DSM - Dynamic Spectrum Mapper
Learn more about the DSM:
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Overview
At the heart of the DSM lies an easy-to-use single-button "Capture" system. This unique feature uses groundbreaking adaptive techniques to capture both the frequency-domain and dynamic characteristics of audio program, and uses this as the basis for a highly developed large scale multi-band compression process.
The DSM also includes a single-button Limiter function which has been optimised specifically to work with the compression stage.
Exemplary results in lightning-fast time can be acheived for common tasks such as:-
- Loudness enhancement
- Compression
- Vocal enhancement and character processing
- De-essing
The DSM provides multi-dimensional control over both the spectral response and dynamic characteristics of audio material, bringing a whole new dimension of facility and artistic ability to the sound engineer.
The ability to rapidly capture, modify and re-apply sound character to its own source, or to any other program, provides for novel functionality, such as:-
- Sound character mapping between whole mixes, tracks, vocal parts and instruments
- Continuity matching
- Character control for broadcast play out
- Microphone proximity correction in video or film production
- Fixing problems in difficult outside broadcast situations
Audio Examples
Click for example mp3 files of the DSM in action.
User Comments
I've also used it very successfully on a de-essing job (the kind where the sibilance is louder than the consonants and vowels!). To be honest I don't think I've yet discovered half of what the DSM is capable of.
The problems ranged from changing vocal tone due to bad mic technique, moving in and out on the mic, to typical sibilance issues.
I managed to sort out the problems really quickly by capturing from a "good" part of the vocal track and then using the threshold control to choose how much to treat the whole vocal - very good results, and very quick... Great stuff!
The dynamic processing of the DSM sounds much more musical and "unprocessed" than my former EQ and compression methods. And you get fantastic results very quick. You can pick up a sound and try it on your signal, that's a much more creative and intuitive way of working than my standard procedures.
Before, I had about 5 plugins in my master chain, I have been able to replace them all by this one. I simply love this plugin!
To round it off I captured "Apologize" and strapped that on the master buss, turned up the volume and my ten year-old daughter came running into the studio, "that's so cool!!" Yeah, I totally feel like a cheat but I got a mix done a lot quicker than it would normally have taken.
One more thing - on one of the loops in the the hip hop backing I wasn't too happy with the kick element which is the one used for the "knock" and I'd put RenBass on to give it depth but it was too prominent. Using the Tape1 preset and turning the first Parameric Threshold down a bit gave me the perfect tone.
Download Installers and User Manual
See User Manual for compatibility requirements.
Now please scroll down to either: request a 21-day demo licence or purchase full licence(s) for your iLok.
Free 21-Day Demo Licence
iLok USB key required to run the software. A single iLok licence will enable you to run the DSM on all current and future supported platforms.
Please complete this form, and we'll send you an email when your demo licence has been deposited to your iLok account. Please allow up to one working day, although we're usually much quicker.
Don't forget to download the installer(s) for your platform(s). You can do this whilst waiting for the iLok licence to be deposited.
Purchase Full Licences
iLok USB key required to run the software. A single iLok licence will enable you to run the DSM on all current and future supported platforms.
Price (GBP): £200.00 per licence (no VAT payable). Most credit cards are accepted. We use PayPal for payments, but you don't need a PayPal account.
Please allow up to one working day to receive your iLok licence, although we're usually much quicker.
Don't forget to download the installer(s) for your platform(s). You can do this whilst waiting for the iLok licence to be deposited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DSM a conventional multiband compressor?
No. The crucial difference with the DSM is that it uses the underlying frequency content of the program itself as the basis for compression. This means that it is able to compress much more sympathetically (and tackle more difficult and sensitive program) whilst retaining the essential character of the music. Other innovative aspects such as the ability to capture programme information over time and frequency, which can be applied both to its own compression character, and to other tracks, put the DSM into an entirely new class of processing.
Can the DSM be used to maximise program volume?
Yes. The limiter function will prevent peak over loads, so you can increase the gain to drive higher levels. The included set-ups called 'louder x' illustrate this. You can capture the spectrum of your programme at it's loudest, let the DSM raise levels to match that sound, then increase the gain or threshold and allow the limiter to avoid over loads.
Can I use the DSM after my usual buss processing to make the program even louder?
This is possible. Since the DSM acts on the frequency response as well as level in some cases it can make heavily compressed program sound even louder. The method is to capture the sound where it is loudest and let the DSM apply this to the whole track. However, care should be taken to avoid increasing distortion from the previous buss processing - in some cases the DSM may produce better results alone.
How do I apply the sound of one track or instrument to another?
You simply capture the spectrum of the track with the DSM, then play another track through it keeping the same settings. If you do not want compression, you can hit the freeze gains function and the DSM will apply only the frequency profile to your track - like a complex EQ curve.
How do I process and de-ess vocals?
You press the capture function during a period where the vocals sound good, then release it and let the DSM apply this to the rest of the track. You can then adjust timing and ratio to suit the track and if necessary increase the threshold so that the changes only affect higher levels. It works particularly well because the sound it applies is actually derived from the vocals themselves - it's not just blanket EQ or HF reduction which removes vocal character in conventional processes.
Can I use it to fix up mic placement wander on film and video post production?
Yes. The dialogue enhance settings illustrate this kind of use. The procedure is similar to vocal processing, but using faster timing settings. You can capture when the dialogue at it's clearest and let the DSM raise the whole dialogue track to this level, with this overall response. Not only will the DSM correct for level, it will also correct for frequency response changes when the the subject wanders from the microphone.
The Parametric Threshold section looks like a set of EQs - is it?
No. It does not EQ the program directly. These are used to modify the captured spectrum (or produce one from scratch) to allow you to change the character of the sound. The EQ style controls are used because they are familiar.
When I change the Parametric Threshold response manually or load new settings I don't always hear the results immediately. Why is this ?
Changes to the Parametric Threshold response are applied immediately, but due to the timing of the compressors it takes time for the levels in the bands to adjust from previous values. This is also the case when changing between settings. A short wait is required to hear the full effect of the settings.
Why doesn't the CPU load go down when I switch off the Parametric Threshold sections?
The Parametric Threshold sections simply modify the threshold curve, so they do not create any extra processor load. The ‘In’ buttons are provided to allow easy before and after comparisons.
How do I use the Capture button?
Press and immediately release to capture a transient point in the programme. Press and HOLD for as long as you want to capture the average spectrum of the programme.
Can I change the rotary knob mode to circular motion?
Yes. Click the Options Menu in the top-left corner. You can also change the clip light duration from this menu.