Description of the Variety Of Sound Density mkIII plugin
Introducing Density mkIII from Variety Of Sound – a powerful and versatile dynamic processing plugin designed to tackle the most complex tasks in your stereo mix. This tool is not just a compressor or a limiter; it’s an intelligent solution developed specifically for group mixing and summing tracks to give your tracks integrity and a professional sheen while remaining as transparent and unobtrusive as possible.
In modern music and sound production, combining many tracks into a single harmonious whole is a key stage. Often, individual elements sound great on their own, but when combined, they lose connection or create conflicts in the dynamic range. This is where Density mkIII reveals its potential, acting as an invisible glue that connects different parts of the mix, giving them a single breath and a smooth transition between quiet and loud sections. Its philosophy is not aggressive intervention, but delicate correction, preserving the naturalness of the sound.
Key features of Density mkIII
Density mkIII is equipped with a set of features designed to provide maximum flexibility and control over the dynamics of your mix, especially when working with groups of instruments or during final summing.
Limiter mode for precise dynamic control
One of the plugin’s outstanding features is its limiter mode. It was designed not as a typical “brickwall” limiter that abruptly cuts peaks, but as a tool for more delicate, but strict, dynamic range control. This means that Density mkIII allows you to tame the most complex dynamic fluctuations, while avoiding unnatural artifacts or “compression” of the sound, which sometimes occur when using aggressive limiters. This approach preserves the energy and impact of the material while providing reliable protection against overloads and achieving the desired loudness level.
Using this mode is especially effective for instrument buses (groups) such as drums, vocals, guitars, or even the full mix. It helps to even out the overall dynamics of the group, making it more manageable and predictable in the context of the entire track.
Innovative RANGE functions for M/S processing
Density mkIII takes working in M/S (Mid/Side) mode to a new level thanks to its unique RANGE functions for each channel (Mid and Side). Working in M/S format allows you to process the central part of the stereo image (Mid) and the side components (Side) independently. This opens up wide possibilities for precise dynamic and even tonal shaping of your mix. For example, you can compress the central part more aggressively (where the bass, snare drum, main vocals are usually located), leaving the side elements (cymbals, guitars, synthesizers) more open and voluminous, or vice versa.
RANGE functions make the M/S compression process more intuitive and manageable. They allow you to more accurately determine which part of the dynamic range of the Mid or Side signal will be processed, which is an extremely valuable tool for achieving the desired balance between central focus and stereo width of the mix. This allows you to avoid unwanted “collapsing” of the stereo image or loss of focus in the center, which is often a challenge with standard M/S compression.
The philosophy of unobtrusive processing
Variety Of Sound is known for its approach to plugin development, which is based on analog thinking and a desire for transparency and musicality. Density mkIII is a prime example of this approach. It is designed to integrate into your workflow as naturally as possible, providing high-quality dynamic processing without adding unnecessary coloration or artifacts. The goal is for the plugin to improve the sound without drawing too much attention to itself, allowing the listener to focus on the music.
This unobtrusiveness makes Density mkIII an ideal tool not only for group buses, but also for use on the master bus when you need to delicately “glue” the entire mix before the final limiting stage. It can add density and integrity, improve the perception of loudness, and make the overall sound more balanced and professional.
Key Features:
- Specialization in group stereo mixing and summing
- Limiter mode with “strict” dynamic control (not brickwall)
- Advanced RANGE functions for M/S compression
- Transparent and unobtrusive processing
- Available in VST formats for Windows (32/64 bit)
Conclusion
Density mkIII from Variety Of Sound is more than just a dynamic processing plugin. It is a finely tuned tool designed for experienced engineers and musicians who strive for the perfect balance of dynamics and space in their mixes. Its specialization in group mixing, unique limiter mode, and advanced M/S processing capabilities make it a valuable addition to the arsenal of anyone serious about mixing. If you’re looking for a plugin that will help your tracks sound more cohesive, controlled, and professional without sacrificing naturalness and musicality, Density mkIII is definitely worth your attention.
The plugin is available in VST format for Windows operating systems (Win32 and Win64), making it compatible with most modern digital audio workstations (DAWs).
