Have you ever found yourself struggling to clean up harsh resonances or unwanted frequencies in your audio recordings?
Perhaps you've spent hours tweaking EQ settings, only to find that you've made things worse instead of better.
Audio processing can be a tricky business, and it often takes a combination of knowledge, skill, and the right tools to get the results you want.
That's where Oeksound Soothe 2 comes in.
This powerful dynamic equalizer uses advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze tracks or an entire mix and detect problematic resonances, which it then automatically attenuates.
But does it really work?
In this in-depth review, we'll take a closer look at Soothe 2 and find out whether it lives up to the hype.
Oeksound Soothe 2 Plugin Review
If you're a producer, mixer, or sound engineer, you know how important it is to have the right tools to shape the sound of your recordings.
That's why I want to introduce you to the Oeksound Soothe 2 plugin, a revolutionary audio processing tool that can drastically improve the quality of your mixes.
Overview
Soothe 2 is a dynamic equalizer that analyzes the audio signal and applies transparent attenuation to the frequencies that are causing problems in the mix.
It is designed to reduce harshness, sibilance, and resonance peaks, making it a must-have tool for anyone who wants to achieve a polished and professional sound.
Features
One of the most impressive features of Soothe 2 is its ability to detect and attenuate problem frequencies in real-time without introducing any noticeable artifacts.
This means that you can use it on individual tracks or on the entire mix without worrying about any negative impact on the overall sound quality.
Soothe 2 also has a range of advanced settings, including a unique Delta mode that allows you to hear only the frequencies that are being attenuated, which makes it easier to identify problem areas in the mix.
You can also adjust the intensity of the attenuation and the depth of the analysis, which gives you greater control over the final sound.
Here’s a list of its great features:
- Advanced AI-based processing to automatically detect and reduce resonant peaks and problematic frequencies in real-time.
- High-quality sound processing with minimal phase distortion for transparent results.
- The ability to adjust the processing intensity for individual frequency ranges, allowing for more precise control.
- The option to solo or bypass specific frequency ranges, making it easier to hear and adjust the processing being applied.
- The option to use the plugin in stereo or mid/side mode allows for more flexibility.
- A user-friendly interface with clear visual feedback, including a frequency spectrogram and real-time waveform display.
- Resizable interface and scalable graphics, making it easy to use on both large and small screens.
- The ability to create and save custom presets allows for quick and easy recall of specific settings.
- The option to use the plugin in both mono and stereo modes.
- Low CPU usage allows for efficient processing even on complex projects.
Soothe 2 offers a powerful and flexible set of features that make it a highly efficient tool for cleaning up and enhancing audio signals.
Ease of Use
Despite its advanced features, Soothe 2 is surprisingly easy to use.
The interface is clean and intuitive, with a visual display that shows you exactly which frequencies are being attenuated in real-time.
You can also use the sidechain input to apply the processing to a specific frequency range or instrument, which is particularly useful for reducing resonance in drum tracks or guitars.
Sound Quality
The most important aspect of any audio processing tool is its impact on the final sound quality.
And in this regard, Soothe 2 is a game-changer. It is incredibly effective at fixing recording issues without affecting the overall tonality or timbre.
This means that you can achieve a polished sound without sacrificing any of the natural character of the performance.
FAQ & Answers
Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions (with answers) that are found online by producers and engineers who are interested in downloading Soothe.
What’s the Difference Between Trackspacer and Soothe 2?
Trackspacer and Soothe 2 are both audio processing plugins, but they serve different purposes and have different functionalities.
Trackspacer is a sidechain plugin that is designed to create space in a mix by automatically reducing the volume of certain frequency ranges in one track when another is playing.
It uses a sidechain signal to detect the frequency content of the audio on one track and then reduces the volume of the same frequency content on another track.
This can be useful for making space (or preventing masking) in a mix for different instruments or vocals without having to manually adjust the EQ of each track.
Soothe 2, on the other hand, is a dynamic equalizer.
It analyzes the audio signal and applies transparent attenuation to the frequencies that are causing problems in the mix.
Is Soothe Good for Mastering?
Soothe 2 can be a useful tool for mastering, but it depends on the specific needs of the mix and the goals of the mastering process.
It can improve the overall clarity and tonality of an entire mix. However, when it comes to mastering, it's important to be cautious when using any processing tools.
In mastering, it's crucial to ensure that the final mix retains its dynamics.
Soothe 2 should be used carefully and in moderation to avoid over-processing and altering the organic character of the mix.
What is its Latency?
The latency of Soothe 2 can vary depending on the sample rate and buffer size of the user's audio interface or DAW. But according to the manufacturer, Oeksound, the latency of Soothe 2 is typically around 2–5 milliseconds.
This low latency is important for real-time processing and ensures that the plugin can be used effectively during tracking or live performance situations.
Additionally, Soothe 2 includes a low-latency mode that can further reduce latency for users who require even faster processing times.
Note that latency can also be affected by the overall processing load on a user's system, so users may want to monitor their system performance to ensure that they have enough processing power available for Soothe 2 and other plugins or processes running in their DAW.
Overall, the low latency of Soothe 2 makes it a practical and efficient tool for real-time processing of audio signals while also maintaining high-quality audio processing.
Soothe 2 vs Other Dynamic EQ Plugins
Soothe 2 differs from other dynamic equalizers in several key ways.
Here are some key differences:
- AI-Based Processing: It uses advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, which makes it a highly efficient tool for cleaning up audio, particularly when dealing with complex and difficult-to-control resonances.
- Frequency Bandwidth: You can adjust the bandwidth of the frequency ranges that are being processed, which can help to ensure more precise control over the audio signal. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with narrow resonances that may be difficult to target with a traditional dynamic EQ.
- User Interface: Features a modern, streamlined interface that makes it easy to use and understand, even for novice users. The interface allows users to quickly see and adjust the amount of processing being applied and to make adjustments to specific frequency ranges as needed.
- Sound Quality: Well-designed to provide high-quality audio processing with minimal phase distortion and a transparent sound. This makes it an ideal tool for mastering and other high-end audio applications where sound quality is of the utmost importance.
Overall, Soothe 2 offers a unique combination of advanced technology, precision control, and high-quality sound that sets it apart from other dynamic equalizers on the market.
While other dynamic EQs can be useful tools for audio processing, Soothe 2's advanced algorithms and user-friendly interface make it a particularly powerful and efficient option.
Is it a Compressor?
No, Soothe 2 is not a compressor but rather a dynamic equalizer. Both tools can be used to shape the dynamic range of an audio signal, but they work in different ways.
An audio compressor is designed to reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal by reducing the volume of loud sounds and increasing the volume of quieter sounds.
This helps to create a more consistent and controlled sound by reducing the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of the audio signal.
In contrast, Soothe 2 is designed to reduce unwanted resonances and harsh frequencies by dynamically equalizing specific frequency ranges.
This creates a smoother and more balanced sound.
Is it Worth the Money?
The answer to whether Soothe 2 is worth the money depends on a few factors, including the user's needs, budget, and workflow.
It can save time and effort when it comes to automatically equalizing problem frequencies, and it can help achieve a cleaner and more professional sound.
However, Soothe 2 is a specialized tool, and it may not be necessary for every user or every project.
If the user primarily works with live recordings or acoustic music, for example, they may not have as much need for it.
Additionally, it is an expensive plugin, so it may not be within every user's budget. The cost of the plugin may need to be weighed against the user's overall needs and priorities.
If you’re constantly working with poorly recorded audio material, the price can be justified.
But if you’re mixing great-quality mixes, the price could be too much, unless you just want to speed up your workflow, in which case it is definitely worth getting.
System Requirements
The plugin has specific requirements to ensure that it runs smoothly and optimally on a user's system.
Here are the minimum system requirements:
- Windows 7 or higher / macOS 10.9 or higher
- 64-bit operating system
- Audio Unit, VST, AAX Native, and AAX AudioSuite plugin formats
- An internet connection is required for product activation
- At least 4 GB of RAM and a modern processor are recommended
It's important to note that the plugin uses advanced algorithms to analyze and process audio in real-time, which can be resource-intensive.
Users should ensure that their computer meets the minimum requirements to avoid any potential issues or performance problems.
How Many Licenses Do You Get with the Plugin?
When purchasing the plugin from the manufacturer, Oeksound, users will receive a single license. This license allows the user to install and use the plugin on one computer at a time.
However, Oeksound does offer a discount on additional licenses for users who require more than one installation of the plugin.
Users can contact Oeksound directly for information on the pricing and availability of additional licenses.
It's important to note that you should always use the plugin in accordance with the terms of their license agreement and should not share or distribute the plugin beyond the number of licenses they have purchased.
This helps to ensure fair compensation for the hard work of the plugin developers and maintain the integrity of the plugin ecosystem.
I have tried it and this is a great plugin.