Zynaptiq have released a new plugin PUNCH, a tool for "intelligent dynamics contouring". In the words of the developer: “Add organic, musical punch and contour to your sounds, tracks, stems or mixes with our mastering-grade, intelligent impact inductor PUNCH. Built on our expertise in source separation, signal statistics, frequency domain processing, and filter design, PUNCH adds anything from airy snap to beefy long attack compressor overshoot impact to smooth dynamics contouring to your audio easily, quickly, and with zynaptiq quality. PUNCH works equally well for individual sounds and complex material like mixed music, even if excessive dynamics processing was applied that would leave traditional transient shapers nothing to go on, and applies its processing to all sound components separately, with up to more than a hundred bands of exquisitely engineered filtering. Throw in two alternative algorithms, a transparent sounding output clipper, support for up to 16 channels for immersive workflows, and our trademark workflow, and you're all set for punchy, present and transparent sound in seconds.”
Tried it, was happy with the results (and it’s a great tandem when coupled with Zynaptiq’s INTENSITY), so I bought it. PUNCH is currently in an “early access” state which means that it’s not completely ready yet and might still contain a few bugs (didn’t encounter any problems though), but if you purchase it now, it’s also less than half the price ($79 / €89) of what the finished version will cost ($169 / €179).
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