- Publisher: TOMO Audiolabs
- Product: LISA
- Release: TeamCubeadooby | HCiSO
- Version: 1.2.1 | 1.2.1
- Format: VST2/VST3/AAX/AU
- Requirements: Windows 10 or higher, macOS 12.0 or higher
Prepare to reshape your understanding of equalization and dynamics. The TOMO Audiolabs LISA plugin, an exacting Brainworx emulation of the groundbreaking hardware, isn’t just another EQ or multi-band compressor. It’s a unique sonic sculpting tool featuring six independent bands of smooth, mastering-grade opto-compression and expansion per channel, offering an entirely new way to transparently manage dynamics across the frequency spectrum.
Forget static EQ curves or complex multi-band setups. LISA integrates the soulful, program-dependent response of optical compression directly into each of its six EQ bands. This allows your equalization decisions to breathe and react organically with the music, providing dynamic control that is inherently musical and remarkably transparent.
A New Paradigm: Per-Band Optical Dynamics
At the heart of LISA lies its innovative architecture: each of the six flexible EQ bands per channel houses its own dedicated, modern opto-compressor cell. This isn’t multi-band compression as you know it; it’s true dynamic equalization driven by smooth optical circuits.
- Musical Opto Response: Experience the naturally smooth, program-dependent compression/expansion character that optical circuits are renowned for. LISA typically operates around a gentle 3:1 ratio but offers a switchable 10:1 setting for more assertive control, both featuring a soft knee for artifact-free processing.
- Intuitive Attack/Release: Select between slow, medium, or fast attack and release times per band to perfectly tailor the dynamic response to the source material, from subtle leveling to more creative shaping.
- Dynamic EQ in Action: Instead of a fixed cut or boost, the amount of equalization applied by LISA dynamically adjusts based on the signal level within that band. Louder signals trigger more compression (or expansion), while quieter signals remain relatively untouched, leading to incredibly transparent results.
Familiar Feel, Unprecedented Power
While the concept is revolutionary, the workflow feels instantly intuitive. LISA’s layout echoes classic high-end parametric EQs from Sontec and Massenburg, inviting an ears-first approach. You dial in frequencies and gain changes as you would with a traditional EQ, but the result is dynamically alive.
- Proportional Bandwidth Precision: LISA employs proportional Q bandwidths. This means deeper cuts automatically become narrower and more surgical, perfect for pinpointing problem frequencies, while larger boosts tighten up, becoming more focused and note-like – ideal for musically enhancing specific elements without broad collateral effects.
The Transparency Secret: Parallel Processing
Unlike conventional EQs that process audio in series (where distortion and phase shift accumulate through each band), LISA utilizes a unique parallel circuit design. Similar to channels on a high-end mixing console, each band processes audio independently before being summed.
This parallel approach is key to LISA’s remarkable transparency. It allows for significantly larger EQ adjustments and more assertive dynamic control without the harshness, phase smear, or artifact build-up common in series designs. You can musically apply extreme settings that would simply be impossible with traditional EQs, opening up new creative possibilities while maintaining sonic integrity.
Mastering Muscle, Track-Sculpting Finesse
Originally conceived for demanding mastering applications, LISA excels on the master bus:
- Low-End Control: Effortlessly control booming kick drums or unruly bass guitar without sacrificing low-frequency extension. Enhance low-end weight and impact without adding mud.
- High-End Taming: Smooth out harsh cymbals or vocal sibilance transparently, reducing sharpness without losing essential brightness or air.
- Mix Element Targeting: Utilize Mid-Side (M/S) mode to precisely target and dynamically adjust specific elements within the stereo field, like centering a vocal or controlling wide synth pads.
LISA is also a powerhouse on individual tracks. Use the included separate mono version to elegantly reshape bass guitar, add punch to drums, or apply dynamic vocal equalization with unmatched smoothness.
Brainworx Innovation: TMT, TX Drive, and More
Brainworx enhances LISA’s unique analog concept with powerful digital-only features:
- TMT (Tolerance Modeling Technology): Bring true analog console realism to your mixes. TMT models the inherent component tolerances found in analog hardware, creating subtle channel-to-channel variations (US Patent No. 10,725,727) that add depth, width, and realism.
- NEW TX Drive: A Brainworx first! This innovative control allows you to dial in the saturation characteristics of the transformer model independently. Add subtle warmth or drive the virtual transformers harder for more color, separate from overall headroom adjustments.
- Essential Workflow Tools: Benefit from Brainworx staples like the Mono Maker for focusing low-end energy, Stereo Width control, Headroom adjustment, Auto Listen for precise frequency targeting, Artist Presets for inspiration, and a Scalable User Interface.
Flexible Band Configuration:
- Six Bands Per Channel: Two fully parametric mid bands, parametric low and high bands (switchable to shelving modes), and two dedicated boost bands offer comprehensive frequency coverage.
- Broad Overlap: Generous frequency overlap between bands ensures you can always target the exact frequencies you need.
- Filters: Dedicated high-pass and low-pass filters provide essential cleanup.
Key Features:
- Precise emulation of the unique TOMO Audiolabs LISA analog dynamic EQ hardware.
- 6 bands per channel, each with an independent opto-compressor/expander.
- Switchable compression/expansion modes per band.
- Smooth, program-dependent opto dynamics (approx. 3:1 or 10:1 ratios).
- Parallel circuit design for enhanced transparency and musicality, even with extreme settings.
- Proportional Q bandwidths for intuitive, surgical control.
- 6 EQ bands: Parametric Low/High (w/ Shelf), 2 Parametric Mids, 2 Boost bands, plus HPF/LPF.
- Brainworx Exclusive Features:
- TMT (Tolerance Modeling Technology) for analog channel variations.
- NEW TX Drive for independent transformer saturation control.
- Mono Maker, Stereo Width, Headroom, Auto Listen controls.
- Includes a separate mono version for individual tracks.
- Scalable User Interface & Artist Presets.
Specifications:
- Supported Plugin Formats: AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST2, VST3
- Supported Operating Systems:
- macOS 12 through macOS 15 (check Brainworx/Plugin Alliance for latest compatibility)
- Windows 10 through Windows 11 (check Brainworx/Plugin Alliance for latest compatibility)
- Mac Compatibility: Intel or Apple Silicon processors
- PC Compatibility: x64-compatible CPU
- System Requirements:
- Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher
- Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum
Rethink Your Approach to EQ and Dynamics
The TOMO Audiolabs LISA plugin offers a truly innovative solution for engineers seeking the ultimate fusion of tonal shaping and dynamic control. Its unique per-band opto design, combined with parallel processing and Brainworx enhancements like TMT and TX Drive, delivers unparalleled transparency, musicality, and precision.
Step beyond conventional processing. Discover the power and elegance of LISA – download and add this groundbreaking tool to your arsenal today.
x64: AAX, VST3, VST2 | x86: JBridgePlugins will show under “Plugin Alliance”
Just install – Rock on and enjoy!
-TCD²
P.S. For all that always ask about compatibility
with other teams’ releases: Yes. Will it
affect their plugins? No.