Apulsoft - splitS v1.1.3 ​VST3, AAX for Windows

• Zero Compression & Zero Crossover Artifacts: Replaces conventional sidechain ducking and band-split crossovers with an intelligent time-domain separation algorithm that keeps both streams full-range.
• 100% Bit-Transparent Summation: When gain sliders remain at unity (0 dB), the reunited audio is mathematically identical to the source input with zero phase smearing.
• S-Range Intelligent Ceiling & Floor: Set maximum peak thresholds for loud "S" sounds while leaving quiet, natural consonants untouched.
• Visual Scrolling Waveform Display: Color-coded real-time waveform readout clearly distinguishes between tonal vocal bodies (Teal) and sibilant bursts (Orange).
• Multi-Output DAW Stem Routing: Route the isolated "S" and "Non-S" streams to separate mixer channels in compatible DAWs for independent saturation, reverb, delay, or compression.
• SoundFlow Automation Ready: Fully compatible with the SoundFlow script package for Pro Tools workflow automation.

Why Traditional De-Essers Fall Short:

• Dynamic EQs and conventional de-essers clamp down on high frequencies using compressors or narrow bandpass filters. This often results in a lisping effect, dull transients, and phase distortion across the 4 kHz–10 kHz region.
• Manual clip gain editing solves this but consumes valuable engineering hours during vocal production.

The splitS Approach:

• Rather than attenuating frequencies, splitS acts as a real-time signal demuxer. Using multi-variable detection (spectral brightness, RMS/peak energy, and pitch periodicity), it calculates whether an incoming slice of audio is voiced or sibilant.
• Both streams retain their entire frequency spectrum (20 Hz to 20 kHz), allowing you to pull back harsh sibilance with a simple fader movement or process consonants independently.

• Spectral Brightness & Pitch Detection: Continuous analysis tracking spectral tilt (Bright vs. Dark) and harmonicity (Tone vs. Noise) to isolate fricatives ("s", "sh", "ch", "t").
• Quiet / Loud Energy Thresholds: Calibrate detection to match both whispering verses and belting chorus vocals without misfiring on breath sounds.
• S-Range Controls:
  • Max S Ceiling: Caps the peak amplitude of excessive sibilant bursts.
  • Min S Floor: Prevents gentle consonants from being routed into the sibilant channel.
• Smoothing Window & Crossfade Adjustments: Fine-tune crossfade transitions between sibilant and tonal slices to avoid clicks or abrupt transitions.
• Dedicated Dual-Fader Mixer:
  • Independent gain, mute, and solo controls for both Non-S (vocal body) and S (sibilance) channels.

• Binary Architecture: Native 64-bit Windows DLL / VST3 / AAX
• Processing Engine: 64-bit internal floating-point DSP
• Latency: ~30 ms (parameter-dependent lookahead buffer; fully reported and compensated via DAW Plugin Delay Compensation)
• Multi-Output Channel Routing Support:
  • Pro Tools: Multi-mono / Aux sidechain busing
  • Cockos REAPER: Pin connector routing (Outputs 1/2 = Non-S, Outputs 3/4 = S)
  • Ableton Live: External Audio routing via "Audio From" track dropdowns
  • Bitwig Studio: Multi-out container routing

Installation Steps:

1. Pre-Installation:

   • Close your DAW and host applications.

2. Run Installer:

   • Run the provided setup installer as Administrator (Right-click -> Run as administrator).
   • Select your desired plugin formats (VST3, AAX) and target installation directories.
   • Complete the installation wizard.

3. Launch & Verify:

   • The binaries are pre-cured and activated.
   • Open your DAW, rescan your plugin library, and insert splitS directly onto your lead vocal track.