MAGC

Name: MAGC
Author: MeldaProduction

by MeldaProduction · Utility · Side-chain loudness matcher

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MAGC is a free utility from MeldaProduction that adjusts the loudness of a signal to match its side-chain input.

It keeps a processing chain at a consistent level, so you can judge effects without loudness bias. It is free and part of MFreeFXBundle.

Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Sound Design. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: sidechain input, free, utility, auto-gain, creative, full mix, mastering, metering, resizable UI, bus processing, mid/side, MIDI-controllable, mix bus, mixing, randomize, sound design.

What it does

MAGC is a free gain utility from MeldaProduction. It "adjusts the loudness to match the side-chain," so a chain of effects ends at the same loudness as the signal that went in.

Side-chain matching: send the unprocessed signal to MAGC's side-chain and it adjusts the output loudness to match it.
Fair comparisons: keeps loudness constant across a processing chain, so a louder result does not fool you into thinking it is better.
Creative use: the developer also suggests using the loudness matching creatively.
Melda toolkit: shares the standard Melda features, including A to H setting slots, A to D morphing on an X-Y pad, randomization with parameter locks, MIDI learn and online preset exchange.
Channels and metering: mono, stereo, M/S and surround up to 8 channels (or 64-channel ambisonics), with input, output, loudness and gain-reduction meters.
Interface: a resizable, styleable, GPU-accelerated GUI with HiDPI and Retina support.

MAGC is free, on its own or as part of MeldaProduction's MFreeFXBundle. Updates are free for life. The product page does not list a version or detailed controls.

Source: MeldaProduction product page

When to use it

MAGC is the simple, free choice when you just want the end of a chain to match the loudness of its input. Compared with MCompare, it does not switch between whole processing chains; it only levels the output against the side-chain. Unlike Metric AB or REFERENCE 3, it does not compare your mix with reference tracks, and unlike Youlean Loudness Meter 2 it is a gain tool rather than a meter. It does need a side-chain route, which takes a little more setup than a plugin's built-in auto-gain switch.

Best for: level-matching before and after a chain of effects, and checking whether processing really helps.
Genres: any; it is a general mixing and mastering utility.
Look elsewhere if: you want A/B switching between chains (MCompare) or reference-track comparison (Metric AB, REFERENCE 3).

Where to buy

MeldaProduction: Free

Tutorials and reviews

Melda MAGC is a FREE auto-gain compensation plugin

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