One of the most common uses of spectral processing is audio restoration, as with iZoptope Rx. It is then changed back into audio using an inverse fast Fourier transform, or IFFT.Īphex Twin used spectral processing to embed this image in a song.Īlthough this technology has been around for a while, particularly since the ‘90s, advances in computing power have enabled real-time (rather than off-line) processing of spectral audio, resulting in the latest crop of plugins. These discrete frequency units, actually sine waves, can then be visualized with a Spectrum Analyzer or altered via processing at very small levels. This is done using a mathematical calculation called fast Fourier transform, or FFT.
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To get music into the spectral realm, it needs to first be changed into discrete frequency units.
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When we listen to music, or when we look at a waveform, we’re engaging with it in the time domain. It’s a powerful tool for audio shaping and processing and it really can sound good.īut what is it though? What Is Spectral Processing Then? Effects such as Sonible’s smart: EQ 3 and smart: comp both feature it, as does iZotope’s Rx restoration program and Ozone mastering plugins, Live’s Spectral Devices, Steinberg’s Wavelab Pro, and many more. It’s touted as a way to reduce resonances and generate natural-sounding results. Spectral processing is the latest thing in music production, appearing in EQ, compressors and even effects.
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Spectral processing is a popular music production technology and is currently all the rage but what is it exactly? We use Sonible’s smart:EQ 3 to help explain.