KVR Audio

JumpingJackFlash · Post by **JumpingJackFlash** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:14 pm

Generally, what do you consider to be the overall 'best' software Exciter/Enhancer for mastering? - i.e., to slap over the entire mix?

Based on such factors as sound, coloration, ease of use, number of useful pre-sets (as well as possibly factors like copy protection and price).
Let's say for sample-based acoustic music.

I think this will be really useful for newbies, so I want as many people as possible to vote!

If you prefer an exciter/enhancer I haven't listed, then please list it!
Thanks.

wwwill · Post by **wwwill** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:36 pm

I haven't tried everything/most/more-than-one of what's mentioned but I do like CLAS. Is it fair to vote if you have no experience with the others?

JackDark · Post by **JackDark** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:03 pm

None of the above.

Hint: There's a -free- one that is the best.

bduffy · Post by **bduffy** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:07 pm

JackDark wrote:None of the above.

Hint: There's a -free- one that is the best.

Endorphin?

I put CLAS, because it's just instant magic on a mix, like someone pulling the cotton out of your ears. It's a close call with SPECRTALIVE, which I adore and use sometimes for quick 2-track sweetening, but I tend to use it more for voice and instrument work.

shamann · Post by **shamann** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:08 pm

I'd agree with Jack's none of the above, but not in favour a free one. I have never liked the sound of any of the exciters I've tried.

(a couple of other free ones missing are the Obertone Physix one, the Voxengo one similar to the Obertone one, and RGC's high-frequncy distortion old freebie)

Aleksey Vaneev · Post by **Aleksey Vaneev** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:24 pm

Voxengo Transmodder is not really an exciter or enhancer. It is an equalizer that reacts to transients.

sounddesigner · Post by **sounddesigner** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:18 am

Aleksey Vaneev wrote:Voxengo Transmodder is not really an exciter or enhancer. It is an equalizer that reacts to transients.

But i prefer it over most exciters.I like transmodder then clas.BBE sonic maximizer is surprisingly not an exciter as well.

Voodu · Post by **Voodu** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:25 am

I know it gets mixed reviews around here but I really like the Spectralive. It's amazing what it can do during the mastering process. Is it a one plug-in mastering solution? No, but it does really liven up the sound.

Electrode · Post by **Electrode** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:31 am

What about Elogoxa's X-Cita freeware VST plugin?

living sounds · Post by **living sounds** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 1:15 am

The UAD-1 Neve 1073. Easily. Blows away the curtains. Lets you see the sun.

fred2112 · Post by **fred2112** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 1:37 am

The UAD-1 Neve 1073.........just a EQ........... a good one but not a exciter

Aleksey Vaneev · Post by **Aleksey Vaneev** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 1:59 am

sounddesigner wrote:
Aleksey Vaneev wrote:Voxengo Transmodder is not really an exciter or enhancer. It is an equalizer that reacts to transients.
But i prefer it over most exciters.I like transmodder then clas.BBE sonic maximizer is surprisingly not an exciter as well.

Sure thing it can work similar to an exciter - I just never advertised it as such. In my opinion, exciters/enhancers have a general reputation of adding harmful distortion together with shine. Transmodder won't add harmonic distortion.

D-Fusion · Post by **D-Fusion** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 2:05 am

None of the above (I use CMFuzz and a Good multiband Eq)

filkertom · Post by **filkertom** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 2:41 am

Voodu wrote:I know it gets mixed reviews around here but I really like the Spectralive. It's amazing what it can do during the mastering process. Is it a one plug-in mastering solution? No, but it does really liven up the sound.

Roger that. Used it on my new album, and it brightened the whole thing up amazingly.

bduffy · Post by **bduffy** » Fri Jun 09, 2006 2:52 am

Hmmm...checking back in, it's good to see Spectralive get votes. With the support its gotten here, I expected to see a stronger showing!

I wonder if anyone will choose DSP-FX? Funny thing is, they're great-sounding plugins (love their chorus!), but those UI's are the worst; and they still won't change them!

overall 'best' software Exciter/Enhancer?

Generally, what do you consider to be the overall 'best' software Exciter/Enhancer for mastering?