Acustica Audio Diamond Plug-ins Explained
Join Groove3 instructor and production guru Alberto Rizzo Schettino for a detailed look at the Diamond series of plug-ins from Acustica Audio, including Diamond Color EQ, Diamond Lift, Diamond Transient, and Diamond Dynamic Saturator. In this Acustica Audio video course, you'll learn everything you need to know about using these tools, starting with your very next production. Whether you need to increase the punch of your snare with Transient, smooth out some harshness in your guitars with Color EQ, or add some glue to your two-buss with Lift, it's all here! These Acustica videos are designed for new users of Acustica Audio Diamond plug-ins.
Videos
• Overview (02:34) - Join Alberto as he introduces you to the plug-in bundle and the concept behind this amazing set of tools. The Diamond series is a bundle of plug-ins created in collaboration between Grammy-nominated engineer Luca Pretolesi and Acustica Audio.
• Diamond Color EQ Analysis (14:44) - Alberto guides you through the interface and functions of this equalizer, alongside a technical visualization of his curves. The Diamond Color EQ is a crystalline EQ with a very open high-end and solid lows and an optional preamp coloration capable of highlighting transient definition.
• Diamond Color EQ in Use Pt. 1 (19:15) - It's time to put the Diamond Color EQ to good use. Follow Alberto as he takes you to real-world situations in which this EQ really shines.
• Diamond Color EQ in Use Pt. 2 (23:04) - Alberto continues his demonstration of using Diamond Color EQ in real-world situations.
• Diamond Lift Analysis (10:06) - A thorough explanation of the functions and features of the Diamond Lift, this video also includes some secret tricks. The Diamond Lift plug-in can operate on both frequency and time domains and includes tight and musical shelves that bring power in lows and highs, a compressor that can glue a bus together, and a clipper capable of adding edge and enhancing attitude. There are also some additional tricks, typical of Luca's approach, for Mid/Side processing.
• Diamond Lift in Use (26:55) - Alberto puts the Diamond Lift in use and showcases his specific workflow to obtain the signature sound of modern electronica.
• Diamond Dynamic Saturator Analysis (15:18) - See a deep analysis of the Dynamic Saturator that includes all you need to know in order to master this complex plug-in. Featuring a complex and versatile signal flow, it enables its user to fine-tune the injection of different saturation colors in the track. Mid/Side processing, two saturation colors, and low/high crossovers are only part of this powerhouse, as the entire saturation behavior can be bound to the dynamics of the track, allowing the plug-in to add saturation dynamically through an expansion circuit.
• Diamond Dynamic Saturator in Use (21:21) - Follow alongside Alberto as you discover how the Dynamic Saturator is one of the best tools to shape a specific sound in your music.
• Diamond Transient Analysis (10:14) - Alberto explains everything there is to know about the elusive, but powerful, Diamond Transient plug-in.
• Diamond Transient in Use (22:29) - This video contains practical examples showcasing the features of the Diamond Transient. More than a simple transient designer, it blends Luca's vision for dynamic processing by melding some legendary processors: the dbx 3bx, 165, and 266 and the renowned CLM Dynamics Expounder. The 3bx (now a vintage unit) is aimed at enhancing the dynamics of vinyl recordings, but over the years, it's become a secret weapon of producers looking to add power and definition to a track. The versatility of the LP-3X plug-in continues in its three-band configuration, allowing the user to fine-tune the processing by changing its attitude in the different bands, while the DYN-F module allows the user to hone in on specific frequency areas to bring them out subtly but consistently in a mix.