UNCHIRP by Zynaptiq audio effects plugin interface

UNCHIRP: Codec Artifact Removal and Transient Plugin by Zynaptiq Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (55 ratings)

UNCHIRP is an audio effects plugin by Zynaptiq that removes artifacts from lossy audio encoding and FFT-based processing, such as chirping, musical noise and smeared transients.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

UNCHIRP targets the artifacts left behind by lossy codecs and spectral de-noising: high-frequency chirping, musical noise, blurred transients and lost treble. The developer positions it for salvaging poorly encoded music, speech sent over low bit rate links, over-denoised material and footage from consumer mobile devices. It also includes processing modes for adding contour and clarity to recordings that already sound good. Zynaptiq is the developer.

Best for

Salvaging low bit rate audio
Restoring over-denoised speech
Cleaning up mobile phone footage
Batch processing encoded music
Adding treble clarity
Repairing smeared transients

Developer: Zynaptiq
Category: Transient Shapers
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Suppresses high-frequency chirping artifacts in encoded or de-noised audio
Reduces musical noise artifacts from FFT-based processing
Transient Synthesis to augment or replace smeared or over-limited transients
Treble Boost with Enhance and Excite modes for recovering lost highs
Breakpoint curve editor for frequency-dependent processing
Side-only algorithm mode for joint-stereo encoded material
HD algorithm mode for higher-quality processing at higher CPU load
SYNC parameter aligns processing to signal transients
Output limiter for unsupervised batch processing
I/O difference function to audition removed material

03In depth

Two Algorithms and a Treble Boost for Cleaning Up Audio

UNCHIRP runs two algorithms at the same time: Musical Noise Reduction and Dechirping. Each has its own processing approach and its own breakpoint curve editor for frequency-dependent control. A Side-only mode is available for joint-stereo encoded material.

The Treble Boost circuit addresses the dead band that low bit rate encoding leaves in the highs. It offers an Enhance mode, which shapes EQ to suggest missing treble, and an Exciter mode, which synthesizes harmonics to fill the gap.

Transient Synthesis can augment or replace transients that FFT processing or heavy dynamics processing has smeared or over-limited.

Workflow Controls for Batch and Detail Work

The SYNC parameter aligns processing to signal transients, which the developer says adds clarity and coherence. A bypass threshold keeps transients intact for more natural results at extreme settings, and its threshold is frequency-dependent.

An output limiter lets you run unsupervised batch processing without overs. An I/O difference function lets you hear exactly what is being removed. An HD algorithm mode offers higher-quality processing at a higher CPU load, and the developer recommends using it off-line.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does UNCHIRP support?

UNCHIRP is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, and processes in 64-bit.

What do I need to use UNCHIRP?

UNCHIRP needs a compatible host that supports VST 2.4, VST 3, AU or AAX. An internet connection and an iLok account are required for software activation. The first-generation iLok is not supported.

Does UNCHIRP use a lot of CPU?

Zynaptiq says its plugins use significant CPU because of their processing. The developer recommends a playback buffer of at least 512 samples, ideally 1024, and suggests using the free trial to check your system.