SPL-IZER

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Multiband Processing with Singleband Plug-ins?

You know about signal processing: EQ, compression, distortion, reverb . . . and it’s a beautiful thing. But multiband signal processing, which divides a signal into different frequency bands and applies processing to each band individually, takes the concept to the next level.

Probably the most common example is multiband compression, which typically splits a signal into three to five bands. This is used a lot with drums and program material (e.g., a mixed stereo signal), because single-band compression has limitations. For example, with drums, suppose you feed the drums through a compressor and there’s a strong kick hit. That causes compression to occur, and it affects the high-frequency sounds as well, such as hi-hats. With multiband compression, you could put drastic compression on the low-frequency kick drum, while adding only a slight amount of compression (or none) to other frequency ranges. When used with program material, multiband compression gives a less “squashed,” more transparent sound.

Other Uses

Because a keyboard covers such a wide frequency range, you might want to process one frequency range differently. For example, suppose you've loaded a cool imitation-Rhodes preset, and you want the lower notes to "bark" more than the upper notes. Apply multiband distortion, and apply subtle amounts of distortion only to the lower frequencies - say, below 200Hz. Now those lower keys will have a gritty character, while the others sound normal.

Vocals are often split into high and low frequencies, then delay is added only to the higher frequencies. Thus the sibilant-rich sounds have echo, while the lower notes do not. If there's a fairly dense instrumental background, this technique avoids muddying up the midrange - the vocal echoes "float" over the other sounds.

So how do you use your favourite processing or sound tool in a mutliband environment?

The SPL-IZER is an adjustable 3 band 24db per octave FIR (Finite Impulse Response) frequency splitter that allows the three bands to be isolated and routed to aux or instrument tracks for separate processing.

The use of FIR filters ensures that no phase shifting occurs at the frequency split points. With this tool, one can use for example ones favorite single band compressor (let's say uhm.. Dynam-izer) and make it 3 band.

There is of course a myriad of potential uses. One use we found was to use the Spl-izer in front of the reverb auxes. No reverb on the low end, the original reverb on the mid section and the same reverb but with reduced decay on the high end. Acoustic rhythm guitar track run through the Spl-izer: low end muted, mid section straight through and a short echo/ chorus only on the high end.

Features

• Spl-izer features user adjustable frequency split point and audio levels.
• The low to mid split point can be set from 80Hz to 1475 Hz.
• The mid to high split point from 80Hz to 16kHz.
• The user can choose between using Hanning or Blackman windows.
• The various level meters feature RNDigital's proprietary +8db input meter
  with peak and RMS level indicators.
• The direct output of the plug-in can be switched between Mute, Sum, Low Band,
  Mid Band and High Band for instant monitoring.
• The three bands created by the the splitter each have their own level meter
  and adjustable gain.
• The plug-in makes these signals available to your DAW as individual busses.

The Spl-izer created buss signals ( SPL-IZER LOW, SPL-IZER MID and SPL-IZER HI) can then be insterted as input on any other track for further processing. A large Band level meter indicates both the crossover points and the audio level of each band.

SPL-IZER-System Requiremements

Mac

PowerPC G4 or higher processor Digital Audio Software that can run Audio Plug-ins in RTAS, VST ot AU format. Mac OS X v10.3.9 or higher.

Windows

Pentium 3 or similar processor Digital Audio Software that can run Audio Plug-ins in RTAS (Pro Tools 7.x is required) or VST format. Windows XP or Windows Vista.

The suggested retail price is $ 129.00