About
Soothe2 by Oeksound is a dynamic resonance suppressor plugin designed for audio engineers, music producers, and post-production professionals. Unlike static EQ, Soothe2 continuously analyzes the incoming audio signal and applies frequency-specific reduction only when resonances become problematic — making it ideal for taming vocal harshness, sibilance, proximity effect, muddiness, and uneven tonal balance caused by suboptimal recording conditions. The plugin offers both Hard and Soft processing modes: Hard mode tackles aggressive resonance problems with greater attenuation, while Soft mode provides gentle tonal correction suitable for overall balancing. Attack and release controls allow users to shape the response speed, enabling use as a transparent de-resonator or a broad tonal shaper. Advanced users can take advantage of Mid/Side and Left/Right processing per band or across the full spectrum, as well as an external sidechain input that lets Soothe duck another signal's spectral footprint — perfect for carving space for vocals in a dense mix. CPU quality settings can be independently configured for real-time and offline (bounce) processing, ensuring efficient workflow without sacrificing output quality. Soothe2 supports macOS and Windows as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin, making it compatible with all major DAWs. It includes a fully featured 20-day trial, with purchase or rent-to-own options available. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible to beginners while offering the depth demanded by professional engineers.
Key Features
- Dynamic Resonance Suppression: Continuously analyzes audio and applies reduction only when and where resonances occur, preserving timbre while eliminating harshness.
- Mid/Side and Left/Right Processing: Apply suppression to individual stereo components or specific frequency bands for precise spatial control in any mix.
- External Sidechain Input: Use another signal's spectral footprint to guide reduction, making it easy to carve space for vocals or other key elements.
- Hard and Soft Processing Modes: Choose Hard mode for aggressive resonance control or Soft mode for gentle, transparent tonal correction and overall balancing.
- CPU-Optimized Quality Settings: Set different quality levels for real-time playback and offline bouncing to maximize performance during mixing without sacrificing final output quality.
Use Cases
- Removing harshness and sibilance from vocal recordings without affecting the overall tone or character of the performance.
- Treating proximity effect and room resonances in dialog recordings for film, TV, and podcast post-production.
- Clearing muddiness and boominess from acoustic instruments like guitars, piano, or strings during mixing.
- Carving spectral space in dense mixes by using the sidechain feature to attenuate conflicting frequency content from competing elements.
- Correcting uneven tonal balance from suboptimal recording environments where re-recording is not possible.
Pros
- Transparent and Musical: Applies reduction only when needed, preserving the natural character of the source with minimal artifacts or coloration.
- Massive Time Saver: Eliminates the need to manually notch frequencies or clip-gain individual problem moments, letting engineers focus on creative decisions.
- Intuitive for All Skill Levels: Simple enough for beginners to get results immediately, while offering advanced controls like sidechain and M/S processing for professionals.
- Industry Trusted: Praised by Grammy-winning engineers and producers; widely regarded as an essential tool in modern mixing workflows worldwide.
Cons
- Paid Only After Trial: After the 20-day trial, a purchase or rent-to-own subscription is required — there is no permanent free tier.
- Plugin Format Only: Soothe2 works exclusively as a DAW plugin (VST/AU/AAX) and cannot be used as a standalone application.
- Can Be CPU Intensive: Higher quality settings in real-time mode may require significant CPU resources, particularly on older or less powerful systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Soothe2 and how does it differ from a regular EQ?
Soothe2 is a dynamic resonance suppressor, meaning it automatically detects and reduces problematic frequencies in real time — only when they become an issue. Unlike a static EQ, it adapts moment-to-moment to the audio signal, resulting in transparent treatment without affecting the overall tone unnecessarily.
What DAWs and formats does Soothe2 support?
Soothe2 is available as VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, making it compatible with all major DAWs including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Reaper, and more. It runs on macOS and Windows.
Is there a free trial available?
Yes, Soothe2 includes a fully featured 20-day trial so you can evaluate it in your own projects before purchasing. No feature limitations apply during the trial period.
What are the Hard and Soft processing modes?
Hard mode applies stronger, more surgical resonance suppression suited for problematic recordings or severe harshness. Soft mode provides a gentler correction that works well for overall tonal balancing and subtle enhancement.
Can Soothe2 be used on sources other than vocals?
Absolutely. While Soothe2 excels on vocals and dialog, it is equally effective on any instrument or full mix bus — guitars, strings, drums, and more — wherever uneven resonances or harshness need to be controlled.
