How Sonible smartComp Can Improve Your Mixing and Mastering Workflow
Sonible smartComp v1.0.2 VST, VST3, AAX x86 x64
If you are looking for a versatile and intelligent compressor plugin that can handle any audio material with ease, you might want to check out Sonible smartComp. This plugin is designed to deliver high-quality compression with minimal effort and maximum flexibility. In this article, we will explore what Sonible smartComp is, what are its features, how to use it, and how it compares with other popular compressors. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why Sonible smartComp is a smart choice for your mixing and mastering needs.
Sonible smartComp v1.0.2 VST, VST3, AAX x86 x64
Introduction
What is Sonible smartComp?
Sonible smartComp is a compressor plugin that uses spectral compression to analyze the incoming audio signal and apply dynamic processing accordingly. It can automatically adjust the compression settings based on the characteristics of the audio material, or you can tweak them manually to suit your preferences. Sonible smartComp also offers a sidechain mode that allows you to use an external signal to trigger the compression, creating interesting and creative effects. Additionally, Sonible smartComp features smart time constants that adapt to the input signal and ensure smooth and transparent compression.
What are the features of Sonible smartComp?
Sonible smartComp has a simple and intuitive interface that lets you access all the essential parameters easily. It also has a graphical display that shows you the input and output levels, the gain reduction curve, and the spectral fingerprint of the audio material. Some of the main features of Sonible smartComp are:
Spectral compression: This feature allows you to compress different frequency bands independently, giving you more control over the dynamics of your audio material. You can adjust the threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain for each band, or let the plugin do it for you automatically.
Sidechain mode: This feature allows you to use an external signal to trigger the compression, creating interesting and creative effects. You can choose from three different sidechain modes: ducking, pumping, and spectral ducking. Ducking reduces the level of the audio material when the sidechain signal is present, creating more space in the mix. Pumping increases the level of the audio material when the sidechain signal is present, creating rhythmic movement and energy. Spectral ducking reduces the level of specific frequency bands in the audio material when they clash with the sidechain signal, creating more clarity and separation.
Smart time constants: This feature allows you to adjust the attack and release times of the compressor automatically based on the input signal. This ensures smooth and transparent compression without artifacts or pumping. You can also override this feature and set your own attack and release times manually.
How to use Sonible smartComp?
Sonible smartComp is easy to use and can be applied to any audio material, such as vocals, drums, guitars, synths, basses, etc. Here are some basic steps on how to use Sonible smartComp:
Load Sonible smartComp as an insert plugin on your audio track or bus.
Select a preset from the drop-down menu or click on the learn button to let the plugin analyze your audio material and set the optimal compression settings for you.
Adjust the threshold knob to set how much compression you want to apply. The lower the threshold, the more compression.
Adjust the ratio knob to set how much gain reduction you want to apply. The higher the ratio, the more compression.
Adjust the makeup gain knob to compensate for any volume loss due to compression.
If you want to use spectral compression, click on the spectral button and adjust the parameters for each frequency band as desired.
If you want to use sidechain mode, click on the sidechain button and select a mode from the drop-down menu. Then select an external signal as your sidechain source from your DAW.
If you want to use manual time constants, click on the time button and adjust the attack and release knobs as desired.
Use the bypass button to compare your processed and unprocessed signals.
Use the mix knob to blend your processed and unprocessed signals.
Benefits of Sonible smartComp
Spectral compression for dynamic control
One of the main benefits of Sonible smartComp is that it allows you to compress different frequency bands independently, giving you more control over the dynamics of your audio material. This can help you achieve a more balanced and natural sound without affecting other parts of your audio spectrum. For example, you can compress only the low frequencies of your bass track to make it more consistent and punchy without losing its warmth and character. Or you can compress only the high frequencies of your vocal track to tame any harshness or sibilance without affecting its clarity and presence.
Sidechain mode for creative effects
Another benefit of Sonible smartComp is that it allows you to use an external signal to trigger the compression, creating interesting and creative effects. This can help you add more movement and energy to your audio material or create more space and separation in your mix. For example, you can use a kick drum as your sidechain source to make your synth pad pump in sync with the beat, creating a rhythmic effect that enhances your groove. Or you can use a vocal track as your sidechain source to make your guitar track duck whenever the vocals are present, creating more room for them in your mix.
Smart time constants for adaptive processing
A third benefit of Sonible smartComp is that it allows you to adjust the attack and release times of the compressor automatically based on the input signal. This ensures smooth and transparent compression without artifacts or pumping. This can help you achieve a more natural and musical sound without having to tweak the parameters manually every time. For example, you can use smart time constants to compress a drum track with fast transients and varying dynamics, and let the plugin adapt to each hit and adjust the attack and release times accordingly, creating a consistent and punchy sound without losing any impact or detail.
Comparison with other compressors
Sonible smartComp vs FabFilter Pro-C 2
FabFilter Pro-C 2 is another versatile and high-quality compressor plugin that offers many features and options for dynamic processing. Some of the similarities between FabFilter Pro-C 2 and Sonible smartComp are:
They both have a simple and intuitive interface with a graphical display that shows the input and output levels, the gain reduction curve, and the frequency spectrum.
They both offer spectral compression that allows you to compress different frequency bands independently.
They both offer sidechain mode that allows you to use an external signal to trigger the compression.
They both offer manual time constants that allow you to adjust the attack and release times manually.
Some of the differences between FabFilter Pro-C 2 and Sonible smartComp are:
FabFilter Pro-C 2 has more presets than Sonible smartComp, covering various styles and genres.
FabFilter Pro-C 2 has more compression styles than Sonible smartComp, ranging from clean and transparent to warm and vintage.
FabFilter Pro-C 2 has more sidechain modes than Sonible smartComp, including EQ, filter, and tilt modes.
FabFilter Pro-C 2 has more advanced features than Sonible smartComp, such as lookahead, oversampling, mid/side processing, external sidechain input, range, hold, knee, and lookahead settings.
Sonible smartComp vs Waves C6 Multiband Compressor
Sonible smartComp vs Waves C6 Multiband Compressor
Waves C6 Multiband Compressor is another powerful and flexible compressor plugin that uses multiband compression to control the dynamics of your audio material. Some of the similarities between Waves C6 Multiband Compressor and Sonible smartComp are:
They both use spectral compression that allows you to compress different frequency bands independently.
They both have a graphical display that shows you the input and output levels, the gain reduction curve, and the frequency spectrum.
They both offer sidechain mode that allows you to use an external signal to trigger the compression.
Some of the differences between Waves C6 Multiband Compressor and Sonible smartComp are:
Waves C6 Multiband Compressor has more bands than Sonible smartComp, allowing you to divide your audio spectrum into six bands instead of three.
Waves C6 Multiband Compressor has more parameters than Sonible smartComp, allowing you to adjust the crossover points, the range, the knee, and the solo/mute for each band.
Waves C6 Multiband Compressor has more sidechain modes than Sonible smartComp, allowing you to choose from internal, external, or EQ sidechain sources.
Waves C6 Multiband Compressor has more presets than Sonible smartComp, covering various instruments and applications.
Sonible smartComp vs iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamics
iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamics is another comprehensive and versatile compressor plugin that is part of the iZotope Ozone 9 mastering suite. It offers multiband compression, limiting, expansion, and gating for your audio material. Some of the similarities between iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamics and Sonible smartComp are:
They both use spectral compression that allows you to compress different frequency bands independently.
They both have a graphical display that shows you the input and output levels, the gain reduction curve, and the frequency spectrum.
They both offer sidechain mode that allows you to use an external signal to trigger the compression.
Some of the differences between iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamics and Sonible smartComp are:
iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamics has more bands than Sonible smartComp, allowing you to divide your audio spectrum into four bands instead of three.
iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamics has more modes than Sonible smartComp, allowing you to choose from digital, vintage, modern, or surgical modes for each band.
iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamics has more features than Sonible smartComp, such as limiting, expansion, gating, adaptive release, auto gain compensation, stereo linking, mid/side processing, and learn threshold.
iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamics has more presets than Sonible smartComp, covering various genres and styles.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this article, we have discussed what Sonible smartComp is, what are its features, how to use it, and how it compares with other popular compressors. We have learned that Sonible smartComp is a compressor plugin that uses spectral compression to analyze the incoming audio signal and apply dynamic processing accordingly. It can automatically adjust the compression settings based on the characteristics of the audio material, or you can tweak them manually to suit your preferences. Sonible smartComp also offers a sidechain mode that allows you to use an external signal to trigger the compression, creating interesting and creative effects. Additionally, Sonible smartComp features smart time constants that adapt to the input signal and ensure smooth and transparent compression. We have also learned that Sonible smartComp has some advantages and disadvantages compared with other compressors, such as FabFilter Pro-C 2, Waves C6 Multiband Compressor, and iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamics.
Recommendation and call to action
If you are looking for a versatile and intelligent compressor plugin that can handle any audio material with ease, you might want to check out Sonible smartComp. This plugin is designed to deliver high-quality compression with minimal effort and maximum flexibility. You can download a free trial version of Sonible smartComp from their official website and see for yourself how it can improve your mixing and mastering workflow. You can also purchase the full version of Sonible smartComp for a reasonable price and enjoy its benefits for a lifetime. Don't miss this opportunity to get your hands on one of the best compressor plugins on the market today. Try Sonible smartComp now and see the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for Sonible smartComp?
Sonible smartComp is compatible with Windows 7 or higher (32-bit or 64-bit) and Mac OS X 10.7 or higher (64-bit only). It supports VST2, VST3, AU, AAX formats. It requires at least 4 GB of RAM and 200 MB of free disk space.
How much does Sonible smartComp cost?
Sonible smartComp costs $129 USD. You can also get it as part of the Smart Bundle with Sonible smartEQ 2 for $199 USD. You can purchase it from their official website or from authorized dealers.
Does Sonible smartComp have a demo version?
Yes, Sonible smartComp has a demo version that you can download from their official website. The demo version is fully functional but it will produce silence every 90 seconds. The demo version will expire after 30 days.
How do I activate Sonible smartComp?
To activate Sonible smartComp, you need to create an account on their official website and register your product with your email address and serial number. You will receive an activation code via email that you need to enter in the plugin interface. You can activate Sonible smartComp on up to three devices with one license.
How do I contact Sonible support?
If you have any questions or issues with Sonible smartComp or any other Sonible products, you can contact their support team via email at support@sonible.com or via their online contact form. They will respond as soon as possible and help you resolve your problem.