McDSP SA-3 Spectral Processor -

Product Option

Native Version

The SA-3 takes the algorithms of the Engineering Emmy Award winning SA-2 Dialog Processor to another level. New features include adding over 1,000 bands of processing, a user programmable Bias Curve, unique Focus, Range, and Density control over spectral processing, side chain support and mid/side processing.

Like the SA-2, the SA-3 is great for removing unwanted spectral spikes in dialog, vocals, and many other kinds of audio inputs. The SA-3 is also able to track and eliminate persistent peaks, at nearly any frequency in the audio spectrum.

The gain reduction, final output, or removed signal can be monitored and metered in the main LCD screen. Plot scales can be adjusted for gain reduction and output displays.

Detect and Monitor

Increasing the Detect value will allow the SA-3 algorithm to intelligently apply its 1,000+ bands to identify and suppress unwanted signals. Pressing the Monitor button allows the user to listen to the removed signal, and observe it in the main LCD window.

Mid / Side

The stereo version of the SA-3 can be configured for mid / side processing. This can be useful for removing spikes and/or resonant frequencies from the mid and side channels. The main LCD window can display the left (mid) or right (side) total Bias Curve plot by pressing the “L” and “R” text buttons in the upper right corner of the plot area.

Bias

The SA-3 spectral processing can be emphasized (or de-emphasized) with the Bias Curve. The total Bias Curve response can be adjusted with the Scale and Shift controls. Editable text readouts appear whenever a Bias Curve band (HPF, B1, B2, B3, B4) is selected in the main LCD window, showing Bias Curve Type, Frequency, Gain, Q, and Pan values for the selected band.

Features

Over 1,000 bands of processing
Detect and Monitor controls to identify and remove signal spikes and persistent overtones
User programmable Bias Curve
Unique Focus, Range, and Density control over spectral processing
Double precision processing
Side chain support
Mono and stereo versions

Formats

Native: AAX Native, AU, VST3

McDSP · SA-3 Spectral Processor Audio Examples

All McDSP v7 plug-ins are optimized for Apple silicon and the latest Intel Processors. If CPU efficiency is what you’re looking for, v7 is for you.

Multiple computers? No problem! With each v7 purchase, you now get two activations per license or subscription.

McDSP System Requirements

McDSP HD and Native plug-ins are compatible with Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Nuendo, FL Studio, Ableton Live, LUNA, Reaper, Sonar, Studio One, and other DAWs that support AAX, AU, and/or VST3 plug-in formats.

Note as of v7.0, VST is no longer supported. VST versions of v6 McDSP plug-ins will no longer be updated, and will be uninstalled.

McDSP Native plug-ins support AAX Native, AU, and VST3 plug-in formats.

McDSP HD plug-ins additionally support the AAX DSP plug-in format, as well as AAX Native, AU, and VST3 plug-in formats.

McDSP plug-ins support Mac OS 10.13.x (High Sierra), 10.14.x (Mojave), 10.15.x (Catalina), 11.x (Big Sur), 12.x (Monterey), 13.x (Ventura), 14.x (Sonoma), and Windows 10 & 11.

Mac OS version 10.12.x (Sierra) may work, but is not officially supported.
Earlier Mac OS versions are not officially supported.

McDSP plug-ins run natively on Intel and Apple silicon processors.

McDSP plug-ins require an iLok2 or iLok3 USB Smart Key, or an iLok License Manager account and an iLok Cloud session for authorization. Each McDSP v7 plug-in contains two activations per authorization.

McDSP HD plug-ins also support the VENUE S6L systems. Note McDSP VENUE plug-ins are packaged in a VENUE specific installer available on the McDSP web site.

February 2024 Update

Windows support added
Added over 1,000 bands of processing
Added a user programmable Bias curve
unique Focus, Range, and Density control over spectral processing
side chain support and mid/side processing