At the NAMM Show 2025, we were invited along for a sneak preview of some new plug-ins being developed by MQA Labs. The processors, which have just been officially announced, aim to provide music creators with unprecedented control over the critical details in their recordings by introducing previously unavailable methods for managing impulse response, noise-shaping and dither.
The first of the new plug-ins, Inspira, is aimed at the recording and mixing stages, and has been designed to mitigate unwanted time-domain distortions that often occur during analogue-to-digital conversion. It also features a versatile range of noise-shapers and dither options that help to preserve the sound of a recording from the very start of the production process.
Endura, meanwhile, has been built with mastering in mind. It gives engineers full control over temporal smearing, and boasts some advanced analysis capabilities that are capable of generate custom noise-shapers uniquely suited to each track. The plug-in exports in WAV and FLAC formats, allowing users to ensure their masters reach their destinations with the highest fidelity.
The plug-ins have already been met with approval by industry veterans. Multi Grammy-winner David Glasser, the owner and Chief Engineer of Airshow Mastering, says of Endura: “It’s like a fine-focus control. It delivers a level of clarity in that all-important mid-range that’s simply unattainable by any other means.”
Fellow Grammy-winning producer and engineer Morten Lindberg adds: “It simply sounds better, and that’s all that matters in the creative process. The low end is more precise, the treble is smoother. The temporal alignment enhances clarity, preserving transients without adding harshness.”
“These tools offer engineers a new level of creative freedom, enabling them to dial into the detail of their sound. Whether they want to refine subtle nuances or make significant enhancements, creators can now deliver their music exactly as they envisioned, unlocking possibilities previously out of reach.” - Spencer Chrislu, Director of Content Services, MQA Labs
Compatibility
Inspira and Endura are supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available. Authorisation is taken care of by PACE’s iLok system, with iLok Gen 2 and later USB keys supported.
Pricing & Availability
Inspira and Endura are available now, priced at $249 and $349 respectively. A 15% bundle discount is available when both plug-ins are purchased together.
