TransX is a plug-in for controlling transients and the attack and decay of a sound, which can have a significant effect on a mix. This article explains the main parameters—Range, Sens, Duration and Release—and the Multi version, which allows adjustment by frequency band. These controls can help shape the impact and placement of drums, bass, vocals and other tracks in a mix.
A Plug-in for Shaping Transients in a Mix
TransX is a plug-in that acts on a sound’s attack,
letting you control its onset, sustain and decay .
It comes in two versions: Wide affects the transients of the entire signal, while Multi allows separate settings for each frequency band.
It may look a little complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it can help with sound design and mixing.
TransX Tutorial Video
Buy the product: https://bit.ly/34p7bbS
Increasing or Reducing Attack with Range
Range determines how much the detected attack is emphasized or reduced.
Positive values above zero emphasize it, while negative values reduce it.
Boosting the attack can cause clipping, so use the Trim button to lower the output.
Conversely, raising the output after reducing the attack can bring out sustain and decay.
Setting Attack Detection Sensitivity with Sens
Sens stands for sensitivity and controls how sensitively attacks are detected.
On a track with variations in playing dynamics, you can make the effect respond only to attacks above a certain level,
or vary the strength of the effect according to the level.
Fine-Tuning Transients with Duration and Release
Duration sets how long the detected attack is emphasized or reduced,
measured in milliseconds.
A longer setting gives a stronger effect, but if it is too long, material beyond the attack is also emphasized or reduced,
making the change in the transient less apparent.
Duration is closely related to Sens, so adjust the two in balance.
Release, on the other hand, sets how long it takes
for the sound to return to its original level after the Duration period has elapsed.
Shorter settings tend to sound more pronounced, while longer settings tend to sound more natural.
Adjusting Individual Bands with Multi
Multi lets you adjust transients separately across four frequency bands.
This is useful on bus tracks or stereo mixes containing several sounds,
or when you want to target a specific frequency range.
Range and Sens can be set separately for each band; Duration and Release are adjusted globally.
You can also set the frequency ranges and turn individual bands on or off.
Once you understand the parameters covered above,
you can use the visual display to work intuitively toward the sound you want.
Next time, we will look at practical techniques on a variety of tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between Range and Sens in TransX?
Range sets how much the attack is emphasized or reduced: positive values emphasize it, and negative values reduce it. Sens sets the detection sensitivity, determining which attack levels the plug-in responds to. Combining the two allows more precise transient control.
Q2. How should I use Duration and Release?
Duration sets the length of the effect on the attack in milliseconds; an excessively long setting can sound unnatural. Release sets the time taken to return to the original level afterward. Shorter settings sound more pronounced, while longer ones sound more natural. Balancing the two helps shape the transient.
Q3. When is Multi useful?
Multi is useful on buses or stereo mixes containing several sounds, or when you want to adjust the attack in a specific frequency range. Its four bands have separate Range and Sens settings for more precise shaping.
NEW ARTICLESBrowse new articles
NEW ARTICLES
Latest English Articles
