Dither 1.0 - Audio software SONORIS - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Audio software (dithering plugin)
Version	1.0
Developer	SONORIS
Platform	Windows (Vista/7/8/10), macOS (10.7+)
Format	VST2, VST3, AU, AAX (native 64-bit)
Sample Rate Support	Up to 192 kHz
Bit Depth	Up to 32-bit float
Dithering Types	Type 1 (rectangular), Type 2 (triangular), Type 3 (Gaussian)
Noise Shaping	3 preset curves (flat, moderate, aggressive)
CPU Usage	Optimized, low latency
Copy Protection	Serial number activation (2 machines)
License Type	Perpetual single-user license
Demo Version	14-day fully functional trial with watermark
Installation	Installer package (approx. 5 MB)
User Manual	PDF included with installation
Support	Email support, knowledge base online
System Requirements (Windows)	Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD equivalent, 2 GB RAM, 20 MB free disk space
System Requirements (macOS)	Intel Core 2 Duo or Apple Silicon (native M1/M2), 2 GB RAM, 20 MB free disk space
Main Functions	High-quality dithering for reducing quantization errors when converting bit depth; noise shaping for perceptual optimization; supports A/B comparison; presets for common scenarios
Cleaning and Maintenance	Not applicable (pure software); keep license key safe; uninstall via standard OS method
Safety	No physical hazards; use within normal computer safety guidelines; backup authorization file

Frequently Asked Questions - Dither 1.0 SONORIS

What is dithering and why should I use it?

Dithering adds low-level noise to audio before reducing bit depth (e.g., from 24-bit to 16-bit) to mask quantization errors and prevent distortion. It preserves dynamic range and detail. Use it when exporting to CD or streaming formats.

How do I install SONORIS Dither 1.0?

Run the installer package. During installation, choose the plugin formats (VST2, VST3, AU, AAX) you need. On macOS, ensure 'Component' and 'VST' are selected for Logic and other hosts. Activate with your serial number after installation.

Can I use Dither 1.0 on multiple computers?

Yes, the license allows installation on up to 2 machines, but you can only use one instance at a time. If you need more, consider a site license.

Does Dither 1.0 work with Pro Tools?

Yes, it supports AAX format (native). Install the AAX version from the installer. Works with Pro Tools 10 and higher (64-bit only).

What is noise shaping?

Noise shaping moves the dither noise to frequencies where the human ear is less sensitive. SONORIS Dither 1.0 offers 3 preset curves: flat (no shaping), moderate, and aggressive shaping for optimal perceived signal-to-noise ratio.

How do I activate the full version?

After installation, open the plugin in any host. A registration window appears. Enter your serial number and personal details. You will receive an activation file via email. Download and import it into the plugin.

Is there a demo available?

Yes, a 14-day fully functional trial is available from our website. The only limitation is periodic watermark noise (audible beeps) during playback. No payment required.

What happens to the dither noise if I apply it multiple times?

Applying dither multiple times (i.e., cascading) adds extra noise each time, worsening the signal-to-noise ratio. Always apply dither only once, as the final export stage. Use SONORIS Dither 1.0 as the last plugin in your master chain.

Can I automate the dither type or noise shaping?

Yes, the plugin supports DAW automation for all parameters: dither type, noise shaping curve, and gain. This allows dynamic changes within a project, though it’s rarely needed.

How do I uninstall Dither 1.0?

On Windows: go to Control Panel > Programs and Features, select SONORIS Dither 1.0 and uninstall. On macOS: delete the plugin files from the respective folders (e.g., /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST), or use the included uninstaller script.

USER MANUAL Dither 1.0 SONORIS

Registered to Pieter Stenekes - Sonoris Audio Engineering

Contents

Contents 2

Introduction 3

What is it? 3

About the plugin 3

Activation 3

About this helpfile 3

What is dithering? 4

Dither type 6

Noiseshaping 7

Set A/B 9

Bypass 10

Settings 11

Introduction

© 2017 Pieter Stenekes for Sonoris Audio Engineering [e-mail]

Thank you for choosing Sonoris Dither!

What is it?

Sonoris Dither VST is a high quality audio plugin for mastering purposes. With this plugin, in VST, VST3, AU, AAX and RTAS format for Windows and Mac format, you can requantize audio to a lower bitdepth with dither and/or noiseshaping. The dither noisetype is selectable between TPDF and High Pass (HP) TPDF. TPDF is short for Triangular Probability Density Function, a form of dither noise that eliminates non-linear distortion during re-quantization and has no signal modulation artifacts.

The noiseshaping can be set to three flavours: Curve A, B and C or "Off". It is also possible to set noiseshaping without dither.

The output bitdepth can be set to 16 and 20 bit or "Off" for no quantization.

About the plugin

Much effort has been put in maintaining the sound quality. All calculations are performed with integer math except for the noiseshaping filters. The noise generator is of a very high quality, ensuring a good uniform distribution, preventing any form of correlation.

It is advisable to patch the dither plugin as the last effect in the whole chain. Only a metering plugin may be patched after it. So, all signal processing, should be done before dithering, including gain changes and samplerate conversion!

Activation

Details on how to activate the plugin can be found here: http://www.sonorissoftware.com/catalog/activation.php

About this helpfile

This helpfile explains all settings and options to get started. Basic knowledge of dither is needed.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Mac and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. VST/VST3 is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. RTAS and AAX are registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc.

What is dithering?

When audio is requantized from a higher to a lower bit depth there will be a quantization error. This error is correlated to the input signal and has unwanted harmonics. The result is non linear distortion and some people claim this to be the source of a "harsh" or "digital" sound.

When low level white noise is added to the signal, prior to the requantization process, the quantization error will become random and uncorrelated with the input signal resulting in a white noise spectrum. In other words: the non linear distortion is changed into white noise, resulting in a lower signal to noise ratio. However, the human ear is capable of hearing signals below this noise and the perceived dynamic range of the system will increase. It is possible to get 20 bit performance with a 16 bit system with proper dithering.

The noise is at a very low level, but noiseshaping can be used to minimize the audibility of the noise even further. Noiseshaping is the process of changing the noise spectrum in a way that noise is moved from frequency areas where the ear is most sensitive to areas where sensitivity is less. The total noise power will be the same and the dither function remains intact, but the noise is less hearable resulting in a higher perceived dynamic range.

Features

√ Supports 2 dither types:

o TPDF (Triangular Probability Density Function)

○ HighPass TPDF

√ 3 noiseshaping curves:

○ curve A: 5th order

○ curve B, C: 9th order

√ Dither and noiseshaping independant adjustable
√ Quantization to 20 or 16 bit
√ Full automation possible
√ Low CPU load
√ Settings can be saved and loaded
√ Integer math throughout the signal path, except for the noiseshaping filter
√ Windows 32/64 bit VST, VST3 and AAX versions
√ Mac OS Universal Binary 32/64 bit VST, VST3, AU and AAX versions
√ Mac OS Universal Binary and Windows RTAS versions
√ Installer / uninstaller

Dither type

The dither type can be set to "Off", TPDF and HP TPDF. When set to "Off", you can still apply noiseshaping. The difference between TPDF and HP TPDF is that in the latter case the noise is shifted a bit to the higher frequencies, above about 2KHz.

When TPDF is used without noiseshaping, the result is flat TPDF.

This setting is automatable.

Noiseshaping

Noiseshaping can be set to "Off", curve A, B or C. The difference between the curves is subjective and should be set by taste. Some technical specifications:

curve A: 5th order noiseshaping filter following an improved E-weighted response. curve B: 9th order noiseshaping filter following an improved E-weighted response. curve C: 9th order noiseshaping filter following an F-weighted response.

Important note:

When you know that after the dither/noiseshaping is applied, further processing of the signal will be needed, it is advisable that no noiseshaping is used.

This setting is automatable.

Bit depth

With this parameter you can set the final bit depth: 16 or 20 bit. When set to "Off", the effect is the same as bypassing the plugin.

This setting is automatable.

Set A/B

The set A/B button switches between settings A and B for comparison. All adjustments are automatically saved to the current set. Copying from one set to another is possible by pressing the Control key and the set A/B key at the same time.

This setting is automatable.

Bypass

The bypass button switches bypass on or off. The bypass is a soft bypass, disabling the plugin, the volume stage and the monitor setting.

This setting is automatable.

Settings

In the settings menu are these choices:

• Load. This function allows you to recall previous settings stored in a file
• Save. This function allows you to save the current settings to a file
• Save as Default: Saves the dither settings as default
  • Help: Shows this helpfile
• About: Shows the about box with registration info
  • Show tooltips: toggles tooltips on or off