Smooth Operator combines the benefits of Resonance Suppression, Spectral Compression and Equalization into one, smart workflow. It offers a simplistic alternative to a traditional channel strip and lets you combat cluttered mixes more easily. Use the plugin to creatively sculpt your tonal balance while the algorithm automatically eliminates harsh resonances and muddy frequency areas.

Smooth Operator will do a lot of the dirty work usually assigned to compressors and EQs – while leaving the creative decisions to you.

The plugin analyzes incoming audio at the DAW’s sample rate and adapts its settings tens of thousands of times per second to attenuate frequencies that have excessive energy build-up. You just set a desired frequency response curve and Smooth Operator will optimize the signal to match it, eliminating odd spikes and resonances along the way. The result is smoother, more musically balanced tracks.

✱ Global threshold:
Pull the middle circle node downwards to increase the over-all effect amount. When the curve is horizontal, Smooth Operator will apply the same effect-amount across the entire frequency spectrum.

✱ Change the response curve:
Move the 4 nodes on the frequency curve to sculpt your desired tonal response. Preserve frequency areas by moving the nodes up, or go harder on frequency areas by dragging the nodes down. Use your mousewheel or trackpad-scroll to adjust the Q-factor.

✱ Go surgical or go broad:
The ”Focus” slider controls how surgical Smooth Operator is in its behavior. At 100%, each frequency spike is processed independently, while lower focus values will give you a broader response, where surrounding frequencies are attenuated around the resonant spikes. This can help the effect sound more natural and musical.

✱ Monitor problematic areas in solo:
Engage the “Solo” button to audition different areas of the frequency spectrum separately and identify problematic areas in your track. Then decide how hard Smooth Operator should tackle them.

✱ Use Smooth Operator as an intelligent ducker:
If you engage “Side Chain” mode, you can duck your signal with the frequency content of another track in your mix. (Example: Ducking your bass with your kick as the side chain input). This feature is like a normal sidechain ducker – except it doesn’t just duck the volume of a track, instead it ducks exactly the frequency areas occupied by the sidechain track – in realtime. This helps you achieve mixes with less frequency clash between different elements.

✱ Two algorithm modes:
Click the “M” icon to switch between “High-Res” and “Classic” algorithms. “Classic” offers lower latency for tracking and production workflows, while “High-Res” offers a cleaner response for mixing and mastering purposes.

✱ Display options:
Switch between pink, green and blue background colors. Fully resizable plugin window.

The easiest way to understand Spectral Processing is to think of it as manipulating the building blocks that make up a digital signal, rather than the actual signal itself. Our algorithm uses Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to break the incoming audio into tiny particles, which are analyzed and processed separately before being put back together again. This all happens in realtime and allows for a more surgical approach to resonance detection and tonal rebalancing.

While most spectral tools focus on audio restoration, we wanted Smooth Operator to be about creative expression as well. The plugin is meant for actively shaping your tone -and- eliminating bad frequency areas in one simple process. You’ll find less of a need to use your go-to EQs and compressors once Smooth Operator is inserted on a track.

✱ Nominated for Music Tech 2021 ‘Plugin Of The Year’

✱ Mix Magazine 2021 ‘Gear Of The Year’ Pick

✱ Music Tech ‘Choice Award’ winner

Smooth Operator comes with 64 presets created by friends of BABY Audio - including:

✱ David Nakaji (Post Malone, Aminé, Lil Eazzyy)

✱ Rob Kleiner (David Guetta, Sia, Britney Spears, Giorgio Moroder)

✱ Neenah (Winne, Mr. Probz, Nana Fofie, Joe Budden)

✱ Damien Lewis (Rihanna, Timbaland, Beyoncé)

✱ Plugin formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit).

✱ Platforms supported: Mac OS 10.11 and up (including Native Apple Silicon M1/M2 Compatibility). PC Windows 10 and newer.

✱ DAWs supported: All major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, Reaper, Reason etc.

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