APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
Moderator: James Steele
Forum rules
This forum is for most discussion related to the use and optimization of Digital Performer [MacOS] and plug-ins as well as tips and techniques. It is NOT for troubleshooting technical issues, complaints, feature requests, or "Comparative DAW 101."
This forum is for most discussion related to the use and optimization of Digital Performer [MacOS] and plug-ins as well as tips and techniques. It is NOT for troubleshooting technical issues, complaints, feature requests, or "Comparative DAW 101."
- James Steele
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 21613
- Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: San Diego, CA - U.S.A.
- Contact:
APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
Help me... I have GAS (or maybe PAS... plugin acquisition syndrome)! This looks kinda instabuy to me! $30 or $55 with the bundle that includes their Optimizer plugin:
https://apu.software/compressor/
https://apu.software/compressor/
JamesSteeleProject.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
- mikehalloran
- Posts: 15409
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 5:08 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: Sillie Con Valley
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
I dislike his delivery — really, he should use his own "look-ahead" function and preview the app so that he gets more info out in less time.
That said, there are a number of plugs that have this functionality. What this APU version does is bring a unique interface to the table. I like it a lot.
As he notes correctly, the look-ahead feature makes it useless for tracking and live performance but that's ok. I also like his caution against overuse on individual tracks. When nothing has dynamic range, the only result is a lifeless mess.
Do I need this? No ... but I really like the interface so... yea, probably. I'll even go through his YouTube link so that he gets a piece.
That said, there are a number of plugs that have this functionality. What this APU version does is bring a unique interface to the table. I like it a lot.
As he notes correctly, the look-ahead feature makes it useless for tracking and live performance but that's ok. I also like his caution against overuse on individual tracks. When nothing has dynamic range, the only result is a lifeless mess.
Do I need this? No ... but I really like the interface so... yea, probably. I'll even go through his YouTube link so that he gets a piece.
DP 11.31; 828mkII FW, micro lite, M4, MTP/AV USB Firmware 2.0.1
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sonoma 14.5 b4, USB4 8TB external, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3 6/10/12; 2012 MBPs Catalina, Mojave
IK-NI-Izotope-PSP-Garritan-Antares, LogicPro X, Finale 27.4, Dorico 5.2, Notion 6, Overture 5, TwistedWave, DSP-Q 5, SmartScore64 Pro, Toast 20 Pro
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sonoma 14.5 b4, USB4 8TB external, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3 6/10/12; 2012 MBPs Catalina, Mojave
IK-NI-Izotope-PSP-Garritan-Antares, LogicPro X, Finale 27.4, Dorico 5.2, Notion 6, Overture 5, TwistedWave, DSP-Q 5, SmartScore64 Pro, Toast 20 Pro
- James Steele
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 21613
- Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: San Diego, CA - U.S.A.
- Contact:
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
Yeah... this guy has a tendency to just dive in and review plugins that he really hasn't spent much time with. As a result, he sometimes misses features or how to use a particular feature. Something about this plug caught my eye.
I haven't uploaded any new music to any of the services in a while, but I know that things have changed and just uploading the loudest possible mix that doesn't clip isn't what you do anymore these days. I'm going to need to figure that out pretty soon.
I haven't uploaded any new music to any of the services in a while, but I know that things have changed and just uploading the loudest possible mix that doesn't clip isn't what you do anymore these days. I'm going to need to figure that out pretty soon.
JamesSteeleProject.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
- mikehalloran
- Posts: 15409
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 5:08 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: Sillie Con Valley
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
I paid the $55 because I really like the interface. The Loudness Meter is a freebie. It and the Compressor are AU/VST3 plug-ins. The Optimizer is a stand-alone app only and the other two are available that way, too. In the 14 minutes of that video, he had more than enough time to drop those bits of information.James Steele wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 4:30 pm Yeah... this guy has a tendency to just dive in and review plugins that he really hasn't spent much time with. As a result, he sometimes misses features or how to use a particular feature. Something about this plug caught my eye.
I haven't uploaded any new music to any of the services in a while, but I know that things have changed and just uploading the loudest possible mix that doesn't clip isn't what you do anymore these days. I'm going to need to figure that out pretty soon.
- Attachments
-
- Screenshot 2024-05-25 at 6.24.09 PM.png (59.37 KiB) Viewed 301 times
DP 11.31; 828mkII FW, micro lite, M4, MTP/AV USB Firmware 2.0.1
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sonoma 14.5 b4, USB4 8TB external, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3 6/10/12; 2012 MBPs Catalina, Mojave
IK-NI-Izotope-PSP-Garritan-Antares, LogicPro X, Finale 27.4, Dorico 5.2, Notion 6, Overture 5, TwistedWave, DSP-Q 5, SmartScore64 Pro, Toast 20 Pro
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sonoma 14.5 b4, USB4 8TB external, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3 6/10/12; 2012 MBPs Catalina, Mojave
IK-NI-Izotope-PSP-Garritan-Antares, LogicPro X, Finale 27.4, Dorico 5.2, Notion 6, Overture 5, TwistedWave, DSP-Q 5, SmartScore64 Pro, Toast 20 Pro
- James Steele
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 21613
- Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: San Diego, CA - U.S.A.
- Contact:
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
Hmmmm... yeah... I can't tell if you're upset about that? Is the Optimizer useful as a standalone app? Yeah... well this guy is not always thorough obviously. I wonder if it's mentioned on the developer's site that Optimizer is not available as a plugin? Interesting about only AU and VST3. I see a few plugins now and then that do not have AAX versions. I have Pro Tools on my Mac and am current with 2024.3.1 but I really don't use it. But good to know when they don't cover ALL plugin formats.mikehalloran wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 6:29 pmI paid the $55 because I really like the interface. The Loudness Meter is a freebie. It and the Compressor are AU/VST3 plug-ins. The Optimizer is a stand-alone app only and the other two are available that way, too. In the 14 minutes of that video, he had more than enough time to drop those bits of information.James Steele wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 4:30 pm Yeah... this guy has a tendency to just dive in and review plugins that he really hasn't spent much time with. As a result, he sometimes misses features or how to use a particular feature. Something about this plug caught my eye.
I haven't uploaded any new music to any of the services in a while, but I know that things have changed and just uploading the loudest possible mix that doesn't clip isn't what you do anymore these days. I'm going to need to figure that out pretty soon.
JamesSteeleProject.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
- mikehalloran
- Posts: 15409
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 5:08 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: Sillie Con Valley
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
Oh gosh no! Not upset at all—especially for $25 add-on.James Steele wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 6:42 pm …
Hmmmm... yeah... I can't tell if you're upset about that? Is the Optimizer useful as a standalone app? Yeah... well this guy is not always thorough obviously. I wonder if it's mentioned on the developer's site that Optimizer is not available as a plugin? Interesting about only AU and VST3. I see a few plugins now and then that do not have AAX versions. I have Pro Tools on my Mac and am current with 2024.3.1 but I really don't use it. But good to know when they don't cover ALL plugin formats.
I've not really looked at it yet but I liken it to the fact that RX-A has greater accuracy and more features as a stand-alone app than as a plug-in. If it's going to "Optimize" the entire file... Perhaps it may have to add ARA functionality before becoming a plug-in — that would be cool. It's also quite possible that, having RX 11 Advanced, Optimizer is redundant. For $25, I get to find out.
If the Compressor was a stand-alone only. I'd be a little miffed, perhaps. The ability to tweak the track in real time in that interface is an exciting prospect. I doubt that I will ever look at the stand-alone app just as I never looked at Ozone other than as a plug-in. When the app went away with Oz-10, I never missed it.
A free LUFS Meter will be useful to someone, no doubt.
DP 11.31; 828mkII FW, micro lite, M4, MTP/AV USB Firmware 2.0.1
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sonoma 14.5 b4, USB4 8TB external, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3 6/10/12; 2012 MBPs Catalina, Mojave
IK-NI-Izotope-PSP-Garritan-Antares, LogicPro X, Finale 27.4, Dorico 5.2, Notion 6, Overture 5, TwistedWave, DSP-Q 5, SmartScore64 Pro, Toast 20 Pro
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sonoma 14.5 b4, USB4 8TB external, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3 6/10/12; 2012 MBPs Catalina, Mojave
IK-NI-Izotope-PSP-Garritan-Antares, LogicPro X, Finale 27.4, Dorico 5.2, Notion 6, Overture 5, TwistedWave, DSP-Q 5, SmartScore64 Pro, Toast 20 Pro
- Michael Canavan
- Posts: 3611
- Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: seattle
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
I'm picking this up for sure, struggling a bit with an old recording of vocals that are all over the place loudness wise even when heavily compressed..
M2 Studio Ultra, RME Babyface FS, Slate Raven Mti2, NI SL88 MKII, Linnstrument, MPC Live II, Launchpad MK3. Hundreds of plug ins.
- James Steele
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 21613
- Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: San Diego, CA - U.S.A.
- Contact:
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
I just went ahead and bought the bundle, too. I noticed as I'm downloading things that at first glance it seems to include a decent manual as well, which is definitely appreciated. Good documentation really is helpful!Michael Canavan wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 9:16 pm I'm picking this up for sure, struggling a bit with an old recording of vocals that are all over the place loudness wise even when heavily compressed..
JamesSteeleProject.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
- James Steele
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 21613
- Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: San Diego, CA - U.S.A.
- Contact:
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
Well, I just installed it and I guess I assumed the worst. There actually are AAX versions installed as well, so that's a good thing in case I ever decide use it in Pro Tools. Can't imagine I would, but just nice to have all the DAW bases covered.James Steele wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 6:42 pmInteresting about only AU and VST3. I see a few plugins now and then that do not have AAX versions. I have Pro Tools on my Mac and am current with 2024.3.1 but I really don't use it. But good to know when they don't cover ALL plugin formats.
JamesSteeleProject.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
- James Steele
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 21613
- Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: San Diego, CA - U.S.A.
- Contact:
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
For anyone who wants to know... you do get a 10 day free trial when you first install these so you can evaluate them. Which is what I probably should have done. I just bought this one blind.
JamesSteeleProject.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
This is how a review should be done: Dan Worrall's review of the plugin: excellent info, masterfully presented...
http://www.bfdmusic.com
Mac Studio Ultra, 64 gigs RAM, OSX 12.7.5, DP 11.3, UAD2 thunderbolt satellite octo, Apogee Symphony IO MK2 TB
Mac Studio Ultra, 64 gigs RAM, OSX 12.7.5, DP 11.3, UAD2 thunderbolt satellite octo, Apogee Symphony IO MK2 TB
- James Steele
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 21613
- Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: San Diego, CA - U.S.A.
- Contact:
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
Nice! Thanks for that!! Dan definitely is someone whose opinion I would trust!!
JamesSteeleProject.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
- James Steele
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 21613
- Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: San Diego, CA - U.S.A.
- Contact:
Re: APU Loudness Compressor Plugin... this looks kinda cool!
Odd... I inserted it into a mastering chain on my Master Fader track and the visualizer and all the graphics on screen got very slow and stuttered. But it was a very weird situation because I created a new Master Fader and inserted the same plugs and it was fine. Weird. Cool plug.
JamesSteeleProject.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!
Mac Studio M1 Max, 64GB/2TB, MacOS 14.5, DP 11.32, MOTU 828es, MOTU 24Ai, MOTU MIDI Express XT, UAD-2 TB3 Satellite OCTO, Console 1 Mk2, Avid S3, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, Red Type B, Millennia HV-3C, Warm Audio WA-2A, AudioScape 76F, Dean guitars, Marshall amps, etc., etc.!