PSP Audioware PSP Flare is a groundbreaking compressor plugin that employs a unique psychoacoustic approach to dynamic processing. Developed in collaboration with post-production engineer Paolo Pasquariello, this innovative tool is designed to provide exceptional volume consistency without the typical audible artifacts associated with heavy compression. While initially conceived for film and TV post-production, PSP Flare’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of audio applications, from subtle vocal leveling to aggressive drum processing.
Pros:
• Unique psychoacoustic compression algorithm capable of extreme compression without typical artifacts
• Versatile application across various audio sources and genres
• Intuitive interface with advanced features for fine-tuning
Cons:
• Requires iLok account and License Manager, which may be inconvenient for some users
At its core, PSP Flare utilizes a single-band probability compression algorithm that allows for unprecedented levels of compression—up to 70 dB—while maintaining musicality and coherence. This psychoacoustic approach ensures that audio remains naturally dynamic, even under substantial processing. The plugin’s interface strikes a balance between simplicity and depth, offering essential compression controls alongside advanced features like lookahead, side-chain filtering, and an output brick wall limiter.
PSP Flare boasts an impressive array of features that cater to both novice and experienced audio engineers. The plugin’s wide compression knee allows for smooth transitions between uncompressed and compressed signals, resulting in a more natural sound. Users can choose between peak and RMS level detection, providing flexibility in how the compressor responds to incoming audio. The optional automatic release readjustment feature intelligently adapts the release time based on the input signal, ensuring optimal compression behavior across varying audio material. This, combined with the wide range of threshold and ratio settings, allows for precise control over the compression characteristics.
PSP Flare incorporates a preamp section modeling on the input, adding subtle coloration and character to the processed audio. The lookahead function enables the reduction of transients through the compressor, offering cleaner and more transparent compression on percussive material. The plugin’s side-chain section is particularly noteworthy, featuring smooth control over the high-pass filter and link options. This allows for frequency-dependent compression and creative processing techniques. The optional automatic makeup gain simplifies workflow by maintaining consistent output levels regardless of compression settings.
For those who prefer a more subtle approach, the Dry/Compressed Mix control enables parallel compression directly within the plugin. This feature is invaluable for achieving a balance between the original and processed signals without the need for additional routing. The output brick wall limiter with adjustable ceiling level and release time provides an extra layer of protection against digital clipping, ensuring clean and controlled output even under extreme settings. This feature is particularly useful in mastering and broadcast applications where maintaining peak levels is crucial.
Under the hood, PSP Flare employs 64-bit double precision floating-point math, resulting in ultra-low cumulative errors in the filters and maintaining proper filter characteristics across the entire frequency spectrum. This attention to detail in the underlying algorithms contributes to the plugin’s exceptional sound quality and performance. PSP Flare’s performance across different audio sources and genres demonstrates its versatility and effectiveness. Whether used for gentle vocal leveling, aggressive drum processing, or maintaining consistency in dense mixes, the plugin consistently delivers musical and coherent results. Its psychoacoustic approach to compression makes it particularly valuable in post-production work, where maintaining natural dynamics while ensuring clarity and consistency is crucial.
While the requirement for an iLok account and License Manager may be a minor inconvenience for some users, the benefits of PSP Flare’s unique compression algorithm and extensive feature set far outweigh this drawback. The plugin’s ability to deliver tens of decibels of compression without introducing typical artifacts is truly remarkable and opens up new possibilities for dynamic processing in various audio production scenarios.
When compared to similar plugins, PSP Flare stands out for its unique psychoacoustic approach and extreme compression capabilities. While many compressors focus on emulating classic hardware or providing a specific “color,” PSP Flare aims to deliver transparent yet effective compression across a wide range of settings. Its ability to apply substantial compression without introducing noticeable artifacts sets it apart from traditional VCA or FET-style compressors. In terms of versatility, PSP Flare competes with high-end digital compressors like the FabFilter Pro-C 2 or Waves C6. However, its psychoacoustic algorithm and extreme compression range give it a distinct edge in certain applications, particularly in post-production and dense mix scenarios. The plugin’s intuitive interface and thoughtful feature set make it accessible to beginners while offering depth for experienced users, positioning it as a strong contender in the crowded field of software compressors.
This plugin is best for:
• Post-production engineers working on film and TV projects
• Mixing engineers seeking transparent yet effective compression
• Producers looking for a versatile compressor for various sources
• Mastering engineers requiring precise dynamic control
• Sound designers needing creative compression options
PSP Flare represents a significant advancement in software compression technology. Its psychoacoustic approach to dynamic processing allows for unprecedented levels of compression while maintaining a natural and musical sound. The plugin’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from subtle vocal leveling to aggressive drum processing and even mastering tasks. The thoughtful design of PSP Flare’s interface strikes an excellent balance between simplicity and depth. Essential compression controls are easily accessible, while advanced features like lookahead, side-chain filtering, and the output brick wall limiter provide ample room for fine-tuning. The inclusion of a Dry/Compressed Mix control for parallel compression and the automatic makeup gain feature streamline workflow and encourage experimentation.