Description

cphn - opty

Smooth optical-style leveling with warm tube-inspired color for Ableton Live.

cphn - opty is made for sounds that should feel expensive, steady, and effortless. It follows the musical behavior of optical leveling: simple peak reduction, slow program-dependent recovery, soft gain control, and harmonic density that helps a source sit in the mix without sounding pinned down.

What it does:

- Uses a dedicated gen~ optical/tube-style DSP core.

- Models smooth opto-style gain recovery with program-dependent release behavior.

- Adds optional harmonic color, output drive, and subtle analog-style noise.

- Includes a custom cream-face gain-reduction meter.

UI guide:

- Peak Reduction: sets how hard the optical detector works.

- Gain: makeup/output gain after compression.

- Compress / Limit: chooses softer leveling or firmer peak control.

- Mix: blends processed and dry paths for parallel leveling.

- Color: controls tube/transformer-style density.

- Stereo Link: blends dual-mono behavior into linked stereo control.

- Sidechain HPF: reduces bass-triggered pumping.

- Noise: optional subtle analog-style noise.

- Power: transparent bypass.

- Speed: trims the opto timing feel between slower, normal, and faster response.

Suggested uses:

- Vocals that need smooth level control and polish.

- Bass that needs steady body without hard pumping.

- Acoustic instruments, pads, and synths that need warmth.

- Parallel warmth and density.

- Gentle bus smoothing before a faster compressor or limiter.