AutomaticLite

A simplified, free version of our AutomaticDynamic plugin.

AutomaticLite is an automatic compressor that's effortless to calibrate to your material. You still control how much compression you want, but the actual threshold and make-up gain are handled by an algorithm that continuously adjusts as your input material gets quieter and louder.

The plugin also sounds great, with proprietary gain-reduction dynamics designed to preserve transients.

The plugin lacks some features of its big brother, AutomaticDynamic: there's no box tone, and the sidechain detector low cut and high cut filters aren't adjustable (they're instead fixed at 100Hz and 9kHz respectively, with a gentle 12dB/octave slope so you can still process sounds that fall outside this range).

It also has some important advantages:

1. You can connect an external sidechain input to use it as a ducking tool
2. It has reduced CPU usage
3. It's free

Features

• Automatic compression threshold—use the "Compression" dial to control how far the threshold rides below the peaks in your signal
• Adjustable compression ratio (1–6x) and attack/release times
• Simple automatic gate with adjustable range up to 6dB
• Parallel processing via gain-matched dry/wet mix control
• Automatic make-up gain targeting neutral LUFS impact
  
• Mid-side processing (100% unlinked)

How to use

• Use AutomaticLite on your master bus or on individual audio tracks
• Set the release time to best match the groove of your material
• Click the gain reduction display for instant A/B test (bypass mode continues to use CPU in order to keep the plugin calibrated to the incoming signal)
• Click "M" or "S" within the display to toggle Mid or Side processing on/off
• Connect a sidechain signal to use the device in ducking mode (in the AU plugin version, also click "Sidechain" in the display)
• Double-click to reset a dial to its default value, or hold <CTRL>/<CMD> to fine-tune
  

Technical notes

• Available in VST3 format for PC, and VST3 & AU formats for Mac. AAX support coming soon
• Requires a compatible Digital Audio Workstation or other plugin host
• Zero latency, except for 7ms look-ahead if used in sidechain ducking mode
• Plugin is designed for common audio signals such as music and voice; may not react meaningfully to artificial test signals such as chirps, impulses and bursts

See here for information about versions and changes.