Metric Halo ChannelStrip is a multiprocessor audio plugin that provides the sound and feel of an analog mixing console. It offers high audio quality, DSP and CPU efficiency, and a comprehensive user interface that allows users to work with a Digital Audio Workstation as efficiently and interactively as they would with a dedicated mixing console. ChannelStrip features an expander, a compressor, a six-band EQ, and a limiter, as well as phase invert, channel delay, comprehensive metering and SpectraFoo spectrum analysis.
ChannelStrip was first released in 1998 as a plugin for Pro Tools TDM systems, and quickly became one of the most popular and widely used plugins in the industry. It has been used on countless Grammy-winning records, film soundtracks, TV shows, and live performances by artists such as Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Madonna, Beyoncé, and many more. ChannelStrip has also received numerous awards and accolades from professional audio magazines and websites, such as Mix Magazine's TEC Award, Electronic Musician's Editor's Choice Award, Sound on Sound's Reader's Choice Award, and Pro Tools Expert's Gear of the Year Award.
In 2006, Metric Halo released ChannelStrip 2, a native version of the plugin that runs on Mac OS X systems using AU, VST, MAS, or RTAS/AudioSuite formats. ChannelStrip 2 offers the same features and sound quality as the original TDM version, but with lower latency and higher compatibility with various hosts and platforms. ChannelStrip 2 also includes some enhancements and improvements over the original version, such as a redesigned user interface, a new preset manager, a new sidechain filter for the dynamics section, and a new bandpass filter type for the EQ section.
In 2012, Metric Halo released ChannelStrip 3, the latest version of the plugin that supports both native and DSP-accelerated systems. ChannelStrip 3 is compatible with Pro Tools 10 or newer (Win/Mac), as well as VST (Win/Mac) or Mac AU hosts. ChannelStrip 3 also introduces some new features and improvements over the previous versions, such as a new limiter algorithm, a new EQ algorithm with improved phase response and lower CPU usage, a new preset browser with tagging and searching capabilities, a new history function that allows users to undo and redo changes to the plugin settings, and a new iLok licensing system that does not require a physical dongle.
ChannelStrip is widely regarded as one of the best and most versatile audio plugins available for Mac OS X systems. It can be used for various purposes and applications, such as mixing, mastering, sound design, post-production, live sound, podcasting, broadcasting, and more. ChannelStrip can handle any type of audio material, from vocals to drums to guitars to synths to orchestras to noise. ChannelStrip can also be used to emulate various analog hardware devices, such as vintage EQs, compressors, limiters, gates, expanders, consoles, tape machines, etc.
ChannelStrip is available for purchase from Metric Halo's website or from authorized dealers. The price of ChannelStrip varies depending on the version and format. ChannelStrip 3 costs $179 for native systems or $299 for DSP-accelerated systems. ChannelStrip 2 costs $149 for native systems only. ChannelStrip TDM costs $699 for TDM systems only. Users who own previous versions of ChannelStrip can upgrade to ChannelStrip 3 for a discounted price.
For more information about ChannelStrip, please visit Metric Halo's website or read some of the reviews from professional audio magazines and websites.
Using ChannelStrip is easy and intuitive, thanks to its user-friendly interface and flexible workflow. ChannelStrip can be inserted as an insert effect or a send effect on any audio track or bus in the host application. ChannelStrip can also be used as a standalone application, using the Metric Halo Console software that comes with the plugin. ChannelStrip can process mono, stereo, or surround audio signals, depending on the host's capabilities and settings.
ChannelStrip's interface consists of four main sections: the dynamics section, the EQ section, the limiter section, and the metering section. Each section has its own set of controls and parameters that can be adjusted by the user. The dynamics section includes an expander and a compressor, each with a threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee, and gain control. The expander can be used to reduce the level of low-level signals, while the compressor can be used to reduce the level of high-level signals. The dynamics section also has a sidechain filter that can be used to apply frequency-dependent processing to the audio signal. The sidechain filter can be set to high-pass, low-pass, band-pass, or band-reject mode, and has a frequency and Q control.
The EQ section includes a six-band parametric equalizer, each with a frequency, gain, and Q control. The EQ section also has a filter type selector that can be used to choose between different types of filters for each band. The filter types are: peak/dip, low-shelf, high-shelf, low-pass, high-pass, notch, and band-pass. The EQ section also has an EQ curve display that shows the frequency response of the equalizer. The EQ section can be switched between pre-dynamics and post-dynamics mode, depending on whether the user wants to apply the EQ before or after the dynamics processing.
The limiter section includes a brickwall limiter that can be used to prevent clipping and distortion in the output signal. The limiter section has a threshold control that can be used to set the maximum output level of the plugin. The limiter section also has a release control that can be used to adjust how fast the limiter returns to normal operation after limiting. The limiter section also has a soft clip option that can be used to apply a smooth saturation curve to the output signal instead of hard clipping.
The metering section includes various meters and indicators that show the input level, output level, gain reduction, peak hold, clip detection, phase correlation, and spectrum analysis of the audio signal. The metering section also has a meter mode selector that can be used to choose between different types of metering scales and standards for the input and output meters. The metering section also has a SpectraFoo button that can be used to launch the SpectraFoo spectrum analyzer application that comes with the plugin. SpectraFoo is a powerful tool that can be used to perform various types of spectral analysis and measurement on the audio signal.
ChannelStrip is a plugin that offers many advantages and benefits for users who want to improve the quality and efficiency of their audio production. Some of the reasons why ChannelStrip is a great choice are:
ChannelStrip is a plugin that has been trusted and loved by many users for over two decades. ChannelStrip is a plugin that has been used on countless Grammy-winning records, film soundtracks, TV shows, and live performances by some of the most famous artists in the world. ChannelStrip is a plugin that has been praised and recommended by many professional audio magazines and websites. ChannelStrip is a plugin that deserves a place in every user's audio toolbox.
Getting ChannelStrip is easy and convenient, thanks to Metric Halo's online store and iLok licensing system. Users can purchase ChannelStrip from Metric Halo's website or from authorized dealers. Users can choose between different versions and formats of ChannelStrip, depending on their system and needs. Users can also take advantage of Metric Halo's special offers and discounts, such as bundle deals, upgrade deals, educational discounts, and loyalty rewards.
After purchasing ChannelStrip, users will receive an email confirmation with a download link and an activation code. Users can download the ChannelStrip installer from the link and run it on their Mac OS X device. Users can also download the ChannelStrip manual and the SpectraFoo manual from Metric Halo's website for further guidance and reference.
To activate ChannelStrip, users will need an iLok account and an iLok License Manager application. Users can create an iLok account for free on iLok's website and download the iLok License Manager application from there. Users can also purchase an iLok USB dongle from iLok's website or from authorized dealers, if they prefer to store their licenses on a physical device.
Once users have an iLok account and an iLok License Manager application, they can enter their activation code in the application and redeem their license for ChannelStrip. Users can then activate their license on their Mac OS X device or on their iLok USB dongle, depending on their preference. Users can also manage their licenses and transfer them between devices or dongles using the iLok License Manager application.
After activating ChannelStrip, users can start using it in their host application of choice. Users can insert ChannelStrip as a plugin on any audio track or bus and adjust its settings according to their needs. Users can also launch ChannelStrip as a standalone application using the Metric Halo Console software that comes with the plugin. Users can also access the SpectraFoo spectrum analyzer by clicking on the SpectraFoo button on ChannelStrip's interface.
Learning ChannelStrip is fun and easy, thanks to Metric Halo's extensive documentation and support. Users can find all the information and guidance they need to use ChannelStrip effectively and creatively. Some of the resources that Metric Halo provides are:
ChannelStrip is a plugin that has a lot to offer for users who want to learn more about audio processing and improve their skills and knowledge. ChannelStrip is a plugin that can help users achieve their audio goals and express their creativity.