Steinberg has released SpectraLayers 13, an update to its spectral editing and audio separation application that adds a new process for extracting short sounds from continuous background noise,
as well as a set of voice separation tools and a spectral resynthesis module designed for post-production.
Additional information
The main innovation is the Unmix Sound Effects feature, which separates short sounds from continuous ambient sounds such as wind, crowd noise, traffic, and nature recordings, while preserving the background texture on a separate layer. It works in tandem with Ambience Heal, a new process that fills the gaps left in the spectrum after splitting or trimming. For example, if a voice is removed from the original layer, Ambience Heal can automatically fill the resulting space using background noise or ambient sounds already present in the recording.
Voice processing has received three additions. Unmix Two Voices automatically separates two speakers without the need for pre-registered voice profiles. Voice DeCrosstalk isolates non-target voices, whether in the background or foreground, from the main voice, even if they overlap. Voice DeClick removes mouth noises such as lip smacking and tongue clicking. Together, these features expand SpectraLayers’ existing dialogue editing toolset, covering more of the cleanup work that post-production engineers perform manually.
The new Reconstruction module handles spectral data resynthesis: it uses before/after selections to reconstruct tones and above/below selections to reconstruct transients and noise, with the reconstruction amount adjustable for each of the three components. Paste operations have also been expanded, with a new Paste into Selection function for repeating or replacing timeline events, as well as a Paste tool that adds a selection length range to the active layer. The Time Fade and Frequency Fade sliders, previously limited to specific contexts, now work with active selections.
SpectraLayers 13 can calculate and display loudness data, including true peak and multiple LU measurements, across spectral selections or any combination of layers, with automatic updates whenever the selection changes. Batch processing is now performed simultaneously across multiple open projects, rather than one at a time. The Pro Tools AudioSuite Bridge plug-in adds the ability to edit and process multiple audio clips in a single pass, with support for Dolby Atmos up to 9.1.6 and Ambisonics formats.
Luis Dongo, Senior Marketing Manager for Pro Audio at Steinberg
“In SpectraLayers 13, we’ve optimized the program’s user experience to better suit today’s fast-paced and interconnected post-production workflows. This release further underscores SpectraLayers’ uniqueness: precise editing, yet incredibly fast and intuitive operation.”
The release concludes with additional workflow improvements: fading can now be applied within a single layer or seamlessly transitioned between two layers; a new corner handle allows users to simultaneously adjust time and frequency coordinates; relative amplitude attenuation based on the spectral power of the surrounding content is available in selected areas; and interface layouts can be saved and recalled. Over 100 functions, including layouts, instrument presets, and module presets, can now be assigned keyboard shortcuts. Audio device support has been expanded beyond 128 channels; the Unmix Transcription module exports data in more frame rates; and hovering over a module with active tooltips now displays its function and keyboard shortcut.
Peculiarities:
Sound Effects Splitter: Separates short sounds from continuous background audio while preserving the background layer.
Background Sound Restoration: Automatically fills spectral gaps left by audio splitting or trimming operations using existing background room noise.
Two-voice separation feature: separates two speakers without registering a voice profile.
Voice Decoration feature: Isolates overlapping background or foreground voices from the main voice.
Voice Click Removal: Removes mouth noises such as lip smacking and tongue clicking.
Reconstruction module: Resynthesizes tones, transients, and noise before/after and above/below selected areas.
Insert into Selection and Insert tools.
The Time Fade and Frequency Fade sliders used for active selections.
Automatically update loudness level readings (true peak, multiple LU measurements) for selections and layer combinations.
Batch processing of multiple open projects simultaneously.
Pro Tools AudioSuite Bridge: Edit multiple clips simultaneously, support for Dolby Atmos (up to 9.1.6) and Ambisonics.
Angled joystick for simultaneous adjustment of time/frequency selection.
Saved and recalled UI layouts.
Assignable keyboard shortcuts for over 100 functions.
Support for audio devices with more than 128 channels.
Additional frame rates for export to the Unmix Transcription module.
Installation:
If you previously installed TEAM R2R Network Block Runtime, uninstall it! _ To uninstall, run unins000.exe in the C:\Program Files\TEAM R2R\Network Block Runtime folder.
Note:
If Silk Emulator v1.5.0 and TEAM R2R System v1.5.0 are already installed , skip steps 1-3
- Install TEAM R2R System v1.5.0.exe
- Install Setup Steinberg Silk Emulator v1.5.0.exe
- Reboot the OS
Delete the previous version (recommendation from R2R, so it’s your discretion)
- Install Steinberg Mediabay _ (This is necessary for the content browser to work. Without Mediabay , the content may be empty.)
- Install Setup SpectraLayers 13 v13.0.0.447.exe
If you need ARA integration, don’t forget to install VST3 - Where to place the modules read _ in R2R.txt _ in the Steinberg.SpectraLayers.Models.R2R folder
