Available for download, Sonible’s Smart:EQ Live takes the underlying technology behind the company’s Smart:EQ and offers it for use in live mixing, thanks to latency-free experience. Essentially, the plug-in analyzes audio signals in real-time and uses its algorithms—called the smart:engine—to suggest the proper frequency curve. The plug-in also boasts several profile options to help focus the algorithm on your desired instrument. Some profiles include bass guitar, speech, kick drum, snare drum, and more. Threshold and limit controls at the top of the plug-in allow you to curtail how exacting the algorithm’s curve will be when it analyzes your signal of choice.
Once the plug-in analyzes incoming signal, it offers control over the entire curve with a single click-and-drag handle. Moving this handle around, you can tilt the frequency response, shift the curve to focus on higher or lower frequencies, or widen/narrow its breadth. At the bottom of the plug-in, you’ll note conventional shelfs, filters, and parametric bands that can be added to the curve. However, as you implement these additional EQ parameters, they will always respond to the smart curve, never obviating its innate sonic signature.
As this plug-in adapts to incoming signals in real-time, doing so in a latency-free manner, it’s particularly suited for live use in concert settings or at corporate events. In fact, the resulting curve constitutes a good defense against feedback, as it detects and mitigates resonances that cause feedback. This software is compatible with Mac and Windows platforms, and can run in AU, VST2, VST3, and AAX formats. Authorization can be achieved on your machine or with a Pace iLok.