4.7/5 stars (9 reviews) • Effects > Compressor

smart:comp 3

Product Summary

smart:comp 3 brings sonible’s “Sonic Intelligence” philosophy to your dynamics processing, using AI-driven analysis to deliver precision compression tailored to your audio material. Instead of guessing at knob positions, the plugin maps out a field of viable compressor settings derived directly from your input signal’s characteristics. This means you spend less time trial-and-error tweaking and more time shaping your sound with intention.

The standout Compression Matrix visualizes a spectrum of compression characters you can explore in real time. Rather than locking you into a single suggested preset, it presents a navigable landscape of options aligned with common musical terminology. You can smoothly transition between settings to find exactly the dynamic shape your track needs, whether you’re tightening vocals, gluing a bus, or controlling transient-heavy percussion.

Under the hood, smart:comp 3 uses spectral compression technology to distribute high-resolution gain reduction across the frequency spectrum. This maintains clarity and balance without requiring manual multiband setup—a significant workflow win. The plugin also supports Group Mode, letting you link multiple instances for consistent compression across several tracks with shared control of threshold, ratio, attack, release, and mix.

Additional refinements include Zero-latency Mode for live recording scenarios, Refined Input Riding to stabilize level variations before compression hits, and Enhanced Style Control with updated engines that deliver defined attack/release behavior and polished saturation characteristics. It’s compression that adapts to your material, not the other way around.

Key Features

Visual

• Compression Matrix displays a range of compressor settings and allows smooth transitions between different compression characters
• Compression Scope visualizes the viable compression range of the analyzed signal

Control

• Group Mode links multiple plug-in instances for shared control of threshold, ratio, attack, release, and mix, enabling batch adjustments from a single interface
• Enhanced Style Control offers updated compression engines with defined attack and release behavior and refined saturation characteristics

Processing

• Spectral compression technology distributes high-resolution gain reduction across the frequency spectrum in real time, maintaining clarity without manual multiband setup
• Zero-latency Mode provides minimum-phase processing for live use and recording with no delay; Linear-phase mode remains available for mixing and post-production
• Refined Input Riding stabilizes level variations prior to compression

Workflow

• Compression Matrix reduces trial and error by mapping viable configurations that align with common musical intentions and terminology
• Group Mode enables consistent compression across several tracks through linked instances

System Compatibility

Mac

• macOS 10.9+ (M1 Apple Silicon supported) (64-bit only)
• RAM – at least 4 GB (recommended)
• CPU – at least Intel DualCore i5 (recommended)
• Plugin Formats – AU, VST2, VST3, AAX, MultiRack Native
• Supported Sample Rates – 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz

PC

• Windows 10+ (64-bit only)
• RAM – at least 4 GB (recommended)
• CPU – at least Intel DualCore i5 (recommended)
• Plugin Formats – VST2, VST3, AAX, MultiRack Native
• Supported Sample Rates – 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz