Articulate by Newfangled Audio envelope shaper plugin interface

Articulate: Envelope Shaper and Transient Shaper Plugin by Newfangled Audio

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (89 ratings)

Articulate is a dynamics plugin from Newfangled Audio that separates audio into Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release bands for transient and envelope shaping. It runs as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Articulate is an effects plugin from Newfangled Audio in the transient shaper subcategory. Rather than working as a conventional compressor, it divides your audio into four envelope stages, so you can raise or lower each part of a sound with a fader, much as you would adjust an EQ band. The developer describes it as a way to add punch, body and air to tracks. Articulate can also detect its envelope from the original audio or from an external sidechain signal, which helps with ducking one element under another in a dense mix.

Best for

Drum transient shaping
Adding punch to percussion
Vocal and instrument presence
Sustain control on instruments
Sidechain ducking in mixes
Mix clash resolution

Developer: Newfangled Audio
Category: Transient Shapers
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Four-band envelope shaping across Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release
Independent level control for each envelope stage
Sidechain detection for ducking and mix clash resolution
Precise separation control between envelope stages
Solo and mute per envelope stage for auditioning changes
Built-in peak limiter to prevent unwanted clipping
Smooth and Focused envelope response settings
50 presets with a full-featured Preset Librarian

03In depth

Shaping Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release

Articulate splits the signal into four bands: Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release. Each band has its own level control, so you can dial in more snap on a drum hit, more body on a sustained instrument, or more air in the tail without changing the rest of the sound.

Each envelope stage can be soloed or muted, which makes it easier to hear exactly what a change is doing before you commit to it. The separation control sets how distinctly the stages are isolated from one another.

The Smooth and Focused response settings let you choose between natural, transparent shaping and more precise, aggressive transient control.

Sidechain Detection and Peak Protection

Envelope detection can follow the original audio or an external sidechain input. Sidechain use is useful for making space in a crowded mix by ducking one element when another plays.

The built-in peak limiter comes from the team behind Elevate Mastering Limiter and is designed to stop unwanted clipping after shaping. The interface can be customized with three color palettes, and 50 presets are included with a Preset Librarian for browsing and saving your own.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Newfangled Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Transient Shaper
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Articulate used for?

Articulate is used to shape the dynamics of a sound by adjusting its attack, decay, sustain and release stages. It works well on percussion for adding punch and on instruments where you want more presence or controlled sustain.

Which formats and operating systems does Articulate support?

Articulate is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows 10 and later (64-bit) and on macOS 10.14 and later (64-bit). AU is listed for macOS only and AAX is listed for both platforms.

Can Articulate use an external sidechain signal?

Yes. Articulate can shape its envelope based on the original audio or on an external sidechain signal, which is useful for ducking one element under another.