I. Introduction
In the world of audio production, phase alignment plays a critical role in delivering clear, polished mixes. It’s one of the basic building blocks of a solid mix. Sound Radix, a well-established company in the audio software industry, has developed the Auto Align 2 plugin, which aims to simplify and improve the phase alignment process. I have been an avid user of V1 since its inception so I was very interested to try out version 2.
II. Features and Benefits of Auto Align 2
A. Automatic phase alignment
Auto Align 2 saves time and increases accuracy compared to manual phase alignment methods. By automatically detecting and correcting phase issues, it allows engineers and producers to focus on the creative aspects of their work.
B. Synchronization and delay compensation
The plugin reduces comb filtering and phase cancellation by synchronizing and compensating for delays between multiple microphone recordings. This results in improved clarity and cohesiveness, particularly when working with multi-mic setups.
C. Advanced algorithms
Auto Align 2 uses advanced algorithms to automatically detect the best alignment points for various audio sources, ensuring optimal phase relationships.
D. User-friendly interface
The interface is simple and intuitive, with visual feedback that helps users understand the alignment process and fine-tune their settings for the best possible results.
III. Comparing Auto Align 2 with Other Phase Alignment Tools
A. Auto Align 2 vs. manual alignment
Manual phase alignment involves zooming in on waveforms and adjusting tracks by nudging them back and forth, often relying on visual cues and trial and error. This process can be tedious and time-consuming, especially when working with numerous tracks. Auto Align 2 streamlines this process by automating the alignment, saving time, and improving the consistency of the results. The plugin’s algorithms analyze the audio and automatically adjust phase relationships, making the process less reliant on visual cues and human intuition.
B. Auto Align 2 vs. other software solutions
While there are other phase alignment tools on the market, such as Waves InPhase, Little Labs IBP, and MAutoAlign, Auto Align 2 stands out for several reasons. Its user-friendly interface is designed for both beginners and experienced users, with visual feedback that enhances the user experience. The advanced algorithms employed by Auto Align 2 are capable of detecting the optimal alignment points for a wide range of audio sources, providing greater flexibility and accuracy than some competing tools. Additionally, Auto Align 2 offers automatic delay compensation, ensuring optimal phase coherence between multiple microphones.
C. Auto Align 2 vs. the original Auto Align
1. Improved algorithms: Auto Align 2 utilizes updated algorithms that offer better performance and accuracy compared to the original version. These improvements result in more precise phase alignment and better overall sound quality.
2. Enhanced user interface: The user interface in Auto Align 2 has been redesigned to be more intuitive and visually appealing. This makes the plugin easier to use and helps users better understand the alignment process.
3. Additional features: Auto Align 2 introduces new features such as the ability to align multiple tracks simultaneously, further streamlining the alignment process. This can be particularly useful in large projects with numerous tracks requiring phase alignment.
4. Expanded compatibility: Auto Align 2 has been optimized to work seamlessly with a broader range of DAWs and platforms. This ensures that more users can benefit from the plugin, regardless of their preferred software environment.
5. Updated presets: Auto Align 2 includes updated presets that cater to various recording and mixing scenarios, allowing users to quickly apply the appropriate settings for their specific needs.
Overall, the improvements and additions in Auto Align 2 make it a worthy upgrade for users of the original plugin. Its enhanced algorithms, user interface, and features provide a more efficient and effective solution for phase alignment in today’s complex recording and mixing environments. In my own experience with the plugin the first thing I noticed is how easy it was to setup. Compared to V1 this took a tiny fraction of the time. I literally just had to create an instance of it on each track and press the align button and I had great results in less than a pair of minutes. If you’ve been following me at all you know how much of an advocate I am for anything that saves me time and the time saved with this workflow is huge. Having only worked with this for about an hour before writing this review I do have some slight reservations though. When I heard the results between the aligned version and the un aligned version there was a clear increase in low end and transient punch. There was also a slight decrease in what I would describe as depth and vibe. Mathematically I have no doubt that this plugin is finding the most accurate phase relationships between the different instruments, but maybe not the best relationships. I then realized I had my room mics selected in this, and bypassing auto-align on that mic combination brought the drum mix back to life. This is because the entire purpose of those microphones is to be purposely delayed from the rest of the kit and AA2 brought them in line with the rest of the kit in a way that wasn’t as pleasing. This brings me to my next point
IV. Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Auto Align 2’s Potential
While much more intuitive and easy to implement than AA1, you still have to use your ear and a little common sense. It is important experiment with different settings to find the ideal alignment points for each unique recording situation, in the case of drums I would recommend keeping room mics out of the equation. With the rest of the kit, you’ll have to use your ears and try different combinations. I found aligning 3 kick mics with each other created a totally different sound than what I was originally after, but aligning just 1 with the rest of the kit made a nice improvement on the overall drum sound. So in essence I think the key take away here is two fold:
1. you still have to use your ear in conjunction with good microphone placement habits
2. AutoAlign 2 shines on shell vs overhead alignment, while more “intimate” (multiple mics on one instrument like kick or snare) might require a little extra diligence on your part.
V. Pricing and Availability
At $199 Auto Align 2 may not be the cheapest plugin on the marked but based on its features and time saving workflow I think it’s very reasonably priced, and if you already own V1 the update is currently set at $99 at the time this article was published. For me, this is a no brainer. In addition, they are currently offering a bundle that includes Auto-Align 2, SurferEQ 2, Pi, Drum Leveler and POWAIR for only $599 instead of $945 when purchased separately. I have most of these plugins (you can see my reviews on them at the provided links) and that is a pretty good deal! If you’re willing to wait until Black Friday sometimes you can get a bit of extra savings with sound Radix.
VIII. Conclusion
Sound Radix Auto Align 2 is a game changer for studio engineers and producers, offering efficient and accurate phase alignment in a user-friendly package. While you still have to use the good ole’ fashioned tried and true engineering techniques Its advanced algorithms, compatibility with a wide range of audio sources, and easy-to-use interface make it an essential tool for anyone looking to improve the clarity and cohesiveness of their recordings, and save a shit ton of time in the process.
