UNMASK is a psychoacoustic dynamic EQ that analyzes audio in real time across spectral, tonal, and temporal dimensions, revealing hidden detail, balancing tone, and recovering post-transient information. It offers flexible routing, monitoring, and zero-latency options.
Three perceptual modules
UNMASK operates through three dedicated modules. SPEC addresses spectral masking by detecting buried detail and loud peaks, then dynamically lifting the quiet parts while pulling back the excess, producing a cleaner and more defined sound. TILT shapes the overall spectral envelope toward a user-defined target slope of -3, -4.5, or -6 dB per octave, which aligns with natural hearing preferences for a smooth contour.
TIME focuses on the temporal domain, recovering sounds masked by strong transients like drum hits or pick attacks. It detects these post-transient shadows across the spectrum and restores the body and sustain that follow, something conventional EQ or compression cannot achieve. Each module has a single Depth control, starting from sensible defaults, so most sessions require only adjusting these three knobs.
Routing and processing control
UNMASK offers flexible routing with LR, MS, Mid-only, Side-only, M2S, and S2M channel modes, plus a Link control for stereo channel independence. The Dry Mix knob allows parallel processing without extra bus routing. The external sidechain input enables EXT Glue, which resolves mutual masking between two signals, helping instruments blend into the mix rather than merely sitting on top.
For precision, users can set independent upper and lower gain limits per module or globally, and define a processing frequency range that is independent of the detection range. A Priority Curve scales processing intensity across the spectrum, allowing heavier treatment in the midrange and lighter in the low end. Monitor modes solo each module’s boost, cut, or combined delta to hear exactly what is being changed.
Master controls and zero latency
The Master panel consolidates global controls including Scale, Smooth, Attack, Release, Gain Range, Processing Frequency Range, and Priority Curve. A view selector (MASTER / SPEC / TILT / TIME) switches the interface between global and per-module displays. Additional features like Global Delta, Global Time Adjustment, and Global Mix provide further fine-tuning.
By default, UNMASK uses linear-phase filters for transparent, phase-accurate processing ideal for mixing. When latency is critical, Zero Latency Mode switches to minimum-phase filters with zero samples of delay, making it suitable for live performance, tracking, or arranging. The plugin includes oversampling, a real-time spectrum analyzer, sidechain monitoring, and a preset library, with undo/redo, A/B switching, and user-defined default settings.
Workflow in practice
In a mixing context, apply UNMASK to individual tracks to reveal hidden detail and balance tone, using SPEC and TILT for frequency issues and TIME for transient-heavy sounds like drums or plucked strings. For vocals over music, set the instrumental as an external sidechain to activate EXT Glue, which makes the vocal blend into the arrangement by resolving spectral conflicts.
During tracking or live performance, enable Zero Latency Mode and use tighter gain ranges for subtle corrective processing. The Priority Curve can protect low-end weight while focusing on midrange clarity. Use the monitor modes to audition exactly what each module does. The Dry Mix knob allows direct parallel processing, and the flexible channel modes accommodate mono, stereo, or mid-side workflows.
Key features
- Three perceptual modules: SPEC, TILT, and TIME
- External sidechain with EXT Glue psychoacoustic fusion
- Adjustable gain range, processing frequency range, and priority curve
- Zero Latency Mode with minimum-phase filters
- Flexible routing: LR, MS, Mid-only, Side-only, M2S, S2M
- Monitor modes and global master controls
- Oversampling, real-time spectrum analyzer, preset library
Best for
Ideal for mixing engineers and producers seeking to reveal buried detail, balance tonal spectrum, and recover post-transient sounds on individual tracks, stems, or full mixes. Particularly useful for vocal clarity, drum sustain, and integrating instruments with vocals. Also suits live tracking and performance with its zero-latency mode.