sonible has released smart:chain, an intelligent channel strip that connects seven processors through one shared analysis and extends that same thinking across an entire mix.
Unlike a conventional channel strip, smart:chain doesn’t treat each module as a separate island.
It lets you select a source profile, play a representative part of the track, and run the Learn process once. The plugin then derives starting points for its Gate, Equalizer, De-Ess/De-Harsh, Input Rider, Compressor, Saturator, and Clipper from the same understanding of the signal.
Every module remains visible and editable, while the broader Warm/Bright and Dynamic/Dense controls let you quickly steer the result. If you make substantial changes earlier in the chain, the Re-Derive function can update the intelligent compressor settings without requiring another complete learning pass.
Eight state slots let you compare alternate processing setups inside one instance, while presets can store either complete chains or individual module settings for reuse on other tracks.
The really interesting part here is how multiple smart:chain instances communicate across a project. You can access and edit every instance from one window, organize tracks into Groups, and assign them to Front, Middle, or Back layers.
Moving a track between these perceptual depth layers adapts its EQ and compression, as well as its suggested level when Auto Leveling is active.
Auto Leveling analyzes the relationships between learned tracks and builds a genre-aware rough balance. It is more of a practical starting point than an automated final mix, and separate Mix, Group, and Output trims leave plenty of room to shape the result.
This should be especially useful for larger sessions, where jumping between dozens of plugin windows can slow everything down.
The regular channel-strip workflow is still available when you don’t need the project-wide features. Input Rider handles slower level changes before the compressor, the Saturator offers Clean, Aggressive, and Smooth modes, and the final Clipper controls peaks.
smart:chain is available for Windows 10 or later and macOS 11 or later in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU formats, with AU available on macOS. Authorization is machine-based or through iLok, and each license supports two computers.
The introductory price is €99 until September 28th, 2026, after which it will cost €179. Existing sonible customers can also check their accounts for personalized upgrade pricing.
More info: sonible smart:chain (€99 intro price)
Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by Tomislav Zlatic.
