Overview

A new way to apply dynamic EQ
TOMO Audiolabs’ LISA is the only tool of its kind: An all-analog dynamic EQ, featuring a dedicated opto compressor cell for each of its 6 bands. This exacting model of the original brings a new way of applying dynamic EQ to the digital domain. Now you can take advantage of the character and workflow of this boutique mastering-grade hardware in the box.

Six bands of smooth opto compression and expansion
LISA employs a dedicated, modern opto compression circuit for each of its six bands per channel. Its program-dependent compression and expansion averages around a 3:1 ratio, or a selectable 10:1 ratio—both with a soft knee, and the option to change between slow, medium and fast settings for attack and release.

Dials in like an old school EQ, controls like a high-end compressor
With a layout reminiscent of the high-end Sontec and Massenburg EQs, LISA invites an intuitive, ears-first approach to sculpting your tone. Rather than simply applying a fixed EQ curve, the extent of your cut or boost breathes and dances along with your audio. With its proportional bandwidths, deeper cuts become increasingly more narrow and surgical, while larger boosts become tighter, more precise and note-like as they increase in intensity.

A perfect complement to the master buss, and selected individual tracks
This dynamic EQ was designed with mastering applications in mind, making it perfect for controlling kick and bass without reducing low frequency extension, or enhancing them without adding undue boominess to the mix. It can reduce sibilance in vocals or harshness in cymbals without sacrificing brightness, and even precisely target specific elements in the mix, especially in mid-side mode. Use the separate mono version of the plugin to elegantly reshape single instruments like bass guitar, drums and voice.

Parallel bands for more forgiving processing
Another unique feature of LISA is its parallel circuit concept. In the conventional series wiring found in most EQs, 100% of the distortion and rectification influences the signal path. But LISA’s parallel circuitry allows individual bands to be processed in similar fashion to a mixing console, enabling more extensive, more sensitive and more subtle processing. This makes it possible to musically apply extreme EQ settings that would not be possible with a traditional EQ.

Plugin only additions including the new “TX Drive”
As always, the engineers at Brainworx have added new digital-only features that would be impossible in the analog domain. In addition to regular favorites like the Mono Maker, Stereo Width, Auto Listen, Headroom and TMT controls, the LISA adds a new feature for the first time: TX Drive. This new parameter allows you to dial in more or less transformer saturation and character, separate from the other analog characteristics of the device.

Features

  • Precise emulation of the unique TOMO Audiolabs LISA
  • Independent opto-compression based dynamic section for each of its 6 bands per channel, switchable between compression and expansion.
  • Includes two parametric mid bands, parametric low and high bands with a shelving mode, and two dedicated boost bands - plus highpass and lowpass filters.
  • Parallel circuits allows for greater changes in frequency with more transparency.
  • TMT — Brainworx patent-registered “Tolerance Modeling Technology” (US Patent No. 10,725,727)
  • Six EQ bands with a broad frequency overlap provide optimum processing flexibility.
  • Includes a separate mono version for individual tracks such bass, kick, snare and vocals.
  • Scalable User Interface.
  • Artist Presets to get you started on a variety of sources.
  • New TX Drive feature acts like a "Headroom" control for the transformer model only. A new Brainworx innovation!
  • Plugin only features include Brainworx’ Mono Maker, Stereo Width, Headroom, Auto Listen, a dedicated mono version, and patented “TMT” technology for enhanced realism and depth.

Audio Examples

Industry Reviews

  • Zakk Cervini

    Zakk Cervini

    Producer, Songwriter & Mix Engineer (Blink 182, All Time Low, Machine Gun Kelly)

    Lisa is such a unique plugin, in the short time I have been using it it has become a go to for when I am stumped on a sound that needs to come alive. Cheers to my family at PA for making some of… Read More

  • Marc Urselli

    Marc Urselli

    3 Grammy Awards (U2, Elton John, Foo Fighters)

    Tomo Audiolabs Lisa is a very powerful tool for any mastering engineer who takes pride and puts attention to detail in shaping the sound of a mix. It has a very analog feel and look and allows for… Read More

  • Hannes Bieger

    Hannes Bieger

    Mixing Engineer, Music Producer & Electronic Music Live Act

    Lisa is a very powerful tool as a plugin as well, a processor that sounds great and offers very detailed sound sculpting. I’m excited to delve deeper into its possibilities.

  • Sam Sherbin

    Sam Sherbin

    Mixing Engineer (Stray Kids, Rachel Platten, Ebony Obsidian)

    The TOMO Lisa plugin is a game changer! It adds warmth and depth. I love the new TX Drive for additional tone. The compression for each band opens up a world of sonic possibilities. This is… Read More

  • Joost van den Broek

    Joost van den Broek

    Producer, Arranger & Mixer (Blind Guardian, Powerwolf, Ayreon)

    I love the options it gives you to do multiband compression and/or EQ in so many different ranges, still keeping the benefits of an analog device overview. If it is to just clean up your… Read More

Customer Reviews

  • Magical

    ★★★★★
    by Alan Brucke
    I don't understand how it's possible for a plugin to sound so genuinely, gloriously analog. I've known that the gap between analog and digital is very small nowadays, but this EQ really sounds real.… Read More
  • TOMO Lisa

    ★★★★★
    by Andras
    The one and only analog style eq+compressor I really enjoy using. It makes everything sound better.
  • TOMO LISA

    ★★★★★
    by uaivo
    it claims that it's coming from 15k dollars hardware, but it really worth it. Surprisingly great, it rising the bar of dynamic EQ
  • TOMO Lisa

    ★★★★★
    by BVT
    Wow !
    Yet another rare Gem in the Plugin Alliance Collection !?@y@?!
    . . . It has been sitting right there, under my nose ever since I took the plunge on a subscription from PA last… Read More
  • Wow, I'm impressed!

    ★★★★★
    by Joost
    I'm really a fan of streamlined workflows like within this EQ.
    While selecting the frequencies within one band you can dim out the rest of the mix and exactly pick up the frequency you want to… Read More

Specifications

Supported Plugin Formats
AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST2, VST3

Supported Operating Systems
macOS 14 down to macOS 11
Windows 11 down to Windows 10

Mac
Intel, or Apple Silicon

PC
x64-compatible CPU

System Requirements
Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher
Memory: 2 GB RAM

Downloads

With the Installation Manager you can select, download & install all the Plugin Alliance products. Select any and all formats you need for your system! Mac & PC.

ChangeLog

LISA

TOMO Audiolabs LISA - Changelog

Version 1.1.1 (Oct 9, 2023)
- General: fixed CPU spikes on Mac OS

Version 1.1.0 (Aug 15, 2023)
- General: added native Apple Silicon compatibility for AAX
- General: added macOS Ventura support
- General: improved plugin loading time in the DAW
- General: fixed issue causing Logic to crash when closing the plugin UI
- General: improved font drawing behavior

Version 1.0 (Apr 29, 2022)
- Initial release

Version 1.1 (TBD)
- Fixed a transformer model variable
- Fixed a GUI bug where TMT channel numbers would not update at Random Channel button press
- Fixed missing parameter value string returning entries
- Improved up/downsampling performance (overall ~4% performance gain)
- Refactored the LED luminosity parameter handling, minor performance gain
- Refactored delay compensation for static latency independent of sample rate