(October 24, 2022) Accurate Sound Reproduction Services’ all-new Hang Loose Convolver (HLC; Mac and PC) gives discerning enthusiasts the ability to accurately compare audio filters, side-stepping science-based pitfalls that might otherwise impact audio comparison and evaluation sessions. This is done by using a convolver platform that delivers level-matched, fast-switching filter comparisons.
Switching speeds and matched audio levels are paramount to subjectively fair filter comparisons. Why? It’s basic science. The brain has a rather brief echoic or short-term audio memory that lasts up to 10 seconds. Go beyond that time frame and you’re less likely to hear differences in similar sounds. HLC’s instant switching capabilities allow users to pay particular attention to tonal and timing changes, giving filter designs an opportunity to accurately impact perceived sound. The human ear also has a preference for sound that’s elevated in volume, which causes higher and lower frequencies to appear more prominent than mid-range frequencies. Hang Loose’s filter banks and bypass mode can be level-matched using individual gain sliders and pink noise for use with a sound level meter or HLC’s built-in metering. That means filters can be compared without concerns over level-induced biases.
Additional features include “autogain,” which normalizes the gain of an FIR filter to 1.0 and auto-applies this setting to the filter’s gain slider as a starting point for level-matching filters. HLC also offers “Master Trim” controls that level-match the gain of a filter with a "bypass" level. Using the "Output Level" meters, users can ensure no clipping is occurring in the convolver, and if clipping is detected, intelligent adjustments can be made.
Following the industry standard convolver “config” file specification, HLC offers:
- Input and output delays with 0.1ms resolution.
- Input and output channel weights.
- Summing input channels to a single output path - typically used for cross-talk cancellation filters.
- Both absolute and relative file paths to the filters are supported.
- Supports mono and stereo .wav files 32-bit single precision floating point format.
- If the host sample rate changes, HLC will look for a matching .cfg filter to load automatically.
The Hang Loose Convolver costs $129USD for up to six activations in any combination of plug-in or standalone mode on up to six different computers. It's also available for use as a 10-day free trial. Accurate Sound Reproduction Services is currently in the process of integrating free trial download functionality into its website; if you're interested in trying the software, visit https://accuratesound.ca and select "contact" on the menu bar for access to a customer support email address.
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