MAutoDynamicEq

MAutoDynamicEQ (available here: MautoDynamicEQ at Plugin Boutique) is a dynamic equalizer with frequency-matching functionalities. In fact, this plugin features many more options and possibilities, which makes it a very powerful multifunctional audio production tool. An in-depth explanation of every option and possible use would take up a lot of space, so I will restrict this MAutoDynamicEQ review to covering the basics of the most important functions and options.

Important general features

You’ll find the standard stereo and mid-side channel routing options, as well as other channel combinations, including surround. The automatic gain compensation (AGC) matches the output with the input gain. On the right side of the panel, the plugin has 8 slots (marked from A to H), where you can store and compare each of the 8 states against each other. You can think of this as an A-H comparison. If you usually use A-B comparison you might find it’s useful to have more states available to compare.

The sound

This is a modern digital transparent equalizer, so there’s no saturation or color in the eq itself. The plugin has an additional soft-saturation parameter, and if used, it’s applied to the whole signal. The sound of the eq is unquestionable and the soft-saturation also sounds great. The plugin has an upsampling option (up to 4x), which can be desirable for antialiasing protection (especially if there is a lot of saturation usage). Upsampling can be active in a real-time performance or in the rendering phase only. If you find the CPU usage too high in real time, using the render only mode is a good way to get around this problem.

Equalizer

Melda MAutoDynamicEQ contains 7 eq bands, each with 15 filter types at their disposal (if you right click you’ll see a panel with extensive options for each filter). There are additional HP and LP filters with slope options from 6 to 120 db/octave. All of these filter options should be more than enough for most of your everyday eq-needs. The panel is simple and intuitive and you will see each band has a small horizontal and vertical line: the first for the bandwidth, the second for activation of the dynamics function for the individual band. If you right click on those lines you can reset the values back to default.

Dynamics

Each of the 7 bands has individual dynamic settings. Pulling the vertical line up will result in dynamics expansion, which you can use to accent transients. If you pull the line down it reverts to normal compression for that eq-band. The first practical thing that comes to mind is de-essing but of course there are many possibilities. I have used MAutoDynamicEQ to de-ess several times, and in my experience the quality was very good. If you wish to tame the high-frequency peaks on an acoustic-guitar track this is another example where the compression function of the plugin gives good results. You’ll also find it can improve the dynamic balance in the low-mid and low end of the audio spectrum.

The main options in this section are threshold, attack and release, which are all set to automatic values. These can be adjusted to your needs as with any regular compressor. You’ll also see a side-chain option. The dynamics part of this plugin is powerful and having it to hand can produce very quick results in regular mixing situations. If used properly it can be turned into a tool similar to a multi-band compressor and even used in mastering.

Graphic analyzer

I haven’t seen a more powerful graphic analyzer in this type of plugin than that in MAutoDynamicEQ. You’ll find a frequency analyzer and sonogram, with almost every option to configure them to your personal taste. And of course, the analyzer can be turned off to remove the visual distraction and focus on listening.

Auto-equalization

Here we will look at the spectrum matching functionality. MAutoDynamicEQ compares the spectrum of the source and target audio signal and calculates the best combination of filters to match the target to the source. You’ll find settings to limit the compared spectrum between desired lowest and highest frequency. You’ll also see options to choose how many filters to use for matching and an option to apply only gain reduction and no amplification. The plugin has preset spectrums from various music genres and individual hit songs.

So, what’s the value of all these matching possibilities? It can help bring your mix closer to the mix of a professional record, or indeed to a particular track you like. Perhaps you’re looking to try and match the mix of a cinematic piece you heard. MAutoDynamicEQ may be able to help bring you closer.

Multiparameter

This is a system of 64 slots. Each one can be associated with any number of regular parameters in various combinations. It’s a powerful system and can be useful for unusual and creative ideas. It’s a tweaker’s paradise that can become complicated for regular users, but isn’t necessary for everyday EQ work.

Modulation System

Less complicated and still very useful is the modulation system. There are four modulation slots, which can modulate any parameter. You’ll find all the usual LFO waveforms, as well as the ability to create a custom one. You can even scan an audio file and extract the waveform. In just a few steps MAutoDynamicEQ can become a powerful tremolo or multi band tremolo effect, or you can design your own phaser with a pulsating groove. I like to use this on pads, especially if they sound too flat. I quickly make them more alive by modulating a small amount of hi-shelf and general gain parameter.

Also note that modulation can be controlled with an envelope follower that has a side-chain option. Examples for this would be an auto-wah effect or a pitch tracking system that moves the frequency of a band according to the pitch of the source audio signal (the functionality of SurferEQ from SoundRadix).

Final thoughts

I use this plugin every day. In my opinion, it’s a very powerful, extremely versatile tool that excels in its main purpose (dynamic eq) and does much more than that too. I couldn’t find any serious downside to this product. I would probably like to see a different GUI design, but the current one is completely fine for me as I’m used to it. Also, having lots of parameters and options comes with a compromise: the ease of use and learning requirements. The workflow is something that everyone needs to try themselves. I believe the price of MAutoDynamicEQ at Plugin Boutique is fair, considering the free-for-life updates (and that every year there’ll be a few opportunities to grab a 50% discount).

For more of our software reviews, check out: Music Library Report Software Reviews

Article updated February 21, 2023.

Article written by Mercer Lincoln.