Ayaic COS Pro (Ceilings of Sound Pro) is a unique and innovative equalizer plugin designed to streamline the mixing process and enhance the overall sound quality of audio tracks. This Hyper-EQ, as Ayaic calls it, utilizes a novel approach to equalization by incorporating noise spectra as equalization “knobs.” The plugin features 15 user-definable “ceiling” bands, each containing 49 noise-slopes, allowing users to create sonic-ceiling shapes that drive the settings of a 50/31-band graphic equalizer. COS Pro operates with zero latency and low CPU usage while maintaining high precision, especially in the crucial low-frequency range. The plugin’s standout feature is its “conform spectrum to ceiling” function, which automatically adjusts the EQ to match the user-defined ceiling shape with a single click. With over 700 presets and intuitive controls, COS Pro aims to revolutionize the way producers, mix engineers, and musicians approach equalization in their projects.
Pros:
• Innovative ceiling-based approach to equalization
• Zero latency operation with low CPU usage
• Extensive preset library with over 700 options
• Intuitive interface with click-and-drag ergonomics
• “Conform spectrum to ceiling” feature for quick and precise EQ adjustments
Cons:
• Steep learning curve due to its unique approach to equalization
• Limited documentation and tutorials available
Ayaic COS Pro plugin boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from traditional equalizers. At its core are the 15 user-definable ceiling bands, each equipped with 49 noise-slopes. These ceiling bands allow users to shape the overall frequency response of their audio in a highly visual and intuitive manner. The plugin’s ability to generate ceilings automatically based on the input audio provides a quick starting point for further refinement.
The 50/31-band graphic equalizer operates in tandem with the ceiling bands, offering precise control over individual frequency ranges. Users can switch between the 50-band and 31-band modes depending on their needs, with both options maintaining high precision even at low frequencies. The equalizer’s zero latency operation and low CPU usage make it suitable for use in large projects with multiple instances.
COS Pro’s “conform spectrum to ceiling” feature is a game-changer for many users. This function instantly adjusts the equalizer settings to match the user-defined ceiling shape, dramatically speeding up the EQ process and ensuring a cohesive sound across the frequency spectrum. The 49 ceiling guides further assist users in balancing their ceiling shapes, enabling faster and more accurate equalization.
The plugin’s interface is designed with efficiency in mind, featuring click-and-drag ergonomics that allow for quick adjustments to crossover and slope parameters. For those who prefer precise control, numerical value input is also available. The “Auto generate ceiling” function provides a quick and easy way to create ceiling shapes based on the input audio, serving as an excellent starting point for further tweaking.
COS Pro includes a real-time spectrum analyzer with customizable settings for spectrum smoothing and analyzer averaging. The metering section features an infinite hold option and click-reset functionality, providing users with detailed visual feedback on their audio. All equalizer parameters are fully automatable within the user’s DAW, allowing for dynamic EQ changes throughout a mix.
The plugin’s extensive preset library, containing over 700 options, covers a wide range of instruments, mix scenarios, and mastering applications. These presets serve as excellent starting points for users new to the ceiling-based approach or as inspiration for experienced engineers looking to expand their sonic palette.
When compared to other equalizer plugins on the market, Ayaic COS Pro stands out due to its unique ceiling-based approach. While traditional parametric EQs like FabFilter Pro-Q 3 or dynamic EQs like iZotope Neutron offer powerful equalization capabilities, COS Pro’s ceiling concept provides a different perspective on shaping frequency content. The plugin’s ability to automatically conform the EQ to a ceiling shape is reminiscent of AI-powered plugins like Soundtheory’s Gullfoss, but COS Pro achieves this without relying on artificial intelligence. In terms of workflow, COS Pro’s ceiling approach may initially seem more complex than traditional EQs. However, once users become familiar with the concept, it can potentially lead to faster and more musical results. The plugin’s extensive preset library gives it an advantage over many competitors, offering a wide range of starting points for various mixing and mastering scenarios.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers looking for a fresh approach to equalization
• Producers seeking to streamline their EQ workflow
• Mastering engineers requiring precise control over frequency balance
• Sound designers exploring new ways to shape audio
• Musicians wanting to enhance their tracks with professional-grade EQ
Ayaic COS Pro represents a bold step forward in equalization technology, offering a unique and powerful tool for shaping audio. Its ceiling-based approach, combined with the ability to automatically conform EQ settings to these ceilings, provides users with a novel way to approach frequency balance in their mixes. The plugin’s extensive feature set, including the 50/31-band graphic EQ, real-time spectrum analysis, and vast preset library, makes it a versatile tool suitable for a wide range of audio applications. While the learning curve may be steep for those accustomed to traditional EQs, the potential benefits in terms of workflow efficiency and sonic results make COS Pro a worthy consideration for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. As with any innovative tool, the true value of COS Pro will likely be realized through experimentation and practice, potentially opening up new creative possibilities in the realm of audio equalization.