Is there a plugin (Comprssor/Expander) which can do this ?

[Halonmusic]

I am working on a track that uses vocal samples, mostly spoken words and phrases and some of them is more quiet than the rest. I am wondering if it is a plugin which can make them -as loud- as the louder vocals in a full mix. On quieter parts it is not a big deal but in a full mix it is. Do i need an expander perhaps? I know i could always do volume automation but it is such a pain in the ass in my daw of choice (EnergyXT). Any thoughts? If there is a plugin out there that can do what i want i don't mind paying for it but it needs to be VST2 and hopefully i can bridge it in Kushview Element because energyXT does not support vst3 and 64bit. Maybe i can export only the vocals and import them in Audacity and do volume changes but would be great if there is a plugin which does exactly what i want. Anyone? It isn't that big of a deal but hey, maybe there is a simple solution

[MogwaiBoy]

There's "vocal rider" type plugins that semi-automate the process - and compressors I guess.

But I would just use volume automation as it would be the cleanest most transparent way to do it, costing you no money and no CPU.

Use analysis to compare the apparent loudness of each voice cut/edit and adjust volume accordingly. The pro's have been doing this for decades, even automating individual syllables within words.

[Halonmusic]

Thanks Mogwayboy. I suppose that is the way to go. I really appreciate your feedback Sometimes you just have to use automation right? Again, thank you

[Etienne1973]

I do always a combo of manual level adjustment plus a 3 - 5 compressors cascade downward and upward.

Tried several gain rider plugins w/o success. Most musical was TBProAudio DynaRide 2 out of the bunch.

You could also try Melda MLoudnessAnalyzer and individual adjust the vocal samples to same LUFS Integrated value.

Addition:

If your DAW has already a plugin (or find a 3rd party capable) that spits out LUFS Momentary values as automation data then you could do perhaps the thing like in this video:

[Halonmusic]

I do always a combo of manual level adjustment plus a 3 - 5 compressors cascade downward and upward.

Tried several gain rider plugins w/o success. Most musical was TBProAudio DynaRide 2 out of the bunch.

You could also try Melda MLoudnessAnalyzer and individual adjust the vocal samples to same LUFS Integrated value.

Addition:

If your DAW has already a plugin (or find a 3rd party capable) that spits out LUFS Momentary values as automation data then you could do perhaps the thing like in this video:

thanks i will try that

[MogwaiBoy]

Thanks Mogwayboy. I suppose that is the way to go. I really appreciate your feedback Sometimes you just have to use automation right? Again, thank you

I apologise if I get really annoying always recommending non-plugin solutions to people seeking advice. I find automation to be the answer to a lot of problems. I also find that we fall into these kinds of traps, ie: "Is there a compressor that's really good for toms?" - "oh, you need to try TOMPRESSOR" And then I come in sceptical like "Just use your favourite compressor" - but no... the solution MUST have the name in the plugin title. Do you see this happening a lot on KVR? I notice it all the time.

So, I don't wanna be the "Tompressor" guy.

You did say the DAW is a PITA to automate though, so maybe automation is not the way for you. I'm sure if you get the hang of it though you'll learn a lot and take more pride in the level of detail you put into your mixes.

Like, for resonances... I got Soothe and I LOVE it - but still there are some that even Soothe can't tame and I can setup an automated notch in CraveEQ so quick - the combination of manual and auto gets exactly the results I want.

PS I trademark "Tompressor"

[jBam]

Look up "levelling amplifier" - this issue is basically what compressors were invented for (not yo make your drums snap ).

A compressor set with rms detection, deepish threshold (to suit necessary make-up gain), super soft knee, a slow attack (e.g. 1 second), and very slow release (e.g. 3-5 seconds) "may" be all you need. FYI - those times are not "slow" for levelling amp territory... tweak them to suit material.

The vocal rider stuff will probably be ideal / better; but would be a shame to not leave a humble levelling amp comment here!

[fese]

PS I trademark "Tompressor"

Dammit! I guess that only leaves me with trademarking “SnareBottomPressor”…

[imrae]

Agreed that "levelling amplifiers" are the way to go for dialogue: deep, slow compression with a soft knee and high ratio. Any "classic opto compressor" is worth a try, or corresponding presets on something more flexible. Transparency is rarely needed; people expect recorded dialogue to sound

My go-to would be Fuse VCL-373 which is disgustingly good at this. For free stuff maybe try MJUC Jr or Molotok. Kotelnikov if transparency is important.

[Halonmusic]

Thanks Mogwayboy. I suppose that is the way to go. I really appreciate your feedback Sometimes you just have to use automation right? Again, thank you

I apologise if I get really annoying always recommending non-plugin solutions to people seeking advice. I find automation to be the answer to a lot of problems. I also find that we fall into these kinds of traps, ie: "Is there a compressor that's really good for toms?" - "oh, you need to try TOMPRESSOR" And then I come in sceptical like "Just use your favourite compressor" - but no... the solution MUST have the name in the plugin title. Do you see this happening a lot on KVR? I notice it all the time.

So, I don't wanna be the "Tompressor" guy.

You did say the DAW is a PITA to automate though, so maybe automation is not the way for you. I'm sure if you get the hang of it though you'll learn a lot and take more pride in the level of detail you put into your mixes.

Like, for resonances... I got Soothe and I LOVE it - but still there are some that even Soothe can't tame and I can setup an automated notch in CraveEQ so quick - the combination of manual and auto gets exactly the results I want.

PS I trademark "Tompressor"

No problem. I appreciate your post

Look up "levelling amplifier" - this issue is basically what compressors were invented for (not yo make your drums snap ).

A compressor set with rms detection, deepish threshold (to suit necessary make-up gain), super soft knee, a slow attack (e.g. 1 second), and very slow release (e.g. 3-5 seconds) "may" be all you need. FYI - those times are not "slow" for levelling amp territory... tweak them to suit material.

The vocal rider stuff will probably be ideal / better; but would be a shame to not leave a humble levelling amp comment here!

Thanks i do believe i have a vocal rider thingy in my collection so i'll try that or i could use VoS ThrillsekerLA

Agreed that "levelling amplifiers" are the way to go for dialogue: deep, slow compression with a soft knee and high ratio. Any "classic opto compressor" is worth a try, or corresponding presets on something more flexible. Transparency is rarely needed; people expect recorded dialogue to sound

My go-to would be Fuse VCL-373 which is disgustingly good at this. For free stuff maybe try MJUC Jr or Molotok. Kotelnikov if transparency is important.

Thanks I do have Molotok so i'll try that one aswell. Thanks for the tip