REQ: Softube Weiss Exciter [VST3 & AU]

The world’s first transparent mastering exciter.

A technological leap in harmonic excitation that is true to the Weiss name

Adds harmonic content so naturally it feels like part of the original sound

Advanced processing and mastering features with intuitive operation

Also available in Weiss Complete Collection 2 and Flow ® Mastering Suite.

Can an exciter be transparent? Weiss Exciter does what no other exciter plug-in can: it adds harmonic content so naturally it feels like part of the original sound. With no overcooked distortion or exaggerated EQ in sight. The result is the subtle, transparent enhancement of vibrancy and crispness, plus the preservation of the mix’s integrity. The harmonics sound so organic, it’s like they were always there. Making this the exciter you’ll always reach for.

Is there such a thing as a “transparent exciter?”
Traditional exciters typically add a lot of “normal” EQ-ing with just a smidge of distortion. The overall effect is essentially that of an equalizer, which is very transparent. But why not use a dedicated EQ, such as the Weiss EQ1, in that case? On the other hand, if you overdo the distortion with a traditional exciter, you often end up with too much audible distortion that doesn’t sound very nice. You would be better off using a dedicated saturator. So, with a traditional exciter, you often have either a lot of EQ-ing or too much distortion. But with Weiss Exciter, you get sonically pleasing harmonics with minimal EQ effect.

Finally, a transparent exciter.
We've added several features that make Weiss Exciter truly transparent and help to battle the traditional issue of excess EQ-ing or too much distortion. Adaptive non-linearity ensures the harmonics are relevant and consistent regardless of the signal level. The Mastering switch reduces the amount of the fundamental frequency in the distortion, thereby reducing the EQ effect. You can also use precise pre- and post-filtering to target specific areas of your mix. We mathematically designed four different Harmonics Modes to ensure an elegant sound with enough harmonics to create the exciter effect. And the filters are phase-compensated to avoid phase-cancellation effects between the added harmonics and the original audio. The result is a "high-end sparkle" that sounds vastly different from standard EQs, saturators, and other tricks.

Adaptive non-Linearities
To get a transparent excitement, you need constant control over the generated harmonics. Too little harmonics, and there is no effect at all. Too many, and the audio will start to sound grainy, distorted, or harsh. Adaptive Mode will always keep the harmonics in the sweet spot.

Reduced EQ Effect
Engaging the Mastering switch will dramatically reduce the amount of EQ you get from Weiss Exciter. The fundamental frequencies are mathematically reduced from the harmonics so that only the newly generated harmonics will affect the sound.

Harmonic Modes

Exciter offers four types of harmonics with different sounds: Soft and Hard for predictable and smooth results and Poly 3 and Poly 5 for maximum transparency.

Additive Processing
Weiss Exciter uses a parallel signal path with a completely unaffected “dry” path. The integrity of the original audio is preserved without unwanted side effects. It is distortion without coloration, without “box tone.”

Linear Phase Operation
Weiss Exciter can operate in linear phase mode, with no phase shift throughout the algorithm, for pristine audio.

In minimum phase mode, all internal audio paths are phase compensated so that the blend between dry and wet happens without phase warping or cancellations. It’s like having linear phase calculations internally, but without latency!

Mastering features, intuitive operation.
Despite its advanced processing, Weiss Exciter offers straightforward operation. The Frequency visualization lets you define a focus band for excitation and an output band for where the harmonics are added. You also control the four harmonic modes, stereo width, filter types, and the unique Mastering switch. Professional mastering engineers will appreciate the expert panel where you can get deeper control over harmonic shaping for precision and transparency at the highest level.