Masterlab DynaQ 2

Split-processing plugins usually involve multiband ideas, where the extent and type of processing changes per frequency. There’s also straight parallel processing, where two signals are processed differently and then blended or balanced together. Masterlab’s DynaQ, though, is something not seen much before: the separate parts of your audio that are processed differently are here split using a compressor. Any audio information that triggers gain reduction in DynaQ’s onboard compressor is processed by the ‘Above’ controls, and anything that doesn’t breach the threshold is processed by the ‘Below’. An interesting take on split processing, which can deliver great things…

Setting up >

We start investigating DynaQ by adjusting the settings of its compressor, on the right. We set up a relatively harsh response that’ll make it easier to hear what’s going on. Settings here afford quite a lot of options, with versatile Attack and Release timings on offer, a very large span of Ratio settings, and both low- and high-cut for the sidechain detection signal. The Threshold, seeing as you ask, is set using the slider in the middle of the metering setup, helping you to gain exactly how much gain reduction you want.

Overs and unders >

The point of DynaQ is that it can apply separate processes to two parts of your signal: the audio parts that breach threshold and those that don’t. This isn’t just a compressor that applies gain reduction – it’s one that applies more effects in the proportion you select. Time-based detection is the key here, but that doesn’t mean the processes that happen to either side of the audio must be time-based, as we’ll show you DynaQ’s EQ controls and other processing stages.

< EQs

The two EQs in the plugin act on either side of that split: the top EQ affects everything above the threshold, while the bottom EQ will affect the rest. Here, we’ve set up the processing so the transients are reduced in the lowest bass frequencies, and we’ve applied a boost around 2kHz and raised a shelf above this. The processing on the rest is minimal – you may find yourself using the under-thethreshold EQ a lot less, as it’s practically the processing of the original signal.

< More transient features

DynaQ’s other features for split processing are Saturation (including a Color control), compression Mix, a Width control and even a Pan control. Here in the low, ‘Below’ section, we apply some Saturation with a low Color control. We increase Width, too. On the ‘Above’ section, we can sculpt our transient sounds. You may want these narrower to retain more power, or to change panning, or add saturation to make up for a compression response that’s reduced the transients’ power.