Introducing VOLA: The Dynamics Master for Voice and Beyond
In the world of audio processing, dynamics play a crucial role in shaping professional and clean sound. This is especially true when working with voice, where it’s necessary not only to control peaks but also to “lift” quieter sections, ensuring uniformity and clarity. It is for such tasks that VOLA – Voice Optimized Leveling Amplifier from Sonic Anomaly – was created. This plugin, initially developed for radio broadcasting and podcasting needs, quickly proved its versatility and has become a valuable tool not only for vocals but also for processing other sound materials, such as drums or synth pads.
VOLA stands out with its unique approach to dynamic range leveling. Instead of traditional “downwards” compression, it effectively combines both downwards and upwards compression. This allows you not only to gently tame loud sounds but also to delicately amplify quiet ones while preserving the naturalness and detail of the performance. The plugin strives to provide the cleanest and most transparent sound possible, but at the same time, it is capable of giving your sound more extreme, creative compression effects if your idea demands it.
A feature of VOLA is its “very soft knee,” which smoothly transitions into limiting at the “Push Down” point. This algorithm ensures extremely musical and unobtrusive compressor operation even with significant dynamics leveling. For full visual control over the process, the plugin is equipped with a visual display of the dynamics change and a statistics display, which allows you to accurately assess the degree of processing impact on your signal.
Key Features and Controls
The VOLA plugin offers an intuitive set of parameters that give you full control over the leveling process. Here are some of them:
- LF Filter: A set of low-frequency filter presets with different cutoff frequencies and Q values. Helps control the impact of low frequencies on the compressor, which is especially important for clear vocals or drums.
- Attack Mode: Several attack speed presets, from zero to 1 second. Allows you to adjust how quickly the compressor responds to signal peaks.
- Push Down: The main parameter that determines the degree of downward compression. The higher the value, the stronger the loud sounds are suppressed.
- Pull Up: Controls the amount of upward compression. Allows you to “lift” quiet sections of the signal, making the overall sound denser and more even.
- Recovery: Adjusts the compressor’s recovery speed after triggering. Range from -10 (slowest) to 0 (fastest).
- HF De-Emphasis: Adjusts how high frequencies affect dynamic compression. Extremely useful function for vocals, which helps control sibilants (hissing and whistling sounds).
- Flt Side Chain: Transfers the low-frequency filter to the compressor’s sidechain instead of the main input. Requires LF Filter activation to work. This allows the compressor to respond to a signal from which the low frequencies have already been “removed”.
- Display Speed: Adjusts the update speed of the visual gain reduction display. You can choose a speed from 1 to 10 seconds.
Why should you try VOLA?
If you are looking for a powerful, flexible, and at the same time easy-to-use plugin for working with dynamics, especially for voice, VOLA will be a great choice. Its ability to combine upward and downward compression, soft knee, as well as specialized functions such as HF De-Emphasis and a flexible LF Filter, make it a versatile tool in your arsenal. Whether you need transparent leveling for a podcast, dense compression for vocals in a mix, or creative effects for instruments – VOLA from Sonic Anomaly is ready to handle the task, giving you full control over the dynamics of your sound.
