Laser 2 by Sweetsonics sidechain envelope shaper plugin interface

Laser 2: Transient Sidechain Envelope Shaper by Sweetsonics Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (282 ratings)

Laser 2 is a sidechain envelope shaper plugin from Sweetsonics that uses real-time waveform analysis to create reduction envelopes that follow the shape of incoming transients. It is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Laser 2 is a rebuilt version of Sweetsonics' sidechaining plugin, aimed at producers and mixing engineers who want precise, transparent ducking. Rather than working only in the frequency domain, it shows the incoming sidechain waveform so you can see how the reduction envelope relates to the transient. The developer also adds a spectral analyzer that displays clashing frequencies in real time, so you can judge both timing and frequency overlap in one place.

Best for

Kick and bass ducking
Transient-accurate sidechaining
Mix headroom management
Creative envelope shaping
Frequency clash reduction

Developer: Sweetsonics
Category: Envelope Shapers
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Real-time waveform analysis of the sidechain signal
Reduction envelopes that follow transient shape
Time-domain sidechaining with Negative Offset
Ultra-fast envelope shapes for fast transients
Spectral analyzer showing clashing frequencies in real time
One to three dynamic reduction bands
Per-band Mid, Side and Stereo processing modes
Sidechain filters for preprocessing the trigger signal
Oversampling and a preset manager
Resizable vector user interface

03In depth

Precise Sidechain Control and Headroom

Laser 2 uses time-domain processing, so reduction can start before a transient arrives through its Negative Offset control. Sweetsonics says this preserves punch while saving headroom. Ultra-fast envelope shapes are included for handling very fast transients.

The plugin can run from one to three reduction bands, each with its own Mid, Side or Stereo processing mode and per-band control, including minus infinity reduction for full signal removal. Sidechain filters let you preprocess the trigger signal for more accurate ducking. The developer states the plugin can improve mix headroom by up to 1 dB or more.

Workflow, Routing and Interface

Laser 2 can be used as a sidechain plugin or on the main track for creative envelope shaping. A preset manager stores and recalls your settings, and oversampling is available for higher audio quality in demanding projects.

The interface is a resizable vector UI, and the analyzer section provides real-time visualization of the signal. Laser 2 is 64-bit and requires an internet connection for authorization, but no physical iLok dongle.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Sweetsonics
Type	Plugin
Category	Envelope Shaper
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does Laser 2 support?

Laser 2 is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows 7 and later (64-bit, VST3 and AAX) and on macOS 10.15 Catalina or later (64-bit, VST3, AU and AAX), with Intel and Apple Silicon Macs supported.