4.7/5 stars (265 reviews) • Effects / Envelope Shaper

Product Summary

Laser 2 is a complete rebuild of Sweetsonics’ original sidechaining plugin, and it’s built for one thing: precision. Most producers reach for a compressor or dynamic EQ when they need sidechain ducking, but those tools process blind — you can’t see how your reduction envelope actually relates to the incoming sidechain signal. Laser 2 fixes that by giving you real-time waveform visualisation of the incoming transient alongside the reduction envelope, so you’re always working with full transparency.

The core engine is time-domain based, which means it can handle ultra-fast transients without pumping artifacts or unwanted colouration. There’s even a Negative Offset feature that lets the reduction start before the transient hits — which is the kind of precision that makes the difference between a sidechain that sounds professional and one that just sounds heavy-handed.

On top of the sidechaining core, Laser 2 doubles as a creative envelope shaper for non-sidechain use via Main Track Routing. It’s a genuinely versatile tool that earns its place on drum buses, kick/bass pairs, and anywhere you need the cleanest possible separation.

Key Features

Visual

• Real-time waveform analysis of the incoming sidechain signal, with a reduction envelope that follows the transient’s exact shape
• New Analyzer Section with spectral domain visualisation to identify clashing frequencies in real-time
• Resizable vector UI

Control

• Negative Offset — start reduction before the transient hits to preserve punch and protect headroom
• Minus Infinity Reduction — per-band control for complete signal removal when needed
• Precise Sidechain Filters — preprocess the sidechain signal for easier triggering and more accurate ducking
• Oversampling for enhanced audio quality on demanding projects

Processing

• Time Domain Precision for truly transparent sidechaining
• Ultra-Fast Envelope Shapes to handle even the fastest transients cleanly
• Dynamic Multi-Band Processing with 1–3 reduction bands for completely inaudible sidechaining
• Mid/Side/Stereo Processing — independent modes per band for maximum flexibility
• Gain Headroom — improves mix headroom by up to 1 dB or more
• Main Track Routing — use as a non-sidechain envelope shaper for creative applications

Workflow

• Preset Manager for saving and recalling settings instantly
• Free trial available prior to purchase
• Internet activation only — no iLok USB dongle required

System Compatibility

macOS

• macOS 10.15 Catalina or later (Intel / M1 Apple Silicon supported) — 64-bit only
• Formats: VST3, AU, AAX

Windows

• Windows 7 and later — 64-bit only
• Formats: VST3, AAX

Activation

• Internet connection required for authorisation
• No physical iLok USB dongle required