SoundMagic Neo Harmonic Review

What is SoundMagic Neo Harmonic?

Sound Magic Neo Harmonic is a hybrid audio plugin that combines an equalizer with harmonic exciter technology. It merges traditional EQ functionality with harmonic shaping capabilities. It uses a custom-shaped filter-response curve combined with harmonic excitation technology. In this SoundMagic Neo Harmonic Review, I’ll fast-track its details for you.

Key Features:

• Hybrid Design: Combines equalization with harmonic exciter functionality
• Frequency Locking: Can lock onto fundamental frequencies and their harmonics (2nd, 3rd, and 4th overtones)
• Custom Filter Curve: Based on several years of research into filter response characteristics
• Enhanced Clarity: Claims to produce fuller, more detailed sound compared to conventional parametric EQs

Introduction:

In this reviewer’s opinion, this pluggie is a real tasty little treat. This one fits somewhere between being an EQ and a harmonics exciter.

According to SoundMagic, many of their Neo Series plug-ins achieve excellent results by using a technology that they coin as “sample modelling”. I haven’t all the particulars of this claim. I do know this, I really, really like the excited sound that this little trooper of a plug-in puts on a vocal or instrument track. As a matter of fact, it works quite well on the master bus too.

Rather than just cutting or boosting frequencies like a standard parametric EQ, it uses a custom-shaped filter-response curve combined with harmonic excitation technology.

Some of SoundMagic’s product claims leave me a little . . . well . . . skeptical. This particular plugin is a real delight though. Just like the MacDonald’s commercial: I’m loving it”. I suspect that it borrows some of the same ASM (Assembly) code as Neo Preamp uses. I reviewed SoundMagic Neo Preamp recently.

What’s it good for, Ned?

Neo Harmonic truly does bring out detail and depth in any lacklustre track. Based on an undisclosed method of modelling, some of SoundMagic’s plug-ins really do come nice and close to nailing seriously cool, vintage, upper-class tone. (It is unknown at this time whether this is schematic-matching or actual modelling)

“This handy-dandy, super-duper, darn dang diddley little gidget is definitely one of the good ones.”

There is a nice little collection of presets included to get you up and running with minimum muss n’ fuss. There is even an “SSL” preset. While I don’t own any expensive SSL hardware to directly compare this plug-in to, I have to admit that I like the tone of this preset.

Four Frequency Bands:

The frequency points are sweepable. You get up to 18 dB of boost or cut. There is user-adjustable frequency bandwidth, allowing you to narrow or widen the frequency boost/cut. You can turn on a nifty little feature (per band) called “draw mode”. The resultant drawing pad allows you to draw a curve, negating the ‘Gain’ knob.

• Harmonic Order: Low: 1/2 Harmonic, Basic Frequency , 2nd Harmonic, 3rd Harmonic and 4th Harmonic
• Low-Middle: 1/2 Harmonic, Basic Frequency , 2nd Harmonic, 3rd Harmonic and 4th Harmonic
• Mid-High: 1/4 Harmonic, 1/2 Harmonic, Basic Frequency and 2nd Harmonic
• High: 1/3 Harmonic, 1/2 Harmonic and Basic Frequency.

I have nuthin’ but good to say about this one. “I’m loving it.” – €49/$64 (USD)

4 out of 5 Stars

:: Pros

• Cool, characterful audio enhancement.
• Easy-peasy to use.
• Simple, yet effective controls.

::Cons

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• A resizable GUI would be nice.
• Sound Magic’s pricing is a bit optimistic . . .

Visit the SoundMagic website. NeoVST.com

Intellectual Copyright – 2013 – All rights Reserved. This review may not be copied or reproduced in whole, nor in part, without express written permission from the author.