TDR Nova GE is a parallel dynamic equalizer with six bands, each with independent dynamics processors. It offers smart actions, equal loudness workflows, and high-quality processing modes for mixing and mastering.
Purpose
TDR Nova GE is a parallel dynamic equalizer that combines the familiar layout of a parametric EQ with a full-featured dynamics section. It is designed to handle a broad range of audio tasks, from subtle tonal shaping to aggressive dynamic control. Its interface blends a WYSIWYG drag-and-drop display with classic knobs for quick access to parameters.
The parallel architecture allows for both static and dynamic processing. Each of its six bands can act as a traditional EQ or engage independent dynamics processors. This flexibility makes it suitable for everything from adding density to a master to taming sibilance in a vocal take.
Key Capabilities
Each of the six bands features high-grade filters and independent dynamics processors that can operate in linked, split, or other configurations. The GE edition adds two more bands compared to the standard version. Filters can reach up to 120 dB/octave, offering extremely steep cutoff options. A wide Q range supports precise surgical adjustments.
The plugin includes equal loudness functions (EL trim and EL bypass) to help you make level-independent decisions. Three high-quality modes—INSANE, -PRECISE, and -INSANE—allow you to balance CPU usage against precision. Release automatism can be switched off for manual control over the dynamics response.
Workflow
The user-friendly WYSIWYG display lets you drag and drop bands visually, while the classic knob interface provides detailed control. Smart Actions generate sensible starting points based on the input signal, which speeds up initial setup. These actions include matching pink noise, deresonating problematic frequencies, and approximating spectral or dynamic characteristics of another song.
Equal loudness functions help you find optimal settings without being distracted by volume changes. You can also unlink the sidechain bandpass from a band’s own bandpass, allowing the processor to be triggered by events in a different frequency range—for example, triggering HF expansion from LF events. The spectral and dynamic matching tools further streamline the creation of consistent mixes.
Practical Applications
TDR Nova GE excels in a variety of uses. As a parametric EQ, it provides clean, transparent tones. In dynamic mode, it performs frequency-selective compression and expansion, which is useful for balancing resonances or controlling harsh highs. It can also function as a multiband compressor or expander across the full frequency spectrum.
Typical scenarios include adding density and cohesion to a stereo bus, bringing crispness to a drum bus, or taming sibilance in vocals. The smart actions make it easy to start with a sensible curve, then fine-tune. Wideband compression and expansion are also possible, making it a versatile tool for both corrective and creative mixing and mastering.
Key features
- Six dynamic EQ bands with independent dynamics processors
- Smart Actions: Match Pink, Deresonate, Spectral and Dynamic Matching, Auto HP/LP
- Equal loudness workflows with EL trim and bypass
- Wider Q range and filters up to 120 dB/octave
- High-quality modes: INSANE, -PRECISE, and -INSANE
- Unlink sidechain bandpass from band’s own bandpass
- Release automatism can be disabled
Best for
TDR Nova GE is best for mixing and mastering engineers who need a versatile parallel dynamic EQ for corrective reshaping, dynamic control, and spectral matching, especially when working on dense mixes, drums, or vocals where transparency and precision are critical.