Waves is the name behind an extensive stable of plugins utilized by some of the best producers and engineers in the business. Since the early '90s, the company has been steadily building a reputation through the development of top-tier titles that run the gamut from exacting recreations of classic hardware, like CLA MixHub and Abbey Road Chambers, to innovative modern tools like StudioVerse, a cloud-based library for plugin chains that gives you access to mix chains from renowned producers.
That means that when Waves gives away a plugin for free, it's almost definitely worth a download - and you're in luck, as Waves is offering up its IDX Intelligent Dynamics plugin absolutely free as part of its Black Friday sale, which is generously offering a selection of three plugins from its varied catalogue for the unmissable price of $49.99, or 6 for $99.98.
If you've struggled with dull, lifeless mixes (and who hasn't?) Waves has the plugin for you. IDX Intelligent Dynamics is designed to bring punch, focus and energy to both individual tracks and your master bus through the application of frequency-dependent compression, giving you a solid foundation on which to build the remainder of your mix processing.
IDX's intelligent algorithm analyzes incoming audio to spot the busiest areas of its frequency range - portions of the spectrum that can contribute to harshness, boominess or boxiness - before precisely compressing these bands, optimizing the signal's energy levels to bring punch, power and definition to the mix. Check out the video embedded below to hear IDX in action.
Though it's designed to be used quickly and easily with minimum fuss, IDX is equipped with a number of useful controls that can be used to fine-tune its effect. Like a regular compressor, it offers controls for threshold, output gain and knee, and the Speed dial adjusts the compressor's attack and release simultaneously.
IDX's central display shows you how the processor is influencing the signal; the blue level indicator visualizes the dry input signal, while the purple level indicator visualizes the reduction being applied. The Priority band in the middle can be adjusted to increase or decrease gain reduction in certain frequencies, while the Tilt control below the central Threshold dial will see-saw the Priority band, intensifying its focus on highs or lows.
Head over to Waves' website to download IDX Intelligent Dynamics or check out Black Friday discounts across some of its most popular plugins. If you're looking for more low prices, visit our round-up of the best Black Friday plugin deals.
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