The Smack Attack from Waves is a transient shaper plug-in designed to provide flexible envelope modification of drums, loops, pianos, and other percussive instruments. It can be used in mono or stereo in a variety of hosts and platforms, including the eMotion LV1 mixing console. The Smack Attack’s zero latency, large controls, and simple interface make it ideal for both live and in-the-studio production.

Input signal is displayed as a scrolling, real-time graphic waveform. Lines overlaying the waveform provide visual feedback for sensitivity settings and gain change. As with traditional transient shapers, level controls for attack and sustain are present. Unlike traditional transient shapers, the Smack Attack offers additional controls for the shape and duration of attack and sustain. Independent sensitivity sliders for attack and sustain allow you to set thresholds for transient processing, controlling when the Smack Attack will affect the signal.

Transient shapers tend to significantly change output level. To address that issue and prevent clipping, the Smack Attack features adjustable output level and a selectable limiter. Clip mode allows intentional clipping of signals over 0 dBFS, while keeping final output levels limited to a maximum of -0.1 dBFS. Easily dial in parallel processing via the Mix control.