Acustica Audio
PINK2 by Acustica Audio Review
PINK2 by Acustica Audio Review
Acustica Audio’s legacy version Pink has been highly appreciated by mixing engineers. As there is always room for improvement Acustica Audio released PINK2 which itself is a bundle of plugins. Acustica Audio did send a review copy with no strings attached.
Installation
PINK2 will be installed through the download and install manager developed by Acustica Audio. The tool called Aquarius is managing the installation, authorization and when you launch it later also applies need updates to all Acustica Audio plugins. Plug-in runs in your DAW on Windows 7 – Windows 10 and OSX 10.8 – OSX 10.13 as a VST2, AU, or AAX. Depending on your DAW and OS used.
If you own the original PINK you use Aquarius to update to PINK2, it is that easy.
Sound
You get in this bundle a four-band EQ, a ten-band graphic EQ, a single band compressor, a multiband compressor, and preamps. Good news they all sound lovely. Pink2 can be used on a track as a compressor and works great and adds that vibe to a guitar, percussion, and piano and the result is absolutely beautiful. Pink2 has that analog ubiquity and attitude without smearing transients and high end. Pink2 included compressor is a compressor that sounds and acts almost like a Hardware box.
- PINK2 780 – 10 band graphic EQ
- PINK2 1650 – 4 band EQ module with 4 selectable per band models
- PINK2 2412 – Single band compressor
- PINK2 7236 – Multiband compressor
- PINK2 Channel Strip – Full channel strip with EQ, compressors and preamp options
Details if you need them from the developing company
Pink2 215: Preamp module with 8 different circuit color models
• 1: Classic discrete mic preamp.
• 2: The pass-though color of EQ model B.
• 3: Classic Compressor preamp simulation.
• 4: Modern clone of the classic mic pre modelled in preamp 1.
• 5: Legendary vintage console mic preamp.
• 6: Modern clone of the classic mic amp emulated in preamp 5.
• 7: Mic pre for Model D.
• 8: The pass-though color of EQ Model D.
• Input Trim: from -24dB to 24dB (this function allows for a “one knob” internal gain control by hidden linked input and output gain stages).
• Bypass: on or off.
Pink2 780: 10 band graphic EQ
• 10 Bands at set frequencies: 31Hz, 63Hz, 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz, 16kHz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Proportional bandwidth.
• Input Trim: from -24dB to 24dB.
• Output Gain: from -24dB to 24dB.
Pink2 1650: 4 band EQ module with 4 selectable per band models and modded static Q option for all peak bands.
• Input Trim: from -24dB to 24dB.
• Output Gain: from -24dB to 24dB.
• High-pass and Low-pass Filters: on and off.
• Hardware EQ Preamp Simulation (P): on and off.
• Meters: input, output.
EQ Section A:
• Low Band: from 50Hz to 400Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• Low Mid Band: from 400Hz to 5000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Mid Band: from 400Hz to 5000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Band: from 5000Hz to 13000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
EQ Section B:
• Low Band: from 30Hz to 400Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• Low Mid Band: from 75Hz to 1000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Mid Band: from 800Hz to 12500Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Band: from 2500Hz to 20000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
EQ Section C:
• Low Band: from 30Hz to 400Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• Low Mid Band: from 75Hz to 1000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Mid Band: from 800Hz to 12500Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Band: from 2500Hz to 20000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
EQ Section D:
• Low Band: from 50Hz to 400Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• Low Mid Band: from 400Hz to 5000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Mid Band: from 400Hz to 5000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Band: from 5000Hz to 15000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
Pink2 2412: Single band compressor
• Hardware Compressor Preamp Simulation (P): on and off.
• Clipper: on and off.
• Threshold: from -30dB to +18dB.
• Ratio: from 1.5 to infinite.
• Attack: from 0.03ms to 30ms.
• Release: from 0.05sec. to 1.5sec., plus auto-release.
• Knee (KNEE): soft, medium, and hard.
• Input Trim: from -24dB to 24dB
• Makeup Gain: from 0dB to 24dB.
• Compression Types (TYPE): feed-back, feed-forward, and off.
• Adjustable Attack Shape (SHMOD): from 0 to 4 (2 as in hardware). SHMod, an adjustable attack behavior shape control that allows to fine-tune and ‘scew’ the attack shape.
• Side-chain Curve: from tilt to 300 Hz HPF, plus Pink channel-strip curve.
• Dry/Wet Mix for parallel compression (MIX): from 0 to 100%.
• Meters: Input (IN), output (OUT), gain reduction (GR) and side-chain meter (SC), clipper action and internal level overflow indicators.
Pink2 7236: Multiband compressor
• Hardware Compressor Preamp Simulation (P): on and off.
• Input Gain: from -24dB to 24dB.
• Output Gain: from -24dB to 24dB.
• Clipper: on and off.
• Compression Types (TYPE): feed-back, feed-forward.
• Filter Types (XOVER TYPE): Three cross-over filters derived from a vacuum tube multiband compressor, analog solid-state mutltiband compressor, and “Jolly” home-brew custom type filter, built and sampled especially for this multiband compressor.
• Control Link (C-LINK): enable and disable.
• Band Threshold: from -30dB to +18dB.
• Band Ratio: from 1.5 to infinite.
• Band Attack: from 0.03ms to 30ms.
• Band Release: from 0.05sec. to 1.5sec., plus auto-release.
• Band Knee: soft, medium, and hard.
• Band Makeup: from 0dB to 24dB.
• Band Adjustable Attack Shape (SHMOD): from 0 to 4 (2 as in hardware). SHMod, an adjustable attack behavior shape control that allows to fine-tune and ‘scew’ the attack shape.
• Band Side-chain Curve: from tilt to 300 Hz HPF, plus Pink channel-strip curve.
• Band Dry/Wet Mix for parallel compression (MIX): from 0 to 100%.
• Meters: Input (IN), output (OUT), gain reduction (GR) and side-chain meter (SC), clipper action and internal level overflow indicators.
Pink2 Channel Strip: full channel strip with EQ, compressors and preamp options
• Input Trim: from -24dB to 24dB
• Output Gain: from -24dB to 24dB
• Hardware Preamp Simulation: for models 1, 2, 3, 4 as listed above and off option.
• High-pass, Low-pass and Band-pass Filters: on and off.
• Insane Mode: on or off. (With it one the compressor delivers better quality minimising any artefacts for the expense of higher CPU consumption.
• Meters: Band input (I), band output (O), and gain reduction meter (GR)
EQ Section A:
• Low Band: from 50Hz to 400Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• Low Mid Band: from 400Hz to 5000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Mid Band: from 400Hz to 5000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Band: from 5000Hz to 13000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
EQ Section B:
• Low Band: from 30Hz to 400Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• Low Mid Band: from 75Hz to 1000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Mid Band: from 800Hz to 12500Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Band: from 2500Hz to 20000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
EQ Section C:
• Low Band: from 30Hz to 400Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• Low Mid Band: from 75Hz to 1000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Mid Band: from 800Hz to 12500Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
• High Band: from 2500Hz to 20000Hz. Continuous gain from -12dB to +12dB. Switchable between peak and shelving. Peak switchable from proportional to constant bandwidth.
Compressor Section:
• Threshold: from -64dB to 0dB.
• Ratio: from 1.5 to infinite.
• Attack: from 0.03ms to 30ms.
• Release: from 0.05sec. to 1.5sec., plus auto-release.
• Knee (KNEE): soft, medium, and hard.
• Compression Types (TYPE): feed-back, feed-forward, and off.
• Compressor Model Switch: default Pink1 compressor to Pink2 2412 compressor.
• Makeup Gain: from 0dB to 24dB.
• Side-chain Pink channel-strip curve: on or off. This filter cuts the lows and boosts the highs of the S/C signal.
• Dry/Wet Mix for parallel compression (MIX): from 0 to 100%.
• Compressor bypass switch: on or off.
There are some issues to be addressed by the developer which should be all fixed by a future updated. Including an issue in the EQ A. You should not be worried, those issues have been reported and need to be addressed now.
User interface & Usability
The plugin UIs are super nice, it is a copy of the hardware look and feels. The manual is phenomenal and educational.
Rating: Five out of five stars
Pink2 produces a stunning analog drive and superb tone. Pink2 sounds super gentle and have a great vibe attached to it. This updated version has a beautiful saturation and great compressor performance. Really important for Pink1 and mastering comp pack customers this new version is a free upgrade if you qualify – amazing and very fair. The free ugrade came as a big nice surprise to many paying customers of those older products.
Mixing
Sienna – It’s a Kind of Headphone Mixing Magic by Acusticaudio
Sienna – headphone mixing magic
Everyone is talking about mixing on headphones these days. But with so many different solutions on the market, how do you know which one is the best choice for your needs? Odds are that you have already tried some of these plugins, and were frustrated with their sound quality. This is why Acusticaudio created Sienna, their most energetic project to date. So you can craft epic-sounding mixes anywhere you are, using the supported headphones you may already own. Sienna works out of the box with over 150 headphones – and counting – from the world’s most famous brands that Acusticaudio consistently measured and profiled using a highly sophisticated and extremely accurate system.
Sienna Features
- Includes 3 plugins for an increasing level of control and sound customization.
- Compatible with over 150 headphone models.
- Powered by Acustica’s exclusive combination of sampling technology and proprietary algorithms.
- Up to 10 studio rooms and over 30 different professional and consumer-grade speaker emulations*.
- Emulates speaker harmonics and distortion.
- Includes AI-based presets from professional engineers to get you started in no time.
- Compatible with all DAWs like Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and others.
Sienna takes a radically different approach from other plugins in correcting your headphones’ response and emulating mixing and mastering rooms, high-end monitors, Hi-Fi systems, car stereos, TVs, radios, laptop speakers, and more.
A unique combination of Acustica’s exclusive sampling technology and a proprietary algorithm not only makes any headphone perform better – regardless of its price point – but recreates on headphones an authentic, mixing-in-the-room feel you can’t find anywhere else.
Sienna Allows You
- Mix on your headphones with accuracy and peace of mind.
- Reference your tracks on a variety of professional and consumer systems.
- Tailor sound to your taste.
- Achieve perfect results fast without even turning on your monitors.
- Never second-guess your creative decisions again.
- Forget about expensive, bulky room treatment.
Sienna (Volume A) is an Acqua plug-in suite in VST, AU, AAX formats. It represents an ambitious project that took a lot of time in design and development, but that time, which Acustic audio willingly spent, has repaid us considerably given the incredible results achieved, which will completely change the way people mix on the go. The outcome of this effort is one of the most extensive and rich plugins that Acustica has ever created. It recreates the same listening experience as if you were mixing in top-tier studios, mastering in audiophile-grade rooms, or playing back your tracks on HI-FI systems, car stereos, boomboxes, and more, all through your headphones.
Pricing and Availability
ACQUA – Sienna is available now. Early bird price €89 (€149) – Valid through March 25, 2021 11:59 pm CET
Acustica Audio
Acustica Audio Launches new Green 4 Plugin Suite
Acustica Audio Green 4
Finally, after a long wait, Green 4 has landed and it now includes a 5-band Mono Parametric Equalizer, a 5-band True-Stereo Parametric Equalizer, a 5-band Stereo Parametric Mastering Equalizer and a Stereo Mastering limiter/compressor. Green4 emulates industry-standard, high-end processors found in recording studios across the globe, manufactured in the USA and designed by one of the most famous and respected recording engineers in the world, who is also the inventor of the parametric equalizer.
Green4 includes a 5-band Mono Parametric Equalizer, a 5-band True-Stereo Parametric Equalizer, a 5-band Stereo Parametric Mastering Equalizer and a Stereo Mastering limiter/compressor. It also features our Ultra-gain™ Matching technology, which accurately maps all the gain values for all of the frequencies, to give you utmost precision.
The first version of Green was released back in 2014 and, since then, it has been highly acclaimed by the public despite the technological limitations of the time. Today we are offering you an improved and expanded version of Green, comprising of 4 processors, to satisfy the demands of mixing and mastering engineers alike.
Green4 Suite
Green4 Mono Parametric Equalizer (GREEN4EQMX)
A 5-band continuous mono parametric equalizer with high/low shelf filters, +12/-12 dB gain excursion, Q amplitude adjustment for each band, equipped with L-R / MID-SIDE specific controls and a by-passable preamp stage emulation.
Green4 True-Stereo Parametric Mixing Equalizer (GREEN4EQST)
A fixed-frequency 5-band stereo parametric equalizer with high/low shelf filters, +12/-12 dB gain excursion, Q amplitude adjustment for each band, equipped with several controls including: L-R / MID-SIDE, control-link, different types of meters, Pan, Spread, phase inversion and a by-passable preamp stage.
Green4 Stereo Parametric Mastering Equalizer (GREEN4ZENEQ)
A fixed frequency 5-band stereo parametric equalizer with high/low shelf filters, +6/-6 dB gain excursion, Q amplitude adjustment for each band, equipped with several controls including L-R / MID-SIDE, control-link, different types of meters, Pan, Spread, phase inversion, and a by-passable preamp stage.
Green4 Stereo Mastering Limiter/Compressor (GREEN4ZENCMP)
A Stereo ‘RMS’ limiter/compressor consisting of two compressors (FAST-SLOW) running in parallel for each channel with a significant number of controls, including a blend control, L-R / MID-SIDE, control-link, different types of meters, Pan and Spread. It is therefore an uncompromising, precise, and extremely effective tool for mastering and other critical applications where maximum control, flexibility, and transparency are required.
Each plug-in included in the Green suite comes in a “Standard” version and an alternative “ZL*” version which operates at *zero latency and is thus suitable for use when tracking, at the cost of extra processing resources. For further details consult the Green user’s manual in the Overview section.
Pricing and Availability
Special Intro Pricing: €129 (reg. €219) You’ll save 40%!* on Green 4 (Intro pricings normally last for 30 days from the date of the announcement.)
EQ
SAND3 suite
SAND3 is a VST/AAX/AU plug-in suite that reproduces the sonic behavior of a series of high-end British consoles which literally dominated the Pop and Rock scene from the ’80s onward. Sound engineers from all over the world swear by their forward, slightly ‘aggressive’ sound as well as their logical layout.
With the SAND3 suite, Acustica Audio has faithfully recreated the sound characteristics of classic British high-end mixing consoles and recording studio hardware. It includes a powerful channel-strip featuring a combination of many devices into a single plugin, characterized by unique color with incredible new features. First of all let us briefly look at some of the plugin’s key features before moving on to its specific controls.
SAND3 Includes 6 Different Plugins
- SAND3 Channel Strip ( Full channel strip with EQ, compressors and preamp options )
- SAND3 EQ ( 3 band EQ module with 3 selectable per band models including a complete PREAMPS section )
- SAND3+G EQ (Homebrew EQ)
- SAND3+E EQ (Homebrew EQ)
- SAND3 COMP ( 3 switchable Single-band compressors)
- SAND 3 PRE (56 different preamps: 32 MIC, 16 LINE, 8 GROUP)
Sound engineers from all over the world swear by their forward, slightly ‘aggressive’ sound as well as their logical layout. Last but not least, SAND3 packs the experience of 7 renowned engineers, who have been directly involved in the development of dedicated AI presets, ready for use.
SAND3 is equipped with different multivariable meters for the INPUT and OUTPUT stages including VU, Peak, True Peak, LUFS, K12, K14 and more. Acustica Audio did this to give you the utmost in level reference during mixing.
Pricing and Availability
Combine the code below with your personal Loyalty Coupon to save even more! Oh right, do not trash these codes even if you cannot make it in time. They could come in handy someday.
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