AI-Compressor: Intelligent Dynamics Processor for Precise Compression

Overview of AI-Compressor

AI-Compressor is an advanced dynamics processor designed to simplify and enhance the compression process in audio production. Unlike traditional compressors that require setting multiple parameters such as threshold, ratio, attack, and release, AI-Compressor allows users to directly control the amount of gain reduction. This approach makes it faster and easier to achieve louder mixes while preserving the natural tonal balance and transients of the audio.

Key Features and Functionality

The plug-in uses a unique time-domain compression algorithm that captures and compresses the entire transient without distortion or artifacts. This ensures that the dynamic range is reduced precisely and predictably, without reshaping the transients. Moreover, AI-Compressor includes a Perceptual Filter that adjusts compression strength across frequencies, increasing it for higher frequencies without damaging transients. This results in a consistent loudness that aligns with human hearing perception.

Additionally, AI-Compressor does not add harmonics or coloration to the sound, maintaining the authentic tone of the audio. It avoids aliasing without requiring CPU-intensive oversampling, making it efficient for various production environments.

Controls and User Interface

The plug-in features several intuitive controls:

Learn Processor: Captures and analyzes 4 seconds of audio to adapt the algorithm intelligently to the input sound.
Gain Reduction: Sets the exact amount of dynamic range reduction, boosting quieter parts while keeping peaks unchanged.
Mix: Allows blending of compressed and original signals for parallel compression effects.
Diff Button: Enables listening to the compressed parts only, aiding precise adjustment.
Output Control: Transparent gain control applied after compression.
Perceptual Filter Toggle: Enables or disables perceptual weighting of compression across frequencies.

Additional Features

Input-output level meters for visual monitoring.
Internal on/off switch to avoid clicks or artifacts when toggling the effect.
Scalable user interface from 50% to 150% for optimal workflow on various displays.
Undo/redo functions to facilitate experimentation without permanent changes.
Tooltips providing descriptions of UI elements for easier navigation.
Copy/paste state options for transferring settings between instances, with caution advised due to track-specific adaptation.

Technical Details and Compatibility

AI-Compressor introduces 75 ms latency due to its advanced lookahead algorithm. It applies the same gain reduction to both stereo channels but relaxes gain reduction individually to follow waveforms closely. The plug-in is compatible with Windows 7 and up (64-bit VST and VST3, 64-bit AAX for Pro Tools 11 and up) and macOS 10.15 Catalina and higher (VST, VST3, AU, and AAX), supporting both Intel and Apple Silicon processors.

For a demonstration, see the official video below: