Contour
Professional Harmonic Shaping Plugin
A professional harmonic coloring plugin that provides precise control over odd and even harmonics, allowing you to add warmth, character, and musicality to your audio tracks with high-precision 64-bit double precision DSP processing.
1. Introduction
1. 소개
1. はじめに
1. 介绍
1. Introducción
1. Introduction
Contour is a professional harmonic shaping plugin designed for audio coloring and enhancement. It provides precise control over odd and even harmonics, allowing you to add warmth, character, and musicality to your audio tracks.
Contour features high-precision 64-bit double precision DSP processing and ultra-smooth parameter interpolation for professional-quality results.
🎯 Key Features
- Harmonic Shaping: Precise control over odd and even harmonics
- High-Quality Processing: 64-bit double precision DSP
- Real-time Meters: Input/output level meters and harmonic content visualization
- Professional UI: Clean, intuitive interface designed for efficient workflow
- Multi-Format Support: VST3, AU, and AAX formats
2. Installation
2. 설치
2. インストール
2. 安装
2. Instalación
2. Installation
System Requirements
Before installing Contour, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
- macOS: 10.13 or later (64-bit)
- Windows: Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
- DAW: Compatible with VST3, AU, and AAX hosts
- RAM: 4GB minimum (8GB recommended)
Installation Steps
- Download the Contour installer package (
Contour_Installer.pkg) - Double-click the installer package
- Follow the installation wizard
- Select the plugin formats you want to install:
- VST3: For most DAWs (Cubase, Reaper, Studio One, etc.)
- AU: For Logic Pro, GarageBand, and other compatible DAWs
- AAX: For Pro Tools
- Enter your administrator password when prompted
- Restart your DAW after installation
Plugin Locations:
- VST3:
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Contour.vst3 - AU:
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Contour.component - AAX:
/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/Contour.aaxplugin
3. Quick Start
3. 빠른 시작
3. クイックスタート
3. 快速开始
3. Inicio Rápido
3. Démarrage Rapide
- Insert Contour on an audio track in your DAW
- Play audio through the track
- Use the main HARMONICS knob to shape the harmonic character:
- Turn left (toward WARM) to emphasize ODD harmonics (warmth, saturation, character)
- Turn right (toward SHARP) to emphasize EVEN harmonics (brightness, clarity, presence)
- Center position (0%) provides balanced harmonics with default amounts
- Use Option + Double-click on the knob to reset to center (0%)
- Monitor the meters:
- Left meter: Shows input or output level (double-click to toggle)
- Right meter: Shows the level of the active harmonic type (ODD or EVEN)
- Use the BYP button to compare processed and unprocessed audio
💡 Tip
Option+Double-click the main knob to reset it to center (0%) position.
4. Interface Overview
4. 인터페이스 개요
4. インターフェース概要
4. 界面概览
4. Resumen de Interfaz
4. Aperçu de l'Interface
Main Controls
- HARMONICS Knob: Main control for harmonic shaping. Rotate left (toward WARM) to emphasize odd harmonics, rotate right (toward SHARP) to emphasize even harmonics. Center position (0%) provides balanced harmonics. Use Option + Double-click to reset to center.
- BYP Button: Bypass the plugin processing
- LIC Button: Access license management and activation
Meters
- Input/Output Meter (Left): Shows input or output level. Double-click to toggle between IN and OUT modes.
- Harmonic Meter (Right): Displays the level of the currently active harmonic type (ODD or EVEN). The label below shows which harmonic type is active.
Understanding the Knob
- WARM (Left): Emphasizes odd harmonics (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) for warmth, saturation, and character
- SHARP (Right): Emphasizes even harmonics (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) for brightness, clarity, and presence
- Center (0%): Balanced harmonics with default amounts
- Percentage Display: Shows the offset from center. Negative values indicate ODD emphasis, positive values indicate EVEN emphasis.
5. Parameters
5. 파라미터
5. パラメータ
5. 参数
5. Parámetros
5. Paramètres
| Parameter | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harmonics | -100% to +100% | 0% | Main harmonic shaping control. Negative values (toward WARM) emphasize odd harmonics for warmth and saturation. Positive values (toward SHARP) emphasize even harmonics for brightness and clarity. Center (0%) provides balanced harmonics. Use Option + Double-click to reset to center. |
| Odd Amount | 0.0 to 1.0 | 0.1 | Amount of odd harmonic generation. Higher values add more warmth and saturation. |
| Even Amount | 0.0 to 1.0 | 0.1 | Amount of even harmonic generation. Higher values add more brightness and clarity. |
| Bypass | On/Off | Off | Bypass the plugin processing to hear the original signal. |
Understanding Harmonics
Odd Harmonics (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) add warmth, saturation, and character. They are commonly associated with tube amplifiers and analog tape saturation.
Even Harmonics (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) add brightness, clarity, and presence. They can make sounds appear more forward in the mix.
6. Usage Tips
6. 사용 팁
6. 使用のヒント
6. 使用技巧
6. Consejos de Uso
6. Conseils d'Utilisation
General Tips
- Start with subtle settings and increase gradually
- Use bypass frequently to compare processed and unprocessed audio
- Monitor the meters to avoid over-processing
- Different sources react differently to harmonic shaping:
- Vocals: Positive values (toward SHARP) can add presence
- Bass: Negative values (toward WARM) can add warmth and body
- Drums: Moderate values add punch
- Synths: Experiment with different values for character
Creative Applications
- Vintage Character: Use negative values (toward WARM) for tube-like warmth
- Brightness Boost: Use positive values (toward SHARP) to add sparkle to dull recordings
- Subtle Enhancement: Small adjustments can add depth without obvious coloring
7. Technical Specifications
7. 기술 사양
7. 技術仕様
7. 技术规格
7. Especificaciones Técnicas
7. Spécifications Techniques
Audio Processing
- Sample Rate: Up to 192 kHz
- Bit Depth: 64-bit double precision (internal processing)
- Latency: Minimum
Supported Formats
- VST3: Version 3.6.0 or higher
- AU: Audio Unit v2
- AAX: Native and DSP (Pro Tools)
System Compatibility
- macOS: 10.13 (High Sierra) or later
- Architecture: Intel 64-bit, Apple Silicon (Rosetta 2 compatible)
DSP Architecture
- Precision waveshaping algorithms
- DC blocking filter to prevent ultra-low frequency oscillation
- Ultra-smooth parameter interpolation
8. License Management
8. 라이센스 관리
8. ライセンス管理
8. 许可证管理
8. Gestión de Licencia
8. Gestion de Licence
Contour requires a valid license to operate. Click the LICENSE button to access license management features.
License Types
- Trial License: 7-day evaluation period
- Full License: Permanent license for commercial use
License Activation
- Click the LICENSE button in the plugin interface
- Enter your license key and email address
- Click Activate
- The plugin will verify the license online
Requesting a Trial
- Click the LICENSE button
- Click Request Trial
- Enter your email address
- The trial license will be registered on the server
- You will receive a 7-day trial period
ℹ️ License Information
- License status is displayed in the license popup
- A hardware ID is automatically generated and registered
- Licenses are tied to hardware ID and email address
9. Troubleshooting
9. 문제 해결
9. トラブルシューティング
9. 故障排除
9. Solución de Problemas
9. Dépannage
Plugin Not Appearing in DAW
- Verify the plugin is installed in the correct location (see Installation section)
- Restart your DAW after installation
- Check that your DAW supports the installed format (VST3/AU/AAX)
- On macOS, verify Gatekeeper allows the plugin (System Preferences → Security & Privacy)
License Issues
- Ensure you have an active internet connection for license activation
- Verify your email address matches the registered license
- Check that your hardware ID hasn't changed significantly
- Contact support if license activation fails
Audio Issues
- Check that your DAW's buffer size is appropriate for your system
- Verify the plugin is not bypassed
- Check your DAW's input/output routing
- Look for clipping in the meters
Performance Issues
- Increase your DAW's buffer size if CPU spikes occur
- Close other CPU-intensive applications
- Reduce the number of Contour plugin instances if using multiple