Recording - November 2019 - 29

guitar string scrapes, plosives, creaks and
rattles, and the like. I track in Logic Pro; I
don't have the ARA 2 tech onboard (unfortunately), but the process is pretty easy nonetheless: I highlight a region on the Logic timeline that needs to be fixed, and then I select
File > Open in SpectraLayers Pro. SLP opens
three seconds later, with the related audio
content visible in all its spectral glory. I focus
the spectrum on the problem areas, choose
and configure the eraser tool to suit, make
all my fixes on the spectral graph, and then
close SLP when I'm finished. SLP prompts
me to return the edited audio back to the
Logic timeline; I accept the (destructive) edit,
SLP transfers the audio data back to Logic
before closing, and now I'm back in Logic
again with fixed audio. Another pesky problem solved, usually with zero compromises.
Note: this process doesn't even use layers-
I operate directly on the spectrum with no
need for any copy/paste operations.
I have no complaint about this easy
workflow, but the new ARA 2-facilitated
Cubase Pro 10/SLP 6 process is more
elegant, and it's reversible.
I love the way SLP simply disappears
unwanted sounds, and so do my clients.

Obtrusive noises always get put under the
microscope in the studio. Attempting to
modify playing or vocal technique on the
spot to get rid of squeaks, thumps or mouth
noises places musicians under unnecessary pressure. SLP empowers producers
to make quick fixes on the spot-highly
encouraging to performers. It provides
stress relief and promotes confidence in
the studio-and it offers up some wicked
eye candy for an extra treat!
My point: even in this layerless, narrowly
focused use case (which you can learn in no
time), SLP is indispensable. Learning more
complex operations is a process of creative
unfolding, with all the happy accidents and
fun times that go along with genuine artistic
expression and true craftmanship.

Comparisons

iZotope RX 7 is the first obvious point of
comparison with SLP when it comes to 'repair
and restore' functionality. The RX advantage is
its wide assortment of algorithmic processes,
available in tweakable modules that can be
broken out as plugins for efficient track-level
DAW processing. SpectraLayers has fewer
algorithmic tools but more fine-grain direct

selection tools; meticulous selections can be cut
completely free from the source material, and
after that, it's literally all about processing this
content as layers. In layers, our selections can
be refined, or, they can become completely
different animals-totally removed from any
sonic resemblance to the original source. This
functionality takes SLP into a unique, DAWlike world where it defines itself as an audio
manipulation and enhancement tool, and
ultimately a sound design workstation-the
Photoshop comparison is spot-on.

The Full Spectrum

Bottom line: I'd be at a loss without SpectraLayers Pro in my system, and I'm thrilled
to see SLP find a new home with Steinberg.
This application now rides high with Cubase, WaveLab and the rest of the Steinberg
family, and its new price point makes SLP
a great value. With the addition of ARA 2,
SpectraLayers Pro 6 is ready to make rapid
and continuous connections with the whole
vanguard of audio editing applications.
Price: $299
More from: https://new.steinberg.net/
spectralayers

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Recording - November 2019

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