In the world of digital audio, where purity and transparency often become the main criteria, many musicians and sound engineers strive to add a warm, rich, and characteristic sound of the analog era to their recordings. This is especially true for dynamic processing, where vintage compressors have long won the status of classics due to their unique behavior and ability to bring any audio material to life.
Introduction to bolsterisers
It is for fans of such a sound that bolsterisers were developed – a unique set of compressors from whiteLABEL. This is not just one plugin, but a whole “retro-suite” of instruments, each with its own character and application. The developers were inspired by classic analog circuits to give your tracks that unique vintage magic.
bolsterisers offers the user not one, but six different compression models at once, available in both stereo and mono formats. This variety allows you to choose the perfect tool for any task – from soft smoothing of dynamics to aggressive “pumping” of the signal.
Types of compressors in the set
- Model A – Softknee RMS: This compressor works on the RMS (Root Mean Square) principle, reacting to the average signal level, which makes it ideal for soft, unobtrusive compression. The Softknee characteristic provides a smooth increase in the degree of compression, which is ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, or a full mix where delicate smoothing of peaks is needed without losing the naturalness of the sound.
- Model B – Hardknee Peak: Unlike Model A, this compressor uses the Peak (peak) method and has a Hardknee characteristic. It instantly reacts to the highest peaks of the signal, providing more aggressive and precise dynamic limiting. An excellent choice for drums, percussion, or any instruments with sharp attacks where it is necessary to strictly control the peaks.
- Model C – Hardknee Booster: This model combines a hard knee with a “Booster” function. It not only limits the peaks but also adds a certain characteristic “push” or saturation to the signal. It is designed to add volume and aggression. Ideal for bass, guitars, or drums when you want to make the sound more dense and punchy.
- Model D – Softknee Booster: Similar to Model C, this model has a “Booster” function, but with a soft knee. This allows you to achieve the effect of saturation and “pumping” in a more delicate way. It provides a smooth transition to compression and boost, which can be useful for adding warmth and presence to vocals, keyboards, or even for lightly “gluing” instrument subgroups.
- Model E – with Sidechain: This universal model is based on one of the previous types (probably variant A or B, or their combination, which requires experimentation) and is supplemented with the sidechain function. Sidechain compression allows the signal from one track (for example, a kick drum) to control the compression on another track (for example, bass). This is an indispensable tool for creating a “pumping” effect, which is often used in electronic music, or for automatically lowering the level of music during speech (ducking).
- Model F – with Balls: The name of this model speaks for itself. “Balls” in sound engineering often means adding density, volume, low-frequency energy, and overall “punch” of the sound. This compressor probably has a unique internal structure or an additional saturation cascade aimed at enhancing the perception of low and mid-low frequencies, making the sound more weighty and impressive. It may be ideal for adding “fat” to a drum machine, synthesizer bass, or rock guitars.
Why you should try bolsterisers?
This set of compressors from whiteLABEL is a real gift for those who are looking for a vintage character in their digital workflow. Instead of one universal tool, you get a palette of different compression colors, each with its own taste. By experimenting with different models, you can find the perfect solution for any instrument or mix.
Using bolsterisers will allow you not only to control the dynamics but also to add warmth, saturation, and a unique analog charm to your recordings. Whether you’re working on hip-hop, rock, electronic music, or a podcast, these compressors will help make your sound more professional, interesting, and alive.
System requirements and availability
The bolsterisers plugin is designed for the Windows operating system (32-bit systems) and is available in VST format. This makes it compatible with most popular DAWs (digital audio workstations) on this platform that support VST 32-bit plugins. Before installing, make sure that your DAW and operating system meet these requirements.
Don’t miss the opportunity to add these wonderful retro compressors to your arsenal of tools. bolsterisers by whiteLABEL is your ticket to the world of classic analog sound, available right in your digital studio.
