Now available for soundBlade!

The initial application for Wholegrain's DynPEQ™ technology is audio mastering, where dynamics processing and parametric equalization are of paramount importance.

Quartet DynPEQ offers four fully independent bands of dynamic parametric equalization. A single band is a parametric filter, selectable to peak/dip or shelf, with a corresponding dynamics curve. The RMS energy of the input signal is measured in the band of interest, and the band energy is applied to the dynamics curve to modulate the boost/cut level of the parametric filter. A band can easily be configured to act as a static parametric band or a traditional dynamics processor, in addition to its unique functionality.

Great care has been taken under the signal processing hood so that the operation of this new paradigm is performed as unobtrusively as possible. We realize that the best mastering work is the hardest to detect.

In addition to DynPEQ, Quartet offers other useful processors to the mastering engineer. The input signal is filtered by a DC-blocker that can be tuned all the way down to 0 Hz. An interpolating analog peak detector follows DynPEQ processing. Finally, a peak limiter assures that the analog peaks stay within full scale.

Because of the complexity of this plugin, there are operational features included that assist in your work. There are A/B registers within the plugin itself for comparative listening, along with DynPEQ and limiter cut buttons. There is a persistent store outside of the plugin and workstation for useful DynPEQ band settings, for operations such as de-ess, de-hum, brightness, and your own creations. There is a store with the workstation project for an unlimited number of Quartet patch registers, for aggregating track settings and augmenting the A/B capability.

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Unabashed Sales Pitch

Let's break from the strictly informative content, and we at Wholegrain will share why DynPEQ makes us excited to be behind it. Consider this a subjectivity alert.

From many years of listening to parametric equalization and dynamics processing by themselves, we have experienced firsthand why they are used with 'extreme prejudice'. The fatigue caused by dynamics pumping is well-known to the community. We now believe that the pumping phenomena is in part due to dynamics processing being applied to the entire spectrum. So, while dynamics processing is necessary in audio mastering, the engineer is often reluctant to apply it. At the same time, while parametric equalization makes valuable alterations to the sonic environment, it does little to add or lessen punch when needed.

DynPEQ has given us the impression that dynamics processing is more applicable when restricted to the parts of the audio spectrum where it can offer the most help. We have found that many recordings are centric to the lead instruments and vocals, that the dynamics are usually fine in that band, and that making even small dynamic changes outside of the lead band can make a significant difference with less to much less pumping.

We believe that Quartet DynPEQ can add significant finishing touches to acoustic ensemble recordings, hence the name Quartet. At the same time, we try not to rely on the preset bands in the toolbox and tinker with the many parameter settings. We think Quartet can open up, or perhaps re-open, your aural world, where you can discover adjustments that are uniquely your own.

Anyway, that is how our ears hear it. Please feel free to take a spin with Quartet DynPEQ and see if you agree with us.

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Product Availability--NOW!!

Quartet DynPEQ is available for the soundBlade workstation from Sonic Studio. It is sold through the auspices of Sonic Studio. More details on the release can be found at the Sonic Studio website. Better still...

Click here to visit the Quartet DynPEQ page on the Sonic Studio site.

Quartet DynPEQ should work fine with the following system requirements: 512 MB or more RAM, processor speed 1 GHz or more, OSX 10.4 and 10.5. It can be a tight squeeze for lesser configurations.

Versions of DynPEQ for other audio applications get closer to the market with every turn of our hamster wheel. Please check back with the Wholegrain website for announcements.

Users are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the advance trial period prior to a purchase decision. Quartet DynPEQ is a professional-grade application and will be priced as such. It is important to our users that they become acquainted with what the plugin can and cannot do for their work before making a significant investment.

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