Algorithmix LP Split Comp

The Algorithmix LP Split Compressor is a creative dynamic tool with unparalleled transparency and sound purity combining the best of both the analog and digital worlds.The split function allows dynamic processing only in the band of interest. Unlike many other split or multiband compressors the frequency crossover is made with low-noise linear-phase filters. They allow perfect band recombination after processing. The character of the PlugIn can be continuously adjusted between being more compressor or rather limiter. It provides a lot of psychoacoustically optimized features like automatic dynamic characteristics, soft knee, and parameterized soft clipper. To reduce the problem of alias frequencies being often a hidden problem in digital non-linear processors, a reference-quality oversampling has been implemented.

 Split Band

Algorithmix LP Split Comp Features:
-High-resolution linear-phase split filters allowing perfect band reconstruction after processing: low-cut, high-cut, band-pass, band-cut
-Different modes: full-band, split-band, full-band parallel, selective parallel
-Smoothly tunable between compressor and limiter character
-Adjustable soft knee
-Intelligent auto-release
-Side-Chain EQ
-Parameterized soft clipper
-Reliable operation with up to 384 kHz sampling frequency, thus perfectly suitable for high-resolution DSD post-production
-Oversampling to avoid unwanted alias-frequencies typical in digital compressors
-All internal calculations in double floating-point accuracy (80 bits)
-Exact parameter editing via numerical fields
-Three fast accessible presets for quick setup comparison
-Several instances can be simultaneously opened
-Complete setup exchange among simultaneously opened instances
-Applications
  -Mastering
  -Selective repairing of dynamic problems
  -High-resolution DSD post-processing
  -Post-production
  -Broadcast production
  -Sound enhancement
  -Audio restoration

 Side Chain

The Algorithmix LP Split Compressor is the second one in the new Algorithmix Chromuim Series, a set of reference mastering PlugIns. The current release is implemented as a stereo version, however it is intended to make it VST 3.0 compatible as soon as the major audio editing systems have switched to the new VST version. The compatibility to VST 3.0 will induce a multichannel version of the LP SplitComp.

 Meterbridge

Dynamic processors, particularly compressors belong to the most fundamental tools in every recording, mixing or mastering studio. Despite the popularity and broadening of compressors they are probably the least understood and most misused processors in daily routine of the studio engineer. One reason might be that sonic changes of a good compressor are very subtle and hardly perceptible for an inexperienced listener. Another reason is the variety of parameters which differ from one unit to the other and even for the same parameter name exhibit a deviant behavior. The parameters are mostly interacting in some way and need a lot of experiments and understanding to learn how to use them in a purposeful manner.

A digitally implemented, well-designed mastering compressor has not necessarily less parameters, but they are precisely defined and de-coupled. In addition, due to novel, extraordinary possibilities of the digital signal processing, supported by psychoacoustic findings, digital compressors open a new quality window for mastering engineers.

The Algorithmix LP Split Compressor arose from many years of experience of the Algorithmix audio algorithm architects, countless experiments, and critical sonic analysis of analog compressor legends. A serious, often unrecognized problem of nonlinear digital processors is a quite high amount of alias frequencies. They can ruin the best intentions spent for a good functionality. Therefore the audio path in our compressor has been equipped with a reference-quality oversampling to reduce unwanted alias frequencies.

Parallel compressing is known already for many years. It is accomplished by mixing the compressed signal with the direct signal in a mixing console. In digital technology it is extremely important to provide an exact delay alignment in the direct channel to avoid any unwanted signal cancellation because of phase differences. Therefore we implemented a properly time-aligned direct signal path. The Selective mode the LP SplitComp provides a new unique derivative of parallel compression.

Of course, the Algorithmix LP Split Compressor can cut a good figure as a Full-Band compressor, but its true distinctiveness arises in the Split-Band mode. The signal is divided in two complementary parts: the first one is compressed and the second one is just passed through without dynamic changes. Due to the high-resolution linear-phase technology used for the implementation of the split filter, the reconstruction of the compressed and complementary band is performed completely without phase distortion contrary to some other split or multiband compressors. The concept of the LP SplitComp allow for very precise frequency-conscious dynamic processing. Especially if you need to “repair” specific spectral parts in dense mixes you will appreciate the surgical capabilities of this tool. Because of a noise-free design you can use this compressor repeatedly on the same material, each time concentrating on a particular dynamic task or problem.

Because of using look-ahead delay in the signal path, the overs can be caught very precisely. Together with a respectively chosen attack time, numerous methods of transient treatment are possible. Using the Com/Lim feature you can make the processor more acting as a limiter or compressor. You can even use two instances of the LP SplitComp, the first one as a compressor and the second one as a limiter.

The side chain of the compressor includes a range of filters to make signal detection frequency dependent. The filters can be adjusted identical to the split filter bank to perfectly master frequency-selective tasks like de-essing or proximity effect removal. The static characteristic allows adjusting different grades of knee rounding (soft-knee) in order to make compression smoother, less obtrusive. A sophisticated release computer provides program-dependent reaction to any complex audio material.

At the end of the signal path a soft clipper takes care that the output signal does not exceed the level adjusted in the Ceiling field. In addition it allows introducing some controlled distortions. To make the understanding and operation of the LP SplitComp as easy as possible we have implemented some additional features. The signal Monitoring is very comprehensive but yet intuitive. You can click on different nodes in the block diagram and thus listen to the relevant audio signals within the compressor architecture.

An additional feature, offered in a compressor only by Algorithmix, is the Differ function. It allows listening to the difference between input and output signal. So you can listen to the changes you’ve done to the signal in the PlugIn. This difference is possible solely because the whole path in the LP SplitComp is linear-phase.  You can also open a compact auxiliary Metering panel showing all level meters and indicators simultaneously and place it to any position of the screen.

Algorithmix has created a reference-quality compressor for mastering engineers that opens new ways in efficient, transparent and surgical dynamic processing. This compressor, however, is also intended as a creative tool for any other kind of computer audio processing  in recording and mixing as well as in post-production, broadcast and TV studios.

Algorithmix LP Split Comp System Requirements:
Minimum configuration (one real-time VST PlugIn loaded)

Windows® 9x/Me/NT4/2000/XP/Vista or 7
Pentium II 500 MHz
64 MB
1024x768 pixels resolution with true color (24bit or 32bit)
any compatible VST Host Editor
USB port for hardware dongle (eLicenser/Syncrosoft or WIBU)

Recommended configuration (more than one real-time VST PlugIn loaded)

Windows® 2000/XP/Vista or Windows 7
Pentium IV or AMD Athlon XP with at least 1.5 GHz
512 MB
1280x1024 pixels resolution with true color (32bit is usually fastest)
any compatible VST Host Editor
USB port for hardware dongle (eLicenser/Syncrosoft or WIBU)