A two-plugin mastering suite with a transparent linear-phase parametric equalizer and an ultra-clean wideband compressor, designed for precise correction and dynamic control in critical audio work.
Mastering Equalizer Overview
The Sonoris Mastering Equalizer (SMEQ) is a seven-band parametric EQ built for transparent frequency correction. It allows per-band selection of linear phase or minimum phase operation, with lowpass and highpass filters up to 48 dB per octave, plus peaking and shelving filters. The linear phase mode boosts or cuts without adding coloration or smearing transients, preserving imaging and depth.
This makes it suitable for delicate material like vocal solos, orchestral recordings, and complex mixes where conventional EQs might introduce unwanted artifacts. The plugin offers stereo, L, R, or MS processing and monitoring, along with upsampling options (2x, 4x, 8x, or auto) for accurate response up to Nyquist. A spectrum analyzer, three zoom levels, and a dragable large display enhance precision.
Mastering Compressor Capabilities
The Sonoris Mastering Compressor (SMCP) is an ultra-clean wideband compressor designed to avoid odd harmonic distortion common in many compressors. It features variable ratio from 1:1 to infinity, attack from 0 ms to 1 sec, release up to 5 sec, and threshold down to -60 dBFS. Up to 8x upsampling reduces residual artifacts, and selectable auto-release with feedback detection adds transparency.
For more aggressive behavior, feedforward detection with a harder knee is available, and a switch introduces gentle even harmonic distortion for warming. The compressor can operate on full mixes or split mode on L, R, M, or S channels with a variable link. Each channel’s sidechain has selectable high-pass, band-pass, and low-pass filters, offering creative flexibility. A parallel compression fader and gain transfer plot aid control.
Workflow and Flexibility
Both plugins support stereo, L, R, or MS processing, allowing for mid-side mastering techniques. The SMEQ’s per-band phase selection lets you use minimum phase for surgical cuts and linear phase for transparent boosts. The SMCP’s variable link adjusts how much the left and right channels are linked, from fully linked to fully split, enabling independent processing when needed.
The sidechain filters in the SMCP allow frequency-selective compression, such as de-essing or controlling specific ranges. Upsampling options and 64-bit internal resolution ensure high precision. A/B comparison, full automation, and saved settings streamline workflow. The large graphical displays with dragable handles and mousewheel support make adjustments intuitive. Online license activation and USB-based activation for offline computers simplify setup.
Practical Applications
Use the SMEQ for transparent tonal correction in mastering, such as taming harsh frequencies or adding air without affecting transient detail. The linear phase mode is ideal for complex mixes where phase coherence matters. The SMCP excels at gentle dynamic control on delicate material like classical recordings or acoustic solos, where avoiding coloration is critical.
For creative use, the SMCP’s split mode allows mid-side compression to shape stereo width, and the sidechain filters enable frequency-dependent gain reduction. The even harmonic distortion switch adds warmth when desired. Both plugins are suitable for mixing and mastering, from full mixes to individual stems. Their transparency makes them tools for precise, uncolored processing in professional audio production.
Key features
- Seven-band parametric EQ with per-band linear or minimum phase
- Lowpass/highpass up to 48 dB/octave, peaking and shelving filters
- Compressor with ratio to infinity, variable attack/release, and soft knees
- Upsampling options (2x, 4x, 8x, or auto) in both plugins
- Stereo, L, R, or MS processing and monitoring
- Sidechain filters (high-pass, band-pass, low-pass) in compressor
- A/B comparison, large GUI, spectrum analyzer, and 64-bit internal resolution
Best for
Engineers and producers seeking transparent, high-precision mastering tools for complex mixes, orchestral recordings, and delicate solos where minimal coloration and phase coherence are essential.