Fourier Compressor

100 bands of automatic mid-side compression.

The Fourier Compressor from Reflex Acoustics uses an algorithm called the Fourier Transform to split your audio into 100 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 main 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 (100% on the Attack dial is calibrated to preserve transients; lower Attack times can truncate transients if needed)
• Attack time and Ratio vary depending on frequency
• External sidechain ducking capability with 7ms look-ahead
• Parallel processing via gain-matched dry/wet mix control
• Plugin tries to maintain matched short-term LUFS, even while you adjust the dials
  

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
• Set the release time to best complement the groove of your material
• Use the Smoothing dial (if needed) to average gain-reduction across adjacent frequency bands
• If desired, drag the red bars in the gain-reduction display to narrow the processing to a specific frequency range
  
• Click the gain-reduction display for instant A/B test (bypass mode still uses CPU, in order to keep the plugin calibrated to the incoming signal)
• 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 format for PC, and VST3 & AU formats for Mac. AAX support coming soon
• Requires a compatible Digital Audio Workstation or other plugin host
• 37ms latency from frequency detection window, plus 7ms look-ahead if used in external sidechain mode
• Supports common sample rates from 44.1 to 384kHz
• Plugin is designed for common audio signals such as music and voice; may not react meaningfully to artificial test signals such as chirps, impulses or bursts

Please download and evaluate the free demo version of the Fourier Compressor before purchasing, as we don’t yet offer refunds. Demo version here.

See here for information about versions and changes.