HDR Update: Static Mode and Toolbar

Our two new HDR plugin features enhance workflow flexibility and allowing you to leverage HDR's mixing capabilities even when dynamic processing isn't needed.

Static Mode

When enabled, sounds won't affect nor be affected by the dynamics of the HDR system - essentially providing a way to opt out of HDR processing without disabling the entire system.

Then why use static mode instead of simply disabling HDR? The answer lies in workflow consistency. Static mode allows you to use our plugin as a normal mixing environment, maintain the same mixing workflows and stay within the decibel domain while selectively controlling which sounds participate in dynamic processing.

Static mode proves particularly valuable for specific types of content that benefit from consistent, predictable behavior:

• Narrative voices and dialogue - Keep critical story moments intelligible and at reliable levels, ensuring they cut through without competing
• Music tracks - Preserve the intended mix
• Essential gameplay audio - Footsteps, UI feedback, and other navigation-critical sounds maintain their presence even when soundscapes get busy, preventing important audio cues from getting lost in the mix

Static mode also serves as preparation for our upcoming mixer interface.

Hear more about our other HDR modes here

HDR Toolbar

The second addition is our new HDR toolbar, bringing HDR controls directly into all sound assets. From within any SoundWave, SoundCue or Metasound, you'll now find a dropdown at the top that provides access all settings available in our HDR Authoring and Hierarchy widgets. While those widgets are still useful for broader strokes, the toolbar gives you quick access for the sound you're currently working on.