Brainworx bx_refinement is a specialized audio plugin designed to address harshness in digital recordings and mixes. Developed in collaboration with mastering engineer Gebre Waddell, this tool aims to smooth out harsh frequencies in the upper midrange without compromising the overall sound quality. The plugin features a simple yet effective interface centered around a large Damping knob, which applies a dynamic peak band EQ to target problematic frequencies. bx_refinement offers both soft and hard filtering options, allowing users to choose between gentle or more aggressive processing. The plugin also includes a saturation control for adding warmth, a presence knob for restoring high-end clarity, and a mix control for blending the processed and dry signals. Additionally, it provides mid/side processing capabilities and a damping modulation section for dynamic control. bx_refinement is compatible with most popular DAWs and is available for both PC and Mac platforms, making it a versatile solution for various audio production scenarios.
Pros:
• Effectively reduces harshness in digital recordings and mixes
• Simple and intuitive interface for quick results
• Versatile application on individual tracks and full mixes
• Mid/side processing capabilities for stereo control
• Presence control helps maintain high-end clarity
Cons:
• Limited control over the targeted frequency range
• Relatively high price point for a specialized plugin
• Potential for overuse, leading to dull or lifeless audio
The core functionality of bx_refinement revolves around its Damping control, which applies a dynamic peak band EQ to reduce harshness in the upper midrange. This process is designed to be transparent and musical, addressing a common issue in digital audio without introducing unwanted artifacts. The plugin offers two filtering modes: Soft and Hard. Soft mode provides a gentler, more subtle effect, while Hard mode offers more aggressive processing for more pronounced harshness reduction. bx_refinement is its Solo Filter function, which allows users to isolate and audition the frequencies being attenuated. This feature is invaluable for fine-tuning the plugin’s effect and ensuring that only problematic frequencies are being targeted. The plugin’s interface also includes a visual representation of a vacuum tube, which provides a graphical indication of the damping effect in real-time.
To complement the harshness reduction, bx_refinement includes a Saturation control. This feature adds harmonic content to the signal, helping to restore warmth and character that may be lost during the de-harshing process. The Presence knob serves a similar purpose, allowing users to reintroduce high-end sparkle and air to maintain clarity in the processed signal.
The plugin’s Mix control enables parallel processing, allowing users to blend the processed signal with the dry input. This feature is particularly useful for achieving a more subtle effect or for preserving the original character of the source material while still reducing harshness.
bx_refinement also offers mid/side processing capabilities, allowing users to apply the effect to either the center (mid) or sides of a stereo signal. This feature provides greater control over the stereo image and can be particularly useful when working with full mixes or stereo tracks.
The Damping Modulation section adds another layer of control to the plugin’s processing. Users can set the Dynamic Range and Speed of the modulation, allowing the damping effect to respond dynamically to the input signal. This feature can be particularly effective on rhythmic material like drums or for creating more natural-sounding de-harshing on complex sources.
An additional Oscillator feature allows users to modulate the damping effect in time with the host tempo, opening up creative possibilities for rhythmic processing. While this feature may have limited practical applications in most mixing scenarios, it demonstrates the plugin’s flexibility and potential for creative use.
When compared to similar plugins, bx_refinement stands out for its focused approach to harshness reduction. While many equalizers and dynamic EQs can be used to address similar issues, bx_refinement’s specialized algorithm and intuitive interface make it a more efficient solution for this specific problem. Unlike broad-stroke tape emulation or saturation plugins that might reduce harshness as a side effect of their processing, bx_refinement targets the issue directly without significantly altering other aspects of the sound. Multiband compressors and dynamic EQs offer similar functionality in terms of frequency-specific dynamic processing, but they often require more setup time and expertise to achieve comparable results. bx_refinement’s streamlined interface and purpose-built algorithm make it a quicker and often more transparent solution for harshness reduction. However, bx_refinement’s focused approach also means it lacks the versatility of more general-purpose tools. While plugins like FabFilter Pro-Q 3 or iZotope Neutron offer broader frequency manipulation capabilities, bx_refinement excels in its specific task of reducing upper midrange harshness.
This plugin is best for:
• Mastering engineers working with full mixes that exhibit digital harshness
• Mix engineers dealing with harsh-sounding individual tracks, particularly vocals and guitars
• Post-production professionals working with dialogue or location audio that needs smoothing
• Producers looking to add an analog-like smoothness to in-the-box productions
• Anyone working with less-than-ideal recordings that suffer from digital edge or brittleness
bx_refinement is a highly specialized tool that addresses a common issue in digital audio production with precision and ease. Its focused approach to reducing harshness in the upper midrange makes it an invaluable asset for both mixing and mastering applications. The plugin’s strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing users to quickly smooth out harsh frequencies without compromising the overall sound quality. While its limited frequency targeting may be seen as a drawback for some users, this constraint actually contributes to its ease of use and prevents over-processing. The addition of saturation and presence controls, along with mid/side processing capabilities, enhances its versatility and allows for more nuanced control over the final sound. Despite its relatively high price point, bx_refinement offers a unique solution that can significantly improve the quality of digital recordings and mixes, making it a worthwhile investment for audio professionals dealing with harshness issues on a regular basis. However, users should be cautious not to overuse the effect, as excessive processing can lead to dull or lifeless audio. Overall, bx_refinement fills a specific niche in the plugin market, providing a targeted solution for a persistent problem in digital audio production.