Slate Digital FG-X Mastering Processor VST RTAS 1.1.2

Slate Digital FG-X Mastering Processor VST RTAS 1.1.2: A Review

Slate Digital FG-X Mastering Processor VST RTAS 1.1.2 is a software plugin that aims to provide a complete solution for mastering audio tracks. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and can be used as a VST or RTAS plugin in various digital audio workstations (DAWs). The plugin was released in 2010 by Slate Digital, a company founded by Steven Slate, a renowned producer and engineer who has worked with artists like Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, and Nickelback. The plugin claims to offer a transparent compression, a loudness enhancer, and a metering panel that can help users achieve professional-sounding masters without altering the dynamics, punch, or balance of their mixes. In this article, we will review the features, performance, and pros and cons of Slate Digital FG-X Mastering Processor VST RTAS 1.1.2.

Features

Slate Digital FG-X Mastering Processor VST RTAS 1.1.2 consists of two main modules: FG-Comp and FG-Level. FG-Comp is a compressor that uses a proprietary algorithm called "Intelligent Transient Preservation" (ITP) to preserve the transients and punch of the original signal while reducing the dynamic range. FG-Comp has four controls: Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release. It also has a switch to select between two modes: Smooth and Punchy. Smooth mode is designed for more transparent compression, while Punchy mode adds more character and aggression to the sound.

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FG-Level is a loudness enhancer that uses another proprietary algorithm called "Constant Gain Monitoring" (CGM) to increase the perceived loudness of the signal without introducing distortion or pumping artifacts. FG-Level has three controls: Gain, Ceiling, and Constant Gain Monitoring. Gain adjusts the overall output level of the plugin, Ceiling sets the maximum output level that the plugin will not exceed, and Constant Gain Monitoring enables or disables the CGM algorithm. FG-Level also has four modes to choose from: Dynamic Perception, Dynamic Enhancement, Lo Punch, and Detail. Dynamic Perception mode is the most transparent mode that preserves the natural dynamics of the signal. Dynamic Enhancement mode adds some subtle saturation and harmonic enhancement to the signal. Lo Punch mode boosts the low frequencies of the signal for more impact and weight. Detail mode enhances the high frequencies of the signal for more clarity and presence.

Slate Digital FG-X Mastering Processor VST RTAS 1.1.2 also has a comprehensive metering panel that displays various information about the input and output signals, such as peak level, RMS level, dynamic range, gain reduction, clipping indicators, etc. The metering panel can be switched between two views: Easy and Advanced. Easy view shows only the essential meters and controls for quick and easy operation, while Advanced view shows all the meters and controls for more precise and detailed adjustments.

Performance

Slate Digital FG-X Mastering Processor VST RTAS 1.1.2 is designed to be easy to use and effective in delivering professional-sounding masters. The plugin has a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to adjust the parameters with ease and see the results in real time. The plugin also has a low CPU usage and does not introduce any latency or noise to the signal. The plugin can handle various genres and styles of music, from rock to hip hop, from acoustic to electronic, etc.

The plugin's main strength is its ability to increase the loudness of the signal without compromising its quality or dynamics. The plugin can make mixes sound louder than most other plugins in the market, while still retaining their original punch and transients. The plugin can also add some subtle coloration and enhancement to the signal if desired, using its different modes and settings. The plugin can also help users avoid clipping and distortion by setting a proper ceiling level and using the CGM algorithm.

The plugin's main weakness is its lack of flexibility and customization options. The plugin does not have any presets or automation features that could help users save time and achieve consistent results. The plugin also does not have any filters or EQs that could help users shape the tone or balance of their masters. The plugin also does not have any dithering or noise shaping options that could help users reduce quantization errors or noise when exporting their masters. The plugin also does not have any mid/side processing or stereo width options that could help users enhance the stereo image or depth of their masters.

Pros and Cons

The pros and cons of Slate Digital FG-X Mastering Processor VST RTAS 1.1.2 are summarized below:

ProsCons

- Transparent compression and loudness enhancement- Lack of flexibility and customization options

- Preserves the transients and punch of the signal- No presets or automation features

- Low CPU usage and no latency or noise- No filters or EQs

- Comprehensive metering panel- No dithering or noise shaping options

- Easy and intuitive interface- No mid/side processing or stereo width options

Conclusion

Slate Digital FG-X Mastering Processor VST RTAS 1.1.2 is a software plugin that provides a complete solution for mastering audio tracks. It offers a transparent compression, a loudness enhancer, and a metering panel that can help users achieve professional-sounding masters without altering the dynamics, punch, or balance of their mixes. The plugin is easy to use and has a low CPU usage and no latency or noise. However, the plugin also lacks flexibility and customization options, such as presets, automation, filters, EQs, dithering, noise shaping, mid/side processing, and stereo width. The plugin is suitable for users who are looking for a simple and effective mastering plugin that can make their mixes louder and better, but not for users who are looking for a more versatile and advanced mastering plugin that can offer more control and options.

This concludes the article on Slate Digital FG-X Mastering Processor VST RTAS 1.1.2. Thank you for reading!

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