db audioware has released two new dynamics processing plug-ins – Sidechain Compressor and Sidechain Gate.
Descriptions:
Created to satisfy a long-standing demand for side-chain capability missing in many audio software packages, both plug-ins feature db audioware’s Universal Sidechains. This technology gives the plug-ins true multi track side-chaining operation in most audio programs running on Mac OS X and PC Windows, independent of the native routing offered by the host software itself.
Multi track side-chaining allows one track to control the dynamics of another. Traditional applications range from broadcast voice ducking to intelligent gating of drum tracks to remove crosstalk. Sidechain Compressor and Sidechain Gate are also aimed at more creative applications such as synchronised gating and other complex mix techniques found in dance production and electronic music.
Features include:
- New compression and gating algorithms that deliver an authentic analogue sound with low distortion
- Easy to set up multi track side-chaining, independent of any host routing
- Compressor & Gate plug-ins also work as normal channel insert effects
- EQ and Shape controls in the side-chain permit radical & fine tuning of the plug-ins’ dynamic response and character
- Compressor Auto Gain with brickwall limiter supports extreme compression settings with little or no distortion
- Dual metering for clear visual feedback
- Listen mode to monitor side-chain signal
- VST & Audio Units format for Mac OS X (Universal Binaries); VST format for PC Windows; VST 2.4 support
- Full MIDI control, with easy to use MIDI Learn
- Full 64 bit internal resolution supports any sample rate up to 192kHz
Sidechain Compressor and Sidechain Gate each retail at USD 84 | EUR 62 | GBP 42 and are available for immediate purchase and download from the db audioware website.
A reduced price bundle of both plug-ins is also offered at USD 126 | EUR 93 | GBP 63, a savings of 25%.
I found that, although easy to use, these are not exactly the most transparent plugs. There seems to be a lot of artefacting and distortion, especially when using fast attack times.
It seems that for now I’ll stick with the beautifully clean TC Native Compressor de-esser, even though this has a very annoying flaw in that, when the plugin is opened it always defaults to the key input being turned off.
Both of the above mentioned plugins also have very poor metering. The db’s analog style meters are sluggish and hard to read accurately. TC Native’s meters are so slow that they are rendered useless when used to pump a 125 BPM dance track.
When, oh when will somebody get it right?