SA-2 Dialog Processor HD v7 by McDSP vocal processing plugin interface

SA-2 Dialog Processor HD v7: Dialog and Vocal Processor by McDSP Free Download

SA-2 Dialog Processor HD v7 is a vocal processing plugin from McDSP built around five bands of active equalization. It is designed to improve recorded speech and also works on vocals and other tracks.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

The SA-2 Dialog Processor HD v7 is an effects plugin in McDSP's vocal processing category. McDSP describes it as based on hardware conceived by Academy Award-winning re-recording mixer Mike Minkler. The plugin uses five bands of active equalization, each with its own threshold and enable button, plus mode selectors that control the ballistics and the placement of the bands across the frequency spectrum. Input and output gain controls handle overall level. Mono and stereo versions are available.

Best for

Dialogue cleanup
Vocal processing
De-essing vocals
Timbre adjustment
Film and video dialogue
Multi-frequency compression

Developer: McDSP
Category: Vocal Processing
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Five independent bands of active equalization with per-band threshold
Enable buttons to audition each band individually
Two mode selectors for ballistics and band placement
Multiple process modes for a variety of applications
Unique signal reduction metering
New Frequency Shift and Range and Monitor controls
Zero latency algorithms with double precision processing
Mono and stereo versions available

03In depth

Five-Band Active Equalization for Speech and Vocals

The core of the SA-2 is five bands of active equalization. Each band has a threshold control that sets the signal level at which the equalizer starts to act, so the processing responds to the material rather than running constantly. Enable buttons let you audition each band on its own to hear exactly what it is doing.

Two mode selectors shape the process. One sets the ballistics of the active equalization, and the other places the five bands at preset locations in the frequency spectrum. Together they cover a range of common dialogue problems, and the plugin also includes a Frequency Shift control and a new Range and Monitor control.

McDSP says the SA-2 is useful beyond dialogue for adjusting the timbre of any track, and that it can serve as a de-esser and a multi-frequency compressor.

Workflow, Metering and Compatibility

The SA-2 offers multiple process modes for different applications, and its signal reduction metering shows how much the processing is working. Zero latency algorithms and double precision processing are part of the design.

Formats include VST3, VST2, AU and AAX. The plugin runs on Windows and macOS in 64-bit. McDSP lists Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Nuendo, Ableton Live, LUNA, Reaper, Sonar, Studio One and other DAWs that support AAX, AU or VST3. Each v7 plugin includes two activations per authorization.

A trial is available.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	McDSP
Type	Plugin
Category	Vocal Processing
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the SA-2 Dialog Processor HD v7 used for?

It is used to improve recorded speech and vocals. McDSP also describes it as useful for adjusting the timbre of any track, de-essing and multi-frequency compression.

Which formats and operating systems does it support?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS, in 64-bit. McDSP lists Windows 7, 8 and 10 and macOS 10.13 or higher as system requirements.

What do I need to activate it?

McDSP plugins require an iLok2 or iLok3 USB Smart Key, or a free iLok License Manager account with an iLok Cloud session. Each v7 plugin includes two activations per authorization.