NoLias
by Noisebud · Utility · Aliasing test tool
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NoLias is a small Noisebud utility that runs a custom sine sweep through a mix or mastering chain to show quickly whether it adds aliasing.
It is a simple test tool, made with SynthEdit, for $4 through Patreon.
Best for: Mastering, Mix Bus, Sound Design. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: mastering, built-in analyzer, low latency, utility, full mix, oversampling, simple, bus processing, clean, mix bus, sound design, transparent, zero-latency.
What it does
NoLias is a small Noisebud diagnostic plugin that "lets you quickly determine" whether a mastering or mix chain produces aliasing. It plays a customized sine sweep through the plugins that follow it, so aliasing becomes easy to hear and see.
- Sine sweep: a custom sweep that runs through every plugin placed after it.
- Placement: it goes first in the effect chain.
- Reading the result: a clean sweep means no aliasing; extra tones that don't follow the sweep, typically as it nears 20 kHz, point to aliasing.
- Finding the culprit: bypass the following plugins one by one, then fix the offender with more oversampling, a higher project sample rate or a different plugin.
- Controls: an on/off switch for the sweep and a level control for its amplitude.
- Spectrum view: a built-in analyzer as a visual reference.
- Transparent when off: audio passes unchanged, with no latency.
Version 1.0, released in February 2022 and built with SynthEdit. It is available through Noisebud's Patreon; no demo is mentioned.
When to use it
NoLias is a quick answer to one question: does my chain alias? Compared with Voxengo SPAN or iZotope Insight 2, which are full analyzers you would have to feed a test signal yourself, it has the test sweep built in, so a check takes seconds. Unlike DDMF PluginDoctor, it gives no detailed measurement graphs or numbers; it relies on your ears and a simple spectrum view. At its price it is a cheap way to decide whether a saturator, clipper or limiter needs more oversampling.
- Best for: checking saturators, clippers and limiters in a mix or mastering chain for aliasing.
- Genres: any.
- Look elsewhere if: you need measurement graphs and harmonic analysis (PluginDoctor) or a full metering suite (SPAN or Insight 2).
Where to buy
- Noisebud: $4
Tutorials and reviews
- Noisebud NoLias
- Noisebud NoLias Beta 001
- Noisebud releases NoLias - a plug-in to help you avoid aliasing
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