In this video for Production Expert, Brent March takes a look at smart:EQ 3 by Sonible. Brent demonstrates how a seasoned pro will benefit from this plug-in and how it can be used as an educational tool for beginners.

This video walks us through the Cross Channel Processing, Smart filter and Group mode, demonstrating how this plug-in can help speed up the mixing workflow. Brent also shows how individual and groups tracks can be EQ'd used with the smart:EQ 3 algorithm to ensure there are no problematic EQ issues in a mix.

What Is smart:EQ 3

Through a single click, smart:EQ 3 analyses any given audio track and amends spectral deficiencies, such as disturbing resonances, unwanted notches or an overall spectral imbalance. The computed smart:filter can be adapted to your needs and resuls in a clean, detailed sound.

smart:EQ 3 also offers a group view with cross-channel processing that corrects cluttered and clashing frequency regions within a group of up to six channels. Multiple audio tracks can be arranged by the user in a sonic hierarchy of three layers. Each track is then analyzed to detect and fix masking effects. smart:EQ 3’s A.I.-powered algorithms utilize spectral mixing techniques that ensure each track gets its assigned space within an overall transparent arrangement.

To ensure features like intelligent cross-channel processing run smoothly and delivering excellent results, Sonible has also improved its smart:engine. The smart:engine is an AI-based, content-aware system that is designed based on signal statistics, psychoacoustic principles

smart:filter 

The heart of smart:EQ 3 is its smart:filter. The smart:filter learns which areas of the frequency spectrum need attention by analysing your input signal. In EQ view, it automatically suggests a filter curve to compensate for possible spectral imbalances. When activated, an additional green weighting curve will appear. 

You can adjust the strength, width, slope and analyzing mode (dynamic or auto-stop) or add a second weighting curve either in the parameter box on the bottom of the plug-in or in the smart:filter widget.

Group View

In group view you can easily create a transparent arrangement of up to six tracks. smart:EQ 3 combines the spectral information from all tracks added to a group and makes sure each of them gets its assigned space. Three layer containers allow you to create a sonic hierarchy via drag and drop. 

L1: Lead 

Layer 1 has the highest priority and smart:EQ 3 will keep it in the limelight when computing the smart:filter for each track. Great use for lead vocals or lead instruments that should not be covered by accompanying signals.

L2: Support 

Tracks in L2 will blend well with all other tracks and may take the lead when there are no spectral clashes with leading tracks. You will typically use this layer for accompanying instruments and drums. 

L3: Background 

L3 should contain tracks that are supposed to heard in the background. They build a solid foundation but don’t stick out in the mix. Usually, this layer is suited for backing vocals or backing instruments and synth layers. 

Key Features

• smart:EQ 3 comes in VST, VST3, AU and AAX formats.

• smart:filter for creating a spectral balance in single tracks

• Option to switch the smart:filter to dynamic adaption

• Cross-channel processing to establish a sonic hierarchy in a group of up to six tracks

• Minimum phase and linear phase mode for live EQing or audio postproduction

• Up to 24 standard filters to freely fine-tune audio tracks

• Comprehensive M/S processing, multiple filter types and smart states

Pros

• Spectral balance in just a few seconds

• No more cluttered and clashing frequency regions

• More consistency in tracks with a lot of different characteristics

• Smooth and simplified workflow

• All essential parameters and scopes are adjustable

• A great tool for training your ears and learning which frequencies 

Cons

• It would be nice to have more than 6 channels per group in the cross channel layers.

• The ability to solo selected portions of the EQ range would be nice for fine tuning.

For full details and to download a demo of smart:EQ 3, please head to the Sonible website.