How To Use Soniformer

[dumbo]

Hi guys.

I need a good multiband and ive heard Soniformers the shit.
But i had a look at the demo and i dont know where to start.
Im sure its great and im considering the purchase but can the pros out there give me an algorithmic approach to using this beastly thing.

Thank you

[Aleksey Vaneev]

I guess you may start with tweaking the presets that come with Soniformer.

Soniformer is basically a compressor with all standard controls (Threshold, Attack, Release, Ratio) but with these controls available for ALL bands individually.

[dumbo]

Hi Aleksey.
I would be mainly using it for mastering.
Would you say that it should be used more for problem mixes or all mixes.
Or would i be better off going for marquis or polysquasher. Or say soniformer followed by marquis or polysquasher.

Thank you

[Aleksey Vaneev]

Soniformer may be useful for both problem and OK mixes. For 'OK' mixes it may be useful because overall mix compression is necessary mainly due to current 'sound standards'. Whether to use Soniformer with another compressor or not is up to you and your taste.

[PeterL]

I guess you may start with tweaking the presets that come with Soniformer.

Next step: Decrease/Increase the Threshold to your needs dependend on your material.

[kylen]

Another Step: If you have a somewhat "normal or smooth" rock mix and the threshold has been adjusted up or down to begin compressing your material - (assuming a flat threshold) leaving the input slope at the default 3db/octave will more or less compress evenly across all the bands, moving input slope more towards 0db will compress bass more heavily, moving input slope towards 7db will compress highs more heavily. Switching the metering view to "Gains" will easily confirm which bands are getting compressed. Slowing down the metering towards 50db will cause the meters to show more of an overall average of gain reduction or increase. Speeding the metering up towards 3dB will give more of a real time indication of GR. Speed is set in the "hidden" control panel accessed via the question mark "?". Pre or Post output gain should be noted as that effects the metering if you make output gain EQ changes. Now that output gain can be either pre or post compression it's something to be aware of.

[dumbo]

thanks guys

[dburgan]

Just think of it as a 32-band multiband compressor, with the added bonus that you can individual pan and 'stereoize' each band before they are mixed back together again. It's a fantastic mastering tool.

[Frippertronix]

Soniformer is truly cool!!

[Lazlo Minimart]

A simple formula for transparently tightening up boomy low end on an otherwise "good sounding" track... use the unfortunately named "Radio Mix" preset, then turn the "Input Slope" knob until the low end is sitting where you want it. I almost always prefer this method to using an EQ to tighten the low end. It seems to leave the "feel" of the track more intact.

[Aleksey Vaneev]

Lazlo, sorry for the preset naming. But I thought it was appropriate since it brings that 'in your face' sound (esp. if vocals are there).

[Lazlo Minimart]

NP, Aleksey! I just tire of the "modern radio" sound... and I think that preset is better than that sound.

[kylen]

That's a really great tip Lazlo - Soniformer can work some wonders on bass freqs, and using that "arc" type threshold curve in the Radio Mix preset and "sloping" into it sounds mighty smooth! Very generous of you to mention it!

Now on to Marquis for some final mix glue and top end sheen!