ProAudio Review - January 2009 - (Page 37)

“While, deep down, it is a compressor, don’t think of this as 'multiband'—it breaks the audio up into compression zones (up to four), each with independently configurable attack, release, and ratio settings.” depending on the adjustment of a Scale Control. This scale helps you make input and output level choices. The D4 features three types of meters: peak, cloud, and attenuation. Peak and attenuation work on Input and Output as expected. Cloud meters, however, visually display the concentrated amount of “energy” at a given level and have to be seen to be appreciated and understood. Many other small but important options lie within the nooks and crannies of D4’s GUI. There’s an Auto Limiter to prevent levels from exceeding 0 dB, I/O Trim Controls, Automatic Gain Compensation and a Zone Gain Control (ZGC). With ZGC on, audio outside of those thresholds responds the same way as audio in the zone. With ZGC off, audio outside those thresholds pass through unaffected, or 1:1 with no gain or cut applied. It’s a very creative control feature. The Key to Success By selecting the Key button, a whole new GUI appears in place of the I/O Map. Featuring a selectable Key Input (Left and Right, Left Channel, Right Channel, Side Chain), a variable Look-Ahead slider (up to 10.0ms), and a full Key Filter graphic interface with selectable frequency, gain and Q, it further expands the capabilities of the D4. At the bottom of the plug-in sits a full Attack, Ratio, and Release section (from which all four bands can be grouped or independently controlled). D4 has the ability to operate with one to four bands, chosen with a small 1-4 selector located on top. There’s also the usual Load, Save, Copy, and Clear, as well as useful A and B “workspaces,” which let you quickly switch between two different settings for comparison’s sake. Also, by hitting the Help button atop the plug-in, the manual document automatically opens up — love that touch! Jump In The best way to get used to the D4 is to just jump in and start dragging around the Zones. My first experience was to launch it within Peak Pro 6 on a short TV spot. Within a few minutes of not knowing what I was doing, it sounded far better. I was able to punch up the level and top/mid end clarity while leaving the bottom alone. A quick A/B even gave me a “wow, this thing rocks” feeling. I then printed the spot and shipped it to the client. After a good manual read, I was able to make more effective use of the D4’s abilities. Using it within Logic, I created some great original sounds on drum loops with 1- and 2-band applications; almost like EQ meets multi-band compression with limiting. It’s also good to explore presets like “Mastering Lifter,” “RN Snare Anti Gate” and “Vocal 1 LNF.” This preset exploration also help you understand how the plug-in operates. Fast Facts Applications Studio, project studio, sound design, post production, broadcast Key Features Up to four separate, independently configurable dynamic processing zones; stereo and mono operation; built-in limiter; auto output gain; good metering Price $249 list [academic pricing is available — Ed.] Contact RNDigital, Inc. | 727-230-1603 | www.rndigital.org Product Points Far more than a multi-band compressor Able to shape audio with up to four separate zones; good metering; A/B Workspaces offer instant comparisons Can truly improve your mix Cluttered GUI can be hard to read Score A useful graphic dynamic processor plug-in for RTAS, VST, and AU Mac/PC users that’s far more than just a compressor. Final Thoughts Overall, D4 is a flexible, powerful sonic tool that, like multi-band compressors, can be overused if not careful. Aside of its obvious use on 2-track masters, it’s also great for sound design, looping, and mixing. For me, it’s quickly become a go-to plug-in across various instruments, and also to help punch up final tracks. While the interface is a bit small and cluttered, it packs in a lot of useful features at a good price, making it a fair tradeoff. Also, RNDigital informed us that it is working on a video tutorial, which will be posted on its website soon, and — even better — any registered owners of the Dynamizer can upgrade to the D4 for free. www.proaudioreview.com January 2009 | ProAudioReview 37 http://www.rndigital.org http://www.proaudioreview.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ProAudio Review - January 2009

ProAudio Review - January 2009 Contnets Technically Speaking New At NAMM: Studio Opinion: Studio Sense Feature: PAR Session Trials: Large-Diaphragm Microphones Review and Second Opinion: McDSP TDM Emerald Pack III featuring FutzBox PAR Contributor Of The Month Review: Audio-Technica AT2050 Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone Review: LaChapell Model 583s Microphone Preamp & Model 583e Microphone Preamp/EQ Review: RNDigital D4 Plug-In Mini Review: MXL Microphones V88 Large-Diaphragm Microphone Mini Review: Solid State Logic Mynx New at NAMM: Live New Live Products Opinion: Worship Audio PAR Recommends: Portable PA Options for 2009 Mini Review: Fishman SoloAmp Review: AKG D 40 Instrument Microphone Installation Profile: 9:30 Club, Washington, DC Single Slice

ProAudio Review - January 2009

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