New TB plugin: TB-FIX(flex) Dynamic EQ

[Endor-8o8]

"EDIT: Even more perfect, if the area with the nodes would be replaced by "classic" compression parameters AND with the click on a button switchable between the nodes, as seen now and classic view (attack, ratio, release, gain reduction meter...)"

A switchable button was just what I was thinking about and would be just perfect imho !

[kylen]

I finally ran some pink noise thru this so I could 'see' what I was doing a little better. If I put node 5 nearly over node 4 (both nodes turned on) and adjust the node 5 dynamics curve to limit (around 10KHz) - wow that's a really steep slope you've got there!

That's indeed one of the great advantages of the underlying technology.
It can basically handle any filter steepness from ultrasmooth to
virtually infinity.

This can't be an FFT compressor can it? If it is it's the best one I've heard!

I have a question though. The compressor input/output graph now
has 3 nodes to set the curves. Is this something that you all value,
or would you prefer the traditional way of setting thresholds and ratios
(still being able to set negative ratios, obviously).

I like seeing the transfer curve (and the detector levels), I think it's educational. I'm getting used to tweaking the nodes in there but an alternate input/display method would be fine also.

Something that would help me out also is to be able to have access to the input/output gain controls while the I/O graph is displayed. That way I can follow where the detector response is sitting against the transfer curve. I suppose there are other ways also, if I set a desirable transfer curve with the 3 nodes (or input values somehow) be able to change the detector level for that band without having to retweak the 3 nodes.

Thank you!

[mabian]

There's one thing I don't understand in the current layout: is there a width for the region around the node frequency to which the compression applies (if the node is the region center)? If so, could the width be tweaked?

Or does the compression setting for a node apply up to the next node frequency? Or to the previous node frequency? Or is there a blend?

Thanks,
Mario

[AKJ]

I believe classic compression controls are less flexible and the visualization in the graphic mode is quite instructive. so, please, if you add clasic controls: make them optional.

what I miss most is: input and output sprectrum view (maybe make them switchable).

and regarding smash pro (to which FlX seems to be the replacement): the multiband harmonic exciter was quite nice. maybe, reimplement it also here.

cheers, akj

[bmanic]

I have a question though. The compressor input/output graph now
has 3 nodes to set the curves. Is this something that you all value,
or would you prefer the traditional way of setting thresholds and ratios
(still being able to set negative ratios, obviously).

3 or even more nodes is absolutely AWESOME. However, there really needs to be a way to snap the nodes to the diagonal 1:1 line.. and perhaps have them become locked there. This would help a lot when setting it up.

Cheers!
bManic

[kylen]

My only problem is that when I get the EQ nodes that close it's hard to select the correct one. Is there a way to put a node selector index on the gui somewhere?

My mistake - that's what zoom is for, I can zoom in if the nodes appear to be on top of each other, after 1 or 2 zooms (left-click and drag around a node) they are clearly apart and workable.

[kylen]

There's one thing I don't understand in the current layout: is there a width for the region around the node frequency to which the compression applies (if the node is the region center)? If so, could the width be tweaked?

I think it depends on how close the next 'on' node is. To set a 1KHz parametric 'band-limited' EQ looking compression curve you could set node 3 at 1KHz and set the compression curve (it's wide-band if all other nodes are off), turn on node 2 and node 4 and adjust the width with those 2 EQ nodes. That cost 3 EQ nodes to get a specific Q.

To get a specific width and shape cost 4 nodes, 2 & 3 to establish to lower boundary and slope (at 250Hz for example) and nodes 4 & 5 to establish the upper (at 4KHz for example).

Right now I'm doing custom lower and upper compression shelves which cost 2 nodes a piece.

[djeroen]

Ok guys, thanks for these great suggestions!

I'm going to try to tackle the frequency editor first, by adding key modifiers for dragging nodes locked to X or Y, and by adding additional controls to modify gain and frequency separately (the conventional way, so you can choose to use nodes or the conventional gain/frequency controls). These will also have a one-click reset to 0 dB gain. Oh, and I'm experimenting with adding a Q factor to nodes, so you don't need 3 nodes to create a bell curve...

Stay tuned

[kylen]

Oh, and I'm experimenting with adding a Q factor to nodes, so you don't need 3 nodes to create a bell curve...

All the new features look cool - nice to have reset to 0db & Q also!

[bmanic]

Sounds awesome!

Cheers!
bManic

[Endor-8o8]

Thanks Djeroen for making such amazing plugs and for listening to customers feedback ! Long live Tone Boosters !

[LGK_Dude]

And now having tried the Toneboosters Fix one I have to say it's an absolute nightmare to use. It's about as intuitive to use as an early linux distro.

Unfortunately this is a complete no-go for me. It requires WAY too many tweaks to get even the simplest of things done. I very much suggest Jeroen takes a look at how the melda productions dynamic EQ has a very quick workflow with it's 3 handles.

The TB Fix is simply a nightmare to even get a single band working as it doesn't behave at all like an ordinary EQ (contrary to what the website says about it). Right from the get-go.. if you grab the number 3 ball and drag it up or down, it simply boosts/cuts the whole spectrum.. working as a normal volume control. You first need to enable bands 2 and 4.. then set them to create a "boundary".. try doing this without accidentally moving them up or down, then finally you have your frequency range. Now what if you want to move it around to see how it works elsewhere? You do it ALL OVER AGAIN!

Pure madness. To be honest, I'm not sure what Jeroen was thinking with this user interface.

Sorry man.. it's horrendous. An absolute nightmare to use.

Here are my number 1 uses for a dynamic EQ:

1) Taming particular ringing frequencies where an ordinary EQ takes too much away from lower level hits. Great example, a snare drum which rings too much when it's struck at certain volume levels.

In the melda productions dynamic EQ this is how I do it. Find the offending frequency, set the Q/bandwith of the parametric EQ to taste, drag the center handle down to the desired gain reduction maximum. Done. Probably takes less than 5 seconds to do.

Want to fine-tune the setup? Simply open up the EQ band's own editor. Set threshold, attack / release times.. done. Want to get even more indepth? Adjust the transfer function and triggering mechanics (want to use a sidechain? no problem).

2) Boosting broad EQ ranges at low volumes while taming/compressing them at higher volumes. Typical targets: Synth pads, guitars, pianos.. anything that needs to be a "filler" behind the track.

In the melda dyn EQ you do the following: Set the parametric band to where you want the center of the boost to happen.. now boost the band, say 3dB.. then simply drag the middle handle to set the amount of dynamic gain reduction at loud passages. All done again in a matter of seconds.

The opposite can also be done very quickly, simply by inverting or messing around with the transfer function. It's a good idea to create some common transfer functions, especially the inversions, and save them. Then you can very quickly create extremely complex scenarios within a few mouse clicks.

Anyhow.. enough of that. Bottom line is: the melda productiosn Dynamic EQ is almost perfect. Almost.. it only needs a look-a-head function per band, then it'd be THE most perfect dynamic EQ tool ever.

Cheers!
bManic

I'm a little late to the party, but demoed this today and 100% agree with everything said here. Was hoping this would give me the melda experience for less money, but it seems this was not meant to be. I will wait for the next melda sale and pick up dynamic EQ then. Should have probably bought it during their christmas sale.

edit: Didn't read this these problems above are going to be address. AWESOME TO HEAR!! I will wait for the update then. Thank you for being such an open minded developer and listening to customer feedback!

[kylen]

Here are 2 features that Melda doesn't have:
1. Click on the bottom node in the transfer curve to create soft-knee
2. Detector response drawn against the transfer curve

I think it's fine that Melda has a respected Dynamic EQ that has set certain standards but I already have that one. I came over here for the ToneBoosters experience, I want to see what djeroen can come up with and support his creativity also.

[bbaggins]

I'm enjoying playing with this plugin. But I'm having difficulty wrapping my head around the transfer function. It looks like a standard compressor feature, similar to the multiband compressor in Ozone, and uses compressor terminology. But the curves it comes up with are like nothing I've ever seen using a conventional compressor.



Jeroen, perhaps you could shed some light on how this works?

[djeroen]

The curve represents the output level as a function of input level (as almost all compressor curves do).
WIth nodes, you have much more flexibility than with a threshold / ratio control. In the curve you included, you would have compression for input levels between -50 and -30 dB, expansion between -20 and -10, and linear input/output above -10.