Krystal Dynamics is giving away four dynamics plugins for free: “KrystalField”, “KrystalClip”, “KrystalComp” and “KrystalPeak”!
This article introduces the distribution details and an overview of all four free plugins.
1. What are Krystal Dynamics “KrystalField / KrystalClip / KrystalComp / KrystalPeak”?
KrystalField
KrystalField is a mastering-grade dynamic processor featuring a dual engine that performs downward and upward compression simultaneously. Beyond the usual “crushing” direction of a typical compressor, it can also lift the parts that need it at the same time, making it ideal for precisely shaping the density and perceived cohesion of a whole mix. It is well suited to mastering as well as the final polishing of mix buses and individual buses.
It also comes with features that make it easy to dial in the exact behavior you want during the finishing stage, such as detection modes (RMS/Peak/LOUD), look-ahead, a Mix knob for parallel processing, and a low-frequency bias for the side-chain. With gain-reduction and short-term LUFS metering plus a real-time waveform display, it is easy to judge not only by ear but also visually.
Main features
- Dual dynamic processor performing downward and upward compression simultaneously
- Target-based threshold control
- Integrated attack/release settings
- Independent ratio and knee adjustment
- RMS, Peak and LOUD detection modes
- Automatic make-up gain
- Mix control for parallel processing
- Up to 20ms look-ahead
- Low-frequency bias for the side-chain
- Hard/soft clipping modes
- Gain-reduction and short-term LUFS metering
- Real-time waveform display
KrystalClip
KrystalClip is a clipping processor equipped with three saturation (harmonic-adding) algorithms. It excels at controlling peaks to shape perceived loudness, handling everything from transparent loudness adjustment to creative distortion that intentionally adds character. It is the kind of tool that fits a wide range of stages, including individual mix tracks, bus processing and the final stage of mastering.
With a Threshold to set where clipping begins, a Slope to adjust the curve shape, a Mix knob for parallel use and up to 4x oversampling, it is designed to round off peaks exactly as intended while suppressing quality degradation and jagged artifacts. The input/output meters and waveform display also make it practical to see how much you are shaving and where.
Main features
- Three clipping modes with different harmonic characteristics
- Threshold to adjust the clipping point
- Slope control to shape the curve
- Input/output gain adjustment
- Mix control for parallel processing
- Up to 4x oversampling
- Bypass for A/B comparison
- Real-time waveform display
- Comprehensive input and output metering
KrystalComp
KrystalComp is a precise digital compressor designed for everything from mixing to mastering. Built around standard controls such as Threshold/Ratio/Attack/Release, it lets you tailor the compression behavior to the source with a variable knee and switchable RMS/Peak detection. It is also well suited to so-called “surgical” dynamics processing where you want to address exactly the parts that need it.
It also supports internal/external side-chain input and includes an EQ with LP/HP/bell filters for the side-chain signal. This makes it easy to control the compressor response by frequency band, which is handy when you want to avoid unwanted pumping on vocals or buses. It also features a monitoring function to audition the side-chain signal, plus input/output and gain-reduction metering.
Main features
- Basic compression settings: Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release
- Variable knee to adjust the compression curve
- RMS and Peak detection modes
- Input and make-up gain adjustment
- Mix control for parallel processing
- Internal/external side-chain input
- Side-chain EQ with LP, HP and bell filters
- Side-chain signal monitoring function
- Comprehensive input, output and gain-reduction metering
KrystalPeak
KrystalPeak is a transparency-focused digital limiter plugin designed to tame peaks and maximize loudness. It can precisely shape transients while preserving clarity, impact and mix cohesion, and offers serious features such as Mid/Side processing, up to 8x oversampling, optional saturation and Delta (processed-difference) monitoring, all while being completely free for both personal and commercial use.
Main features
- Attack control to shape peaks
- Release control with an auto-adaptive mode
- Left/Right and Mid/Side stereo link modes
- Input and output gain controls
- Optional saturation control to add warm saturation to the output
- Up to 8x oversampling
- Delta mode to hear only the signal removed by the limiter
- Three metering paths for input, output and gain reduction
- Real-time waveform display with short-term LUFS metering
2. How to install KrystalField / KrystalClip / KrystalComp / KrystalPeak
From the Download section of each product page, you can easily download and install the format that matches your OS.
That wraps up the free distribution details for Krystal Dynamics.