NoiseWorks Enshape is a thresholdless dynamic shaper for controlling attack and sustain in vocals and instruments. Developed by German audio software company NoiseWorks, the plugin uses two envelope followers to reshape signal dynamics without a conventional compressor threshold.
Dual-Envelope Processing
Enshape uses two independently adjustable envelope followers: Input Envelope and Target Envelope. The first tracks the incoming signal’s amplitude, while the second defines the desired envelope shape. The plugin compares the two and adjusts the signal accordingly.
This approach lets engineers shape attack and sustain across different input levels without setting a traditional compression threshold. Both envelope followers have separate Attack and Release controls, allowing independent adjustment of their response.
Additional controls include a Mix parameter for parallel processing, adjustable envelope limits, Lookahead, and Length. AutoGain provides peak or average level compensation to help maintain consistent output levels.
Applications and Compatibility
Although Enshape is designed in part for vocal processing, it can also be used with other sources. Engineers can shape drum transients, adjust bass attack, control guitar pick dynamics, and modify piano sustain.
NoiseWorks Enshape is available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats for 64-bit macOS and Windows systems. It supports Intel and Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 12 or later, as well as Windows 10 version 1909 or later.
Pricing and Availability
Enshape is sold as a perpetual license with two simultaneous activations. The regular retail price is $49, and a 14-day trial is available. Regional pricing and promotional discounts may vary by retailer.
For mixing engineers working with inconsistent vocal dynamics or transient-heavy instruments, Enshape offers an alternative to conventional threshold-based compression. Its dual-envelope design provides a way to shape attack and sustain across varying input levels.
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