SoundSoap Pro Unveiled at 115th AESNew restoration solution for Mac OS X and Windows XP features multiband noise reduction; click, crackle & hum removal; plus noise gate - in a single plug-in
 |
|
(Click for a close-up) |
October 15, 2003
BIAS, Inc. unveiled SoundSoap Pro at AES, an audio restoration plug-in for Mac OS X and Windows XP, aimed at professional audio producers, engineers, musicians, sound designers, and forensic scientists. Along with the company's SoundSoap (targeted at entry-level users), BIAS now provides noise reduction solutions for users at all levels.
Four Tools in One - an Integrated Approach
Rather than splitting the restoration process into separate plug-ins, SoundSoap Pro uses an integrated interface that allows the user to access any tool quickly and easily from within a single plug-in window. Tool navigation tabs are labeled (left to right) "Hum & Rumble," "Click & Crackle," "Broadband," and "Noise Gate" - reflecting the suggested order in which the operations should be performed, to obtain the best possible results. The tabs even provide convenient parameter feedback, allowing the user to monitor the primary tool settings globally, regardless of which tool is currently selected.
Multiband NR
Many broadband noise reduction solutions (including BIAS' entry-level SoundSoap) work by analyzing, or "learning," a noise profile, which can then be suppressed using a pair of threshold and reduction controls that operate across the entire frequency band. While this can achieve fine results, more challenging noise problems, as well as more discerning ears, demand additional control.
Some products go to the opposite extreme to address these needs, with individual controls for hundreds of frequency bands. But as many audio engineers are aware, this multiband method can prove to be time-consuming, cumbersome, and confusing - leading in turn to an increased risk of "chirping," "muffling," "flanging," and other annoying artifacts.
SoundSoap Pro's approach to multiband noise reduction focuses on speed, usability, and performance. SoundSoap Pro groups 512 bands into 12 discrete threshold and reduction sliders - delivering dramatically enhanced efficiency, ease-of-use, and superb sonic results. The sliders may be easily grouped with a lock button, and 12 vibrant level meters assist in threshold adjustments. When used with SoundSoap Pro's additional attack, release, and tilt controls, even the toughest broadband noise can be easily and dramatically reduced, while dramatically minimizing the chance of any inadvertent artifacts.
Enhanced Visual & Audio Monitoring Options
SoundSoap Pro's tool area features a unique, global, real-time spectrogram - providing constant visual monitoring of spectral noise that may be in need of treatment. With its intuitive color codes, the spectrogram allows users to discern problem areas and make relevant tool adjustments, all while listening to - and watching - the results. Furthermore, users can easily hear the noise they are reducing by selecting "Noise Only." Unlike Bypass - which can be used globally or for each tool, and which bypasses the processing - the Noise Only button allows the user to hear, on a global level, only what is being removed.
These two features allow SoundSoap Pro users to ensure that undesired noise is effectively suppressed - and that desired signals are unaffected by the restoration process.
A Universal Restoration Solution, Supporting All Leading Plug-In Hosts
SoundSoap Pro is designed for every major plug-in host. The roster includes Peak 4 (VST/Audio Units), Pro Tools (RTAS), Logic Audio/Digital Performer (Audio Units), Nuendo/Cubase SX/Wavelab (VST), Sonar (DirectX), and many other compatible hosts.
Pricing & Availability
BIAS SoundSoap Pro will be available Q1 2004 through the worldwide network of authorized BIAS dealers and distributors - pricing TBA. BIAS' original entry-level SoundSoap remains available at a suggested retail price of $99 US. For more information, visit their web site at www.bias-inc.com. |
