Smear spectral multi-effect plugin interface by Lese

Smear: Spectral Multi-Effect Plugin by Lese

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (28 ratings)

Smear is a spectral multi-effect plugin by Lese for VST3, AU and AAX. It processes audio in the frequency domain, letting you apply effects to selected parts of the spectrum using Factor Band controls.

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01Overview

Smear is a multi-effect plugin from Lese that works on the spectrum of a sound rather than the signal as a whole. Its effect slots offer a spectral mixing system, and Factor Band controls let you decide which frequency areas each effect acts on. Some processors can also switch to Factor Band control of other frequency-specific parameters, such as delay time across the spectrum. A modulation system with up to four modulators completes the toolset.

Best for

Spectral sound design
Frequency-targeted effects
Evolving rhythmic textures
Creative sound transformation
Modulated spectral movement

Developer: Lese
Category: Multi-Effects
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Spectral mixing in each effect slot using Factor Band controls
Factor Band control of frequency-specific parameters in some effects
Up to four modulators for movement and automation
Modulators optionally synced to the DAW's BPM
Modulators retriggered by the DAW's playback state
Frequency-domain processing via spectral analysis

03In depth

Spectral Processing and Factor Bands

Traditional effects act on the full signal at once. Smear instead converts audio into the frequency domain, which exposes which frequencies are present and how loud they are at a given moment. Its Factor Band system then divides that spectrum into areas you can target separately.

In each effect slot, the Factor Band controls determine which parts of the spectrum an effect is applied to. This lets you process one band differently from the rest, so each region of the sound can receive its own treatment.

Modulation and Tempo Sync

Smear includes a modulation system similar to the one in Glow, which the developer describes as improved. Up to four modulators are available, and each can optionally sync to the DAW's BPM.

Modulators can also be retriggered by the DAW's playback state, so movement can restart with transport changes. This suits rhythmic, evolving textures and sound design that needs motion tied to the project tempo.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Lese
Type	Plugin
Category	Multi Effect
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Smear?

Smear is a spectral multi-effect plugin by Lese. It processes audio in the frequency domain and lets you apply effects to selected parts of the spectrum.

What formats and operating systems does Smear support?

Smear is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, and the developer lists support for Intel and ARM Macs. The plugin requires OpenGL.

What are Factor Bands in Smear?

Factor Bands are controls that define which areas of the spectrum an effect is applied to. They appear in each effect slot and enable the spectral mixing system.