LP SplitComp

Dynamic processors, particularly compressors belong to the most fundamental tools in every recording, mixing or mastering studio. Despite the popularity and broadening of compressors they are probably the least understood and most misused processors in daily routine of the studio engineer. One reason might be that sonic changes of a good compressor are very subtle and hardly perceptible for an unexperienced listener. Another reason is the variety of parameters which differ from one unit to the other and even for the same parameter name exhibit a deviant behavior. The parameters are mostly interacting in some way and need a lot of experiments and understanding to learn how to use them in a purposeful manner.

A digitally implemented, well-designed mastering compressor has not necessarily less parameters, but they are precisely defined and de-coupled. In addition, due to novel, extraordinary possibilities of the digital signal processing, supported by psychoacoustic findings, digital compressors open a new quality window for mastering engineers.

The LP SplitComp arose from many years of experience of the Algorithmix audio algorithm architects, countless experiments, and critical sonic analysis of analog compressor legends. A serious, often unrecognized problem of nonlinear digital processors is a quite high amount of alias frequencies. They can ruin the best intentions spent for a good functionality. Therefore the audio path in our compressor has been equipped with a reference-quality oversampling to reduce unwanted alias frequencies.

Parallel compressing is known already for many years. It is accomplished by mixing the compressed signal with the direct signal in a mixing console. In digital technology it is extremely important to provide an exact delay alignment in the direct channel to avoid any unwanted signal cancellation because of phase differences. Therefore we implemented a properly time-aligned direct signal path. The Selective mode the LP SplitComp provides a new unique derivative of parallel compression.

Of course, the LP SplitComp can cut a good figure as a Full-Band compressor, but its true distinctiveness arises in the Split-Band mode. The signal is divided in two complementary parts: the first one is compressed and the second one is just passed through without dynamic changes. Due to the high-resolution linear-phase technology used for the implementation of the split filter, the reconstruction of the compressed and complementary band is performed completely without phase distortion contrary to some other split or multiband compressors. The concept of the LP SplitComp allow for very precise frequency-conscious dynamic processing. Especially if you need to “repair” specific spectral parts in dense mixes you will appreciate the surgical capabilities of this tool. Because of a noise-free design you can use this compressor repeatedly on the same material, each time concentrating on a particular dynamic task or problem.

Because of using look-ahead delay in the signal path, the overs can be caught very precisely. Together with a respectively chosen attack time, numerous methods of transient treatment are possible. Using the Com/Lim feature you can make the processor more acting as a limiter or compressor. You can even use two instances of the LP SplitComp, the first one as a compressor and the second one as a limiter.

The side chain of the compressor includes a range of filters to make signal detection frequency dependent. The filters can be adjusted identical to the split filter bank to perfectly master frequency-selective tasks like de-essing or proximity effect removal. The static characteristic allows adjusting different grades of knee rounding (soft-knee) in order to make compression smoother, less obtrusive. A sophisticated release computer provides program-dependent reaction to any complex audio material.

At the end of the signal path a soft clipper takes care that the output signal does not exceed the level adjusted in the Ceiling field. In addition it allows introducing some controlled distortions. To make the understanding and operation of the LP SplitComp as easy as possible we have implemented some additional features. The signal Monitoring is very comprehensive but yet intuitive. You can click on different nodes in the block diagram and thus listen to the relevant audio signals within the compressor architecture.

An additional feature, offered in a compressor only by Algorithmix, is the Differ function. It allows listening to the difference between input and output signal. So you can listen to the changes you’ve done to the signal in the PlugIn. This difference is possible solely because the whole path in the LP SplitComp is linear-phase.

You can also open a compact auxiliary Metering panel showing all level meters and indicators simultaneously and place it to any position of the screen.

We believe, we have created a reference-quality compressor for mastering engineers that opens new ways in efficient, transparent and surgical dynamic processing. This compressor, however, is also intended as a creative tool for any other kind of computer audio processing  in recording and mixing as well as in post-production, broadcast and TV studios.