Constant-gain plug-ins / DAW inserts?

[Mixedup]

As 'louder' tends to sound (initially at least) more impressive, it seems to me that it would be useful to have some means other than our ears to have a form of constant-gain function for plug-ins or for plug-in slots in our DAWs.

For example, Slate FG-X does this: there's a switch that allows you to keep the output RMS the same as the input RMS value (at least it sounds like this is what's happening!). The result is that you can use the limiter section to boost loudness while ABing with the untreated signal so you can make quality judgements about the tonal impact of the plug-in that aren't clouded by the actual difference in level.

I find this function very useful — so it got me wondering:

(1) whether anyone knows of any EQ plug-is or other compressors that offer this function — these two being the worst offenders for making things appear better through sheer level; and

(2) whether DAWs might (or already do?) incorporate a similar control or at least a meter for each insert slot that allows you to compare the gain going in and out of each plug-in. Should help in gain-stage management as well as the whole AB thing. It would also make it easier to compare the tonal impact of different compressors doing the same gain-reduction job.

It's perfectly possible this sort of thing already exists and that I'm ignorant of it — in which case I'd be interested to hear any recommendations. I suppose it's the EQs that I'm most interested in, as I do have a nasty unconscious tendency towards level-creep when EQing...

[The Elf]

I think some of the Waves stuff has an auto-gain feature, such as the API 2500 emulation? The Waves SSL Channel strips certainly have it, since they emulate the original, which did a great job.

You're right, though. I seem to spend a lot of time matching output controls to keep the level even throughout the plug-in chain. It would be nice for plug-ins to take care of it themselves if possible.

[. . . Delete This User . . .]

can i just be pedantic rather than especially helpful...... constant gain, would seem to me to be a misnomer....

constant loudness perhaps??..... or an absolute signal level compensator????

might be a more accurate description of what you're looking for....

[Red Mastering]

PSP XENON - limiter,
very very useful function,
auto

[Mixedup]

Yes, pedantry welcome. I took the term from the Slate plugin as a shorthand, and it describes pretty much what I mean, particularly with EQ, but you're right of course.

Looks like it's more common in dynamics plugins then. I'd love to see a few clean EQs like LP10 or bx_digital or some such with this feature. Shouldn't be a huge challenge for DAW manufacturers to include an auto gain/attenuation option at insert-slot level, though, which would be even better.

[Andy McBain]

If distortion is your thing, Soundtoys Decapitator has an incredibly useful auto-volume function which keeps the level constant while you increase the drive. It also works as a great tube style compressor!

[Mixedup]

Yep, I love Decapitator. I'd forgotten about that. But really, the level thing is most important for me when EQing. Still seeing very little out that that does this.

[Bossman]

Shouldn't be a huge challenge for DAW manufacturers to include an auto gain/attenuation option at insert-slot level, though, which would be even better.

I agree, it would be nice if DAWs had an option for this built in and could be switched on/off for each insert slot.

[Sam Inglis]

The challenge with an EQ is that because it changes the frequency balance of the source, the change that a particular EQ setting causes in perceived loudness will often be different from the change in peak or RMS level. We did review one EQ that offered this feature: www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun11/articles/em-iq.htm

[Mixedup]

Yes Sam, fair point and I realised that. If you're going to go down the road of accurately measuring perceived loudness you have also to take into account the frequency balance of all the other tracks in a mix too, not to mention playback levels and a whole host of other factors. But I don't think it has to be that complicated. Compression, limiting and transient design can change the frequency balance, albeit in a different way, but the facility works well enough there.

[Mixedup]

Ps thanks for the link. Much appreciated.

[Martin Walker]

Hi folks!

Just in case anyone missed Red Mastering’s post earlier, I can 2nd his recommendation of the Auto function on PSP’s Xenon mastering limiter - VERY useful for hearing any degradation in overall quality by quickly A/Bing between treated/untreated version at the same RMS volume.

Wavelab also has a handy ‘Smart bypass’ function that lets you match RMS loudness or peak levels of your current plug-in chain with the previous level, so you can quickly switch between the ‘Original Audio’ and ‘Processed audio with level correction’ - they even by default put these two options on ‘A’ and ‘B’ keyboard shortcuts

I use this a huge amount to help evaluate preamp/console strip/warming plug-ins in particular, because you can click on Wavelab’s ‘update gains’ button and then accurately hear the tonal change after setting up your plug-ins with different amounts of input ‘drive’

Martin