DynaQ is a 5-band EQ with dynamic split processing

Masterlab Audio has released DynaQ, a plug-in that splits incoming audio into two sections, based on dynamics, and then processes each independently. The company calls this process ‘Dynamic Split Processing’. For each section, DynaQ lets you set a different, complex filter curve, analogue-style saturation and stereo width setting.

Breaking it down

Here’s how it works: the Dynamic Section of DynaQ splits the input signal into two parts, ‘Above’ and ‘Below’ – one signal above the Dynamic threshold, and one below. The threshold, or ‘Dynamic Splitting Point’, is determined by the settings on ratio attack, release and sidechain, which are adjustable by the user.

The split signals are then sent to their respective filtering section, containing a 5-band parametric EQ with gain, frequency and Q width control. Low shelf, high shelf and bell modes are selectable for each of the five bands. ‘Solo’ and ‘Active’ allow you to either solo or mute a highlighted EQ band. ‘Link’ will copy the settings of the desired EQ band into the opposite dynamic section (from Above to Below, or vice versa).

After the signal has been filtered, it is passed into the Saturation stage. In this stage, each signal in the Above and Below sections can have a different saturation setting applied. The parameters at this stage are saturation intensity, colour and mix.

Next up, the signal heads into the Stereo Widening stage. Here, the Above and Below sections can have an independent level of stereo width applied, ranging from mono (0%) to Super Stereo (200%). This is then sent out to the mix, as a complete signal.

Features in full

Masterlab Audio has acknowledged that DynaQ, and indeed dynamic EQ in general, is not the most straightforward signal processing method. To help out, they’ve created a dedicated video to explain it in full detail. Check it out on their website here.

DynaQ Key Features

• 2 dynamic sections (Below & Above)
• 5-band equaliser for each dynamic sections
• Analogue-style saturation per dynamic section
• Spatial per dynamic section
• State-of-the-art algorithms

DynaQ is available as VST2, VST3, AU and AAX Native plugin on macOS and Windows, for €89. For more information and demo download, head to masterlab.audio