The BOB APB plug-in is a digital analog hybrid processor. Low frequencies are boosted in the same way as the original BOB module from the 6060 Ultimate Module collection. All original BOB module controls are in the BOB APB plug-in - Bias, Frequency, Squash, Rate, and Bias Modes A and B. A new two stage analog signal path in the BOB APB plug-in further enhances the original bass optimized bias, using three new controls - Gain, Trim/HR (Headroom), and Analog Modes I and II. Metering of the overall gain reduction, Squash gain reduction, input, and output, is shown via two VU style meters on the far left and right of the user interface.
Features
Unique bass optimized bias (BOB) algorithm
Two stage analog gain section
Adjustable analog compression and saturation
VU style metering of input, output, overall gain reduction and Squash gain reduction
Double precision digital processing
Sample accurate automation of analog processing
Formats
AAX Native, AU, VST3
Analog Modes
The configuration of analog circuitry to provide analog boost, dynamic compression, and signal saturation. When Analog Mode I is off, analog boost and dynamic compression are ‘gentle’, and the saturation region is larger. When Analog Mode I is on, analog boost and dynamic compression are ‘stronger’, and the saturation region is smaller. When Analog Mode II is off, low frequency calibration is ‘correct’. When Analog Mode II is on, low frequency calibration is altered to allow more low end saturation.
Metering
The BOB APB plug-in includes two VU meters. The left VU meter shows the overall gain reduction (GR) or the Squash gain reduction (SQR). The right VU meter shows the input or output level. When the BOB APB plug-in is operated in stereo, these meters show the maximum gain reduction and signal level for the left and right channels.
Headroom
If there is too much signal saturation, it is generally caused by the amount of Gain in the first analog stage being fed into the second stage of analog processing. The amount of saturation can be reduced by decreasing the analog Gain, or by increasing the headroom with the Trim / HR (Headroom) control. Increasing the Trim / HR control will reduce the overall saturation, potentially increase the amount of overall bass optimized bias, and give a cleaner sound.
Left VU Meter
The left VU meter shows the overall gain reduction (GR) or the Squash gain reduction (SQR).
Bias
Amount of low frequency boost, in a shape determined by the Bias Mode (A or B).
Analog Modes
The configuration of analog circuitry to provide analog boost, dynamic compression, and signal saturation.
Bias Modes
Mode A is a broad low frequency emphasis with a peak at the selected Bias Frequency. Mode B is a more targeted low frequency emphasis with a peak at the selected Bias Frequency.
Trim / HR (Headroom)
Amount of digital trim (-20 to 0 dB), or analog headroom (0 to + 20dB).
Right VU Meter
The right VU meter shows the input or output level.
Squash
Amount of compression at approximately the selected frequency, in a shape determined by the Bias Mode (A or B).
Freq (Bias Frequency)
Selected low frequency receiving the Bias control boost, in a shape determined by the Bias Mode (A or B). Note frequencies below the targeted frequency will be filtered out, so that the bass optimized bias is only applied to the target frequency and higher frequencies.
Rate
Adjust the Squash compression's response time with the Rate control. Turn left for quicker attack and release, and right for a slower setting. The range of this control spans from 20 to 2000 msec, providing flexibility in shaping the dynamics of your audio.
An important aspect of any APB plug-in is that the plug-in is primarily a controller. The APB plug-in takes the input audio signal, combines it with a control signal, and sends both along a Thunderbolt connection to an APB unit for processing. The control signal sets up the analog components to do the selected algorithm with all the parameter values, and the audio signal is converted to the analog domain. The analog version of the audio signal is processed in the analog domain, and then converted back to the digital domain.
By operating the APB hardware from an APB plug-in in this way, all user controllable parameters are recallable and can be saved as presets. Furthermore, because the control signal is married to the input audio signal, parameters can be updating during playback with sample accurate automation.
