TabDSP Modules

TabDSP's signal chain consists of six processing modules. Three are reorderable via drag-and-drop (EQ, Multiband, Compressor), while three are fixed (Input, Limiter, Output).

Signal Flow

INPUT
EQ
MB
COMP
LIMIT
OUTPUT

Default order - EQ, MB, and COMP can be reordered via drag-and-drop

View Detailed Signal Flow →

Processing Modules

IN

Input Gain

Fixed First

Control input level before processing. Normalize hot or quiet sources for optimal gain staging through the signal chain.

  • Range: -24 to +24 dB
  • Visual input meter with peak hold
  • Knob control in module block
  • Essential for proper compressor behavior
Learn more →
EQ

Graphic EQ

Reorderable

8-band parametric EQ with real-time spectrum analyzer. Surgical frequency shaping with Linear Phase mode and M/S processing.

  • 512-bin constant-Q spectrum (AnalyserNode FFT 8192)
  • Bell, Low Shelf, High Shelf filter types
  • HP/LP filters: 12-48 dB/oct slopes
  • Digital, Analog, Linear Phase, M/S modes
Learn more →
MB

Multiband Compressor

Reorderable

Frequency-dependent dynamics with 3 or 4 bands. Linkwitz-Riley crossovers ensure phase coherence. Perfect for taming harshness without affecting the whole mix.

  • LR4 (24dB/oct) crossover network
  • Per-band threshold, ratio, attack, release
  • Draggable crossover frequencies on spectrum
  • Real-time per-band gain reduction meters
Learn more →
COMP

Single-Band Compressor

Reorderable

Classic full-band dynamics with true sidechain high-pass filtering. RMS or peak detection for musical or transparent compression.

  • RMS envelope follower with soft knee
  • True sidechain HP filter (20-300 Hz)
  • Ratios: 1:1 to 20:1
  • Waveform visualization: GR, input, output
Learn more →
LIM

True Peak Limiter

Fixed (before Output)

Broadcast-compliant brickwall limiting with 4x polyphase oversampling. Prevents inter-sample peaks that clip on consumer devices.

  • ITU-R BS.1770-4 true peak detection
  • 15 compliance presets (EBU R128, Apple Music, etc.)
  • Lookahead (0.5-10ms) and release control
  • Kaiser or ITU filter modes
Learn more →
OUT

Master Gain

Fixed Last

Final output level control after all processing. Adjust overall loudness without changing processing balance.

  • Range: -24 to +24 dB
  • Post-limiter, pre-output
  • Knob control in module block
  • Does not affect LUFS measurement
Learn more →

Key Concepts

Fixed vs. Reorderable Modules

Fixed modules always stay in the same position:

  • INPUT: Must be first to normalize incoming audio
  • LIMITER: Must be after dynamics to catch peaks from makeup gain
  • OUTPUT: Must be last for final level control

Reorderable modules can be dragged to change signal flow:

  • EQ, MULTIBAND, COMP: Drag module blocks to reorder
  • Order affects sound (e.g., EQ before compression vs. compression before EQ)
  • 50ms crossfade prevents glitches during reordering

Bypass vs. Disable

Bypass: Signal routes around module (no processing, no CPU usage)

  • Click power icon on module block
  • Orange arc shows signal routing around bypassed module
  • "BYPASSED" overlay on canvas
  • Module parameters preserved for later

Disable (Global): All processing off

  • Uncheck "Enabled" at top of popup
  • Audio passes through unprocessed
  • Stops all CPU usage

Module Order Matters

Different orders create different sounds. Common patterns:

Order Use Case Why It Works
EQ → MB → COMP Mastering (default) Shape frequencies, control per-band dynamics, glue with compression
COMP → EQ → MB Parallel-style mixing Control dynamics first, then shape tone without compression artifacts
MB → EQ → COMP Broadcast/podcast Tame sibilance (multiband), surgical EQ, final glue compression
EQ → COMP → MB Vocal processing Remove mud (EQ), even out dynamics (comp), de-ess (multiband)

Learn About Signal Flow →