What they found, was that in order to transparently add level to a mix, a dynamic and intelligent transient saturation system would have to be developed. After several months of study and hundreds of listening tests, they made some fascinating discoveries. They started by researching saturation curves and their effect on various types of transient material. Two years ago Steven Slate and expert algorithm engineer Fabrice Gabriel started working out the concept for a digital audio process that could increase the level of a mix without altering the punch and dynamic feel, or make the mix sound squashed and lifeless. Both static saturation and clipping have a small window of gain maximizing before audible distortion. Clipping greatly reduces low end punch and is very poor at retaining sub bass. Static saturation curves are not universal in their ability to sound good on all transients. However, both of these methods, while better then peak limiting, have their downfalls.

Another popular method is clipping the front end of expensive A/D converters. One of the more popular techniques is the use of saturation in both the analog and digital domain. Some of the top mastering engineers have found ways to combat this sonic degradation by using techniques other then Peak Limiting. Peak limiters attenuate transients and often reduce punch, stereo imaging, can greatly alter mix balances, and cause a fatiguing result to the ears. One of the main causes of this epidemic is the use of the Peak Limiter to achieve increased levels in the mastering stage. Masters have become louder and louder, at the expense of the music becoming harsh and lacking punch and dynamics. We have all been at the mercy of the “loudness wars” for over ten years now. Imagine mastering your mixes without causing the lifeless, squashed, and over compressed sound that has become so common in modern music.

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