Help me Optimod-ize my audio!

April 21, 2009 3:35 PM

Is there a good real-time compressor/limiter for FM broadcast that I can use on a Mac? Preferably one that works as an AudioUnit (AU) plug-in?

I'm feeding audio for an LPFM station from iTunes over to AU Lab (which comes free with OS X's Xcode Tools), which allows you to run the audio through AU plug-ins, a variety of which come bundled with the Xcode Tools. They're pretty good, but I'd like to find something that really "punches up" the audio for FM broadcast.

Ideally, I'd like something that's an "Orban Optimod clone," the way SoundSolution does on Windows. It apparently has a reputation for being THE compressor/limiter plug-in, but it's only for WinAmp on Windows, which kinda sucks for me.

My Google-fu is failing me, and I keep coming across consumer-oriented software, which strikes me as glorified volume boosters. I can't seem to even find commercial software that accomplishes what I need. Hardware seems to be the only option, but that's not really realistic for me right now.

Is there any hope?

posted by CommonSense to computers & internet (5 answers total)

Try the DSM demo.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:43 PM on April 21, 2009

If you're running a PPC Mac, the fish fillets are excellent, and free.

If you're on an Intel Mac, your first stop is Rough Rider Pro ($49), which might be a bit heavy, but worth looking at/listening to, and they have a free, less sophisticated version.

If you are willing to spend a little more $, I highly recommend the TrackPlug 4 ($99), it's really an excellent-sounding value. Download the 30-day demo and try it out.
posted by dbiedny at 3:52 PM on April 21, 2009

Oh, and if you're willing to expand your budget to $149, there's PSP Audioware's unique Vintage Warmer, my personal favorite wonder-sauce for individual tracks and entire mixes. Nothing like it, it's just marvelous and warm as fresh muffins.
posted by dbiedny at 3:59 PM on April 21, 2009

You might also demo the Waves compressor plugs. Expensive, but they make good stuff.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 4:35 PM on April 21, 2009

You might also, finally, ask someone's help in setting up a "blind" hearing test for you, so that you can judge the plugs on their merits.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 4:35 PM on April 21, 2009