Align the position
without crushing the voice.
A guide to the role of a Vocal Distance Processor and to adjusting front-to-back position, stability, and depth.
Installation environment
Windows 11 64-bit / VST3 64-bit. Tested in Studio One 7 Professional at 48 kHz, in mono and stereo. The distribution file is Neravia-v1.0.0-Windows-VST3.zip. There is no online activation.
Basic workflow
- Set the position with POSITION
Negative values bring the voice forward; positive values place it further back. Negative values are also part of the normal working range for lead vocals.
- Settle fluctuations with STABILITY
Increase it until differences in perceived distance, such as quiet sounds receding or loud sounds jumping forward, settle down. Reduce it if you hear pumping.
- Add depth with DEPTH
Adjust the amount and temporal structure of the Early Field. Around 0.4–0.7 is the normal adjustment range; 1.0 moves toward a pronounced sense of depth.
- Set the core with FOCUS
Higher values favor the direct sound and tighten definition; lower values open up the Early Field and increase the sense of space.
- Match comparison levels with OUTPUT
Match the volume to BYPASS before judging. BYPASS is a true-dry comparison path that does not pass through Neravia's observation or correction.
Meters
IN: input level / DIST: observed perceived distance / CONTROL: amount of Direct correction / EARLY: Early Field amount / OUT: output level.
The meters are aids to judgment. Decide the final position by listening within the mix.
The roles of the four products
Neravia is not a compressor or reverb in itself. After shaping the position and Early Field, add reverberation and atmosphere with Reverb as needed. Decide separately on EQ, de-essing, and other processing according to the material and the song.