SoundMagic Neo Loudness Review

What is Sound Magic Neo Loudness?

Sound Magic’s Neo Loudness is a 3-phase maximizer plugin designed to increase perceived loudness; promising natural sound quality. In this SoundMagic Neo Loudness review, we’ll assess Neo Loudness’s pledge to make music sound fuller while avoiding compression artifacts.

Key Features

Psychoacoustic Processing: Uses advanced psychoacoustic algorithms to deliver fuller, more impactful audio with ultra-low distortion
Platform Support: Runs on both macOS and Windows
Format Compatibility: Available as VST, VST3, and Audio Units (AU) plugins

Neo Loudness shares the interface design of its brother, Neo Preamp. It looks good and sounds good (In this reviewer’s opinion). As the name denotes, this jobbie can definitely get your final mix nice n’ loud. However, in contrast to most maximizers and volume-increasing brickwall limiters, this one promises to retain musical dynamics and transparency.

As a result, I enjoyed what I heard in my listening tests and found that it upholds its promise quite well. It’s worthwhile to note that this wonderful performer also comes with a dedicated M/S version that works wonders towards lovely, spacious-sounding Masters.

Operational Modes:

You can choose three modes of operation: Limiter, Compressor, and Maximizer (Loudness).

Compressor Mode: Select from an SSL 4000G styled mode, or an API 2500 based mode (called BQJ 2500 for copyright reasons).

Limiter Mode: Choose a non descript default model, or the famous EMI TG125.

In all three operational modes, Neo Loudness maintains low THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) levels, with fewer odd harmonics than many other compression plugins produce.

A two millisecond “Look Forward” feature can be enabled for mixdown, or for mastering. This allows the compressor/limiter’s peak detection to be even more accurate. Variable, fast attack times starting at 0 ms, ensure that transients won’t slip through unnoticed.

Release times range from 0 ms all the way up to 2 full seconds. There is an ‘auto release’ button. I found that while enabled, it helped to keep the mix clean without any noticeable, unwanted pumping effects.

SoundMagic has worked hard at further refining their RMS detection. Consequentially, I’ve found it to work very well. RMS length determines the length of RMS detection, so it’s quite important to the final sound.

Neo Loudness is written in tightly-optimized ASM (Assembley) code. Most importantly, its low CPU usage and fast response time make Neo Loudness great for real-time dynamics processing.

Soft or Hard knee compression is selectable. Switching between typical brick wall limiting and “Neo Loudness” peak suppression is also selectable.

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Sound Magic’s Neo Loudness algorithm is based on the study of psychological acoustics. As a result, it does indeed seem to let a LOUD mix retain a “live”, breathing quality.

Throughout my review of SoundMagic Neo Loudness, I have NOT been convinced that this plugin should cost its present list price of €69/$90 (USD). In my estimation, SoundMagic are more than a little optimistic with their pricing.

However, this is a fairly good product and certainly worthy of consideration. It is a much more attractive purchase when bundled with its sister product, Neo Dynamics at €99/$128 (USD).