My Review Of The Oeksound Soothe 2 Audio Plugin

Soothe 2 from Oeksound is more than just a traditional EQ plugin; in fact, it is a dynamic resonance suppressor that has redefined the way I approach mixing. Although I included Soothe 2 in my list of best EQ plugins I use, it doesn’t just boost or cut frequencies like your typical equalizer. Instead, it identifies and reduces harsh frequencies in real-time, automatically adjusting to the nuances of the sound.

This makes it a game-changer for tasks like taming high-frequency harshness in instruments like cymbals, vocals, and electric guitars. The beauty of Soothe 2 is how effortlessly it cleans up mixes while maintaining the natural warmth and detail of the sound.

One of the plugin’s standout features is its ability to treat specific frequency bands dynamically, only applying suppression when problematic frequencies arise. This makes it ideal for situations where frequencies may spike unexpectedly, such as in live recordings or imperfect takes.

Overview

Rather than applying a broad EQ cut that might affect the overall tonal balance, Soothe 2 intelligently reduces only the frequencies causing resonance, preserving the clarity of the rest of the audio. The depth, sharpness, and selectivity controls provide precise adjustments, and the visual feedback from the delta mode allows me to isolate and monitor the problematic frequencies being suppressed.

While Soothe 2 shines in reducing harshness, it doesn’t stop there. It can also be used creatively in sound design, especially when experimenting with resonance peaks in electronic and experimental music. It’s versatile enough for any genre, whether you’re mixing vocals, heavy guitars, or mastering complex electronic productions.

Usage

A favorite use case for me is de-essing. Soothe 2 excels as one of the most natural-sounding de-essers available. Its ability to gently control sibilant sounds without overly dulling the vocal is a huge advantage in vocal mixing. Moreover, its dynamic nature means that it adapts to each performance, ensuring consistent results without requiring manual adjustments.

Another critical application is in taming cymbals or electric guitars. Where typical EQs might dull the sound too much, Soothe 2 allows me to preserve the brightness and energy of these elements while addressing the sharp, piercing frequencies that can fatigue listeners over time.

Soothe 2 includes sidechain presets designed to improve mix clarity by dynamically adjusting the balance of competing frequency ranges between tracks. Whether you need to clear up space between vocals and guitars or between kick drums and bass, the sidechain presets allow for seamless frequency separation.

Presets

Soothe 2 offers specialized presets tailored for de-essing and controlling high-frequency vocal sibilance. These presets allow you to reduce harsh “S” sounds while maintaining vocal clarity and presence. You can achieve a smooth, natural vocal sound with just a few tweaks without requiring extensive manual adjustments.

Soothe 2 has a wide range of instrument-specific presets, from guitars to cymbals and synths. You can easily adjust parameters such as Depth, Sharpness, and Selectivity to better suit the specific characteristics of your audio. This adaptability means the presets can work effectively across various musical styles and instruments.

While using presets, the Delta mode allows you to hear only the frequencies that are being suppressed. This feature gives you an extra layer of control, enabling you to fine-tune the preset to match the needs of your track precisely.

My Verdict

Overall, Oeksound’s Soothe 2 is an essential audio plugin for cleaning up recordings and a plugin that can elevate your mixes to the next level by preserving the musicality of your tracks. Its dynamic response, natural sound, and ease of use make it indispensable for professionals and home studios alike. Soothe 2 offers a level of control and subtlety that is unmatched in today’s market.