Dante:  For those that didn't read the MasterCOMP review last issue, what inspired you to make the StereoEqualiser?  I gather there was some personal need that you were fulfilling long before bringing the plug-in to market.

Ray:  I made some very nice M/S stuff and had some nice ideas around the time the BX stuff came out.  The thing is it easily gets too complicated for intuitive use.   In that respect most real hardware is better thought out as you often can't do everything with it but it serves a specific purpose.  You use it because it can give you a sound.  Now for equalizing there are hundreds if not thousands of equalizers on several platforms giving precise control with endless features.  That was not what I was after.  I wanted a VERY intuitive and MUSICAL equalizer with which you could color your sound and incorporate the mid/side analog ideas I had.  I record with good gear to make it to the digital domain and I hope people will do the same.  So mixes should come together naturally if the production and arrangements are well thought out.  In that respect I don’t think you need all these super precise multi-Q or 12-band stuff to correct your mix.  Better to correct it at a track level.

Dante:  Are there any particular classic features you feel you have captured in the StereoEqualiser?

Ray:  I think mostly the following:

-ease of use (intuitive to use)

-sound and coloring

-character in sound an visuals

Dante:  I think the StereoEqualiser has a lot of features but you have managed to keep the interface as simple as possible, like real analog gear.  Was that a challenge?

Ray:  Of course.  If you take a detailed look at it, it looks and feels a lot like a TLAudio EQ1.  Not that this is affiliated with them but to me an intuitive GUI is always one of the main issues.  Keep the interface as simple as possible but at the same time don't over-simplify to a point of sacrificing functionality.  You shouldn't need to be a programmer to get good results but at the same time don't underestimate users so a one knob plug-in is often a no-go.  The device should serve your goal in a quick and efficient manner. Mixing and recording is a creative process and you do not want to interfere with that by thinking and tuning too much on your gear as it breaks the creativity.  A mix made 'in the flow' is often better sounding than an over-produced or over-thought production.  Just go with the flow.

Dante:  I have found that the combination of dNa-StereoEqualiser followed by the dNa-MasterCOMP makes a great mastering chain. 

Ray:  Yes these plug-ins can definitively give your mix the finishing touch.  But as you grow in mixing don’t overdo the final compression.   Also consider giving an occasional mastering job to an experienced mastering engineer.  You might be surprised what he/she can do and learn to use your own mastering chain a bit better.

Dante:  Last ScopeRise we heard the story of how you got together with Holger and decided to release StereoEqualiser and MasterCOMP.  You also gave a sneak suggestion of what is to come regarding new plug-ins.  Have you been beavering away in your studio on any new devices?

Ray:  Aha!  There are interesting things coming.  I had some stuff on my mind other than the plug-ins here at home which had priority.  Summer kicked in so sales stopped.  I have too many ideas and plug-ins to bring out all in one go.  So I will release in phases.  Also there are some forgotten or discontinued plug-ins which I might revive and redesign.  I can’t say much about that though so just stay tuned for more and save your money for a small budget on these nice and really affordable plug-ins!