Wavesfactory Quantum is an innovative audio plugin that redefines the concept of transient shaping. Unlike traditional transient shapers that simply adjust attack and sustain levels, Quantum separates an audio signal into its attack and sustain components, allowing for independent processing of each part. The plugin features 16 high-quality built-in effects that can be applied separately to the attack and sustain portions of the sound, offering unprecedented control and creative possibilities. Quantum’s user interface is visually appealing and intuitive, with a waveform display that shows the attack in orange and the sustain in blue. The plugin provides extensive control over transient detection, with adjustable sensitivity, decay, and hold parameters. Users can fine-tune the transient detection process to suit various types of audio material, from drums to softer sources.
Pros:
• Unique approach to transient shaping with separate processing of attack and sustain
• Wide range of high-quality built-in effects
• Intuitive and visually appealing user interface
Cons:
• Can be CPU-intensive when using multiple effects simultaneously
Quantum plugin has 16 effects include standard processors like EQ, compression, and reverb, as well as more creative options such as pitch shifting, chorus, and lo-fi effects. Each effect has its own dedicated interface with comprehensive controls, allowing for detailed sound shaping. Quantum also features a convolution processor with a library of impulse responses and the ability to import custom IRs.
Quantum’s core functionality revolves around its ability to split audio into attack and sustain components. The plugin offers three transient detection modes: Drums, General, and Soft, each optimized for different types of source material. The Sensitivity control allows users to fine-tune the detection process, while the Decay knob adjusts the transition time between attack and sustain. The Hold parameter prevents unwanted triggering by setting a minimum time between detected transients.
The waveform display provides visual feedback on the transient detection process, with vertical grey lines indicating detected transients. Solo buttons for attack and sustain allow users to isolate and audition each component separately, which is invaluable for precise adjustments.
Quantum’s 16 effects cover a wide range of processing options. The Chorus effect adds depth and movement to sounds, while the Compressor allows for dynamic control of either the attack or sustain. The Convolution processor includes over 40 impulse responses and supports importing custom IRs, enabling users to apply realistic spaces or creative textures to their sounds.
The Delay effect offers tempo-synced stereo delays, and the Enhancer provides a two-band spectral enhancement for adding clarity and presence. The 5-band Graphic EQ offers seven filter types per band, allowing for precise tonal shaping. Other effects include Flanger, Limiter, Lo-Fi, Phaser, and Pitch Shifter, each with its own set of parameters for detailed control.
The Reverb effect is algorithmic and offers control over size, diffusion, and damping, among other parameters. The Saturation effect allows users to add harmonic richness to either the attack or sustain. The Stereo Tools effect provides mid-side processing capabilities, enabling width enhancement and stereo manipulation. The Tremolo effect can function as a ring modulator at extreme settings, while the Vibrato effect can be pushed into frequency shifting territory.
Each effect has its own dedicated interface that appears in the lower-mid section of the plugin window when selected. This design allows for quick access to all parameters without cluttering the main interface. The ability to apply different effects to the attack and sustain components opens up a vast array of sound design possibilities, from subtle enhancements to radical transformations.
Quantum also includes a preset management system, allowing users to save and recall their favorite settings. The plugin supports VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of digital audio workstations on both Mac and Windows platforms.
While Quantum shares some similarities with other advanced transient shapers like Eventide’s Physion, it stands out due to its extensive collection of built-in effects and intuitive interface. Compared to traditional transient shapers like SPL’s Transient Designer or Waves’ TransX, Quantum offers far more flexibility and creative potential. Unlike most transient shapers that only allow level adjustment of attack and sustain, Quantum’s ability to apply different effects to each component is unique. This capability puts it in a category of its own, bridging the gap between transient shapers and multi-effects processors. When compared to multi-effects plugins like iZotope’s Neutron or Waves’ AudioTrack, Quantum offers a more specialized approach focused on transient manipulation. While these other plugins may offer a wider range of general mixing tools, they lack Quantum’s precise control over attack and sustain components.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers looking for new ways to manipulate and transform audio
• Mixing engineers seeking precise control over transients and sustain
• Electronic music producers wanting to create unique drum sounds
• Post-production professionals needing to reshape and enhance sound effects
While Quantum excels in many areas, it’s important to note that it can be CPU-intensive when using multiple effects simultaneously. However, for users willing to invest the processing power, the results can be truly transformative. Whether used for subtle enhancement of drum transients, creative sound design on synthesizers, or complete reimagining of audio samples, Quantum proves to be a versatile and innovative plugin that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in audio processing.
Quantum represents a significant evolution in transient shaping technology. Its ability to separate and independently process attack and sustain components of a sound opens up a world of creative possibilities that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional tools. The plugin’s extensive collection of high-quality effects, combined with its intuitive interface and visual feedback, makes it a powerful tool for both corrective and creative applications.