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An introduction to Softube Transient Shaper, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
The Transient Shaper lets you control the attack and decay of a track. Optimal for drum mixing, but also a perfect tool to give a vocal track clarity and presence.
— Softube official site
What is Transient Shaper?
Transient Shaper is a dual-band transient processor from Softube. Transients are the attack of a sound; by boosting or softening them and lengthening or shortening the sustain, you can adjust the size and position of a sound in the mix.
The maker highlights that it can affect the whole frequency range, only the highs, or only the lows, noting that most similar tools process the entire range.
Punch (attack) and Sustain can each be directed to the full range, the high band or the low band. The crossover frequency is user-selectable, Punch behaviour is Fast or Slow, and a Clip section adds output distortion.
It is described as ideal for drum mixing, but also for adding clarity to vocals and working on piano, bass, guitar and electronic drums. It is also included in Softube's Flow Mixing Suite and Flow Complete Suite.
Dual-band transient control
Punch and sustain can be handled separately for high and low bands. The maker's example stretches only the cymbals on drum overheads while leaving the toms untouched.
Punch and Sustain
Punch increases or reduces the attack, while Sustain lengthens or shortens the decay. They are the basic tools for emphasising drum hits or tightening tails.
Frequency switch
A Wide/Hi/Lo switch selects whether processing affects the whole signal, the highs or the lows, so you can adjust one band without upsetting the rest.
Crossover and Punch behaviour
The crossover frequency that splits highs and lows is selectable, and Punch behaviour can be set to Fast or Slow to suit the material.
Clip section
An output distortion section that the maker says was added. It may be worth trying when punchier audio needs a touch of distortion.
Console 1 ready
It can be used within Softube's Console 1 mixing system, and it supports Extended Features panels.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Transient shaper (dual-band) |
| Processing range | Full range / high / low |
| Crossover | User-selectable frequency |
| Punch behaviour | Fast / Slow |
| Extra | Clip (output distortion) |
| Mac | macOS Sonoma 14, Sequoia 15, Tahoe 26 |
| Windows | Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11 |
| Host | AU, VST, VST3 and/or AAX compatible DAW |
| Licensing | Softube account and online authorisation (iLok account required, physical iLok not required) |
| Activations | Up to three |
| Returns and trial | 14-day returns, 20-day trial |
What is included and system requirements
- Transient Shaper plug-in
- Licence managed through your Softube account
- Up to three activations
- 20-day trial available
How to use it
- Create a Softube account and obtain Transient Shaper.
- Prepare an iLok account and activate the licence.
- Insert it on a drum track in your DAW.
- Raise Punch and listen to the emphasis on the attack.
- Raise or lower Sustain to adjust decay length.
- Switch the frequency control to Hi or Lo to narrow the affected band.
- Adjust the crossover frequency if needed.
- Try Clip and add only as much distortion as you need.
Adjusting drum overheads
As in the maker's example, raising only the high-band Sustain may extend cymbals and room while leaving toms unchanged.
Adding clarity to vocals
Raising Punch with the frequency set to Hi may add clarity and presence.
Darker, rounder tone
Turning Punch down is described as creating a darker, rounded sound, which may suit a vintage feel.
Shaping bass and piano
It is said to work on bass, piano and guitar, so it may help tidy the onset of a sound.
Who it may suit
- People who want finer control over drum attack and decay
- People who want to treat highs and lows separately
- People looking for a tool to add vocal clarity
- Existing Softube users
Good to know before you buy
- Authorisation requires a Softube account and an iLok account; a physical iLok key is not needed.
- Up to three activations, a 14-day return period and a 20-day trial are listed.
- The page carried a Black Friday sale banner, though the price field showed $89. Confirm the final price before purchase.
- It is also part of the Flow Mixing Suite and Flow Complete Suite.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
See Transient Shaper on the product page
Sources: softube.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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