smart:chain by sonible

smart:chain by sonible is an AI-assisted channel strip plug-in combining eight linked processors, session-wide Auto Leveling and depth staging, built to speed up rough mixes while leaving every parameter editable.

smart:chain is a plug-in from sonible that packs eight processors into one channel strip: EQ, compression, de-harshing, gating, input riding, saturation and leveling, all driven by a single analysis of the incoming audio. Rather than setting up each module separately, the user gets a coordinated starting point across the chain, then adjusts it with sound-shaping controls. Every parameter stays editable, so the automated settings serve as a draft instead of a locked result. The tool goes beyond single tracks. Several instances of the plug-in communicate within a session, which lets each track be processed with the rest of the mix in mind. A depth staging feature places elements in Front, Middle or Back Layers and adapts the processing to support separation and clarity. A central window collects Groups, track navigation and access to every instance, which helps in larger sessions. Project-wide Auto Leveling studies the relationships between the tracks it has learned and sets a genre-aware rough balance, with trim controls for refining it while keeping the level relationships intact. It suits music producers, mixing engineers and people working on film, video sound or sound design who want to skip repetitive groundwork and reach a workable rough mix faster. Reviewers quoted on the page describe it as speeding up workflow and handling a large share of a mix, though the final balance remains the user's job. In practice it is installed as a plug-in inside a digital audio workstation. Mac formats are VST3, AU and AAX, and Windows formats are VST3 and AAX, with native Apple Silicon support and sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. Authorization is machine-based or through iLok. Among alternatives, it competes with single-purpose EQ and compressor plug-ins and with other assistive mixing suites, differing mainly in its linked, session-wide approach. A 30-day demo is offered before purchase, and the page lists a discounted price with a 40% education discount.