Logic Pro 7 provides all the plug-ins to precisely control the dynamics of your audio. This incorporates tools that help maximize the perceived loudness of a song or help improve the quality of the signal. But why not “abuse” these plug-ins for some surprising trips into sound design.

Multipressor

A powerful mastering tool, Multipressor allows you to independently control compression on up to four frequency bands. The outstanding Lookahead function reacts to level peaks, even before they have been processed, enabling unmatched precision.

Compressor

The development of the Compressor has benefited from intensive analysis of the temporal controller reactions of leading analog compressors. Functions such as a Peak/RMS switch and ten-stage control for soft and hard knee characteristics provide precise control over the dynamic character. The practical AutoGain feature ensures that a normalized input signal results in a normalized output signal — regardless of the Threshold and Ratio levels.

Expander

The Expander is a genuine upward expander with a ratio range of 1:1 to 0.5:1. The dynamics of the signal are maximized above the freely-selectable threshold. The remainder of the parameter section is based on the Compressor, including the helpful AutoGain facility. Rarely used on a day-to-day basis, you may find this effect indispensable sometimes for refreshing the dynamic character of a signal.

Noise gate

In addition to the standard Threshold, Attack and Release parameters, the Noise Gate offers access to Hold time and Hysteresis (the difference between open/closed Threshold) parameters, preventing the signal from fluttering. With filters available on the sidechain, you can even do voiceovers on underlying tom-tom tracks. The precision afforded by the Lookahead function puts an end to any “analog is better than digital” discussions.

Enveloper

One of the most unusual tools amongst the dynamic effects, Enveloper allows you to shape transients — the attack or release phase — of a sound. This offers possibilities such as adding or removing the “punch” of percussive signals, sending the drummer to the far end of a natural hall or erasing an echo in a recording. The enveloper makes it all possible.

Logic Pro 7 Sound Processing

Maximize Levels

For mastering, you might use Limiter, one of the standard processes applied to summed stereo signals. Based on a user-defined compression ratio, the limiting level usually kicks in at higher threshold level.

Fix Vocal Hisses

From a purely technical viewpoint, DeEsser is a frequency-dependent compressor. Using an extreme attack and release time, the dynamics of a certain part of the frequency spectrum get compressed. In practice, users find DeEsser a valuable tool for minimizing or eliminating hiss sounds, obviously a critical factor for vocal recordings. It also suppresses sizzling frequencies, whenever the user-defined threshold level is exceeded. In contrast to the static elimination of hiss with an EQ, which can result in a muffled tonal character, the signal remains vivid and transparent.