Advanced Component Level Modelling (ACLM)

Many plugins claim to emulate analog equipment, and when you look at its frequency response alone it might seem like they have succeeded. But unfortunately there is more to it than just perfectly matched frequency response. Numerous tests have shown that phase and impulse response are important factors when it comes to the way we perceive sound. To get that fully analog sound, both phase and pulse response have to match the analog equipment.

To get the best possible model of the analog equipment, it is not enough to analyse it on a simple output vs. input basis, and we do not have to. Analog equipment is built from many more or less independent circuitries that should be recognized and analysed, and a partial-algorithm made for each circuit.

At Kjaerhus Audio, we use our own technique developed to transform each circuit into a part-algorithm. We call it “Advanced Component Level Modelling” (ACLM). The basic idea is to give each component its own place in the part-algorithm.

When we develop a plug-in, all analog circuits are designed as if we where going to make a piece of hardware. After that, all circuits are transformed into part-algorithms using the ACLM technique and tested to make sure it works like its analog counterpart (which it does if everything was done right!). Lastly, all part-algorithms are “connected” just like the circuits they are modelling. This becomes the final plug-in.

The ACLM technique has shown to have very light CPU utilization; therefore not putting unnecessary pressure on the CPU, but making the sound much better.