to act . Below is Quality Mode , which allows options for higher resolution or lower latency , both at the expense of higher CPU load , and Stereo Mode , which can be either Linked , LR Split or MS Split . In LR and MS mode , new parameters appear in the right section . For instance , you can adjust levels of both Mid and Side independently or link them together by percentage . You can also process them based on analysis of the summed signal . Either way , you can adjust the tone of both channels independently . This is useful for positioning and EQing your sound where you want it in the stereo field .
When in M / S mode , the Focus icon is on the far right side of the plug-in to adjust the specific level of Mid vs Side . You can also click the Link icon and change the tone controls simultaneously while keeping their relative values to each other . Moving on to the main section on the right of the plug-in are four colored EQ Sliders or Tone controls , Lows , Lo-mids , Hi-Mids , and Highs . By grabbing the colored button , you can manually slide the EQ to adjust Frequency , Boost , or Cut or input the specifics into one of the info boxes .
At the top of each slider is an in / out button and a solo button to hear only what that slider is doing . Beneath the EQ Faders is a visual of the processing graph showing how the signal is treated . There are three areas represented . Purple shows the totality of the signal , Grey shows cuts , and White shows Boosts . Visualizing what you are doing to the sound is
intuitive and easy .
A Black handle on each side of the graph can be either Include or Exclude , which will focus the processing only where you want it . There are also Low and 18 dB Low and High cut filters that can be engaged . At the bottom of the plug-in are two quick calibration buttons for the Gain staging and trim to match the bypassed level . This is very useful when in Squash mode . Next to them are the Mix level , Output Level , and Bypass buttons .
IN USE : I downloaded and installed Bloom and activated it with my iLok License Manager . You don ’ t need a physical iLok to install Bloom ; you just need the app . I pulled up a project I ’ m working on and tried it on numerous tracks .
Bloom has a similar feel to Spiff and Soothe 2 , almost like combining the two .
It can be subtle and transparent on things like acoustic guitars , pianos , and vocals , both taming and adding energy where it sounds best . It can also be super aggressive on drums and bass . I love what it can do to overheads and snare . I am a fan of distorted bass to bring out the overtones . Bloom might be my new bass go-to .
It ’ s also fantastic on vocals combined with Soothe . I used Soothe for sibilance and Bloom for energy . I also tried Bloom on its own , and it still tames sibilant vocals , though I don ’ t completely understand how .
• Simple Elegant Interface
• Controls and evens out irregularities in rough sounds
• Increases warmth , clarity , or brightness musically
• Transforms the tone of a sound with natural-sounding results
• Replace entire plug-in chains with Bloom tone shaping
• Lots of Presets
$ 209.00 oeksound . com
KEY FEATURES
On the mix bus , it ’ s fantastic . It reminds me of Gulfoss , but with a slightly different flavor . It ’ s easily a replacement option .
MY TAKEAWAY : Once again , the oeksound team has come up with a brilliant plug-in . I love how it handles dynamic EQ and Compression in a single musical plug-in . It doesn ’ t replace Soothe or Spiff but is another valuable tool for almost everything you can think of . It will make your tracks sound better , even if you are a novice . There are tons of great plug-ins , but this will definitely stay on my shortlist . Bloom is intuitive and musical . There ’ s a free full-featured 20- day trial . Take it for a spin . I think you ’ re gonna like it ! April 2024 Subscribe for Free ... 131