BUSTERse: Classic Console Compression with Advanced Features
Welcome to the world of classic analog sound with the BUSTERse plugin from Analog Obsession! This virtual compressor, inspired by legendary console dynamic processors, brings the warmth, punch, and character of vintage gear to your digital studio. But BUSTERse is not just an emulation. It expands the horizons of classic compression with unique sidechain features, allowing you to control the dynamics of your signal with incredible precision.
Compressor Section
The heart of BUSTERse is its compressor section, which offers a familiar and effective set of parameters for shaping dynamics:
- THRESHOLD (dB): Sets the level above which the compressor starts to work. Range from +15 to -15 dB.
- ATTACK (ms): Determines how quickly the compressor responds after reaching the threshold. Fast values: 0.1, 0.3, 1 ms. Slower: 3, 10, 30 ms.
- RELEASE (sec): Adjusts the time it takes for the compressor to return to its original state after the signal drops below the threshold. Values: 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2 seconds, as well as AUTO mode for automatic adjustment.
- RATIO: Sets the degree of signal compression. Available ratios: 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 10:1.
- MAKE UP (dB): Allows you to compensate for the loss of volume caused by compression. Gain range from 0 to 15 dB.
- MIX (%): Mixes the processed (WET) signal with the original (DRY), providing the possibility of parallel compression to preserve natural dynamics and add punch. From DRY to WET.
Sidechain Filter Section
A unique feature of BUSTERse is the flexible sidechain control, which allows the compressor to respond to specific frequency ranges of the signal. This opens up wide possibilities for creative dynamic processing, for example, for sidechaining the bass from the kick or gentle compression of the full mix without excessive response to low frequencies.
- HPF (Hz): High-pass filter that cuts off low frequencies from the sidechain signal. Range from 20 to 500 Hz.
- MID (~1500Hz): Level control of mid frequencies in the sidechain signal (center around 1500 Hz). Allows you to emphasize or weaken this range. Range from -6 dB to +6 dB.
- HF (~10kHz): High-frequency level control (center around 10 kHz). Similar in action to the filter in some well-known optical tube compressors, helps to better control the high frequencies, making the compression more transparent in the upper register. Range from 0 dB to -10 dB.
Sidechain Transient Control Section
This section gives unprecedented control over how the compressor responds to attacks and peaks in the signal. You can make the compressor more or less sensitive to transients, and also focus this sensitivity on certain frequency ranges.
- BOOST (dB): Boosts signal attacks in the sidechain, while reducing sustain/decay. This makes the compressor more sensitive to peaks. Range from 0 to 10 dB.
- TILT (~1kHz Center): Frequency filter (centered around 1 kHz), located before the BOOST control. Allows you to direct only the signal from a certain frequency range to BOOST, so that BOOST will only affect transients in this range. If TILT is in the neutral position, BOOST affects the transients of the entire signal. Range from -6 dB to +6 dB.
- MIX (%): Mixes the processed (WET) signal of the transient section with the original (DRY). Allows you to preserve part of the natural sustain of the signal after the attacks are amplified. If MIX is in the minimum position, the transient section is disabled. To activate it, just turn the MIX knob. From DRY to WET.
- EXT (External Sidechain): Activates the external sidechain mode. In this mode, the compressor responds to a separate input signal, while you can still use the Filter and Transient sections to process this external signal.
Control Section
Additional controllers that expand the capabilities of BUSTERse and allow you to adapt its sound:
- MAIN: Overall bypass of the plugin.
- TURBO: Turbo Mod mode. Turning on this mode allows the compressor to affect the entire frequency range of the signal. Without this mode, the compressor is focused mainly on mid frequencies, which corresponds to the character of the original equipment.
- XFORMER: Input/Output Transformers. Activating this option replaces the standard microcircuits of the input/output stage with transformers. This changes the input/output impedance, adds character, and affects the overall sound, saturating it with harmonics characteristic of transformers.
BUSTERse from Analog Obsession is a powerful and flexible tool for controlling dynamics in your mixes. It is ideal for processing individual instruments, track groups, or even for the master bus, adding density, punch, and analog character to your sound. Thanks to the advanced sidechain capabilities, you get unprecedented control over how compression interacts with your signal. Try BUSTERse and experience classic console sound with modern flexibility!
