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Topic: Audio Enhancer (Read 7109 times) previous topic - next topic
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Audio Enhancer

Has anyone here ever used plug-ins like SRS Audio Sanbox or DFX Audio Enhancer? Are they worth a try and do you have any other plug-ins to suggest?

Audio Enhancer

Reply #1 –
Most of us here tend to like to listen to a high-fidelity reproduction of what was recorded on the media we purchased. Adding "enhancers" seems somewhat opposed to that goal.

Audio Enhancer

Reply #2 –
I'd only go so far as using an EQ.


I've used DFX in the past and I could never find a happy medium between barely any effect at all and making everything clip.

Audio Enhancer

Reply #3 –
Clipping induced by post-processing can be solved by digitally reducing the source's volume. I guess you could use Replay Gain and kill two birds with one stone.

Audio Enhancer

Reply #4 –
DSP plugins, like so many other things in life, are a "get what you pay for" proposition. The vast majority are free, so . . . well, you know.  Way back when, I downloaded, and tried out, a bunch of them. Most of them were audio "toys". There was actually one of them that wasn't too bad, but I just looked over Winamps DSP plug-in list, and its no longer there. So, not much point in mentioning it.

On the other side of the coin, are the "payed for" plug-ins. My personal favorite, is iZotope's Ozone. The Winamp plug-in is a subset of their full-fledged pro-audio mastering software. If you take a look at their webpage, you'll see this isn't any "toy". Its most important feature is the 4-band parametric EQ. But for headphone listening, the "Room Sim" section is outstanding. Even high-end headphone amps often have the cross-feed option, so that the sound doesn't sound like it's coming from either side of your head. Ozone does this in software, with many options.

The icing on the cake is the "tube amp" emulation. You can get compression, tube "warmth", and other things as well.

The most important aspect of a quality plg-in, like Ozone, is that I have several different listening scenarios. Through my main system, good quality headphones, earbuds, or computer speakers. (Home and at work.) Each of these situations calls for a different EQ and other settings. iZotope Ozone handles it all with aplomb.

OSS3D, from George Yohng, is another great plug-in. Its functionality is similar to Ozone, but Ozone has a slight edge on "ease-of-use". Also, iZotope's parametric EQ is top-notch.

Both of those are inexpensive, ($20-$30, if I recall), but well worth it. I own both. Both significantly enhance my audio listening experience. Sorry if this sounds like an "ad" for them. I have no association with either. I just love their products.

Btw: If you read some of the Winamp "reviews" of either of these, you'll see people poo-poo them because they charge for a plug-in thats for a free app. Well . . . water is free. Stuff to make it more enjoyable, cost money. (Barley and hops, come to mind.) 

Audio Enhancer

Reply #5 –
I agree that most DSP audio plugins (I've tried) are just toys for fun.
But there is one I've used for years that I've found irreplaceable when listening with headphones.
This is the Vladimir Kopjov's Speakers Simulator, unfortunately not developed anymore. It reduces significantly the listening fatigue and allows me to concentrate on the current tasks while listening in background my favorite music.
I know, there are lots of similar plugins that claim to do the same job, but ... just listen and decide by yourself.

~~

Audio Enhancer

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Artie on
Well . . . water is free. Stuff to make it more enjoyable, cost money. (Barley and hops, come to mind.) 


Water--it's free there in Florida, I take it.  Not so, here in California.  And soon we'll be paying for air, as well.

Agree that Ozone is an awesome DSP.  Couldn't be without it.

Audio Enhancer

Reply #7 –
I was taking a little poetic license.    Technically, the water is free, but the delivery costs money. If you have a well, you still need to pay someone to dig it. I thought it was a good analogy to Winamp. The program is free, but you can't use it without a computer, speakers, and some music. All of which cost money.   

Have you tried iZotope's "Vinyl"? Purely lo-fi, vintage fun.

Audio Enhancer

Reply #8 –
But why haven't they developed Ozone further?

Audio Enhancer

Reply #9 –
Further than what? I can't think of anything else they could add to it. Its perfect.   

I believe they develop and update the "pro" version all the time, along with the other sofware they develop.
 

Audio Enhancer

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Artie on
Have you tried iZotope's "Vinyl"? Purely lo-fi, vintage fun.


Yes, it's great--a great concept and realization as well.  I especially like to demonstrate its features to my vinyl purist friends.

Audio Enhancer

Reply #11 –
You probably already know this, but have you "removed" the four front-panel screws, by clicking on them?