Newfangled Audio Punctuate is an intelligent transient shaper plugin designed to reshape the dynamics of audio tracks or full mixes. Utilizing auditory modeling and adaptive algorithms, Punctuate offers precise control over transients across 26 frequency bands, allowing users to manipulate the attack and sustain characteristics of sounds with remarkable accuracy. The plugin’s interface features a main control section with global parameters, as well as detailed pages for fine-tuning the filter bank, limiter/EQ, transient shaping, and spectral clipping. Punctuate aims to provide a natural-sounding solution for enhancing drum tracks, breathing life into dull mixes, and achieving stem-like mixing capabilities within a stereo file. Its intuitive design and powerful processing make it suitable for both novice users seeking quick results and experienced engineers requiring deep, surgical control over audio dynamics.
Pros:
• Intelligent adaptive algorithms allow control of 26 transient shapers with just 4 main controls
• Auditory modeling ensures natural-sounding results even with drastic changes
• Versatile application from single tracks to full mixes
• Integrated metering provides clear visual feedback
Cons:
• Learning curve may be steep for users unfamiliar with multiband processing
• CPU usage can be high, especially when using all 26 bands
Punctuate’s core functionality revolves around its multiband transient shaping capabilities. The plugin utilizes 26 frequency bands modeled after the human ear, allowing for precise control over the dynamic characteristics of audio material. Each band can adapt to its own signal, thanks to the Adaptive Gain, Adaptive Speed, and Adaptive Transient controls on the main page. This intelligent processing enables users to shape transients across the frequency spectrum with remarkable accuracy and musicality.
Main parameter page offers essential controls like Limiter Gain, Speed, and Ceiling, which affect the overall processing. The Transient Emphasis control allows users to accentuate or soften transients across all bands, while the Spectral Clipper introduces harmonic saturation for added character. Diving deeper, the Filter Bank page provides access to individual band controls, allowing users to solo and adjust specific frequency ranges. This granular control is particularly useful for targeting problematic frequencies or enhancing specific elements within a mix. The Limiter/EQ page offers further refinement, with per-band gain adjustment for precise tonal shaping.
The Transient page focuses on attack and sustain characteristics, providing tools to manipulate the dynamic envelope of the audio. Users can fine-tune the transient shaping behavior to achieve anything from subtle enhancement to dramatic reshaping of the sound’s envelope.
The Clipper section introduces analog-style saturation, adding warmth and character to the processed audio. This feature is particularly useful for adding edge to drums or fattening up entire mixes.
Punctuate’s metering system provides real-time visual feedback on the plugin’s processing, helping users understand and fine-tune their settings. The ability to reduce the number of active bands allows for CPU optimization when full-resolution processing isn’t necessary.
Punctuate stands out in the crowded field of transient shapers due to its intelligent, multiband approach. While plugins like SPL’s Transient Designer or Waves’ TransX offer transient shaping capabilities, they typically operate on the full frequency spectrum or a limited number of bands. Punctuate’s 26-band processing provides a level of precision that surpasses many competitors. In terms of its adaptive algorithms and auditory modeling, Punctuate shares some conceptual similarities with iZotope’s Neutron, which also offers intelligent processing across multiple bands. However, Punctuate’s focused approach on transient shaping sets it apart, offering more specialized control in this area. Compared to Eventide’s Physion, another plugin that separates transients from sustained content, Punctuate offers a more traditional transient shaping workflow while still providing deep control. Its integration of limiting and spectral clipping also gives it an edge in achieving loudness and character that many dedicated transient shapers lack.
This plugin is best for:
• Mixing engineers seeking precise control over transients in individual tracks or full mixes
• Mastering engineers looking to enhance dynamics and clarity in finished tracks
• Sound designers needing to reshape the envelope of complex audio material
• Electronic music producers wanting to tighten up drums or add punch to synths
• Post-production professionals aiming to bring clarity to dialogue or sound effects
Punctuate by Newfangled Audio is a powerful and versatile transient shaping tool that offers a unique approach to dynamic processing. Its combination of intelligent algorithms, multiband processing, and intuitive controls allows users to achieve natural-sounding results even with significant transient manipulation. The plugin’s ability to breathe life into dull mixes, enhance drum tracks, and provide stem-like mixing capabilities within a stereo file makes it a valuable asset for a wide range of audio professionals. While the learning curve may be steep for some users, and CPU usage can be demanding, the depth of control and quality of results justify these potential drawbacks. Punctuate’s integration of limiting and spectral clipping further expands its utility, allowing users to shape dynamics and add character in a single plugin. For those willing to invest the time to master its capabilities, Punctuate offers a level of transient control that can elevate mixes and masters to new heights of clarity and impact.