PSP Neon HR — Free Download

Purpose and Core Technology

PSP Neon HR is a fully featured linear phase equalizer designed for mastering and critical audio applications. Its primary strength lies in frequency-domain fast convolution based linear phase algorithms, which provide a balance between CPU efficiency and phase accuracy. The plug-in offers eight bands of equalization, each assignable to one of seven filter types, and supports high sample rates.

For CPU-critical situations, you can toggle off linear phase mode and use the minimum phase error IIR mode, which preserves the analog-modeled filter character while reducing processing demands. This flexibility makes PSP Neon HR suitable for both transparent mastering tasks and more resource-constrained projects.

Key Capabilities

PSP Neon HR provides three spectral resolution levels, including high and max resolutions, ensuring fidelity in demanding scenarios. It supports independent processing and control of each stereo channel, as well as stereo and mid-side operation. The plug-in includes a third-octave real-time spectrum analyzer with adjustable parameters, aiding in frequency identification.

Workflow accelerators like frequency-hunting and overtone-hunting help locate the right frequency quickly, while response plot auto-zooming and EQ band soloing streamline the adjustment process. These features contribute to an intuitive interface that prioritizes ease of use without sacrificing precision.

Workflow and Applications

In a mastering chain, PSP Neon HR serves as a transparent corrective tool, allowing precise surgical cuts or subtle boosts with minimal phase distortion. Its linear phase mode is ideal for preserving the waveform integrity of stereo material. For mixing, the ability to disable linear phase and use IIR mode reduces latency, though the HR edition retains higher spectral resolution.

Mid-side operation enables independent processing of center and side channels, useful for widening or controlling stereo image. The spectrum analyzer and frequency-hunting tools accelerate identifying problematic resonances, making the plug-in efficient for both remedial EQ and creative tonal shaping. Its compatible with Neon HR version 1 sessions and presets, ensuring continuity for existing users.

Practical Considerations

PSP Neon HR is suited for mastering engineers and producers who need a high-quality linear phase EQ. Its high and max spectral resolution modes are particularly valuable for demanding mastering tasks, but may increase latency and memory usage. Users on CPU-constrained systems might prefer the STD or MIX editions, which offer lower latency at the cost of reduced resolution or phase linearity.

The plug-in’s support for high sample rates up to 192kHz and PSP’s FAT mode (proprietary) ensure suitability for modern sessions. However, the HR edition by design has greater latency than MIX, so it is less ideal for real-time tracking. The interface, while user-friendly, includes advanced features like spectrum analysis that require some learning for full utilization.

Key features

• Eight EQ bands with seven filter types
• Linear phase and minimum phase IIR modes
• High and max spectral resolution levels
• Stereo and mid-side processing
• Third-octave spectrum analyzer with adjustable parameters
• Frequency-hunting and overtone-hunting accelerators
• Response plot auto-zoom and EQ band soloing

Best for

PSP Neon HR is best for mastering engineers and critical audio post-production tasks requiring transparent, high-fidelity equalization with minimal phase distortion. Its high-resolution modes and mid-side capabilities make it ideal for stereo bus processing and detailed corrective work, while the IIR mode offers flexibility for CPU-limited projects.