Eventide Audio Releases Newfangled Audio Fixate:Midrange - Dynamic EQ Using Critical-Band Analysis for Midrange Correction
Eventide Audio has released Fixate:Midrange, a dynamic EQ plug-in developed by Newfangled Audio that applies critical-band analysis to identify and correct midrange problems in a mix.
The plug-in addresses six specific problem categories like Mud, Thinness, Honk, Nasalness, Harshness, and Spectral Imbalance through dedicated dynamic processors that respond in real time to the incoming signal. Processing is applied only when the relevant condition is detected, leaving unaffected material unchanged.
The detection engine is based on critical-band analysis, a psychoacoustic model that groups frequencies according to how the human auditory system perceives them. By evaluating energy relationships across perceptual bands rather than raw frequency data, the plug-in is designed to catch resonances and imbalances that standard spectrum analyzers may not flag.
The primary workflow is Analyze and Fix: the plug-in listens to the incoming signal and configures its processors accordingly. A HINTMAP display provides real-time visual feedback, marking problem areas across the interface to guide manual adjustments. A Midrange Focus listening mode isolates the midrange for focused evaluation.
Additional controls include Spectral Balance adjustment across 15 frequency bands, Mid/Side processing, per-band solo, enable, and delta monitoring, profiles for mastering, vocals, guitar, and custom references, automatic gain compensation, and A/B comparison. Custom profiles can be learned from any reference audio dragged into the plug-in. A full preset system with tagging and recall is included. The interface is resizable and offers multiple color schemes.
Nailing the midrange is the key to a great mix, and I've always found it challenging. I wanted to build a tool that made perfect midrange easier for those who struggle and faster for those who've already mastered it.
Dan Gillespie, owner of Newfangled Audio.
Key Features
- Six dynamic processors: Mud, Thinness, Honk, Nasalness, Harshness, Spectral Balance.
- Critical-band resonance detection based on psychoacoustic frequency grouping.
- One-button Analyze and Fix workflow.
- Real-time HINTMAP visual feedback.
- Spectral Balance control across 15 frequency bands.
- Profiles for mastering, vocals, guitar, and custom references; learnable from any reference audio.
- Mid/Side processing.
- Per-band solo, enable, and delta monitoring.
- Midrange Focus listening mode.
- Automatic gain compensation and A/B comparison.
- Full preset system with tagging and recall.
- Resizable interface with multiple color schemes.
- 14-day free demo available.
Pricing and Availability
Fixate:Midrange is available now at an intro price of $79 USD (MSRP $139) for macOS and Windows in VST3, AU and AAX plugin formats.
