Playfair Audio has released Dynamic Grading v1.3, the latest update to its dynamic processing plug-in for mixing and mastering.
Dynamic Grading uses approach inspired by digital image processing, providing users with an intuitive graphical interface to manipulate audio dynamics. Dynamic Grading v1.3 development has been driven by user feedback and introduces several highly requested features and workflow improvements. The update is free to existing users.
Of the plug-in, its creator company says: ‘Dynamic Grading is not just another compressor or expander. It represents an entirely novel method of dynamic processing, allowing users to visualise and adjust the dynamic ‘gestalt’ of their audio through an easily comprehensible histogram. This innovative tool lets audio professionals mix with more confidence, drawing from concepts well-established in digital image processing to offer sophisticated and musical dynamic processing algorithms tailored specifically for music production and audio engineering.’
Dynamic Grading v1.3 brings an enhanced user interface layout and design. The GUI has been refined for clarity and efficiency. Level meters and curve displays are now always visible, with rearranged sliders that show current values, editable via keyboard. The grading handles feature a slimmer and more intuitive design.
Also improved is the DSP Engine with Variable Stereo Link. Users can now transition from fully linked stereo operation to dual-mono, or anywhere in between, using the new Variable Stereo Link slider.
The Source Learn feature automatically analyses the Dynamic Histogram and suggests initial settings for source ranges, maintaining effective ratios for punch, body and floor ranges. This is intended to significantly speed up the initial set-up and adaptation of existing settings to new source material.
Reference Compare is a one-button A/B comparison tool that allows quick comparisons between the current setting and the state when the plug-in window was last opened. Users can set the current ‘reference’ state manually by holding the Alt key while clicking the Reference Compare button.
Undo and Redo buttons provide the ability to tweak audio dynamics with confidence, knowing adjustments can be easily reversed. The Safety Limiter, meanwhile, protects against unexpectedly loud peaks when expanding the punch range – the Safety Limiter automatically reduces output levels when the output peak exceeds +6dBFS.
