Impact transient shaper plugin interface by Surreal Machines

Surreal Machines·Transient ShapersFree trial

Impact: Multiband Transient Shaper Plugin by Surreal Machines Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (227 ratings)

Impact is a transient shaper plugin from Surreal Machines that reshapes the dynamics of drums, loops and other material. It processes one, two or three frequency bands independently, with analogue-modelled saturation and a clipper, limiter and maximizer in the output stage.

VST3VST2AUWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Impact is an effects plugin built around transient shaping, the process of changing how the attack and body of a sound feel over time. Surreal Machines positions it as a tool for detailed, precise work on drums, loops and similar material. Because each band can be treated separately, a producer can emphasize the attack of one part of a sample while softening the attack of another, all within a single plugin.

Best for

Drum transient shaping
Loop dynamics processing
Kick and hi-hat balancing
Adding saturation to drums
Punching up sample packs

Developer: Surreal Machines
Category: Transient Shapers
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Switchable one, two or three band transient processing
Independent Attack and Sustain controls for each frequency band
Four switchable analogue-modelled saturation styles
Dynamic processing chain feeding into the output stage
Clipper, limiter and maximizer designed for transient material
Available as VST3, VST2 and AU plugin formats
Runs on Windows and macOS, 64-bit

03In depth

Multiband transient control for drums and loops

Impact can work as a single-band, two-band or three-band processor. Each frequency band has its own Attack and Sustain controls, so the transients of different parts of a sound can be adjusted independently.

The developer gives a direct example: bringing out the attack of airy hi-hats while dulling the attack of a low-rumbling kick, both within the same sample. Splitting the work by frequency band makes it possible to shape the top and bottom of a loop without one affecting the other.

Saturation and output stage

Impact includes four switchable styles of analogue-modelled saturation as part of its dynamic processing chain. This lets you add character to a sound while shaping its transients.

The final section includes a clipper, a limiter and a maximizer. Surreal Machines says these are designed specifically to work with transient material, so the output stage is matched to the same kind of sound the rest of the plugin shapes.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Surreal Machines
Type	Plugin
Category	Transient Shaper
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Impact used for?

Impact is used to reshape the dynamics of drums, loops and similar material. Its attack and sustain controls can be applied per frequency band to adjust how transients feel.

Which formats does Impact support?

Impact is available in VST3, VST2 and AU formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What do I need to use Impact?

Impact needs a VST 2.4, VST 3 or Audio Unit host. On Mac it requires macOS 10.11 El Capitan or higher, and on Windows it supports Windows 8 through Windows 11. A minimum Intel i5 CPU and 4GB of RAM are listed, with more RAM recommended.