Stereo Tool

That is difficult. But I think I should detect when this happens, and briefly lower the highs a bit. (If you set the de-esser to around 40-50, this effect is nearly gone. But then you loose too many highs. An intermediate solution is needed).

Is it any better if you turn off Composite Limiter ?

What!?

Btw.. Compared "test file" ST and O.11 - Again many distortions on O.11 demo. Worst one at exactly 02:01.

Makes sense. That's where I have my biggest volume drop...

Ok, difference between channels was only in my latest build (which I used for the file that I just generated, not really sure what I did yesterday for the other file...)

Maybe "pre-declipping" at 45 ?

I suppose you mean de-essing?

I have something ready for testing (starting build in a moment).

3 new sliders:
- Dynamic de-esser
- Dynamic de-esser multiplier
- De-esser: Never drop below

By default, the de-esser level will be as specified in the existing de-esser slider.

However, you can set a 'dynamic de-esser level', which is divided by the amount of volume that is lost. So say the lows drop by 10%, then the dynamic de-esser level drops by 10% also. If it drops BELOW the normal de-esser level, the dynamic level is used instead.

The multiplier can be used to let volume drops count stronger.

Never drop below sets the level that the dynamic de-esser cannot go below.

Example settings:
- Normal de-esser: 86.45 (Bojcha's preset)
- Dynamic de-esser: 110
- Multiplier: 2.5x
- Never drop below: 55

If the volume drops only a bit, nothing is done; de-esser level stays at 86.45.
If the volume would drop a lot, the dynamic de-esser kicks in and the de-essing level is lowered.
If the volume drops even further, the de-esser won't drop below 55.

But I'm not sure I'm too happy with the result.
Alternative solution would be to clip it harder (probably resulting in more 'S' distortion).

Hm, that idea should work - but I just found out that there's something else wrong.

There is a filter that should make sure that the highs are not extremely loud when they enter Loudness. I just reduced the level of that filter by a factor 40 (I started with 2, then 4), and I hear NO difference. So apparently this filter isn't working at all!

Will check this tomorrow.

I was thinking at "pre-clipper" - in preset is at 45

Oh, that. Yes, but then for the highs. That's basically already there - but it's always clipping at 100%. I'm now adding some sliders to control its behavior.

Ow you mean something else I guess....