Fourier Compressor

175 bands of automatic mid-side compression.

The Fourier Compressor uses the Fourier Transform algorithm to split your audio into 175 frequency bands, each of which is run through a mid-side compressor. You can optionally narrow which frequencies are processed, by dragging the red bars in the display.

The plugin has two primary controls, which can be used in tandem:

1. The "Compress all frequencies" dial applies independent gain-reduction ballistics to each band, and tries to keep the amount of compression consistent across the frequency spectrum (although higher freqencies are compressed less, and with a faster attack). This can sound more transparent than traditional compression, as not all frequencies are in gain-reduction at the same time.
2. The "Compress loudest frequencies" dial (or "Compress clashing frequencies" if an external sidechain is active) focuses gain-reduction towards frequency bands where there may be an excessive buildup of energy.

The Fourier Compressor can be used as a ducking tool by connecting an external sidechain input via your DAW. The plugin will try to produce an output that has the same LUFS as the input, but sits better in the mix alongside your sidechain signal.

The device has automatic gain-staging and imprints a consistent dynamic signature over time, even if input levels change. This results in a compressor that, although versatile and configurable, can also produce good results quickly with limited need for manual calibration.

Features:

• Automatic mid and side compression thresholds on each band
• Globally adjustable Attack/Release times
• Attack time and Ratio vary depending on frequency
• Contrast feature adjusts the differences in intensity between adjacent frequencies
• Tremolo feature injects movement into the level of each frequency band, irrespective of existing level
• External sidechain ducking capability with 9ms look-ahead
• Parallel processing via gain-matched dry/wet mix control
• Factory and custom presets
• Plugin tries to maintain matched short-term LUFS, even while you adjust the dials
  
• Optional "Preserve EQ" feature applies independent make-up gain to each frequency band in order to minimize impact on the overall EQ profile of your signal
  

How to use:

• Use the Fourier Compressor on your master bus or on individual audio tracks or buses
• Adjust the "Compress all frequencies" and "Compress loudest/clashing frequencies" dials to taste
• The default 100% Attack timing is calibrated to preserve transients; if using the plugin for sidechain ducking, try lowering the Attack setting
• Set the release time to best complement the groove of your material
• Use the Smoothing dial to average gain-reduction across adjacent frequency bands (try zero smoothing when using the device to tame harsh frequencies)
• Try positive values for the Contrast control if trying to enhance the character of a sound; try negative values when ducking an external sidechain signal
• If needed, drag the red bars in the gain-reduction display to narrow the processing to a specific frequency range
  
• Click the gain-reduction display or "Fourier Compressor" for instant A/B test (bypass mode still uses CPU, in order to stay calibrated)
• To use the device in ducking mode, connect an external sidechain signal via your DAW (in the AU plugin version, also click "Sidechain" in the lower left of the display)
• Double-click a dial to reset it to its default value, or hold <CTRL>/<CMD> to fine-tune
  

Technical notes:

• Available in VST3, AAX & AU formats for Windows and MacOS
• Requires a compatible Digital Audio Workstation or other plugin host
• 37ms latency from frequency detection window, plus 9ms look-ahead if used in external sidechain mode
• Supports common sample rates from 44.1 to 384kHz
• Plugin may not react meaningfully to certain engineering test signals used by analysis tools such as PluginDoctor

Please download and evaluate the free demo version of the Fourier Compressor before purchasing. Demo version here.

See here for information about versions and changes.