Newfangled Audio Elevate Mastering Bundle is a comprehensive suite of audio processing tools designed for mixing and mastering applications. At its core is the Elevate limiter, a powerful multiband limiter that utilizes auditory filter banks and adaptive algorithms to increase loudness while preserving dynamic range and tonal balance. The bundle also includes EQuivocate, a 26-band EQ based on the Mel scale for natural-sounding tonal adjustments; Punctuate, an intelligent transient designer for shaping attack and sustain across the frequency spectrum; and Saturate, a spectral clipper for adding harmonics and density. Elevate employs innovative technology like auditory filter banks that process audio based on human hearing models, allowing for precise control over different frequency ranges. Its adaptive algorithms automatically adjust attack, release, and look-ahead parameters for each band to minimize artifacts. The limiter offers extensive customization of gain, speed, and transient emphasis per band. A unique spectral clipper at the output stage allows for aggressive limiting without compromising tonal balance.
Pros:
• Innovative multiband limiting technology preserves dynamics and transients
• Highly customizable with per-band control of multiple parameters
• Natural-sounding EQ and transient shaping based on psychoacoustic principles
• Detailed metering and visualization aids precision adjustments
• Includes presets from top mastering engineers
Cons:
• Steep learning curve to fully utilize all features and parameters
• Can be CPU-intensive, especially at higher band counts
• May be overkill for simpler mastering tasks
Features:
The Elevate Mastering Bundle offers a comprehensive set of tools for mixing and mastering, centered around the Elevate limiter. This multiband limiter utilizes up to 26 auditory filter bands based on the Mel scale, allowing for precise control over different frequency ranges in a way that aligns with human hearing. Each band can be individually adjusted for gain, speed, and transient emphasis, providing granular control over the dynamics and tonal balance of the audio.
The limiter’s adaptive algorithms automatically adjust attack, release, and look-ahead parameters for each band in real-time, helping to minimize pumping and distortion artifacts. This allows for significant loudness increases while maintaining a natural, dynamic sound. The transient emphasis feature enables preservation or enhancement of fast transients, crucial for maintaining punch and clarity in percussive elements.
Presets from professional mastering engineers offer useful starting points. Overall, the Elevate bundle aims to provide transparent, musical loudness enhancement and tonal shaping suitable for a wide range of genres and mixing/mastering applications.
EQuivocate, the bundle’s equalizer, also uses the 26-band Mel scale filter bank for natural-sounding tonal adjustments. Its interface allows for intuitive curve shaping and includes a match EQ function for matching the spectral balance of reference tracks.
Punctuate is an intelligent transient designer that operates across the critical bands, allowing for precise shaping of attack and sustain characteristics throughout the frequency spectrum. This can be particularly useful for enhancing drum sounds or adjusting the overall punch and clarity of a mix.
Saturate, the spectral clipper, adds harmonics and density to the signal without affecting the overall tonal balance. This can be used for more aggressive limiting or to add warmth and character to the sound.
The bundle provides extensive metering options, including real-time spectrum analysis, level histograms, and various loudness measurements. The auto output level feature allows for easy A/B comparison between processed and unprocessed audio at matched volumes. A notable feature is the ability to solo individual bands or groups of bands, which can be invaluable for identifying and addressing problematic frequencies or fine-tuning transient behavior in specific ranges.
The Elevate bundle also includes a large library of presets created by professional mastering engineers, providing useful starting points for various genres and mixing scenarios. These presets can be an educational tool, offering insights into professional mastering techniques.
The Elevate Mastering Bundle competes with other high-end mastering suites like iZotope Ozone, FabFilter Pro-L 2, and Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain. Compared to these, Elevate stands out with its auditory filter bank approach and per-band adaptive processing, which can yield more transparent results on complex material. Ozone offers a wider range of modules but may not match Elevate’s precision in multiband limiting. FabFilter Pro-L 2 is renowned for its clean sound and ease of use but lacks Elevate’s extensive multiband capabilities. The Waves Abbey Road suite provides classic analog-modeled processing, contrasting with Elevate’s more modern, digital approach. Elevate’s strength lies in its ability to achieve significant loudness increases while maintaining dynamics and clarity, often surpassing competitors in this regard. However, it may have a steeper learning curve and be more CPU-intensive than some alternatives.
This plugin is best for:
• Mastering engineers seeking precise control over dynamics and tonal balance
• Producers working with complex, multi-layered mixes requiring transparent loudness maximization
• Audio post-production professionals needing to meet specific loudness standards while preserving dynamic range
• Musicians and mix engineers looking to achieve professional-sounding masters in-the-box
Elevate Mastering Bundle represents a significant advancement in digital audio processing for mastering applications. Its innovative use of auditory filter banks and adaptive algorithms allows for unprecedented control over dynamics and tonal balance, often achieving results that surpass traditional limiting and EQ techniques. The suite’s ability to increase perceived loudness while maintaining clarity and punch makes it particularly valuable in today’s competitive audio landscape. The bundle’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of genres and production styles, from subtle classical mastering to aggressive electronic music. Its ability to handle complex, multi-layered mixes with transparency is particularly noteworthy. For mastering engineers and producers seeking the utmost control and quality in their final output, the Elevate Mastering Bundle offers a powerful and flexible solution that can elevate the quality of their work to new heights.