Noisebud has updated Bear to version 3.00, introducing a more restrained approach to harmonic bass enhancement for mastering and mix bus processing.
Bear works by changing the relationship between the fundamental and its first few harmonics. The low end is pushed into an internal process that creates unusually strong and stable harmonic content, after which unwanted material is filtered away and the remaining harmonics are shaped back into the movement of the original sound.
Bear 2 was designed to create the sensation of more bass while adding very little actual fundamental level. In Bear 3, the fundamental has been allowed to play a more active role, which means the plugin can now add genuine low-frequency weight as well as harmonic bass content.
The overall processing has also been made more subtle. According to Noisebud, the previous version deliberately exaggerated the effect to make it easier to hear while adjusting it. Bear 3 instead aims to preserve more of the original mix character and requires more focused listening when setting the effect.
The controls form a push-and-pull system. Boost drives the low end into Bear's harmonic process, while Filter and Cut provide two different ways of pulling the result back. The interaction can be compared to a Pultec-style bass process, but with harmonic generation added to the equation.
More information about Bear 3 is available here: Bear 3 on Noisebud Patreon
Availability & Pricing
Bear 3 is distributed through Noisebud's Patreon-based model.
For $7/month, you get access to 40+ plugins, Reaper scripts, and tools. Downloads are yours to keep permanently, no subscription required to keep using them. Resubscribing is only needed if you want a future update.
