So, how would it be if, within the overall ethos of something like a tube or FET or optical design, you could build your own compressor? Well, now you can, thanks to Positive Grid’s new Pro Series plug-ins. That’s not a criticism - it’s those sonic characteristics and design quirks that gave the device its reputation in the first place - but there are times when you might wish for more versatility. The other obvious point about software emulations of specific hardware is that, naturally, they tend to share the limitations of the original hardware. These types of plug-ins can sound very good indeed but, although they’re a lot more affordable than the original hardware, can nevertheless come with a hefty price tag - the aforementioned Waves collection is currently $599. Waves’ CLA Classic Compressors Collection is an obvious example: it includes emulations of the FET-based UREI 1176, which is great for heavy compression on drums, guitars and bass, and the hybrid electro/optical/tube Teletronix LA-2A, which is famed for its silky-smooth sound, but can also be overdriven very effectively. Of course, we now have the software compressor and, as computer power has advanced, so has the accuracy with which a plug-in compressor can not only control the dynamics of an input signal, but do so in a way that emulates the specific characteristics of classic hardware models. Each approach has its own sonic characteristics, and these differences have led experienced mix engineers to prefer specific compressor designs for particular mix tasks. As Mike explains, compression has been implemented using a number of different circuit topologies including VCA, vari-mu, optical and FET technology, as well as hybrid designs. It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that it has been discussed many times in the pages of SOS and back in the September 2009 issue, Mike Senior provided his ' Compression Made Easy' article that forms an excellent ‘Compression 101’ class. Positive Grid’s latest plug-ins let you craft your own boutique compressor designs without ever touching a soldering iron.Īlongside equalisation, compression is perhaps the most widely used processing tool within the mixing and mastering processes. The Pro Series optical compressor: LA-2A-inspired but with the option to swap out virtual components.
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