One of the most frustrating and time consuming things that happens during a mix is figuring out why certain mix elements seem buried when they’re at the right level. The problem is often masking, where frequencies from one element cover up the detail and body of another. Sure, you can carve away with static EQ or ride faders all day, but there’s a smarter way to approach the problem. The new UNMASK from Three Body Technology is a psychoacoustically informed dynamic EQ that continuously analyzes your signal in real time and applies corrections automatically, with the goal of revealing the detail, tonal balance, and clarity that’s hiding in your mix.
Three Dimensions of Clarity
UNMASK addresses masking across three separate perceptual dimensions, each handled by its own dedicated module with a single Depth control. The idea is simple: turn them up and your sound opens up.
The SPEC module tackles frequency-domain masking. Every signal contains more spectral detail than we actually hear because dominant neighboring frequencies tend to bury it. SPEC detects both the hidden detail and the peaks that are obscuring it, then lifts what’s buried while pulling back the excess, all dynamically and continuously.
The TILT module handles spectral envelope shaping. Human hearing prefers a smooth, gently sloping frequency contour. When a signal deviates from that, it starts to sound fatiguing. TILT analyzes the spectral envelope in real time and guides it toward a target slope that you define, with options at -3, -4.5, or -6 dB per octave. You can get a well-balanced tonal foundation in seconds without wrestling with broad EQ curves.
The TIME module takes on transient masking. A strong drum hit or pick attack can actually mask the quieter sound that follows it, making the body of a note essentially inaudible. TIME detects those post-transient shadows across the full spectrum and dynamically recovers them. The sustain behind the snare crack or the bloom behind the guitar pick is what this module is after.
EXT Glue and Precision Controls
Beyond the three core modules, UNMASK includes an EXT Glue function that takes a different approach to sidechain processing. Rather than simply ducking or compressing, it analyzes the mutual masking between two signals and resolves the psychoacoustic conflicts between them. Route an instrument track as the external sidechain and a vocal will blend into the mix rather than just sit on top of it.
For those who want to go deeper, UNMASK also offers a Priority Curve to focus processing intensity across the spectrum, independent Gain Range and Processing Frequency Range controls, Monitor modes to solo each module’s boost, cut, or delta, and a Zero Latency mode for tracking and live use.
It supports LR, MS, Mid-only, Side-only, and other channel modes, and works on both Mac and PC in VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
UNMASK is currently available at an introductory price of $59 (regular $129) with a free trial. You can find out more here, or watch the video below.
