diff --git a/.github/workflows/cpu-unit-tests.yml b/.github/workflows/cpu-unit-tests.yml
index d8efd53..449af90 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/cpu-unit-tests.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/cpu-unit-tests.yml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ jobs:
         run: |
           python -m pip install --upgrade pip
           python -m pip install torch==2.11.0 --index-url https://download.pytorch.org/whl/cpu
-          python -m pip install numpy==1.26.4 huggingface-hub==1.27.0 soundfile==0.14.0
+          python -m pip install numpy==1.26.4 scipy==1.13.1 huggingface-hub==1.27.0 soundfile==0.14.0
       - name: Compile and run unit tests
         run: |
           python -m py_compile inference.py tests/test_inference.py
diff --git a/TEXTURE_SOFTENING.md b/TEXTURE_SOFTENING.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..78fdbe3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/TEXTURE_SOFTENING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+# Optional experimental texture softening
+
+Apollo remains by Kai Li and Yi Luo / Look2Hear. This Neuracoust contribution
+is adapted from Sound Build-up post-processing; the repository CC BY-SA 4.0
+license and upstream attribution apply. It changes neither weights nor training.
+
+```sh
+python inference.py --in_wav=input.wav --out_wav=output.wav --texture-reduction-db=2
+```
+
+The option defaults to **0 (off)** and accepts 0–3 dB. When enabled, a
+stereo-linked NumPy/SciPy processor runs once on the existing Apollo prediction,
+after either full-file or chunked inference; it adds no model forward passes.
+Install SciPy in the inference environment (`python -m pip install scipy`).
+Enabled processing checks SciPy before audio/checkpoint loading and rejects
+inputs shorter than 2048 frames before checkpoint/model loading. With the
+option disabled, SciPy is not required and the existing short-input path remains.
+
+The processor attenuates short positive spectral excursions against a roughly
+40 ms temporal median, tapering between 1.2 and 14 kHz with a broad attack gate.
+The cap bounds STFT gain reduction, not every time-domain sample difference.
+This is a heuristic, not an artifact/vocal detector: wanted detail, modulation,
+and transients can be suppressed. Keep this experimental and opt-in.
+
+A full-output STFT makes memory **O(duration)** even with chunked model
+inference. Historical model-excluded probes measured 388.74 MiB tracked peak /
+648.77 MiB process RSS for 30 s, and 2328.58 / 3042.25 MiB for a 180 s repeated
+Apollo prediction. The latter is an allocation probe, not a full-song listening
+test; these host-dependent figures are not new measurements of this review copy.
+
+Run `python -m unittest discover -s tests -v` for DSP and CLI regression tests.
+The CLI tests mock model loading; they do not validate a checkpoint or listening
+quality. [Existing texture-only audio bundle](https://github.com/hemanpapa-coder/Apollo/releases/tag/texture-evaluation-20261016)
+and [fixed detailed evidence](https://github.com/hemanpapa-coder/Apollo/blob/f160a8a1e267626da2136fc20a487eef99f8cf28/evaluation/texture-20261016/REPORT.md)
+provide eight aligned 15 s excerpts, raw 0/1/2/3 dB WAVs, loudness-matched blind
+copies, commands and provenance. Sources are lossy proxies, not lossless clean
+references; controlled listening and maintainer evaluation remain outstanding.
+No universal quality improvement is claimed. The full enhancement chain is
+outside this feature's scope and remains separate fork experiment material.
diff --git a/inference.py b/inference.py
index 356bda4..936d2d2 100644
--- a/inference.py
+++ b/inference.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import argparse
+import importlib
 from pathlib import Path
 
 from huggingface_hub import hf_hub_download
@@ -221,6 +222,20 @@ def run_model(
     return output_sum / weight_sum
 
 
+def load_texture_processor():
+    """Check optional dependencies before checkpoint download/model execution."""
+    try:
+        importlib.import_module("scipy")
+        return importlib.import_module("texture_softening").soften_texture
+    except ModuleNotFoundError as exc:
+        if exc.name == "scipy" or (exc.name or "").startswith("scipy."):
+            raise RuntimeError(
+                "Texture softening requires SciPy. Install scipy>=1.13,<2 "
+                "or use --texture-reduction-db=0. No model was loaded."
+            ) from exc
+        raise
+
+
 def run_inference(
     input_wav,
     output_wav,
@@ -230,7 +245,10 @@ def run_inference(
     overlap_seconds=1.0,
     chunk_batch_size=1,
     chunk_pad_seconds=0.0,
+    texture_reduction_db=0.0,
 ):
+    if not np.isfinite(texture_reduction_db) or not 0 <= texture_reduction_db <= 3:
+        raise ValueError("Texture reduction must be finite and between 0 and 3 dB.")
     input_path = Path(input_wav)
     output_path = Path(output_wav)
     if input_path.resolve() == output_path.resolve():
@@ -242,8 +260,14 @@ def run_inference(
         chunk_seconds, overlap_seconds, chunk_pad_seconds
     )
     chunk_batch_size = validate_chunk_batch_size(chunk_batch_size)
+    texture_processor = load_texture_processor() if texture_reduction_db else None
     device = select_device(requested_device)
     test_data, sample_rate = load_audio(input_path)
+    if texture_processor is not None and test_data.shape[-1] < 2048:
+        raise ValueError(
+            "Texture softening requires at least 2048 frames; "
+            "use --texture-reduction-db=0 for shorter clips. No model was loaded."
+        )
     checkpoint_path = resolve_checkpoint(checkpoint)
 
     model = look2hear.models.BaseModel.from_pretrain(
@@ -263,6 +287,11 @@ def run_inference(
             chunk_batch_size=chunk_batch_size,
             chunk_pad_samples=chunk_pad_samples,
         )
+    if texture_reduction_db:
+        softened, _ = texture_processor(
+            output.squeeze(0).numpy(), sample_rate, texture_reduction_db
+        )
+        output = torch.from_numpy(softened).unsqueeze(0)
     save_audio(output_path, output, sample_rate)
     return device
 
@@ -310,6 +339,10 @@ def main():
         default=1,
         help="Chunks per model forward pass (default: 1; higher uses more memory)",
     )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--texture-reduction-db", type=float, default=0.0,
+        help="Experimental texture softening cap, 0-3 dB (default: 0, disabled)",
+    )
     args = parser.parse_args()
 
     device = run_inference(
@@ -321,6 +354,7 @@ def main():
         args.overlap_seconds,
         args.chunk_batch_size,
         args.chunk_pad_seconds,
+        args.texture_reduction_db,
     )
     print(f"Inference completed on {device}: {args.out_wav}")
 
diff --git a/tests/test_texture_inference.py b/tests/test_texture_inference.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c39307c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_texture_inference.py
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+"""CLI integration without checkpoint download or real model inference."""
+import tempfile
+from pathlib import Path
+import unittest
+from unittest import mock
+import numpy as np
+import soundfile as sf
+import torch
+import inference
+
+
+class IntegrationTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_optional_postprocessing_and_default_bypass(self):
+        t = np.arange(4410)/44100
+        x = np.array([.4*np.sin(2*np.pi*220*t) + .02*(.1+(np.mod(t,.08)<.008))*np.sin(2*np.pi*4000*t)], dtype='float32')
+        from texture_softening import soften_texture
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as directory:
+            root = Path(directory)
+            source, dest, checkpoint = root/'in.wav', root/'out.wav', root/'model.pt'
+            checkpoint.touch()
+            sf.write(source, x.T, 44100, subtype='FLOAT')
+            with mock.patch.object(inference.look2hear.models.BaseModel, 'from_pretrain', return_value=torch.nn.Identity()):
+                with mock.patch('texture_softening.soften_texture', wraps=soften_texture) as process:
+                    inference.run_inference(source, dest, checkpoint, 'cpu')
+                    process.assert_not_called()
+                    y, _ = sf.read(dest, dtype='float32', always_2d=True)
+                    np.testing.assert_array_equal(y.T, x)
+                    inference.run_inference(source, dest, checkpoint, 'cpu', texture_reduction_db=2)
+                    process.assert_called_once()
+                    y, _ = sf.read(dest, dtype='float32', always_2d=True)
+                    expected, _ = soften_texture(x)
+                    np.testing.assert_array_equal(y.T, expected)
+            original, _ = sf.read(source, dtype='float32', always_2d=True)
+            np.testing.assert_array_equal(original.T, x)
+
+    def test_invalid_cap_rejected_before_model_load(self):
+        for cap in (-1, 4, np.nan, np.inf):
+            with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
+                inference.run_inference('unused.wav', 'out.wav', 'unused.pt', texture_reduction_db=cap)
+
+    def test_missing_scipy_fails_before_audio_checkpoint_or_model(self):
+        missing = ModuleNotFoundError("No module named scipy", name="scipy")
+        with mock.patch.object(inference.importlib, 'import_module', side_effect=missing), \
+             mock.patch.object(inference, 'load_audio') as audio, \
+             mock.patch.object(inference, 'resolve_checkpoint') as checkpoint, \
+             mock.patch.object(inference.look2hear.models.BaseModel, 'from_pretrain') as model:
+            with self.assertRaisesRegex(RuntimeError, 'requires SciPy'):
+                inference.run_inference('in.wav', 'out.wav', 'model.pt', 'cpu', texture_reduction_db=2)
+            audio.assert_not_called()
+            checkpoint.assert_not_called()
+            model.assert_not_called()
+
+    def test_short_clip_rejected_before_checkpoint_but_disabled_still_works(self):
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as directory:
+            root = Path(directory)
+            source, dest = root/'short.wav', root/'out.wav'
+            x = np.zeros((1024, 1), dtype='float32')
+            sf.write(source, x, 44100, subtype='FLOAT')
+            with mock.patch.object(inference, 'resolve_checkpoint') as checkpoint, \
+                 mock.patch.object(inference.look2hear.models.BaseModel, 'from_pretrain', return_value=torch.nn.Identity()) as model:
+                with self.assertRaisesRegex(ValueError, 'at least 2048'):
+                    inference.run_inference(source, dest, 'model.pt', 'cpu', texture_reduction_db=2)
+                checkpoint.assert_not_called()
+                model.assert_not_called()
+                self.assertFalse(dest.exists())
+                with mock.patch.object(inference, 'load_texture_processor') as optional:
+                    inference.run_inference(source, dest, 'model.pt', 'cpu')
+                    optional.assert_not_called()
+                y, _ = sf.read(dest, dtype='float32', always_2d=True)
+                np.testing.assert_array_equal(y, x)
+
+    def test_unrelated_import_errors_are_not_misreported(self):
+        missing = ModuleNotFoundError('missing other', name='other')
+        with mock.patch.object(inference.importlib, 'import_module', side_effect=missing):
+            with self.assertRaises(ModuleNotFoundError):
+                inference.load_texture_processor()
diff --git a/tests/test_texture_softening.py b/tests/test_texture_softening.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8740c29
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_texture_softening.py
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+import unittest
+import numpy as np
+from texture_softening import soften_texture
+
+
+class TextureTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_exact_bypass(self):
+        x = np.random.default_rng(4).normal(0, .1, (2, 16000)).astype('float32')
+        y, _ = soften_texture(x, max_reduction_db=0)
+        np.testing.assert_array_equal(x, y)
+
+    def test_steady_tone_stereo_and_length(self):
+        a = .2*np.sin(2*np.pi*3000*np.arange(44101)/44100)
+        x = np.array([a, -.3*a], dtype='float32')
+        y, _ = soften_texture(x)
+        self.assertEqual(y.shape, x.shape)
+        np.testing.assert_allclose(y[1], -.3*y[0], atol=1e-7)
+        self.assertLess(np.sqrt(np.mean((x[:,2048:-2048]-y[:,2048:-2048])**2)), 1e-5)
+
+    def test_silence(self):
+        y, _ = soften_texture(np.zeros((2, 4410), dtype='float32'))
+        self.assertEqual(float(abs(y).max()), 0)
+
+    def test_actual_modulation_is_bounded(self):
+        t = np.arange(44100)/44100
+        envelope = .02*(.1 + (np.mod(t, .08) < .008))
+        x = np.array([.4*np.sin(2*np.pi*220*t) + envelope*np.sin(2*np.pi*4000*t)], dtype='float32')
+        y, stats = soften_texture(x)
+        self.assertGreater(stats['max_reduction_db'], .01)
+        self.assertLessEqual(stats['max_reduction_db'], 2)
+        self.assertTrue(np.isfinite(y).all())
+        self.assertGreater(np.sqrt(np.mean((x-y)**2)), 1e-5)
+
+    def test_invalid(self):
+        for x in (np.zeros(4410), np.zeros((0,4410)), np.zeros((2,100)),
+                  np.full((2,4410), np.nan), np.zeros((2,4410), dtype='complex64')):
+            with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
+                soften_texture(x)
+        for cap in (-1, 4, np.nan, np.inf):
+            with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
+                soften_texture(np.zeros((1,4410)), max_reduction_db=cap)
+
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    unittest.main()
diff --git a/texture_softening.py b/texture_softening.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8f5f024
--- /dev/null
+++ b/texture_softening.py
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+# Adapted from Neuracoust Sound Build-up experimental post-processing.
+# Changes: explicit zero-strength bypass and input validation.
+# Distributed under the repository's CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
+"""Offline candidate: bounded temporal spectral excursion reduction, no dry input.
+Not a defect classifier. Musical fluctuations may also trigger the detector.
+"""
+import numpy as np
+from scipy.signal import stft, istft
+from scipy.ndimage import median_filter, gaussian_filter1d, maximum_filter1d
+
+
+def soften_texture(audio, sample_rate=44100, max_reduction_db=2.0):
+    x = np.asarray(audio)
+    if (x.ndim != 2 or x.shape[0] < 1 or x.shape[-1] < 2048
+            or not np.issubdtype(x.dtype, np.floating) or not np.isfinite(x).all()):
+        raise ValueError('Expected finite channels-by-frames audio, at least 2048 frames')
+    if not np.isfinite(sample_rate) or sample_rate < 16000 or not 0 <= max_reduction_db <= 3:
+        raise ValueError('Unsupported rate or attenuation')
+    if max_reduction_db == 0:
+        return x.copy(), {'max_reduction_db': 0.0,
+                          'power_weighted_reduction_db': 0.0,
+                          'attack_frame_fraction': 0.0}
+    kw = dict(fs=sample_rate, nperseg=1024, noverlap=768)
+    f, _, z = stft(np.pad(x, ((0,0),(1024,1024)), mode='reflect'), **kw)
+    power = np.mean(abs(z)**2, axis=0)
+    level = 10*np.log10(np.maximum(power, 1e-16))
+    # About 40 ms neighborhood: only positive, short-lived excursions.
+    frames = max(3, int(round(.04*sample_rate/256)) | 1)
+    baseline = median_filter(level, size=(1,frames), mode='nearest')
+    excess = np.maximum(level-baseline-3, 0)
+    # Broad attack gate protects simultaneous rising energy (not guaranteed perfect).
+    energy = power.sum(axis=0)
+    attack = np.r_[False, energy[1:] > 1.4*np.maximum(energy[:-1],1e-16)]
+    gate = 1-maximum_filter1d(attack.astype(float), size=5)
+    band = np.clip((f-1200)/800,0,1)*np.clip((14000-f)/4000,0,1)
+    active = power > max(float(power.max())*1e-7,1e-15)
+    reduction = np.minimum(excess*.35,max_reduction_db)*band[:,None]*gate*active
+    reduction = gaussian_filter1d(gaussian_filter1d(reduction,.7,axis=0),.8,axis=1)
+    _, y = istft(z*10**(-reduction[None,:,:]/20), **kw)
+    y = y[:,1024:1024+x.shape[-1]].astype(np.float32)
+    return y, {'max_reduction_db':float(reduction.max()),
+               'power_weighted_reduction_db':float((reduction*power).sum()/max(power.sum(),1e-30)),
+               'attack_frame_fraction':float(np.mean(gate==0))}