dynamics // native multiband

Polarity-MD

Native 4-band multiband dynamics with upward + downward compression, per-stage clipping, and analyzer-driven crossover editing. Download VST3 and CLAP for Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus AU on macOS.

Current version: v0.3.8 page updated 2026-04-10

  • Native JUCE editor with no separate UI runtime layer
  • Input/output spectrum overlay with draggable crossover markers
  • Manual, preset, and auto crossover workflows with 12 / 24 / 48 dB slopes
  • Oversampling, linear phase, normalize, match, and bypass in the native UI
  • Pre, B1-B4, and Post stages with solo, clip delta, and macro controls

Built to be used, not gated

Free forever No account No telemetry No iLok Win / macOS / Linux VST3 / CLAP AU on macOS

Dynamics Control

One plugin, full chain

Shape a full multiband chain from one window. Global Amount scales the overall processing depth while the stage layout keeps the workflow fast.

Up/Down Compression

Lift quiet parts, tame peaks

Each stage can push upward and downward dynamics at the same time. Global Down and Global Up macros let you rebalance the whole processor without rebuilding every band.

Native Analyzer

See the split before you hear it

The native analyzer overlays input and output spectra, shows crossover positions directly on the graph, and lets you drag the split points in place.

Per-Stage Clipping

Clip where it matters

Pre, every crossover band, and Post all include clipping control. Use clip delta and stage meters to hear exactly what each clipper is removing.

Pre / Bands / Post

Six stages from input to output

The native editor is built around Pre, B1, B2, B3, B4, and Post cards, so you can shape tone before the split, work each band, and finish the bus in one pass.

LUFS Metering

Before and after loudness

Built-in input and output LUFS meters keep loudness visible while you work, so you can push the processor without guessing where the level moved.

Crossover Presets

Manual, named, or auto

Start with Mastering, Even Octaves, OTT, Broadcast, or Drum Buss, dial in your own splits, or let auto crossover analysis suggest a layout.

Crossover Slopes

12 / 24 / 48 dB options

Choose how steep the split should be. The slope controls and analyzer guides make it easy to hear and see how aggressive the crossover network gets.

Linear Phase

Cleaner parallel behavior

Switch between minimum-phase and linear-phase crossover behavior when the mix calls for tighter parallel routing or a different crossover feel.

Oversampling

Drive it harder, cleaner

Enable oversampling when you want smoother clipping and a cleaner top end while pushing the stages harder.

Normalize

Quick stage balancing

The native normalize workflow helps pull stage peaks into a tighter operating range so you can start from a cleaner baseline before fine-tuning.

Match Level

Fair A/B comparisons

Use Match to bring processed and unprocessed loudness closer together, so you can judge tone and dynamics without loudness bias getting in the way.

Solo + Clip Delta

Hear what each stage does

Solo bands to inspect problem areas and flip clip delta on the active stage to hear only the material being removed.

Pro Mode

Extra depth without extra clutter

Toggle Pro to expand the stage cards and reveal the second control row for clip, attack, and release when you want finer shaping.

Global Macros

Move the whole processor at once

Amount, Global Gain, Global Down, Global Up, Global Clip, and Time Scale make broad changes fast without losing the per-stage setup underneath.

Downloads

Pick your platform and format. No login. No installer hoops.

  • Windows users: There is no installer. Open or extract the ZIP, copy Polarity-MD.clap to C:\Program Files\Common Files\CLAP, and copy Polarity-MD.vst3 to C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3. Full steps: Windows install guide.
  • macOS users: Polarity-MD is currently unsigned, so Gatekeeper may block it on first launch. Use the macOS install guide for step-by-step methods via System Settings, right-click Open, or Terminal.
  • Linux users: The native editor does not need extra UI runtime packages. Copy the .vst3 bundle or .clap file into your plugin folder, then rescan the DAW. Full steps: Linux install guide.

Signal flow at a glance

Pre-FX

Global input gain feeds the processor before the crossover. The Pre stage adds broadband up/down dynamics and clipping before anything splits.

4 Bands

Four crossover bands with per-band input, up/down thresholds, ratios, timing, and clip control. Manual, preset, and auto layouts all route through the analyzer.

Post-FX

Finish with Post dynamics, output gain, match, and final clipping so the processed signal leaves the plugin under control.

Tech specs

Formats

VST3, CLAP, AU on macOS

Platforms

Windows, macOS (Universal), Linux x86_64

Engine

C++17, JUCE 8.x, fully native JUCE editor.