BIAS, Inc. has debuted SoundSoap Pro 2 — a major upgrade to the award-winning professional audio noise reduction and restoration software plug-in for Mac and Windows operating systems. SoundSoap Pro combines four powerful restoration tools — Broadband noise reduction; Click and Crackle removal; Hum removal; and a Noise Gate. Along with the company’s highly successful entry-level SoundSoap, BIAS provides high-quality noise reduction solutions for users at all levels.

SoundSoap Pro’s intelligent broadband noise reduction is significantly enhanced in version 2 by new Adaptive Noise Reduction (ANR) algorithms from BIAS. “SoundSoap Pro 2 provides ‘super-intelligent’ noise reduction”, said Jason E. Davies, VP Sales & Marketing for BIAS, Inc. “Traditional approaches to broadband noise reduction require a selection of isolated noise in order to work effectively. In cases where the broadband noise changes over time — the results can suffer considerably unless the noise profile is re-learned and threshold and reduction settings are adjusted accordingly. SoundSoap Pro 2 addresses both scenarios effectively and automatically with minimal effort. For just a fraction of the cost of competing high-end software, or expensive dedicated hardware solutions, SoundSoap Pro 2 delivers amazing results.”

The inclusion of ANR to SoundSoap Pro 2 means users will have significantly greater power than ever before. Instead of navigating through a noisy file to find an area of isolated noise to learn, users can leverage the advanced algorithms of SoundSoap Pro 2 to automatically extract a noise profile where previously impossible. The fact that the noise profile can be automatically re-learned dynamically is also a significant improvement over other solutions in cases where the broadband noise changes over time. With changes in background noise being a common problem in audio for film and broadcast, SoundSoap Pro 2′s super intelligence should be a welcome addition to any media tool kit. With minimal input from the user, SoundSoap Pro 2′s new super-intelligent ANR offers results previously unattainable in lower cost software solutions and rivals many dedicated hardware solutions.

Rather than splitting the restoration process into separate plug-ins, SoundSoap Pro uses a unique, integrated interface that allows the user to access any tool quickly and easily from within a single plug-in window. Tool navigation tabs are labeled (left to right) “Hum & Rumble”, “Click & Crackle”, “Broadband”, and “Noise Gate” — reflecting the suggested order in which the operations should be performed to obtain the best possible results. The tabs even provide convenient parameter feedback, allowing the user to monitor the primary tool settings globally — regardless of which tool is currently selected.

SoundSoap Pro’s approach to multi-band noise reduction focuses on speed, usability, and performance. SoundSoap Pro groups 512 frequency bands into 12 discrete threshold and reduction sliders — delivering dramatically enhanced efficiency, ease-of-use, and superb sonic results. The sliders may be easily grouped with a lock button, and 12 vibrant level meters assist in threshold adjustments. When used with SoundSoap Pro’s additional attack, release, and tilt controls, even the toughest broadband noise can be easily and dramatically reduced, while greatly minimizing the chance of any inadvertent artifacts. With SoundSoap Pro 2, users can choose between two traditional noise profile learning options — snapshot and timed — plus new ANR options for automated dynamic noise profile analysis. Whether reducing broadband noise from air conditioners, fans, engines, or other sources, SoundSoap Pro 2 provides excellent results with minimal effort.

SoundSoap Pro 2 is designed for every major plug-in host on Mac OS X, including Peak (VST/Audio Units), Pro Tools (RTAS/AS), Logic/SoundTrack/GarageBand/Digital Performer (Audio Units), and Nuendo/Cubase (VST).

BIAS SoundSoap Pro 2 will be available in late Q2 through the worldwide network of authorized BIAS dealers and distributors for a suggested retail price of $599 US. Original SoundSoap Pro customers will be able to upgrade to SoundSoap Pro 2 when available for a nominal fee to be announced upon release. Customers purchasing new retail editions of SoundSoap Pro from April 15th, 2009 will be eligible to receive a free downloadable upgrade to SoundSoap Pro 2 when available. SoundSoap Pro is also included as part of the Peak Pro XT 6 bundle from BIAS. Through the end of Q2, 2009, customers purchasing new retail editions of the current version of SoundSoap Pro may take advantage of a special promotion and receive a free downloadable edition of the BIAS Master Perfection Suite: a powerful collection of six advanced plug-ins for mastering, processing, and analysis — a $599 US value. BIAS’ entry-level edition of SoundSoap remains available at a suggested retail price of $129 US. SoundSoap users may also crossgrade at a special price to SoundSoap Pro — contact BIAS for details. Additional information can be found at: http://www.bias-inc.com.

Discuss SoundSoap Pro in our Effects forum.

BIAS, Inc. announced today that all six professional audio processing plug-ins from the Master Perfection Suite, will also be available separately as retail editions. The Master Perfection Suite is aimed at musicians, recording and mastering engineers, audio and video editors, sound designers and other audio professionals.

Repli-Q is a linear phase spectral matching/balancing plug-in, which is designed to analyze, edit, and compare the spectral content of audio recordings. Once analysis has taken place, the spectral characteristics of one recording may be applied to another. Repli-Q can mimic or apply an artist’s spectral “style” to your own recordings, or use it in the mastering process to give a cohesive sound to a collection of songs that may have been recorded and mixed in different locations or environments.

Like Repli-Q, both Sqweez-3 and Sqweez-5 incorporate advanced new linear phase equalization algorithms from BIAS. Sqweez-3 and Sqweez-5 both offer graphic per-band viewing/editing of threshold and EQ. Each band may be soloed and/or bypassed individually, and a convenient “auto gain” button compensates for loudness variations due to compression. Additionally, a variable “digital ceiling” slider controls the clipping headroom of the integrated soft clip function.

PitchCraft is a real-time pitch correction/transposition plug-in that also offers the ability to manipulate the signal to achieve creative effects. Professionals can rely on PitchCraft to fix out-of-tune vocals or other single voice instruments easily and with minimal artifacts, thanks to a powerful pitch-shifting algorithm.

Reveal combines seven powerful tools in a single plug-in interface — Oscilloscope, Peak and RMS Power History, Spectrogram, Pan Power, Spectral Analysis, Lissajous Phase Scope and Peak and RMS Level Meters. An “all” view displays every tool in a single window.

SuperFreq offers a powerful suite of mastering-quality 4, 6, 8 & 10-band parametric graphic equalizers with everything for professional caliber equalization, including -18dB to +18dB Gain Values; 0.1 to 30 “Q” (bandwidth) values; sweepable frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz, individual band bypass buttons; 24dB stereo input/output meters; and filters including Peak, Notch, High Shelf, Low Shelf, High Cut, and Low Cut.

Featuring waveform and graph displays and a suite of advanced parameter controls, GateEx effectively removes signals below an assignable threshold while the integrated downward expander helps reduce residual unwanted content.

The Master Perfection single editions will be available in April from $59 to $149 US SRP through authorized BIAS resellers and distributors worldwide, and directly from BIAS. The entire Master Perfection Suite is also available separately for $599 US SRP. Master Perfection Suite is also included as part of the Peak Pro XT package. Visit the BIAS web site for additional details including free 14-day trials.

Discuss the Master Perfection single editions in our Effects forum.