FrankCS by Analog Obsession: The Versatile Analog Channel Strip
Welcome to the world of analog warmth and flexibility with FrankCS by Analog Obsession! This powerful plugin is not just another EQ or compressor; it’s a complete channel strip that combines vintage analog character with modern functionality. Designed with attention to detail, FrankCS offers a unique combination of analog EQ, selectable preamp, and a flexible compressor, inspired by legendary studio gear.
The Heart of Sound: A Unique Equalizer
The equalizer section in FrankCS is a true gem. It’s assembled from elements chosen from four different well-known analog modules, giving you access to a wide range of tonal possibilities. Unlike the fixed frequencies of many vintage EQs, FrankCS allows you to select the frequency for each band, providing incredible flexibility in shaping your sound.
- H-Type Low Cut: A low-cut filter with adjustable range from 20 Hz to 800 Hz. Ideal for removing unwanted “mud” in the low register.
- P-Type Boost/Atten: A band for working with low frequencies (from 20 Hz to 100 Hz), allowing you to both boost and attenuate this range, adding density or transparency to your sound.
- A-Type Mid Band: A flexible mid-band covering the range from 75 Hz to 12.5 kHz. This band is key for working with the main character of instruments and vocals.
- N-Type High Shelf: A shelving equalizer for high frequencies (from 3 kHz to 15 kHz), allowing you to add “air” and brilliance to your mix.
- P-Type High Atten: A band for attenuating high frequencies (from 5 kHz to 20 kHz), useful for taming harshness or sibilance.
Each of these bands has its own unique analog character, which together create a rich palette for tonal correction.
Character and Saturation: The Preamp Section
FrankCS is not limited to just equalization. It’s equipped with two custom preamp sections that add analog character and saturation to your sound. You can choose between two different styles:
- Solid-State: Offers a clean, dense, and focused sound with the characteristic saturation of solid-state circuits.
- Tube: Provides a warm, rich, and harmonically complex sound, typical of tube compression and saturation.
Both preamps have gain compensation, allowing you to easily compare their effect on your signal.
Dynamics Control: Flexible Compressor
For complete control over the dynamics of your track, FrankCS includes a powerful compressor section. Like the preamps, the compressor has two custom detectors corresponding to the Solid-State and Tube styles, allowing you to choose the desired dynamic response and character:
- Solid-State: Provides fast and accurate compression, ideal for controlling peaks.
- Tube: Delivers softer, smoother, and more musical compression with pleasant harmonic saturation.
The compressor offers a wide range of settings:
- Attack Time: Fast (0.5 ms), Medium (10 ms), Slow (30 ms).
- Release Time: Fast (50 ms), Medium (500 ms), Slow (2 sec).
- Ratio: From gentle (1.5:1) to heavy compression (10:1) and Limiter mode (Limit).
These settings allow you to adapt the compressor to any instrument or vocal, from subtle dynamics leveling to aggressive compression.
Additional Features
FrankCS is designed for ease of use in a professional workflow:
- Independent Bypass: The EQ and Compressor sections have independent bypass buttons, allowing you to easily compare the processing of individual sections (note: there is no master bypass for the plugin).
- Oversampling: The oversampling function (activated by clicking on the “ANALOG OBSESSION” logo) minimizes unwanted artifacts and aliasing, providing a clean analog sound even with strong saturation.
FrankCS by Analog Obsession is the perfect tool for sound engineers and musicians looking for a versatile channel strip with a pronounced analog character. It’s great for both subtle tonal correction and dynamic processing of individual tracks, as well as for adding analog warmth and punch to the entire mix. Try FrankCS and discover new possibilities in shaping your sound!
