Zynaptiq LOUD and WIDE for Windows: VST3/AAX Support, Features, Pricing and iLok Requirements

LOUD: one processor for tone and level​

Zynaptiq says LOUD combines technology from its INTENSITY 2, PUNCH and BALANCE plug-ins with saturation and a new feedback multiband limiter in a single processing stage. It offers CLEAN and WARM configurations, an adaptive TONE control and automatic gain compensation for level-matched monitoring. The company lists support for up to 16 channels of multi-mono processing, making it the more relevant of the two releases for multichannel sessions.

The practical question is whether it improves a mix at the same listening level. Louder often sounds better in a quick comparison, which is precisely why LOUD’s level-compensated monitoring matters. Zynaptiq describes the plug-in as low-latency and light on CPU resources, but the available specifications do not establish a measured latency or a benchmark across Windows PCs.

WIDE: stereo space, with a mono check​

WIDE supplies three stereo-to-stereo algorithms and one mono-to-stereo algorithm. Zynaptiq says it uses spectral processing, resynthesis and feature extraction rather than conventional mid/side widening, channel-specific EQ or modulation effects. Its controls include frequency-dependent operation and both broadband and frequency-dependent fold-down to mono. Unlike LOUD’s multichannel configuration, WIDE is supplied for mono-to-stereo and stereo-to-stereo use.

That mono fold-down is worth using, not merely noting on a feature list. A Windows producer preparing music, video or game audio can compare the widened result with the mono version to judge whether important sounds remain clear. Zynaptiq claims WIDE can avoid common widening artifacts, including in demanding mastering work; that is a manufacturer claim, not an independently verified listening result.

Windows compatibility, licensing and price​

Both plug-ins require Windows 10 or later on an Intel or AMD processor. Zynaptiq lists 64-bit VST 3 and AAX Native formats for Windows; AU is Mac-only. Supported sample rates run from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, subject to available CPU resources. Before buying, check that your audio host accepts the relevant format—and, for LOUD multichannel work, the intended channel configuration.

Both use PACE protection and require a free iLok account. Activation can be assigned to a computer or an iLok 2-or-newer USB device. Licences are single-seat but permit two concurrent activations. Zynaptiq also advertises free trials for both products, giving users a way to check host compatibility and results in their own sessions.

The advertised introductory prices are $49/€49 for LOUD and $99/€99 for WIDE; the listed subsequent prices are $99/€99 and $149/€149, respectively. Zynaptiq’s pages disagree on when the introductory offer ends: its launch announcement says October 15, 2026, while both individual product pages say October 10, 2026. Buyers should confirm the checkout price rather than rely on either deadline. Euro prices include 19% German VAT; sales tax may apply to US-dollar prices.