Tone Projects Michelangelo v1.0.3 [WIN]

Michelangelo is an all-tube stereo EQ and harmonics generator designed and handbuilt by Chris Henderson from Hendyamps. Admired for its raw sonic beauty and inspiring ease of use, it ranks among the most remarkable EQ’s available today.

Built in close collaboration with Hendyamps, the officially endorsed Michelangelo plugin carries the same signature sound and intuitive “right-brained” workflow, but goes far beyond the capabilities of the hardware. You get instant tube vibe and effortless tone sculpting combined with precise band control, musical dynamic EQ with transient/body separation, sound stage enhancements, and deep customization of the tube circuitry – all with the Michelangelo sound.

Highlights

Sculpt tracks and mixes with a meticulous emulation of the Hendyamps Michelangelo EQ
Add wildly compelling broad strokes EQ and rich tube coloration with complete ease of use
Inject movement and energy with analog-style dynamic EQ and per band saturation control
Combine signature analog vibe with digital flexibility for a uniquely creative workflow
Focus bands on Mid/Side or Transient/Body for selective EQ’ing and creative shaping
Customize tube coloration and blend between warm triode and punchy pentode topologies

Key Features

Broad strokes of magic
A common statement from engineers using the Michelangelo is that it feels like cheating because it should not be this easy to get mixes sounding so good. The plugin emulates this with a frankly ridiculous level of detail. We spent more than a year alone on nailing the unique EQ curves, band interactions, quirks and tolerances, and not least the tube stages and their interaction with the EQ bands. As a result, the plugin reacts and sounds extremely close to the hardware.

Reimagined for digital
With the Michelangelo plugin, the hardware is just the starting point. Take full control of each band by tuning frequency, mid/side panning, tube drive and more. With the addition of HP/LP filters and extra parametric bands inside the tube EQ circuit, the plugin greatly improves versatility and allows for precision beyond the typical abilities of a color EQ. Combined with modern features like auto-gain, band soloing, and gain scaling you get a uniquely creative workflow right in the sweet spot between analog and digital qualities.

Transient/body EQ’ing
Michelangelo features per band transient/body separation allowing you to shift EQ moves between transient and sustained parts of the signal. This is a powerful feature for both targeted EQ and creative enhancements. Add presence and sparkle without harsh transients by shifting high boosts away from transients. Add punch by boosting transients only or remove mud from sustained parts without losing impact. With musical non-FFT based processing this feature can be used in countless ways, all without warbly artifacts.

Dynamics with tone for days
Michelangelo includes a carefully tuned compressor/expander with musical detection and smooth nonlinear curves. You can use this with any of the Michelangelo bands for adaptive dynamic EQ’ing with above/below threshold and fully adjustable attack/release. You can also use it across all bands to turn Michelangelo into a full blown multiband dynamics processor adding tube flavored movement and energy.

Deep circuit customizations
The Aggression and Calibration controls provide ample range for both refined mastering touches and mojo-soaked drive. In addition, the plugin offers even deeper control to fine-tune its character and to explore entirely new sonic colors. Adjust the natural compression occurring in the tube circuit. Blend a lush hardware matched triode with a new punchy pentode tube topology. Dial in channel spread and crosstalk for a perfect fit between pure digital and an authentic analog sound stage.

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