Waves Audio has announced that it’s now shipping the new IDX Intelligent Dynamics plugin, a smart, frequency-dependent compressor designed to optimize the energy of tracks to deliver greater punch and focus via one main knob.
For optimal results, Waves suggests inserting IDX at the beginning of a plugin chain and/or across multiple tracks to help set a solid foundation on which to build the rest of the mix, because IDX can be effectively utilized on a master bus. Applying IDX across multiple tracks can help unlock an entire mix’s full potential. While individual sounds may be good on their own, they can feel washed out within a mix, but with the plugin, vocals come forward without compromising the crispness of drum transients, while basses become punchy and well-defined.
IDX employs a smart algorithm that automatically identifies the busiest areas of the frequency range – those that consume energy without enhancing the tone of instruments or vocals. It then compresses them by using “progressive attenuation” (unlike a traditional compressor, which uniformly reduces the signal RMS above a threshold). As a result, frequency ranges that define the track’s key characteristics can gain a distinct advantage and become more prominent.
Positioning IDX at the start of a plugin chain effectively compresses frequencies that contribute to harshness and boominess, reducing the need for EQ adjustments. Its smart compression algorithm also enhances the “good” frequencies, bringing them forward in the mix.
Users can control IDX’s response speed with two modes: “Hard” delivers a fast response that’s well-suited for transient sounds like drums and percussive elements, or when extra punch is desired. “Soft” provides a smoother, slower response for non-percussive sounds that need a more natural feel. “Tilt” control adjusts the degree of high and low frequency compression. Turning it one way compresses the highs more, resulting in a darker tone. Turning it the other way compresses the lows more, resulting in a brighter sound.
Also offered is a “zero-latency” version as well, making it a tool suited for live applications. With just a few moves, IDX can provide a quick dynamic control over any input channel or group in a live mix.
IDX Intelligent Dynamics is available as a single plugin and in the Waves Mercury, SD7 and Pro Show bundles. It has also been added to Waves’ monthly and annual plugin subscriptions: Waves Essential (over 110 plugins) and Waves Ultimate (over 230 Waves plugins).
www.waves.com
Australian Distributor: Sound & Music Promotions www.sound-music.com
