Waves releases Silk Vocal – An intelligent vocal processing plugin

Audio software developer Waves Audio has released Silk Vocal, a new vocal processing plugin aimed at helping engineers achieve professional quality vocal mixes more easily. Silk Vocal utilizes intelligent processing technology to automatically balance vocals by detecting and reducing resonances, harshness, boominess, and sibilance.

The plugin works by first analyzing the vocal across 2000 frequency bands to identify problematic areas, then applies focused dynamic EQ and compression to smooth and balance the vocal. Controls are included to fine-tune the processing by adjusting low, mid and high frequency emphasis as well as compression amount. An automatic make-up gain helps compensate for EQ cuts.

Additional features in Silk Vocal include a 60Hz high-pass filter, envelope speed control to adapt the processing attack and release, and a precision control to sharpen or widen the EQ bands. The plugin is available in both linear phase for recording and mixing, and minimum phase for low latency monitoring.

Silk Vocal aims to reduce the specialized knowledge and extensive tweaking required to achieve clarity and sheen on vocal tracks. The automated core algorithm handles most of the corrective work, allowing the user to focus more on creative mixing decisions.

The Silk Vocal plugin works as a standalone effect or can be bundled with other Waves products like the Mercury, Vocal Production, and Pro Show bundles. It is also included in the Waves Essential and All Plugins subscription plans. More details can be found on the Waves website.

Image credits: Waves