8.4Great
MicroShift creates stereo width using a combination of pitch shifting and time-varying delay.
Plugin comparison
Soundtoys MicroShift vs Baby Audio Smooth Operator
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
Effect / Baby Audio
Baby Audio Smooth Operator
8.4Great
A spectral balancing plugin that dynamically removes harshness, mud, and masking from a track only when and where those frequencies occur.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Soundtoys MicroShift | Baby Audio Smooth Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | — |
| Dubspot Score | 8.4 | 8.4 |
| Formats | AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2, VST 3, Audio Units (AU) | VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Widening modes | Three modes based on classic hardware (Eventide H3000 and AMS DMX 15-80s) | — |
| Controls | Delay, Detune, and Focus | — |
| Included | Little MicroShift (simplified version, three buttons and one knob) | — |
| Version | 5.5 | — |
| Sample rates | 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz (64-bit only) | — |
| System requirements | macOS 10.15+, Windows 10+; internet connection required for activation | — |
| Plugin formats | — | VST, VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit) |
| macOS | — | 10.11 and up, native Apple Silicon (M-chip) compatibility |
| Windows | — | Windows 10 and newer |
| Presets | — | 184 presets |
| Processing type | — | Dynamic spectral balancing with user-set target curve via EQ nodes and a threshold control |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.