Klevgrand Grand Finale is a multi-effect plugin designed for finalizing complete mixes, stems, sub-buses, and individual audio tracks. It offers a streamlined approach to mastering and mixing, combining essential processing modules into a single, user-friendly interface. The plugin features a unique signal flow that includes two compressors, an equalizer, a stereo widener, a limiter, and a parallel processing section. Grand Finale’s interface is visually appealing and intuitive, with a clean, modern design that allows users to quickly adjust parameters and see the effects of their changes in real-time. The plugin aims to simplify the often complex process of audio finalization, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced producers. With its carefully curated set of tools and presets, Grand Finale enables users to achieve professional-sounding results without the need for extensive technical knowledge or multiple plugins.
Pros:
• Intuitive, single-screen interface for quick and easy operation
• High-quality sound processing with a focus on transparency
• Comprehensive set of tools for finalizing audio in one plugin
• LUFS metering for loudness standardization
• Parallel processing section for added flexibility and creative options
Cons:
• Limited fine-tuning options compared to more advanced mastering suites
• Lack of mid-side processing capabilities
Grand Finale’s feature set is designed to cover all the essential aspects of audio finalization. The plugin’s signal flow starts with two compressors, allowing users to shape the dynamics of their audio with precision. The first compressor is typically used for gentle, overall compression, while the second can be employed for more aggressive peak control or character shaping. Each compressor offers different modes, including VCA, FET, and Optical, providing a range of tonal options to suit various source materials. Following the compression stage is a four-band equalizer. This EQ section is designed for broad tonal shaping rather than surgical correction, with each band offering a choice of different filter types. Users can easily adjust the frequency, gain, and Q factor of each band to enhance the overall tonal balance of their mix.
The stereo widener module comes next in the chain, allowing users to expand or narrow the stereo image of their audio. This tool is particularly useful for adding spaciousness to mixes or focusing elements in the center of the stereo field. The widener is designed to be subtle and natural-sounding, avoiding phase issues that can occur with more extreme stereo enhancement techniques.
A limiter sits at the end of the main processing chain, providing transparent peak limiting to maximize loudness without introducing distortion. The limiter includes an automatic release function that adapts to the input signal, ensuring consistent performance across various types of audio material.
One of Grand Finale’s standout features is its parallel processing section. This allows users to blend in a processed version of the audio alongside the main signal, offering creative possibilities for adding character and depth to the mix. The parallel section includes its own compressor and EQ, enabling users to craft a unique flavor to complement the main processing chain.
The plugin also incorporates LUFS metering, which has become increasingly important in the age of streaming platforms. This feature helps users achieve consistent loudness levels across different tracks and ensures compliance with various broadcast standards.
Grand Finale’s preset system is comprehensive and well-organized, offering a wide range of starting points for different genres and mixing scenarios. These presets are not just static settings but serve as educational tools, demonstrating effective ways to use the plugin’s various modules in combination.
When compared to similar plugins, Grand Finale stands out for its simplicity and focus. While it may not offer the depth of control found in more complex mastering suites like iZotope Ozone or FabFilter’s Pro-L 2, it provides a more streamlined workflow that can be particularly appealing to producers who want quick, professional-sounding results. The plugin’s approach is reminiscent of Waves’ OneKnob series or the Waves SSL Bus Compressor, offering a curated set of tools that work well together without overwhelming the user with options. Unlike some of its competitors, Grand Finale does not include advanced features like mid-side processing or dynamic EQ. However, its strength lies in its ability to achieve polished results quickly and easily, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more intuitive approach to mastering.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and mixers looking for a quick and easy way to polish their tracks
• Beginners who want professional-sounding results without a steep learning curve
• Project studio owners seeking an all-in-one solution for finalizing mixes
• Musicians who need to master their own material efficiently
• Podcasters and content creators requiring a simple tool to enhance audio quality
Klevgrand Grand Finale is a powerful yet accessible audio finalizing plugin that strikes a balance between simplicity and effectiveness. Its streamlined interface and carefully chosen set of tools make it an excellent choice for producers who want to achieve professional-sounding results without getting bogged down in technical details. The plugin’s sound quality is impressive, with each module contributing to a transparent and polished final product. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in more complex mastering suites, Grand Finale excels in its ability to produce great-sounding results quickly and intuitively. The inclusion of LUFS metering and a comprehensive preset system further enhances its value, particularly for those working in the modern, streaming-focused music industry. Despite its limitations in fine-tuning options and the absence of mid-side processing, Grand Finale’s strengths in ease of use, sound quality, and efficiency make it a worthy contender in the audio finalizing plugin market. It’s particularly well-suited for project studio owners, independent musicians, and content creators who need a reliable tool to elevate their audio without a significant time investment or technical expertise.