8. Convolution Technology

In recent years, the buzz-word in audio software development has been ‘convolution’ – a technology which uses impulse recordings to produce highly convincing recreations of almost anything from acoustic spaces to musical instruments, and microphones to processor circuits. The Focusrite Liquid Mix for instance contains convolution emulations of over 20 different EQs from classic studio consoles and outboard processors including models by Neve, SSL and Pultec, plus a range of vintage dynamics processors like the Urei 1176. Rather than using code to emulate the workings of an old EQ circuit, convolution technology effectively records data about the way it behaves and then applies that to an audio signal. In the case of the Liquid Mix, this combines the best of the worlds of software and hardware in that it has individual controls for input/output level, EQ gain and frequency, as well as built-in metering and an LCD graphic display of the EQ curve. The unit is connected to a computer via FireWire and integrated with the host DAW via a plug-in. The result is a convolution software EQ and dynamics processor with a dedicated hardware controller to replace your mouse.