The Collective from Focusrite continue to expand their line of AI-driven plug-ins with the release of FAST Limiter. Taking the same approach as the other plug-ins in the range, the FAST Limiter analyses incoming audio, and uses AI to set the plug-in’s parameters and apply processing. Users are then able to adjust their settings to taste.
There are three limiting modes to choose from, Modern, Neutral and Aggressive, each offering a different ‘flavour’ of processing. A dropdown menu allows users to select a genre that best matches their material, or even choose a reference track for the plug-in to analyse. Two viewing modes are available within the GUI, a FAST view, which is designed to let users focus on creativity and only displays essential controls, and a Detailed View which allows more in-depth tuning of all of the plug-in’s parameters.
Some additional controls become available when in Detailed View, including a Bass control which Focusrite say is able to enhance the low end of a mix, helping with ‘weak’ or ‘muddy’ bass sounds, and a Resonances control which uses spectral processing to balance and tame resonances. A Saturation control allows users to increase the tracks perceived loudness without increasing the peak level, and a Transients slider allows adjustment of transients whilst preserving the ‘punch’ of the signal.
FAST limiter is also equipped with detailed output monitoring facilities, with loudness levels displayed clearly on an intuitive graphic visualiser. A Quality Indicator monitors the loudness and dynamics of the source material, informing the user whether their track is within the recommendations for their chosen target levels, or exceeding them.
The plug-in is supported on Windows 10, and macOS X 10.12 and above, and is available in the AU, AAX, VST2 and VST3 formats. FAST Limiter is available now, priced at £5.99 including VAT per month or £89.85 including VAT as a one-time purchase$5.99 excluding tax per month or $89.85 excluding tax as a one-time purchase.
FAST Bundle Discounts
To celebrate the introduction of the FAST Limiter, The Collective are offering Focusrite and Novation customers with registered hardware a discounted package containing all of the FAST plug-ins until 31 August 2022.
During that period, the FAST Bundle will be available at a discounted price of £8.33 including VAT per month or £124.99 inc VAT as a one-time purchase / €8.33 excluding VAT per month or €124.99 excluding VAT as a one-time purchase$8.33 excluding TAX per month or $124.99 excluding tax as a one-time purchase.
Customers who have previously purchased the FAST bundle are able to buy the FAST Limiter for a discounted price of £1.66 including VAT per month or £24.99 including VAT as a one-time purchase / €1.66 excluding VAT per month or €24.99 excluding VAT as a one-time purchase$1.66 excluding TAX per month or $24.99 excluding TAX as a one-time price.
FAST plug-ins are currently only available to customers in the UK, EU, US, Canada, Japan and Australia.
