Accurate Sound 'Hang Loose Convolver': A Standalone, VST3 & AU Plug-in that provides the ability to load Various Convolution Filters allowing Easy Level Matching and Instant Switching between filters for Accurate A/B Listening Comparisons
Accurate Sound 'Hang Loose Convolver': A Standalone, VST3 & AU Plug-in that provides the ability to load Various Convolution Filters allowing Easy Level Matching and Instant Switching between filters for Accurate A/B Listening Comparisons
Accurate Sound 'Hang Loose Convolver': A Standalone, VST3 & AU Plug-in that provides the ability to load Various Convolution Filters allowing Easy Level Matching and Instant Switching between filters for Accurate A/B Listening Comparisons
The Canadian professional calibration service provider and audio software developer Accurate Soundhas released 'Hang Loose Convolver' — A standalone application, VST3 & AU plug-in that provides the ability for users to load in various convolution filters allowing easy level matching and instant switching between these filters for accurate A/B listening comparisons in real-time as well as highly refined listening experiences. Hang Loose Convolver is a specially designed stereo and multi-channel convolver to switch between level-matched “EQ” filters (so-called convolution filters) in real-time with no audible gaps or digital artifacts regardless if the filters are linear phase, minimum phase or mixed phase.
The main purpose of using Hang Loose Convolver is for users to determine a preference for one EQ filter over another while listening to music using loudspeakers or headphones. If you are EQ’ing loudspeakers and headphones, how do you know if the EQ sounds better or worse than sounds without EQ? How do you know if filter A sounds better or worse than filter B? Hang Loose Convolver allows users to compare filters in a scientific way without having to mess with the mechanics of level matching filters and seamless filter switching. It is easy to operate on the widest range of audio sources which allows users to “hang loose” and focus on which filter you prefer.
▲ Hang Loose Convolver with Dolby Reference Player
An Overview of Hang Loose Convolver: Level-matched filters
Hang Loose Convolver’s filter banks and bypass mode can be level-matched using individual gain sliders of each filter bank and pink noise for use with a sound level meter or Hang Loose Convolver’s built-in metering. Regarding scientific point of views, if one level is higher than the other, almost always the higher level “wins” as “better” sounding. This is due to our ears’ nonlinear frequency response often referred to the Fletcher Munson Equal Loudness Contour Curves. Therefore, human ears interpret louder sound to have a fuller bass and more clarity on the top end. Conversely, we perceive quieter sounds to be thinner and duller. Even an increase of 1 dB SPL can create the illusion of a “better” sound. This is why filter level matching is critical in determining one’s filter preference.
▲ Example: Hang Loose Convolver is set to wire up with a stereo input and 6 channels of output (5.1 Surround).
An Overview of Hang Loose Convolver: Fast and seamless filter switching
Fast and seamless switching of filters satisfies human brains processing of short-term audio memory called 'echoic memory'. Our brain has a rather brief echoic or short-term audio memory that lasts up to 10 seconds. If you go beyond that time frame then you are less likely to hear differences in similar sounds. This is why the requirement for fast and seamless switching between filters so one can focus on the full echoic memory during the first 10 seconds of a filter switch to determine a preference. Hang Loose Convolver’s instant switching capabilities allow users to pay particular attention to tonal and timing changes, giving filter designs an opportunity to accurately impact perceived sound.
▲ Hang Loose Convolver Input & Output Configuration
An Overview of Hang Loose Convolver: AutoGain and Master Trim
The AutoGain feature of Hang Loose Convolver normalizes the gain of any FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter to 1.0 and automatically applies this setting to the filter’s gain slider as a starting point for level matching filters. AutoGain is good enough to hear the difference between filters without any further gain trimming. The Master Trim controls level-match the gain of a filter with a bypass level. Using the Output Level meters, users can ensure no clipping is occurring in the convolver. If clipping is detected, intelligent adjustments can be made.
Features
Seamless real-time switching between filters whether minimum phase or linear phase
AutoGain level matching with manual gain adjustment
Supports stereo 32-bit float wav FIR filters individually or bundled in a zip file
Automatic filter switching based on host sample rate
6 filter banks x number of presets = dozens of FIR filters at one’s fingertips
System-wide and app specific convolution capabilities
Supports streaming using different I/O audio devices without additional software
Zero latency, uniform partition convolution engine
Standalone application mode and VST3/AU plug-in mode
*Hang Loose Convolver supports the industry standard convolver "config" file format for both stereo and multi-channel operation. Most features of the format have been implemented, including:
Input and output delays with 0.1ms resolution
Input and output channel weights
Summing input channels to a single output path — typically used for cross-talk cancellation filters
Both absolute and relative file paths to the filters are supported
Supports mono and stereo .wav files 32 bit single precision floating point format
If the host sample rate changes, Hang Loose Convolver will look for a matching .cfg filter to load automatically
System Requirements
Windows 10 and 11, 64 bit
MacOS 10.13 or later, 64 bit. Runs on both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Mac computers
Hang Loose Convolver uses a zero latency, uniform partition convolution engine that is highly efficient. An Intel i3 with 2GHz processor can easily perform convolution.
As one increases the number of convolution channels, higher sample rates, and longer filter lengths, the processor has more work to do. With 6 filter banks loaded, each with 6 channel filters at 48 kHz and 131,072 taps filter length on an 11-year-old i5 - 2500 CPU @ 3.3 GHz with 8 GB of RAM, results in 10% CPU utilization.
Price
$129 USD (Perpetual License)
*This price covers a perpetual license with 6 activations. This means that the convolver can be installed as a plug-in and a standalone application on Windows and Mac in any combination.
**A Free 14-Day Trial version with selected headphone filters is available: here
Accurate Sound is the Canada-based professional calibration service provider and audio software developer. We help deliver studio quality sound worldwide, headphone by headphone, room by room for any setting. Mitch Barnett, the founder of Accurate Sound, worked as a professional recording and mixing engineer for 10 years and a professional software engineer/architect over 25 years. He has been EQ’ing loudspeakers in rooms for 35 years and working for DSP calibrations for 2 years.
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