REQ: Plugin Alliance TOMO Audiolabs LISA

A new way to apply dynamic EQ
TOMO Audiolabs’ LISA is the only tool of its kind: An all-analog dynamic EQ, featuring a dedicated opto compressor cell for each of its 6 bands. This exacting model of the original brings a new way of applying dynamic EQ to the digital domain. Now you can take advantage of the character and workflow of this boutique mastering-grade hardware in the box.

Six bands of smooth opto compression and expansion
LISA employs a dedicated, modern opto compression circuit for each of its six bands per channel. Its program-dependent compression and expansion averages around a 3:1 ratio, or a selectable 10:1 ratio—both with a soft knee, and the option to change between slow, medium and fast settings for attack and release.

Dials in like an old school EQ, controls like a high-end compressor
With a layout reminiscent of the high-end Sontec and Massenburg EQs, LISA invites an intuitive, ears-first approach to sculpting your tone. Rather than simply applying a fixed EQ curve, the extent of your cut or boost breathes and dances along with your audio. With its proportional bandwidths, deeper cuts become increasingly more narrow and surgical, while larger boosts become tighter, more precise and note-like as they increase in intensity.

A perfect complement to the master buss, and selected individual tracks
This dynamic EQ was designed with mastering applications in mind, making it perfect for controlling kick and bass without reducing low frequency extension, or enhancing them without adding undue boominess to the mix. It can reduce sibilance in vocals or harshness in cymbals without sacrificing brightness, and even precisely target specific elements in the mix, especially in mid-side mode. Use the separate mono version of the plugin to elegantly reshape single instruments like bass guitar, drums and voice.

Parallel bands for more forgiving processing
Another unique feature of LISA is its parallel circuit concept. In the conventional series wiring found in most EQs, 100% of the distortion and rectification influences the signal path. But LISA’s parallel circuitry allows individual bands to be processed in similar fashion to a mixing console, enabling more extensive, more sensitive and more subtle processing. This makes it possible to musically apply extreme EQ settings that would not be possible with a traditional EQ.

Plugin only additions including the new “TX Drive”
As always, the engineers at Brainworx have added new digital-only features that would be impossible in the analog domain. In addition to regular favorites like the Mono Maker, Stereo Width, Auto Listen, Headroom and TMT controls, the LISA adds a new feature for the first time: TX Drive. This new parameter allows you to dial in more or less transformer saturation and character, separate from the other analog characteristics of the device.