Metric Halo ChannelStrip 3 for GarageBand – Digital Signal Processing Plug-In (Download)

ChannelStrip 3 for GarageBand from Metric Halo is a multi-processor plug-in developed to provide the sound and feel of an analog mixing console. It offers high audio quality, DSP and CPU efficiency, and a comprehensive user interface that allows users to work with GarageBand as efficiently and interactively as they would with a dedicated mixing console.

The plug-in features eight bands of EQ, six main and two for use on the dynamics-section sidechain. The six parametric bands of the EQ are capable of deep notches and steep resonant peaks. Uses include finding “space” for individual instruments within a mix, or for re-tuning drums after they have been recorded.

The dynamics section of the ChannelStrip includes both an expander/gate and a separate compressor. The expander/gate is most useful when working with microphone-recorded sources. It provides an automatic gain-riding feature that mutes the input or track when the audio level is too low, as in the case of a noisy guitar amplifier, for example.

The compressor also provides an automatic gain-riding feature, but instead of changing the gain when the signal falls below a certain threshold, the compressor lowers the gain when the signal level is high. This allows the compressor to even out the dynamics of a performance and pull out low-level detail from the source material.

A delay function allows for time-aligning tracks that are part of a multi-microphone recording. In designing the plug-in, emphasis was placed on maintaining pristine sound with low CPU overhead, along with providing a user- friendly interface for improved workflow.