Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Buchert Audio plugins, licensing, and audio concepts.

About our plugins

How does Tonality EQ differ from a standard parametric EQ?

Tonality EQ offers five distinct EQ modes (Surgical, Balance, Phase, Harmonic, Overtone) each with different phase and harmonic behavior. Every curve is perception-tuned rather than mathematically derived.

What is Mid/Side processing and when should I use it?

M/S splits audio into center (mid) and sides. Use it for widening stereo image, tightening bass in mono, or applying different EQ to center vs sides. Tonality EQ and Warmth Engine support M/S routing.

What is harmonic saturation?

Adding subtle harmonics (overtones) to audio, similar to how analog gear colors sound. Warmth Engine adds harmonic character that responds to the material you feed it.

What does "perception-based DSP" mean?

Our algorithms are tuned to match how humans perceive sound rather than purely mathematical curves. This means parameters feel more musical and intuitive.

Specs & compatibility

Do the plugins introduce latency?

It depends on the plugin. Most Buchert Audio plugins report no added latency to your DAW in their standard modes; Warmth Engine reports 3 ms, which the DAW compensates automatically. Each plugin's manual states its latency.

Can I use these plugins on Windows?

AU (Audio Unit), VST3 and AAX for macOS 11.0 and later. VST3 for Windows 10 and later, including Field Engine.

Buying & activating

How does copy protection work?

One-time online activation. Enter your license key, plugin verifies with our server and stores a signed license file locally. No internet needed after activation. Up to 3 machines. No iLok, no dongle.

Do you offer a student discount?

Yes. Currently enrolled students get 40% off. Send proof of enrollment to hello@buchertaudio.com and we'll set you up personally by email.

What is your refund policy?

All sales are final — we do not offer refunds. Free demos are available for every paid plugin so you can fully test before buying.

What happens if Buchert Audio shuts down?

We will release a universal license unlocker. Your plugins continue to work indefinitely. We believe you own what you paid for.

Buchert Audio Listen (app)

What is Buchert Audio Listen?

A free ear-training app for iPhone and iPad. It trains you on real listening tasks — hearing frequency changes, dynamics changes and harmonic changes — through short, level-based exercises.

Who is it for?

Anyone who wants to train their ears — audio students, mixing engineers, producers, or Buchert Audio plugin owners who want to hear more clearly what our plugins are doing.

How much does it cost, and how do I get it?

It's free. Coming soon to the App Store.

What do I need to run it?

An iPhone or iPad with iOS 17 or later.

Do I need an account?

Yes, a free account, confirmed by a 6-digit code sent to your email. This lets the app save your progress. Marketing emails are a separate, optional opt-in during sign-up — you can use the app fully without them. See our Privacy Policy for details.

What data does the app collect?

By default, the app shares anonymized practice results (which exercise, which level, right or wrong) so we can tune the difficulty — never linked to your name or email, and you can turn it off in Settings. Optional voice feedback is transcribed and the recording is deleted afterwards. Full details in our Privacy Policy.

Understanding sound

What are Fletcher-Munson curves?

Equal-loudness contours showing how human hearing sensitivity varies with frequency and volume. At low volumes, we perceive less bass and treble. Understanding this helps make better mixing decisions.

What are critical bands in hearing?

Frequency ranges where the ear groups sounds together. Understanding critical bands helps avoid masking issues when mixing and is fundamental to how our plugins process audio.

Still have questions?

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