certain Time Units preferences. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where the audio document display could not redraw properly when the audio document window was resized in small increments vertically. Peak 5.02 fixes a playback problem where noise could occur when stopping playback of a 24 or 32-bit audio document when plug-ins are instantiated. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where the Find Peak RMS value displayed would not update a DSP operation. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where duplicating items multiple times in the Playlist could cause a timing rounding loss error when the Audio CD Playlist checkbox is turned on. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where pasting Region markers into a file that already contained a marker could cause a crash. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where playing an empty Playlist could cause a crash Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where a bounced Playlist document's name changed to "Untitled" after saving. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem importing crossfades and crossfade timing from Peak 4 Playlists. Note Peak 4 Playlist crossfades were rendered using an equal-power crossfade that is recalculated by Peak 5 by estimating the original envelope shape when a Peak 4 Playlist crossfade is imported. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where the zoom limits for an audio document could limit Playlist zooming even when the Playlist is frontmost. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where some audio document info could get reset to the default values after saving to a file format that does not support such audio info (e.g. tempo and meter in SD2 files). Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where the Playlist "Loop Crossfade" setting could get stuck during playback when using the next track or tab keyboard shortcut. Peak LE 5.02 improves compatibility with the WAVES APA product. Peak 5.02 fixes a problem where bouncing a BIAS plug-in after using ImpulseVerb could cause a crash.

Peak 5.01 Fixes

A problem where bouncing plug-ins could cause a crash has been fixed. A problem where it was not possible to add or remove plug-ins via the Peak application's Get Info window has been fixed. A problem where canceling ImpulseVerb after applying caused an error message has been fixed. A problem where using the mouse scroll wheel over the Playlist's waveform view scrolled the list view instead has been fixed. A problem where an edited file name reverted to the original name after switching the file type in the "Save As" dialog has been fixed. A problem where reinstalling Peak installed a second copy of the Peak Envelopes folder has been fixed. A problem where Change Pitch, Change Duration, and Phase Vocoder could delete markers, Regions, or loops when the entire audio document was selected has been fixed. A problem where Freeverb would not show up in VST menu has been fixed. A problem where Change Duration and Change Pitch crash the G3 version of Peak Pro and Peak LE has been fixed. The BIAS Key System Pref Panel now confirms activation to the user when product registration is successful. A problem in Vbox 2.0 where PCI based Audio Units plug-ins (PowerCore and UAD) exhibited a slight delay between left and right channels has been fixed. A problem where Peak 5 would crash after bouncing an Audio Units plug-in if the Audio Units window was closed prior to the bounce and the Audio Units is disabled after the bounce has been fixed. A problem where the Peak 5 Playlist Waveform View display was drawn incorrectly if the display was set to Thousands of Colors has been fixed. A problem where the times displayed in the Export As Text... report were not consistent with the times for a burned CD has been fixed. A problem where verification of CD burns could fail with some external CD burners has been fixed. A problem where the Edit Region dialog could alter the end time of a Region has been fixed. A problem where multiple Audio Units menu items could become checked in the Audio Units menu has been fixed. A problem where RMS time was not calculated in the Find Peak... DSP menu item for mono files has been fixed.

Known Issues

Native Instruments' Absynth gets stuck notes. BIAS has contacted Native Instruments regarding the issue and hopes to provide compatibility with all Native Instruments' Virtual Instruments in the future. If "Copyright Free" (no CP checkbox in playlist) is on, the OS will not burn ISRC codes. Apple is aware of this and is working on a fix. It is not fixed in 10.4.2. MOTUs Mach-5 will not instantiate as a VST Instrument but will instantiate as an Audio Units instrument. MOTU is aware of the problem and is working with BIAS to resolve the issue. Some PSP VST Plug-ins such as PSP Nitro are not compatible with Peak 5

Please refer to the BIAS website for the most current list of known issues and frequently asked questions:

http://www.bias-inc.com/support/faq/

BIAS Product Support

Unlimited Complimentary Self Help Options

If you have questions about installing or using your BIAS products, please check the manual or user guide first, you will find answers to most of your questions there. If you need further assistance, please check the support section of the BIAS website, which contains answers to frequently asked questions, an extensive database of related articles, troubleshooting tips, and more:

http://www.bias-inc.com/support.html

Limited Complimentary Technical Assistance

Ninety days of technical support assistance for up to three incidents is available with the initial purchase of Type 1 BIAS products (Peak Pro, Peak Pro XT, Master Perfection Suite, Deck, SoundSoap Pro).

Ninety days of technical support assistance for a single incident is available with the initial purchase of Type 2 BIAS products (Peak LE, Deck LE, SoundSoap, Super Freq).

Type 3 products (OEM versions) are ineligible for Complimentary Technical Assistance.

Thirty days of technical support assistance for a single incident is available with the purchase of paid upgrades to Type 1 and Type 2 BIAS products. The support period begins when the product is initially registered/authorized.

To receive e-mail or telephone technical support, you will need a valid serial number and must be registered for a current BIAS product. Please keep your original product serial number in a safe place as it will be required for support.

Customers who prefer support by e-mail please contact:

support@bias-inc.com

Customers who prefer support by telephone (connect and toll charges apply please have your computer running and close by the phone) please call:

+1-707-782-1865

9AM-5PM Monday-Friday PST excluding BIAS holidays

Fee-based Technical Support Options

Fee-based Support is available for those customers whose support period has expired or for Type 3 (OEM version) customers please call:

+1-707-782-1865

9AM-5PM Monday-Friday PST excluding BIAS holidays

Customers living outside of North America may contact BIAS directly for technical support in English only. For non-English technical support, please contact a local BIAS distributor contact details are available at:

http://www.bias-inc.com/distributors.html

BIAS Support Policy and Hours

The BIAS Inc. support policy and hours are subject to change without notice.

For sales and customer service please call

US Toll Free:1-800-775-BIAS (2427)

International:+1-707-782-1866

No technical support is available at the numbers or email address above.

Berkley Integrated Audio Software, Inc.140 Keller StreetPetaluma, CA 94952USA

+1-707-782-1866

http://www.bias-inc.com

2006 BIAS, Inc. Peak, Peak Pro, Peak Pro XT, Peak LE, Deck, Deck LE, SoundSoap, SoundSoap Pro, Vbox SE, BIAS Studio, Master Perfection Suite, Freq, Sqweez, ImpulseVerb, Sqweez-3 & -5, Reveal, PitchCraft, Repli-Q, GateEx and SuperFreq are trademarks of BIAS, Inc. VST is a registered trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies AG. All other trademarks are property of their respective holders. All features, prices, specifications, and offers are subject to change. Certain features such as the number of simultaneous plug-ins or tracks are dependent on specific versions of BIAS software, along with CPU, operating system requirements and capabilities. BIAS, Inc. assumes no responsibility for or guarantees of third-party software or hardware specifi cations, features, or compatibility with BIAS products.

ZW - 6/8//06 (2)