Peak Sustainer by 7AMP: Unleash the Potential of Dynamics
In the world of sound recording and music production, dynamic processing plays a key role in shaping the character of sound. From controlling peaks to leveling overall levels, dynamics processors are indispensable tools. Among them, plugins designed to work with sustain – the duration of a note or signal after its initial attack – hold a special place.
Introducing Peak Sustainer from developer 7AMP – a compact yet powerful VST plugin designed specifically for quick and effective work with sustain. This tool allows musicians and sound engineers to add depth and duration to instruments, making them more expressive and “singing.”
What is Peak Sustainer and how does it work?
Essentially, a peak sustainer is a type of dynamic processor that responds to the loudest parts (peaks) of a signal. Unlike a regular compressor, which is often aimed at reducing the dynamic range as a whole, a sustainer focuses on the “tails” of the sound, extending their duration. This is especially useful for instruments that need a longer duration, such as guitar, bass, as well as for “pulling out” certain elements of drums or synthesizers.
Peak Sustainer from 7AMP is distinguished by its “high speed,” which means its ability to quickly respond to changes in the input signal. This allows for a more natural and musical sustain without artifacts that sometimes arise when using slow dynamic processors.
Key Features and Controls
Despite the minimalist interface, Peak Sustainer offers two important controls that have a significant impact on the final sound:
- Sustain (Threshold): This control sets the threshold level. Signals that exceed this threshold will be processed by the sustainer. Setting a lower threshold means that more of the signal will be sustained, extending the sound of even quieter sounds. A higher threshold will allow the sustainer to react only to the loudest peaks, leaving the quieter parts of the signal relatively untouched. This allows you to precisely control which parts of your sound get extra duration.
- Tone: This is the input high-pass filter frequency control. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it affects the signal *before* it reaches the sustainer. This allows you to shape the frequency range that the sustainer will respond to. For example, setting a higher cutoff frequency means that the sustainer will react less to low frequencies, focusing on the mids and highs. This can result in a brighter, more “airy” sustain. Lowering the cutoff frequency includes more low frequencies in the processing, giving the sustain fullness and body. Thus, the Tone control allows you not only to control the sustain but also to affect its tonal character.
Applications of Peak Sustainer
Peak Sustainer is a versatile tool that will find its place in various music genres and for processing different instruments:
- Guitar: A classic application of the sustainer. Allows you to extend the sound of individual notes or chords, which is critical for solo parts, leads, and creating denser rhythm sections.
- Bass Guitar: Helps to even out the dynamics of the bass, making it more stable and readable in the mix, especially when playing with fingers.
- Drums: Can be used to extend the ringing of cymbals, add a “tail” to the snare drum, or even shape the sustain of the kick drum if needed for the style.
- Synthesizers and Pad Sounds: Adds texture, depth, and extends the decay of synthesizer parts and atmospheric pads.
- Vocals: Careful application can help make certain vocal phrases more connected and smooth.
Technical Information
Peak Sustainer from 7AMP is available in VST format and is designed for use on Windows (Win32) operating systems. Its high speed and intuitive controls make it a valuable addition to the arsenal of any musician or producer working on this platform.
If you’re looking for an effective and flexible way to control and shape sustain in your tracks, Peak Sustainer from 7AMP deserves your attention. Try it to add new dynamics and expressiveness to your music!
