Best Creative Dynamics Plugins: Tools that Push the Envelope
Is your DAW's compressor too clinical?
The Best Creative Dynamics Plugins: Tools that Push the Envelope · Source: SoundRadix / Waves / Flux
Dynamics might not be the first category that comes to mind when looking for creative plugins. But a lot of companies are creating products that push the boundaries of what classic workhorses like compressors, expanders, and equalizers can do in the digital recording age. We’ve already tackled filtering plug-ins as well as creative reverbs and delays, so this time we look at some of the other types of dynamics processors. These are 6 of the best creative dynamics plugins out there.
In this Article:
Creative Dynamics Plugins: Sound Radix SurferEQ2
This is a pitch-tracking EQ that works with monophonic sources, adjusting the equalization in real-time to match the source material. It works by using a synthesizer filter to automatically adjust and balance the frequency spectrum as the signal changes throughout different registers and timbres.
The filters you might expect are present, like high/low pass, shelving, and bells. But the real magic lies in the proprietary harmonic filtering, which lets you control the heart and soul of a signal with a single, variable EQ point.
With a total of seven bands, you can dial in the right EQ for the track and then engage the “Surf” function so it automatically adjusts in sequence. Furthermore, you can pick and choose which bands surf and which remain static. If you want to get really inventive, there is MIDI control so you can adjust everything in real-time.
Creative Dynamics Plugins: MeldaProduction MSpectralDynamics
This is one of the most unique creative dynamics plug-ins. Part spectral shaper, part multi-band compressor, this processor offers a unique way to process audio with its robust set of features. With it, you can remove noise via the expander, flatten the frequency spectrum, and gate the signal.
It works by extracting the individual frequencies and processing them separately, not unlike a multi-band compressor. It runs in mono, stereo, or mid-side and comes with a host of add-on features like an output limiter and automatic gain compensation.
The edit screen can be a bit visually daunting at first, but everything is laid out logically in the GUI. It’s great for sources like dialogue to heavy electronic styles and everything in between.
Creative Dynamics Plugins: Waves Infected Mushroom Pusher
Waves partnered with respected EDM artist Infected Mushroom to channel their “secret mixing sauce” into one of the easiest-to-use creative dynamics plug-ins. It is many things, including a limiter and multi-band sonic enhancer.
Low, body, and high controls function as the EQ points with a single knob for each. But the Magic section is the most unique feature. It adds dynamic and harmonic excitement across the entire spectrum of whatever is feeding into it.
Additional controls over Focus and Dynamic Punch fine-tune things even further. It can also limit and clip so you can get the track as loud as needed, and the stereo image field can be adjusted.
Creative Dynamics Plugins: Zynaptiq Intensity
Zynaptiq is a company that is known for its unique approach to audio processing. With Intensity, you get a one-knob loudness plugin that uses a system based on a facial recognition algorithm, of all things. This makes it different from standard compressors in that there is no RMS detection happening in the processing chain.
The interface is distinctly streamlined, without controls for adjusting the ratio, threshold, and time constants. Meanwhile, the two main controls, Intensity and Bias, determine the degree of processing happening.
Overall, the INTENSITY workflow lets you dial up the loudness and clarity of any sound quickly, while maintaining the sonic detail. In addition, it can be used for post-production sound effects mixing to bring elements forward or push other elements back in the sound field a bit.
Creative Dynamics Plugins: Sonnox Envolution
With Envolution’s frequency-dependent dynamics shaping, you can go beyond what is possible with a basic transient designer. This means you can dive deeper and manipulate the envelope based on frequency. Usually, transient shapers are applied to increase perceived attack and definition. However, with Envolution, you can go the other way, reducing sustain and ambience if you need.
It can be used broadly or in a more focused, parametric style. Frequency points can also be automated so that they don’t have to remain static. The interface is divided into transient and sustain sections that can each be controlled via a target frequency. The timing controls let you shape the envelope appropriately, and you can add harmonic saturation with the Warmth knob at the output stage.
A mix control allows for parallel processing directly within the plugin. The DIFF button solos the effect so you can hear exactly how the track is being effected. This can be used in a musical fashion as well, as it creates a novel, zero-compression effect! Multiple types of metering offer a quick visual reference, and with the waveform display, you can easily zero in on how you want to manipulate the sound, but it can be disabled for ears-only reference.
Creative Dynamics Plugins: Flux Syrah
“Adaptive dynamics” is the name of the game here. Syrah reacts to volume changes as well as variation in dynamics, providing two layers of independent compression. It works by using a compressor and a de-expander in tandem to process incoming audio.
The compressor then reduces the intensity of the higher levels, while the de-expander works to bring up the lower material. Three modes determine how the plugin is to react, and four knobs control the envelope. There are additional processing elements that are available via buttons, including width expansion and mid/side mode.
Some useful visual elements are provided, like a customizable waveform display that lets you see the effects the plugin is having on the audio. It’s available in a wide variety of formats, so it can be run in any DAW.
Creative Dynamics Plugins: Soundtoys Devil-Loc Deluxe
The Devil-Loc Deluxe plugin is modelled on the Shure M62V Level-Loc brick-wall limiter from the 1960s. Although the original Level-Loc was a rather crude device, it had a certain magic in the way it shaped transients, particularly when there was ambient information. This made the Level-Loc a secret weapon for drum room microphones.
The Level-Loc was originally designed for live and broadcast applications, with a simple switch that selected the approximate distance the subject was from the microphone. However, Soundtoys has created a slightly more involved processor with distinctive Crush and Crunch controls, as well as a switch to select either fast or slow release times.
You can also reduce the high frequencies with the Darkness tone control, and there’s a useful mix control for parallel processing. This allows you to completely smash a drum loop and then pull the mix back so you maintain the integrity of the original signal while adding a nice textured bite to it.
More about Creative Dynamics Plugins:
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One response to “Best Creative Dynamics Plugins: Tools that Push the Envelope”
Good list! I would probably also add some of Boz Digitals plug-ins though. Both Transgressor 2 and Big Beautiful Door are insanely good plug-ins.