Full Description
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Frequency-dependent transient processing
In BitterSweet Pro, the Frequency Dependent Transient Processing feature enables users to process specific parts of the frequency spectrum, allowing the plugin to function as a dynamic equalizer driven by transients and/or sustain. This offers precise control over the audio signal.
The Frequency Range setting determines the range in which the plugin operates. When a specific frequency is chosen, BitterSweet detects and affects signals within that range while maintaining minimal impact on phase. The Static Gain dial allows users to adjust the volume of the selected frequency span, and as the frequency order increases, the filter plateaus. This results in various filter shapes, similar to those in multi-band crossovers but without the associated phase rotations, enabling users to create filter shapes ranging from bell filters to shelves.
When the Frequency Range is set between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, the plugin processes the entire band. Modifying the low cut-off frequency value transforms it into a high-shelve dynamic equalizer, while adjusting the high cut-off frequency creates a low-shelve dynamic equalizer. When both values are altered, a peak dynamic equalizer is produced.
In all scenarios, users can fine-tune the gain using the Static Gain parameter and control the slope with the Frequency Order parameter, which ranges from 6 dB per octave to 12, 18, and 24 dB. As the Frequency Order increases, the slope of the frequency response becomes steeper, providing greater control over the sound.
M/S Stereo processing modes
Thanks to its Mid/Side Matrix, BitterSweet also enables you to treat the central or lateral components of the signal. Given all these modes, BitterSweet is efficient for energizing precise transients when mastering. Transients and Sustain can be amplified or attenuated simultaneously or individually, and using a built in M/S Encoder/Decoder the Mid (Center) or the Side (Stereo) parts of the sound can be processed independently.
Multiple modes of operation
BitterSweet Pro offers various modes that allow users to work on different parts of the signal, providing flexibility in shaping and modifying transients and sustain. The first step involves selecting the desired mode using the Mode select option.
The Amount of treatment applied to the chosen part of the signal is then controlled by the Dynamic part, with the Bitter side accentuating the selected portion and the Sweet side attenuating it. BitterSweet Pro's available modes enable users to modify the transient of instruments like drums, adjust the sustain, or work on both the transients and sustain simultaneously.
Additionally, BitterSweet Pro features a unique mode that allows users to modify both sustain and transient in reverse. In this mode, increasing one aspect inversely affects the other, providing a creative way to shape and balance the sound characteristics.
Open up Advanced Settings
The Geek Pane in the BitterSweet Pro plugin serves as an "advanced settings" option, offering users extended control over the transient processing envelope and various signal monitoring options within the plugin. Within this panel, users will find several settings, including a button that allows them to listen to the difference between the input and output of BitterSweet, three knobs for shaping transient envelopes, and a bandwidth control for precise adjustments.
From the main interface, users can select the frequency zone at which BitterSweet detects and processes the signal by adjusting the slider located at the top of the interface. Alongside this slider, there is an option to choose the slope of the filter. It's important to note that the filter stage utilized in the detection circuit differs from the one used in the treated signal. While the detection circuit employs high and low-pass filters to process the signal, the treated signal does not make use of the same filter configuration.
Advanced additions
Though a transient designer in nature, BitterSweet Pro offers much more flexibilty for producers and engineers. It's a playground for adjusting the envelopes of virtually any signal in your mix and therefore comes with additional inclusions to help give you complete control over your sound. A lookahead control lets you synchronize the detection circuit algorithm with the treatment circuitment. Though this introduces latency, it lets you gain precision in your transient treatment for more accurate response to the incoming signal.
An extremely useful addition to transient shapers, BitterSweet Pro includes a clipper circuit with two modes. A Cubic mode which generates odd-harmonics and Tube mode which generates even-harmonics. These are ideal for ensuring that during sections with significant transient enhancement, you are able to maintain signal level with no peaks. The output gain section is pre-clipper, meaning clipping can still occur on the output stage regardless of how hard or soft you drive the output.
Preset and parameter handling
In the FLUX BitterSweet Pro plug-in, Preset and Parameter Handling is designed to optimize workflow efficiency. The plug-in features two Preset/Parameter slots, A and B, which can simultaneously hold two complete sets of parameters. Users can save individual presets as well as a "Global Preset" that encompasses both A and B settings and the position of the "Morphing Slider."
The Morphing Slider enables seamless blending between the parameter settings of slots A and B, offering creative and practical real-time adjustments. By activating the Automation control button, the Morphing Slider becomes accessible for host automation, further enhancing user control and flexibility.
Reviews
"BitterSweet Pro is very easy to use, it's quite subtle and gentle in its sonics and not as aggressive as many other transient designers which is really nice!" - Production Expert
Features
- Supports up to 16 input/output channels
- Adjustable frequency range for processing (20 Hz / 20.0 kHz – Lower / 40 Hz / 20.0 kHz – Upper) with an easy-to-use audition button
- Sidechain detector filtering based on frequency range settings, including low cut, high cut, and band-pass filter, accompanied by a simple audition button
- Speed control for transient processing, offering natural envelope smoothing and attack options (Fast/Medium/Slow)
- Customizable attack, hold, and release times for enhanced transient processing
- Dynamic gain adjustment for transients and/or sustain (-100.00% – Sweet / 100.00% – Bitter)
- Static Gain management for the frequency range filter envelope (-24.00 dB / +24.00 dB)
- Output Gain control within a -24.00 dB / +24.00 dB range (applied before the soft clipper)
- Geek pane (advanced settings) featuring additional parameters for extended transient processing envelope control
- Mid/Side stereo operation lets you amplify or attenuate transient response simultaneously across the stereo spectrum
- Compatible with VST, AU, AAX Native, AAX DSP and VS3 formats
Specifications
- Operating system:
- Mac: MacOS 10.14.6 Mojave and latest
- Windows: Windows 10 / 11 – 64bit only
- Graphics: A graphic card fully supporting OpenGL 2.0 is required. If your computer has an ATi or NVidia graphics card, please assure the latest graphic drivers from the ATi or NVidia website are installed.
- Format: VST3, VST2 (64-bit), AU (64-bit), AAX (64-bit), AAX HDX (64-bit), AAX VENUE, and VS3 Native +Massocore (Pyramix 10-12)
- Maximum sample rate: 384kHz
- Maximum number of channels: 16
- Ambisonic / Dolby Atmos Stem: 1-2-3rd order supported
- Activation: iLok.com user account is required (the iLok USB Smart Key is not required).
- Product code: 1379-1003