quietformat has released Anchor, a free mix balance utility plugin for macOS and Windows.
Anchor is designed to compensate for overall level changes introduced by compressors, EQs, saturators, clippers, limiters and other audio processors. It helps preserve the level balance established in a mix while leaving the tone, dynamics and character created by the processing intact.
Anchor uses two paired plugins. Anchor START is placed before the processor or processing chain, while Anchor END is placed after it. After the pair creates a reference from continuous playback, END compares matching sections of the same audio before and after processing and applies a single broadband trim gain.
If processing makes the signal louder, Anchor reduces the overall level. If processing makes it quieter, Anchor raises the level toward the established reference. Anchor START remains bit-transparent and does not alter the audio.
Anchor can be used around an individual processor, a complete plugin chain, a track, a bus or a mastering chain.
Features include:
- Paired Anchor START and Anchor END workflow.
- Processing-related overall level correction.
- Bit-transparent START plugin.
- Single broadband trim gain applied by END.
- Support for individual plugins and complete processing chains.
- Support for tracks, buses, mix buses and mastering chains.
- Preservation of EQ changes, dynamics, harmonics, transients, stereo imaging and spatial processing.
Availability
Anchor is free and is available for macOS 10.13+ and Windows 10+ in VST3 and AU plugin formats.
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