MSpectralDynamics

MSpectralDynamics by MeldaProduction is an intense processing plugin that has boundless capabilities. It can be used as a compressor, expander-maximizer, gate, or EQ, but also provides creative flexibility to be used in many other ways. The interface is intuitive and easy to get started via the main page, which features four big knobs, a column of parameters, and an easy-to-read meter. The edit page has advanced features that allow for complete control over the type, shape, and degree of processing.

I extensively demoed MSD for noise removal, repairing, and mastering. Once I realized that I was working with thousands of frequencies across an entire spectrum, (not on specific bands) possibilities opened up. .. I was able to isolate frequencies, draw frequencies, or make global sonic changes across the spectrum. De-essing is a dream! Instead of lowering the volume sibilant constants on a vocal track, you can spectrally compress the high points of the troubling frequency range that contained the vocal hisses. The result was a much cleaner and easier to listen to vocal track, free of lisps. Of course, other specific sounds can be reduced or enhanced, i.e., kick drum, hi hats, or even the entire vocals of a mix (more tricky, of course). Noise reduction, in general, is a strong point of this plugin.

PROS:

• Clean, scalable interface with a basic operations on main page and complex creative options on edit page.
• Capable of doing many things by working with specific frequencies.
• Smart randomization (great feature found in many Melda plugins).
• Safety limiter to prevent spikes/unwanted distortion.
• Fantastic sound quality — adjustable up-sampling (1-16x).
• Lifetime updates free.

CONS:

• Edit page has a moderate learning curve — does a lot, lots to learn.
• Unattractive IU.
• Would benefit from additional algorithms/profiles/patches for specific processing, i.e., targeting specific frequencies like a bass drum, hi hat/cymbals, etc.
• Latency is very minimal, but zero would be a welcome miracle.

CONCLUSION

MSpectralDynamics can do many, many things —it's an "all-in-one solution." However, there are a few dedicated processing plugins in Melda's bundle that can do specific tasks a little easier. Still, MSD is a powerful, addictive plugin that inspires creative approaches to dynamic processing. Considering all it does, the price is good, and if you are wise enough to buy the bundle — it's a steal! I give MSpectralDynamics a big, fat all-in-one thumb up.