Raising Jake Studios MB3X (Download)

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MB3X – Multi-Band Mastering Compressor The MB3X Multi-Band Mastering Compressor is a plugin emulation of the hardware unit manufactured by Rocksonics Professional Audio in the mid 1990’s – with a few BONUS features only available in the plugin. The MB3X is a mastering grade compressor/limiter with extremely low distortion and utmost musicality. The MB3X uses multiple layers of program-dependent RMS level detectors for smooth, low distortion “musical” results while being very simple to set up and operate. The compressor has three fixed bands of compression separated by unique, constant amplitude Bessel crossovers that produce very low phase distortion and NO pre-ringing. A single Threshold control sets the nominal threshold point that can be individually trimmed for each band via unique “tilting” trim controls making it extremely fast to set up. The MB3X plugin provides many features including those not part of the original hardware unit: • “½-rack stacked” GUI layout for less scrolling around on the DAW window! • A/B memory recall of two different sets of settings. When a project is saved in a DAW BOTH sets of controls are saved allowing further “tweaking” at a later time if desired. • Wet/Dry Mix controls for both compressor and main output allows blending the compressed signal with the original source signal for parallel compression techniques. • Variable “Saturation” control that adds a touch of harmonic distortion for added presence to the signal • Switchable 1dB/2dB gain ranges for the gain reduction meters • A “UL THD” control that reduces the THD of the compressor to inaudible levels over most of the audio range – for example, THD of a 35Hz sine wave at 4:1 compression is only 0.003% with UL THD control engaged • Automatic mono/stereo channel switching for reduced CPU load when used on mono tracks in mixing • Oversampling can be turned on to reduce aliasing in the Saturator and Peak Clipper/Limiter for improved sound quality in mixing and mastering or turned off when not needed or for live tracking • Zero latency when OS and UL THD mode are turned off The MB3X compressor can be used to automatically balance the audio spectrum in applications such as Web Radio or can be adjusted to preserve the source EQ balance when used in applications such as mastering. In either case, the compressor will bring out the details in the audio while controlling dynamics in a musically pleasing way for a “finished” sound.

The original hardware MB3X from Rocksonics, 1995

Limited-S – Dynamic Sibilance Controller Limited-S is a high quality De-Esser, Enhancer and harshness controller designed for use in both mixing and mastering applications. Limited-S uses a different approach than typical De-Essers, Dynamic EQs, etc. Limited-S does not use a traditional, and often “slurpy”, compressor-type Attack/Decay level detector. Instead Limited-S uses a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter that exactly calculates the envelope of the signal at all times. There is no need to fuss with attack and decay settings to get acceptable results. When Threshold and Ratio are set properly, de-essing action will be completely transparent in most cases. All you will hear is less sibilance. Limited-S is a “fixed threshold” type De-Esser that works on peak signal levels much like a limiter. It does not attempt to track the overall signal and attenuate what it “thinks” is excessive sibilance. De-Essers of that type tend to overcompress leading sibilance (producing lisping) while under-controlling trailing sibilance. Limited-S, instead, only catches the loudest and most offensive sibilance peaks. (The threshold can be automated if desired). When used on stereo tracks, Limited-S can operate on the full mix, just the Mids, just the Sides or just Left or Right. This allows applications in both mixing and mastering such as de-essing of vocals in a master (typically centered) while leaving the sides untouched. Limited-S’s High Lift control allows adding brightness to a mix while simultaneously controlling excessive high frequencies. Great on vocals or for brightening a master! Limited-S also includes a Sidechain input that allows one signal source to “duck” the highs in another signal source. This can be used, for example, to keep a vocal clear during cymbal crashes, etc. Limited-S automatically switches to mono or stereo mode to minimize CPU load per track usage.