Your One-stop Shop for Detailed Track Processing
The Bus Force Parallel Processor plug-in from Arturia is the dynamic, multi-module workstation that you’ve been waiting for. Bus Force packs so many features into one panel, presenting five processing modules: EQ, Filter, Compressor, Saturation, and Clipping. Each processor has an impressive array of custom controls that lets you get into the nitty-gritty when it comes to the exact presence and color of your tracks. Producers here at Sweetwater are huge fans of the giant visualizer, which is not only incredibly responsive to your tracks, but also changes displays depending on what specific module you adjust — it even provides an image of your exact signal path of choice. You'll be able to channel your inspiration with an expansive preset library, where you can house and build off your favorite sonic combinations. And the best part is that Bus Force is not specific to one instrument — its incredible sound-shaping controls are universal. From adding definition to your drums to sharpening a vocal track and in-depth stereo mastering, Bus Force is a plug-in to be reckoned with!
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Signal path displays with an impressive visualizer
The upper panel of Bus Force is the parallel processing management area. This is where you have access to the unit’s main Power and Input/Output Trim controls, as well as master volume for your Dry, Compressed, and Saturated signal paths. Below each dial is a digital display that shows you which module your signal is being threaded through, along with mute controls to make for more focused and accurate sound editing. With all activation buttons considered, Bus Force offers a whopping 36 potential rooting combinations — imagine finally capturing all the unique sonic ideas you have in your head with extreme efficiency! The last control knob on the upper panel is Bus Force’s Clipping control, which gradually adds an addictingly gritty crunch to your track.
The main attraction of the upper panel, however, is the satisfyingly responsive visualizer. The large display not only adds a colorful visual element to your processing session, but it proves quite useful for detailed sound shaping, like making precision adjustments to the compression threshold. Best of all, the screen changes as the function does, unlocking unique display panels for each module you adjust.
In-depth processing modules for a truly personalized sound
Moving into the lower panel, the first module you’ll come across is the Pultec-style EQ. In the glorious array of nine control knobs, the top three are your low-shelf and high-shelf frequency response curve and width controls. Below that is a 3-band EQ with a central Presence control, and correlating frequency controls just beneath them. The Presence knob is perfect for boosting the upper midrange and bulking up your tracks for added stature.
The Filter module offers Low Pass and High Pass dials with peak controls above them. Adjust your frequency flow and peak preferences to get specific with the parts of your track that you really need to hear clearly. This function works wonders for ridding your projects of unwanted pops, excess noise, and extraneous low frequencies.
Make your tracks come alive
The Compressor module, with optional Dual Mono and Stereo modes, affords you the option for precision mastering. Here, Bus Force provides classic Attack and Release knobs, with the main Threshold setter situated at the center of the module. Flanking the Threshold dial are Force and Makeup, offering individual balancing for peak/RMS detection and gain replacement controls, respectively. Bus Force also includes an Internal/External selector just below, letting you engage sidechains from external sources!
The Saturation path offering additional controls designed to really bring your track to life. Choose between Even/Odd/Thick Harmonics, Overdrive, Make Up gain, or a combination of all three to liven up different elements of your project. Thanks to the Curve switch, a pre-emphasis curve can be added before your Saturation path is applied, creating a punchier effect for some excellent sonic variety.
Arturia Bus Force Parallel Processor Plug-in Features:
- Upper processing management panel offers Power, Input/Output Trim controls, and Dry Path, Comp Path, and Sat Path master volumes, each with a digital display
- Visualizer provides a colorful, precise, and responsive display that adapts to the module you’re currently adjusting
- Clipping dial unleashes a gritty crunch on your track
- Equalizer module provides a Pultec-style 3-band EQ with Curve, Width, Presence, and Frequency controls for maximum sound-shaping customization
- Filter module offers Low Pass and High Pass knobs with corresponding Peak knobs
- Compressor module provides a Stereo/Dual Mono mode selector with Attack and Release options, Threshold setter, Force and Make Up gain controls, as well as an Internal/External selector for using external sidechains
- Saturation path displays multi-mode Harmonics controls, as well as Overdrive, Make Up gain, and an additional pre-emphasis Curve switch for some serious punch