Soothe/Smooth Operator vs Dynamic EQ.

[MogwaiBoy]

If you were to setup a dynamic EQ with the same number of bands as Soothe2 uses under the hood, then it should approximate a similar result.

Come to think of it, does anyone know how many spectral bands Soothe2 operates with?

I used to manually automate individual EQ bands for de-resonance on troublesome guitars, synths and pads. Soothe2 does it in seconds and sounds better too. Pricey but a one-of-a-kind essential for me.

If you're looking for something cheaper and maybe slightly less surgical then check out Voxengo TEOTE, Mastering the Mix RESO or Wavesfactory Equalizer, or the aforementioned Smooth Operator.

[Funky40]

I bought it on black friday for 139€

Thanks ! €140 looks more like it´s doable. I´ll check next BF, haha

[billinder33]

Do the bands change in Soothe automatically?

Yes.

I thought you have to set them first (where you want them to supress) Because if you don't, then it is just a wideband compression... I will check some YT videos more if that is not the case.

You are setting the frequency range(s) where the dynamic frequency suppression is occurring.

[neverbefore]

I bought Smooth Operator just to check it out compared to Sonible smart EQ and to a lesser extent Zynaptiq Unfilter. It did not seem to be as useful as those - which is fair enough given how much cheaper it is - but is worthwhile having a look at.
I'm selling mine but I would probably keep it if I didnt have sonible's smart eq

[gjunk]

is soothe2 ever on sale ?
If so, how much $ then ?

I was just looking into this. Looks like besides BF soothe2 normally goes on sale for easter too so keep an eye out around end of march

[Funky40]

Thanks @gjunk

[sokoleski]

Im getting great results from DSEQ, which is comparable and is good priced.

[gjunk]

Im getting great results from DSEQ, which is comparable and is good priced.

I keep hearing that I need to try it out. No ilok is a nice bonus

[BackInCheck]

A tool like Soothe is one step up from a dynamic EQ. Whereas in a Dyn EQ you set a specific frequency and treshold to react to dynamically, Soothe under the hood divides the signal in many narrow spectral bands. When you set Soothe for example to the upper-mids it will analyse the signal and then reduce those bands poking out too much compared to the average (= resonances). It does so not fixed to one specific frequency point, but to an entire range of the spectrum as defined by the user (eg upper-mids). It will not reduce just one defined frequency node as in a Dyn EQ, but it will reduce whatever frequency bands are poking out too much. The difference is pretty obvious once you have used it.

[Ploki]

I got one of these plugins during the sale. Had the time finally to try it out. And you know what, I cannot see any difference in action between an ordinary dynamic EQ. That means that I have achieved the same results with dynamic EQ. Do I miss something in understanding those in action. Or it is just a marketing thing?

Soothe 2 is much more complex than just a dynamic EQ and goes far beyond what one can do. It’s constantly analyzing for harsh frequencies, and the control you have over catching and suppressing those harsh frequencies is unmatched. It just does the job better than anything else IMO. Kind of hate I waited so long to purchase it because it’s saved me tons of time mixing.

What do you mean by harsh frequencies? Those that at some point got higher gain at some point of time? Then this is exactly how a dynamic EQ/compressor works. Isn't it?

The only difference I see is in MeldaSpectralDynamics, where you can really "draw" the EQ curve by which the compression will be applied. Can't do that so precisely with the dynamic EQ.

Most dynamic EQs and multiband compressors are threshold dependent.
(ProQ3 in automode, Voxengo glissEQ are level independent)
Soothe2 is partially level dependent but for most applications it acts as if it was level independent.
The "EQ curve" in Soothe2 is actually a biasing curve. If you want it to react more on certain areas then other or ignore some areas, you draw it in.

If it detects a resonance in a signal (something that has a high signal in the vicinity of lower signal frequencies) it will suppress it.

Dynamic EQ is fixed frequency. Soothe2 "detects" which frequency is peaking and supressess exactly that frequency.
I.e. you have a bass guitar and some notes resonate and some don't or they do so for varying degree.
Multiband comp is too wide and will also supress some harmonics, while dynamic EQ you need to create a new band for each offending frequency and be careful that it doesnt trigger on some harmonics for example.

it's also useful as a "trackspacer" (dynamically carving out space for masking instruments).

It can also suck the life out of a sound really quickly if not used carefully.

You can absolutely do a lot Soothe2 does with a Dynamic EQ, but it takes a bit more time and you need to automate more things.

[xphorm]

So the real dynamic, realtime suppresion of resonant frequencies is done only by Soothe2? It doesn't have to listen to part of material, it is doing it on the fly, and that is done by no other suppressor, right?

[Uncle E]

Voxengo, Sonible, iZotope and Melda have similar tools, perhaps even the same. Sonible and iZotope have multiple ways of doing it.

[El°HYM]

Soothe 2 & DSEQ3 work similar, while the latter has more control and the first a quicker, easy Workflow. Then there are really tons which can do similar Things in other Ways, like the above mentioned.

[xphorm]

I guess Melda MSpectralDynamics flat preset is doing more or less exactly the same as Soothe2? Wondering because I'm on the verge of buying Soothe2, but I already have MSpectralDynamics. Sonible Smart:EQ is something else in my eyes, it's kind of 3-level side-chaining. Voxengo Teote, I think it has nothing to do with resonances?

[Igro]

It will not reduce just one defined frequency node as in a Dyn EQ, but it will reduce whatever frequency bands are poking out too much. The difference is pretty obvious once you have used it.

That is how a wideband compressor works.

Btw, a dynamic EQ is a spectral tool too, as it works on a defined spectrum set by the user.