PSP MasterComp

PSP MicroComp

Stereo Mastering and Mixing Compressors

www.PSPaudioware.com
 Acknowledgements

Sakis Anastopoulos DigisoundMastering, Victoria, Australia

Joachim Krukowski Jarocin, Poland
Adam Taborowski PSPaudioware.com s.c., Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
Hubert Pietrzykowski Warsaw, Poland

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 End User License Agreement

PREFACE: This End-User License Agreement (“EULA”) is a legal agreement between you and
PSPaudioware.com s.c. (PSP) for the PSP product accompanying this EULA, which includes
computer software and may include associated media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic
documentation (“SOFTWARE”). By installing, copying, or using the SOFTWARE, you agree to be
bound by the terms of this EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, you may not use the
SOFTWARE. The SOFTWARE is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as
well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE is licensed, not sold.

LICENSE: You may install and use a copy of the current version of the SOFTWARE, or in its place,
any prior version for the same operating system, on as many machines as you want as long as you are
the only user of those DAWs. If more users use the software you must buy an additional licence for
each workstation. The DEMO VERSION of the SOFTWARE is NOT LICENSED FOR
COMMERCIAL USE.

RESTRICTIONS: You may not transfer, modify, rent, lease, loan, resell, distribute, network,
electronically transmit or merge the SOFTWARE. You may not reverse engineer, decompile or
disassemble the SOFTWARE, or otherwise attempt to discover the SOFTWARE source code. You are
not permitted to copy the SOFTWARE or any of the accompanying documentation.

COPYRIGHTS: All title and copyrights in and to the SOFTWARE (including but not limited to any
images, photographs, animations, video, audio, music, text, and “applets” incorporated into the
SOFTWARE ), the accompanying printed materials, and any copies of the SOFTWARE are owned by
PSP. The SOFTWARE is protected by copyright laws and international treaty provisions.
Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of the SOFTWARE or documentation is subject to civil and
criminal penalties.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: The SOFTWARE is provided “AS IS” and without warranty of
any kind. The entire risk arising out of the use or performance of the SOFTWARE and documentation
remains with user. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, PSP further disclaims all
warranties, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with regard to the SOFTWARE, and any
accompanying hardware. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall PSP
be liable for any consequential, incidental, direct, indirect, special, punitive, or other damages
whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption,
loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of this EULA or the use of or
inability to use the SOFTWARE, even if PSP has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

MISCELLANEOUS: This EULA is governed by Polish law. Should you have any questions
concerning this EULA, or if you wish to contact PSP for any reason, please write to:
PSPaudioware.com s.c.
Kwadratowa 4/19
05-509 Józefosław
Poland.

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 Table of Contents

Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................2
End User License Agreement....................................................................................................3
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................4
Overview....................................................................................................................................5
Features..................................................................................................................................5
Applications ..........................................................................................................................5
Minimum System Requirements............................................................................................6
Plug-in Latency......................................................................................................................7
Limitations of the demo version ...........................................................................................7
Front panel.................................................................................................................................8
Meters....................................................................................................................................8
Controls................................................................................................................................10
Rear Panel................................................................................................................................16
Plugin Information Plate......................................................................................................16
Knobs...................................................................................................................................16
Operation..................................................................................................................................17
Working with meters ...........................................................................................................17
A note regarding use of the Channel processing mode switch............................................17
Rear Panel operation ...........................................................................................................18
Using meters’ preferences parameters ................................................................................18
Using presets............................................................................................................................19
Support.....................................................................................................................................20
User Comments........................................................................................................................20

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 Overview

PSP MasterComp and PSP MicroComp are high fidelity stereo dynamic processors that
feature a wide range of controls to make them versatile tools for mastering compression and
expansion. They are also well suited for using on buses and track processing during mixing.

Features

PSP MasterComp

! High frequency transparency thanks to double sampled processing (excluding output

limiter)
! Low distortion due to our optional Smooth Level Detector algorithm
! Optional automatic attack and release times
! Wide range of controls dedicated for mastering purposes
! Compression and expansion over the set threshold
! Advanced side chain filtering, channel linking and compression tilting controls
! Mix control to allow fine blending between the processed and clean signal
! Optional high quality brick wall output limiter with automatic release time
! Advanced PPM/VU meters with contextual readings and adjustable parameters
! Selectable channel processing: Mid, Side, Left, Right or Stereo

PSP MicroComp

! Simple and effective control layout

! CPU efficient algorithm optimized for mixing purposes
! Low distortion thanks to optional Smooth Level Detector algorithm
! Optional automatic release time
! Wide range of controls dedicated for mixing purposes
! Over threshold compression and expansion
! Basic side chain filtering and channel linking controls
! Advanced PPM/VU meters with contextual readings and adjustable operation
parameters

Applications

! Controlling or revitalizing signal dynamics during mixing or mastering

! Creating the final sound of the mix
! Providing classic analog-like smooth compression
! Revitalization of transients
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 Minimum System Requirements

PSP MasterComp and PSP MicroComp are compatible with applications that can host
standard VST, AU, RTAS and AAX plug-ins.

PC

VST
• Windows x32 or x64 (XP Service Pack 2, Vista, 7 or 8)
• VST 2.4 compatible application
RTAS
• Windows x32 or x64 (XP Service Pack 2, Vista, 7 or 8)
• ProTools LE 8.0.0 or ProTools TDM 8.0.0 (or later)
AAX
• Windows x32 or x64 (XP Service Pack 2, Vista , 7 or 8)
• Pro Tools 11

Mac

AudioUnit
• Mac OSX 10.5 or later
• 32 or 64-bit host application capable of running AudioUnit plug-ins with Cocoa view
VST
• Mac OSX 10.5 or later
• 32 or 64-bit VST 2.4 compatible host application
RTAS
• Mac OSX 10.5 or later
• ProTools LE 8.0.0 or ProTools TDM 8.0.0 (or later)
AAX
• Mac OSX 10.8 or later
• Pro Tools 11

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 Plug-in Latency

In order to achieve the highest quality results, the PSP MasterComp and PSP MicroComp
require a buffer containing a number of samples in order to process your audio material
properly. In the case of the PSP MicroComp the amount of samples needed was kept
purposefully small and results in a delay up to 22ms, depending on the sample rate of the
audio. This means that PSP MicroComp can be used while tracking. In the case of PSP
MasterComp the latency is considerably larger—up to 37ms, depending on the sample rate.
This is because of the precise FIR (finite impulse response) filters used for FAT double
sampling. Due to the larger latency of the PSP MasterComp we recommend this version for
mastering purposes.

That said, most modern DAWs include plug-in delay compensation, which eliminates the
effect of the delay incurred by PSP MicroComp and PSP MasterComp on playback. PSP
MasterComp and PSP MicroComp fully support the latency compensation of all host DAWs
(meaning, the plug-ins accurately report the samples of delay they incur to the host). Note
that some host DAWs have limitations regarding delay compensation, so be sure to refer to
your DAW’s user guide for more information. For your convenience the latency of each plug-
in is reported at the bottom of the editor window in both samples and milliseconds.

Limitations of the demo version

14-day evaluation period without any audio interruption or control limitations.

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 Front panel

Meters
PSP MasterComp’s and PSP MicroComp's meters contain VU and PPM needle readings,
contextual numeric readings which are held for two seconds, and overload LED indicators
that are held until reset. All main parameters of meters are rear panel controlled.

VU PPM
indication indication

VU held PPM held

value value

Overload
indication
VU is indicated by a long black needle and the contextually displayed number on the left part
of the meter.

PPM is indicated by a short red needle and the contextually displayed number on the right
part of the meter. The black text turns to red one if 0dBFS or greater is detected. Please note
that the reading is not equal to digital metering if the integration time is set to a greater value
then 0ms.

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The LEDs react according to the rear panel’s overs counter setting, which means that when
PPM integration time is greater then 0ms and overs counter is set to low values the LEDs
may blink often while the PPM level is still below 0dBFS. The opposite situation may also
occur when PPM integration is set to 0ms and it reads over 0dBFS; in this case the LEDs do
not blink at all because they are waiting for the minimum number of overloaded samples.
The LEDs respond dependently on the Pre-GR-Post switch. When the Pre mode is chosen
LEDs indicate the input overloads, when the GR or Post mode is selected and output
overloads are indicated.

After an overload indication occurs (a red blink), the held LEDs become a darker red to
indicate that an overload detection occurred.

To reset the LEDs simply click one of meters.

The meters go dark when the processing switch is set to Off.

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Controls

Ratio
Lets you set the compression/expansion ratio. There are 21 steps available, including 14
compression ratios ranging from 1.2:1 to ∞:1 omitting compression 1:1, and 6 expansion
ratios up to 0.5 : 1.

Attack
Sets an attack time within a wide range from 0.01ms to 1s. Sets a nominal attack time for
automated attack mode.

Auto Attack button (PSP MasterComp only)

Engages automated attack adjustment mode. In this mode the Attack control sets a nominal
attack time while the automation algorithm shortens or lengthens the attack according to the
current transient content in the signal. Please note that although the automation algorithm
provides superb transparent attack behavior, there are tracks and plug-in settings that may
require turning it off for a more musical result.

Release
Sets a release time within a wide range from 0.1s to 10s in PSP MasterComp and from 0.03s
to 3s in PSP MicroComp. Sets the nominal release time for automated release mode.

Auto Release button

Engages automated release adjustment mode. In this mode the Release control sets a nominal
release time while the automation algorithm shortens or lengthens the release according to
the current transient content in the signal. Please note that although the automation algorithm
provides superb transparent release behavior there are tracks and plug-in settings that may
require turning it off for a more musical result.

Classic
Sets the Classic release mode. When Classic mode is engaged the release phase is fast when
using large amounts of gain reduction, and is slow or even very slow when using small
amounts of gain reduction.
There will be an additional impact (slowdown of the plug-in’s release) on the processed
signal when compared with the Standard release mode. Classic mode also lessens the impact
of silence followed by a loud transient.

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Threshold
Sets the compression or expansion threshold between the range of +6..-30dB. The threshold
in PSP MicroComp is calibrated to be more sensitive by 3dB approximately to be more
suitable for track processing.

Makeup
Controls the post compression/expansion make-up gain. The make-up gain occurs in the
signal chain before the mix control, output gain and the output limiter.

Auto Makeup
Engages the automated makeup control, which uses a set ratio and threshold. Due to the fact
that some manual calibration may still be needed, a Makeup control can be used for this
purpose. Caution! Turning on Auto Makeup may produce a sudden considerable gain change
and corresponding click.

Low s.c. High s.c.

type switch type switch

Low s.c. (PSP MasterComp only)

Controls the low cut or low shelf frequency of the side chain filter.

Low s.c. type switch (PSP MasterComp only)

Clicking the low shelf (upper click) / low cut (lower click) icon next to the “Low” label
switches to an alternate low filter type. The shelf filter is set to + 12dB while a cut filter gives
attenuation down to -15dB. When clicked in the middle the filter is set to a flat mode.

High s.c. (PSP MasterComp only)

Controls the high cut or high shelf frequency of the side chain filter.

High s.c. type switch (PSP MasterComp only)

Clicking the high shelf (upper click) / high cut (lower click) icon next to the “High” label
switches to an alternate high filter type. The shelf filter is set to + 12dB while a cut filter
gives attenuation down to -15dB. When clicked in the middle the filter is set to a flat mode.

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 Low s.c. High s.c.
filter switch filter switch

Low s.c. filter switch (PSP MicroComp only)

This is a three state switch. In the “\_” position a low frequency boost in the side chain signal
is added to provide low frequency pumping. The “--” position provides a flat response of the
low frequency side chain filter. This is the default setup for most individual tracks. The “_/”
position attenuates low frequencies in order to generate a complex signal unmodulated by
low frequencies. This setting is useful for protecting vocal tracks against pop plosives, or
during de-essing.

High s.c. filter switch (PSP MicroComp only)

This is a three state switch. The “_/” position activates a high frequency boost in the side
chain signal to increase response on sibilants. Use this setting whenever extra attenuation on
higher frequencies is needed, for instance during de-essing. The “--” position activates a flat
response low frequency side chain filter. Use this setting for most individual tracks, groups
and entire mixes. The“\_” position attenuates high frequencies in order to generate a
complex signal unmodulated by high frequencies. You may wish to do this to avoid
modulation from a loud hi-hat track, for example.

s.c. Monit
Engages side chain monitoring mode, which provides an input processed by side chain filters
to the output. The side chain content depend on the state of the Channel processing mode
switch.
Caution! Turning FAT On or Off during playback may produce a considerable click or
glitch.

Link knob (PSP MasterComp only)

Sets the amount of linking between channels. Variable control of this parameter allows you to
find the most musical setting that won’t shift the stereo field.

Link switch (PSP MicroComp only)

Sets the algorithm to linked mode, which is the proper setting for most stereo track
compressions. Try the unlinked mode during expansion.
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Link Low Cut (PSP MasterComp only)
Gently cuts low frequencies from a linking signal, making an alternative stereo field response
for situations when low frequencies should not affect linking.

Link High Cut (PSP MasterComp only)

Gently cuts high frequencies from a linking signal, making an alternative stereo field
response for when high frequencies should not affect linking.

Tilt (PSP MasterComp only)

Controls side chain left/right volume balance, which allows for precise adjustment of channel
processing depth whenever not balanced input signal occurs.

Mix (PSP MasterComp only)

Sets the amount of processed signal (post make-up) and input signal sent to the output level
control and output limiter. This allows you to dial in a transient transparent sound with gently
processed middle dynamic ranges.

Output
Controls the output gain of the signal just before the output limiter in PSP MasterComp and
just before the output in PSP MicroComp.

On/Off
Engages or disengages processing. When set to off, metering still occurs although the signal
is untouched. Caution! Turning processing On or Off during playback may produce a gain
change and corresponding click.

Fat/Off
PSP MasterComp only. Engages Frequency Authentication Technique (FAT) for high quality
double sampled processing. Please note that when a FAT mode is engaged the plug-in is
using about 2.5x more CPU then with FAT mode switched off.
Caution! Turning FAT On or Off during playback may produce a considerable click or
glitch.

Smooth button (PSP MasterComp) or Fast/Smooth switch (PSP MicroComp)

Engages the premium quality (PSP MasterComp) and high quality (PSP MicroComp)
Smooth Level Detector algorithm. In this mode, compression distortion is significantly
reduced for mid range and low frequencies. In previous PSP MasterComp editions the
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premium quality Smooth Level Detector was always on. Now you have a choice between a
smooth, CPU hungry mode and a faster and less transparent mode.

Please notice that Fast mode doesn't necessarily mean it is a worse choice or a compromise.
This mode still provides very high quality processing and may be the best choice for many
applications. In PSP MasterComp, when the button in not lit plug-in turns on its high quality
Smooth Level Detector mode, which is easier on CPU than the premium Smooth mode,
however it still sounds very close to the original Smooth mode. In the PSP MicroComp the
Fast mode completely omits the Smooth Level Detector algorithm, which results in further
CPU savings and a more aggressive sound.
Caution! Switching Smooth during playback may produce a considerable click or glitch.

Hard/Soft switch (PSP MasterComp) or Soft Knee button (PSP MicroComp)

Switches between standard hard and soft knee compression/expansion curves.
In PSP MicroComp a soft knee mode is engaged when a button is lit.

Peak/RMS switch (PSP MasterComp) or RMS button (PSP MicroComp

Switches between peak and RMS responses of the level detector.
In PSP MicroComp an RMS mode is engaged when the button is lit.
Caution! Switching between Peak and RMS detection requires the plug-in to reset and
switch its internal processing and may produce a sudden gain drop and corresponding click if
attempted during playback.

Limit/Off (PSP MasterComp only)

Engages the high quality output brick wall limiter. The limiter is located as the last
processing part of this plug-in after mixing the dry with the processed signal and the output
gain stage. The ceiling level of the limiter is set to 0dBFS.

Stereo/Mono (PSP MicroComp only)

Engages the stereo processing mode. Mono mode allows you to save some CPU cycles
whenever a mono track is processed.

Pre/G.R./Post
Switches the meters between Pre processing (input), Gain Reduction and Post processing
(output) modes.

PSP MasterComp or PSP MicroComp

Clicking on the PSP MasterComp or PSP MicroComp label switches to the rear panel.

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Channel processing mode switch
A channel processing mode switch is located underneath the PSP MasterComp label. Use this
switch to select the channel processing mode. The “LR” setting configures standard stereo
processing. To process Left and Right channels independently, please use two instances
of the PSP MasterComp in series and set the mode to L on one of them and R on the other.
To process Middle and Side signals please use two instances of the plug-in in series and set
the M mode on one of them and S mode on the other.
Whenever a mode other then Stereo is selected the Link and Tilt knobs return to their default
positions and labels change to “---” to indicate that those controls are not conforming to the
individual channel processing mode.

Latency indication
Just above the PSP MasterComp or PSP MicroComp label there are two numbers showing
the exact latency of the plug-in in samples and milliseconds. Although most audio
applications provide automatic latency compensation there are still some situations when
manual compensation is required.

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 Rear Panel

Plugin Information Plate

This shows the plug-in name, its version number, and authorization details. Clicking here
switches back to the front panel.

Knobs

0VU Reference Level

The 0VU Reference Level knob sets the sine wave reference level. The default value is
-14dBFS. This value is stored as a preference setting.

PPM integration time

The PPM integration time knob sets the attack ballistics for the PPM meters. The default
value is 10ms. This value is stored as a preference setting.

PPM return time

The PPM return time knob sets the return ballistics for the PPM meters. The default value is
1000ms. This value is stored as a preference setting.

Overs counter
The Overload counter knob sets how many overloaded samples it will take to make the
overload LEDs light. The default value is 3 samples. This value is stored as a preference
setting.
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 Operation
Working with meters

PSP MasterComp and PSP MicroComp meters are designed to work similarly to real VU and
PPM meters and overs indicators. To ensure that they can be a useful tool in every situation
we endowed them with a set of parameters that allow you to adjust the meters' behavior to
every practical situation. To learn more about those adjustable parameters please refer to the
Controls -> Rear Panel section of this manual.

Standard VU meters are specified to work with a 300ms integration time — every other
integration time setting results in a response that is not compatible with standard VU time
response. However, this also allows you to adjust the meters to your particular needs. As the
VU meter shows a kind of average level, it has to be calibrated to be useful for real
applications. In normal situations the VU meter shows -14dB value relative to the peak value.
That is why mastering and post-production engineers decided to use it as reference level for
music. The current practice of setting levels as hot as possible is why average levels are
much closer to peak values. Because of this we decided to offers users such a wide reference
level adjustment range.

PPM meters are a kind of peak meters. They show the level value very close to digital peak
values. Typically they have 10ms or 5ms attack and about 1000-2000ms release times. In
many cases they are more practical then digital peak meters. You can achieve perfect digital
peak metering by setting attack to 0ms.

A note regarding use of the Channel processing mode switch

PSP MasterComp provides an optional channel split mode obtained by the use of a Channel
processing mode switch. Whenever you need independent L-R or M-S processing, two in-
stances of the plug-in should be set up in the chain with appropriately set up channel
switches.

The usual way a single band compressor is used is to run the stereo LR signal through a
single instance of the PSP MasterComp. However you might need to process the L and R
channels unlinked with independent settings. In this case please set up two instances of the
plugin in series and select L processing on the first instance and R processing on the other.

One of the most powerful tools in a mastering workshop is a compressor used on M (middle)
or S (side) signal. Using PSP MasterComp on the M signal allows you to tame, boost or add
expression to signals panned in the middle. A properly set up compressor on the middle sig-
nal will usually allow you to fix issues with a vocal level and dynamics.

Setting up the PSP MasterComp on the side signal helps to maintain the ambience of the re-
cording.
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Whenever the middle or side signal is processed during mastering we would suggest you use
very mellow settings either by using the compression and the expansion settings close to 1 or
using the Mix values lower than 100%. Otherwise a noticeable stereo image shift may occur.

Rear Panel operation

PSP MasterComp's and PSP MicroComp Rear Panel consist of the plug-in information box
and meters’ preferences parameters. The Information box shows the plug-in's version as well
as the authorization details.

Meters’ preference parameters are not involved with the sound processing. They set the way
meters and knobs operate.

Using meters’ preferences parameters

The meters’ preferences parameters allow you to adjust the meters' behavior to your needs.
These are: VU integration time, 0VU reference level, PPM integration time, PPM return time
and Overload counter. These settings are automatically stored in the Windows Registry or in
the Preferences folder in OS X every time this plug-in is closed. Those parameters are not
accessible through your audio application’s automation function. Whenever you start a new
instance of the plug-in or start a project with PSP MasterComp or PSP MicroComp used, all
preference parameters are recovered from these saved settings regardless of the project or
even the host application that is used.

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 Using presets

PSP MasterComp and PSP MicroComp are provided with a factory set of presets. These
presets were prepared by professionals and are designed for various purposes and highlight
different features of the plug-in. The first aim of these presets is to show customers the
features of the plug-ins and help them to learn the controls of the plug-ins. In addition, the
presets can be used as a starting point for further adjustments or as quick fix presets.

The PSP MasterComp and PSP MicroComp contain 16 presets for mastering, mixing and
tracking. You can access these presets from the PSPaudioware standard PRESET bar at the
bottom of the plug-in interface. Here you can select from among the factory presets and load
and save individual, as well as banks of presets. There are three sections to this bar: the
PRESET section, the Preset window, and the BANK section.

BANK SECTION
Click the green arrow icon to load a bank from a disk.
Click the red arrow icon to save a bank.
Double click the BANK label to permanently store the default preset bank.
Press Command (Mac) or Control (PC) and double click to restore the factory default bank.

PRESET SECTION
Click the green arrow icon to load a preset.
Click the red arrow icon to save a preset.
Double click the PRESET lavel to permanently store the default preset.
Press Command (Mac) or Control (PC) and double click to restore the factory default preset.

PRESET EDIT BOX

Click the menu button to the right of the preset edit box to see and the popup menu of all the
presets in the currently loaded preset bank and to choose a preset from the list.
Click the name of the preset to rename it.

PRESET SELECTION
Click on the bright left arrow to switch to a previous preset on the list.
Click on the bright right arrow to switch to a next preset on the list.

MEMO A and B
Both A and B are permanently stored on your disk. This allows you to compare alternative
settings or share a preset between various instances of the plug-in in the same project or even
between various projects.
Click the green arrow icon to load a preset from memo A or B.
Click the red arrow icon to save a preset to memo A or B.

?
Click on the question mark whenever you need to open the operation manual.
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 Support

If you have any questions about the principles or operation of our plug-ins, please visit our
website www.PSPaudioware.com where you can find the latest product information, free
software updates and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
You can also contact us by e-mail: support@PSPaudioware.com. We will gladly answer all of
your questions. As a rule we respond within 24 hours.

PSPaudioware.com s.c.
Kwadratowa 4/19
05-509 Józefoslaw
Poland.
ph. +48 601 96 31 73
www.PSPaudioware.com
contact@PSPaudioware.com

User Comments

We welcome any opinions and comments related to PSP MasterComp. We would also be
grateful if you shared with us your experiences using PSP MasterComp. For example, if
you’ve created a useful preset then let us know.
Please, contact us at: contact@PSPaudioware.com

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