Baby Audio has released Smooth Operator Pro, an improved version of its popular spectral equalization plugin. Four years in the making, it not only delivers better sound quality, but also a host of new features.
Smooth Operator Pro, like the original, offers a simple workflow: you set a target curve and adjust the global Threshold. The plugin analyzes and balances the spectrum of the incoming signal, eliminating “fatigue” energy and improving audio intelligibility. Unlike traditional EQs and compressors, it works at the spectral level, effectively managing harmonics with minimal side effects.
While the plugin remains easy to use, it also offers advanced settings. Users can add nodes on the frequency spectrum and change the processing parameters individually for each of them – this is especially useful for solving specific problems, such as suppressing harsh cymbals or softly compressing vocals. Local settings override global parameters.
What’s new in Smooth Operator Pro?
The new plugin was developed based on user feedback. The final version includes the following features:
- Improved sound quality and overall performance.
- Full control over dynamics and spatial processing.
- Freely add and remove spectrum nodes.
- Individual dynamics processing profiles for each node.
- Two cutting-edge correction algorithms: Even and Skew.
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184 factory presets from leading engineers, including: Craig Bauer, Max Jaeger (worked with Ariana Grande, Drake, Diplo), Preston Reid (Usher, Muni Long), Ryan “Skinny” Shanahan (Zedd, Lady Gaga).
The plugin is supported on Windows 10 and above, as well as macOS 10.11 and above. VST, VST3, AU and AAX formats are available. Smooth Operator Pro is available for a starting price of $79 (down from the full price of $129). Owners of the previous version can upgrade for just $29.
