Empirical Labs Inc (ELI) has announced the ParaDyn plug-in, featuring a parametric EQ derived from its Big FrEQ and two fully-configurable dynamic modules with unique processing options.
At its core, ParaDyn is a four-section parametric EQ with Dyn (dynamics) modules available in its Sections 1 and 4 that separate the ParaDyn plug-in from any other EQ currently on offer. Besides being expanded parametric band EQs, they also employ ELI’s pre-eminent knee compression.
Users can use ParaDyn as a regular dynamic EQ in Dyn EQ mode or engage Dyn Mask Made functionality that looks at the material surrounding the target frequency, and not apply as much dynamic treatment if there is material masking that target frequency – functionally similar to ELI’s DerrEsser hardware, itself a multi-function dynamic filtering device (in an API 500 Series module format).
A further option is available within each of the Dyn modules – Compress mode splits the band into two independent sections, turning Section 1 or 4 into a full-bandwidth compressor. It is designed to offer the compression found in ELI’s other products and allows ParaDyn to become a sort of ‘modular’ channel strip. The plug-in comes complete with a collection of factory presets as examples of how its sections can be combined to work in specific signal flows that are as flexible as they are useful.
The ParaDyn GUI looks superficially similar to ELI’s Big FrEQ plug-in, its inaugural EQ plug-in inspired by its Lil FrEQ hardware EQ. Users already familiar with Big FrEQ should feel at home working with ParaDyn, as it opens up a further world of dynamic control over tone and volume.