09) Using the Tuned Spectral Display
This is one of my favorite additions to HiFAL. I was initially worried that big gain reduction meters might influence how I compress, so I kept them minimal. The Spectral Balance Display is the opposite—I made it large and visually dominant on purpose.
It also ties directly into the name HiFAL (pronounced “High Fall”). The spectrum analyzer shows high frequencies falling down from the top of the interface, creating a visual metaphor for the plugin. I thought it was a fun play on words and a fitting visualization for a tool designed to shape high-end energy. I also had never seen a spectrum analyzer tied to the top and falling down, and I thought it created a nice user experience for frequency selection.
But this isn’t just another spectrum analyzer. I specifically tuned it to reflect what I consider an ideal spectral balance for a modern mix. I took 50 of my all-time favorite mixes, averaged their spectral balances, and then EQ’d and filtered pink noise until it perfectly matched that average curve. That filtered pink noise became the calibration source for HiFAL’s Spectral Balance Display.
The result is not just beautiful, it’s highly functional. If you see a buildup or resonance in the Spectral Balance Display, it may point to a frequency range worth targeting with Acceleration Limiting and negative Trim. If you see a hole or deviation in the display, that may be a candidate for isolating that range, applying slight limiting, and adding positive Trim or Parallel Limiting.
When the display appears relatively flat from left to right during the most energetic section of a track, typically the final chorus, you can be confident your tonal balance is in the right range. As always, use your ears.
Be well,
Ryan Schwabe
Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum mixing & mastering engineer
Founder of Schwabe Digital
