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. Both Buchert Audio plugins support M/S.

What is harmonic saturation?

Adding subtle harmonics (overtones) to audio, similar to how analog gear colors sound. Warmth Engine offers five stages of harmonic processing with program-dependent behavior.

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

What sample rates are supported?

44.1 kHz through 192 kHz. Internal processing runs at 64-bit floating point regardless of session sample rate.

What is the CPU usage like?

Both plugins are optimized for Apple Silicon. Typical CPU usage is under 1% per instance on M1/M2/M3 Macs. Intel Macs may use slightly more.

Do the plugins introduce latency?

Standard mode: 0 ms latency. Linear-phase modes in Tonality EQ introduce small latency depending on settings (typically 5-20 ms).

Can I use these plugins on Windows?

Currently macOS only (AU + VST3). Windows support (VST3) is planned for a future release.

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 with code STUDENT40. Send proof of enrollment to hello@buchertaudio.com.

What is your refund policy?

30-day refund policy. Free demos are available for all plugins so you can try 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.

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?

Reach out at hello@buchertaudio.com or sign up for updates below.