Re-discover the Beauty of Analog Compression
Arturia has fully embodied the world-famous Neve 33609 Diode Compressor and Limiter unit with their development of the characterful Comp Diode-609 Compressor plug-in. This compressor features a left channel and a right channel, each with identical compression and limiting control modules arrayed just like the original beloved Neve. View active gain reduction through the perfectly recreated old-school VU, or simply click it to follow along with its optional digital display — a real game changer for judging your compression and limiting progress. Arturia has also included a nice helping of modern controls on the Processor Advanced Controls dropdown panel, with exciting features such as sidechain selection and equalization, as well as a master Input Drive level knob. This is the compression unit that’s revered to this day for cloaking tracks with its warm analog charm. Thanks to Arturia, its ready for action in your studio!
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Classic compressor with a few modern twists
From its analog dynamics to its impressive range of shaping controls, this compressor module will do your tracks justice. The Threshold control on the Comp Diode-609 is true to the Neve, offering a compression-level range to -40 decibels while simultaneously reducing the gain. Its 2dB intervals are step controlled, but Arturia has designed a deactivation control for fluid leveling, allowing you to set the threshold exactly where it needs to be depending on your needs. The Ratio control is linked to Threshold: as the threshold lowers your signal volume, Ratio lets you control the intensity. Choosing a higher ratio is an ideal choice for tracks with huge dynamic range, while a smaller ratio benefits more subtle effects, for example, during the mastering process. Arturia has even included additional decimal intervals on the lower end for precision mastering.
The remaining controls in the compression chain include Attack, Recovery, and Makeup Gain. Not only is this where you control the attack and release of your compression signal, but the Recovery control also offers two automatic settings that adjusts the shape of the release based on the nature of your track. Now that’s working smarter, not harder! Makeup Gain will allow you to revamp the intensity of your compressed track should it lose some edge while you’re making compression adjustments. The “In” switch activates and deactivates the compression of each channel, giving you a clear before/after comparison.
Precision peak reduction
When it’s time to wrangle those outstanding peaks, the Comp Diode-609’s limiter module is outfitted for success. Both Recovery and Threshold control units accurately model the original Neve unit parameters, with the limiting Recovery offering automatic releasing options just like the compression module. Just beside these controls is the Slow/Fast Attack selector, providing the choice between a 2- and 4-millisecond reaction. Here at Sweetwater, we've found this limiting module is your secret weapon for mastering tracks and squashing signals to really bring out the warmness of the Comp Diode-609.
Customize your compression session
The vintage Gain Reduction VU meters double as a digital display when toggled, offering the perfect combination of aesthetic and functionality. What the digital display gets you that the classic VU doesn’t is a side-by-side charting of the compressed and limited results with your original track’s signal, offering a helpful visual element — but only when you want it! This module also houses your Dry/Wet Mix control, as well as a series of three helpful switches. These toggles allow you to Link/Unlink the two channels, work in Stereo/Dual Mono modes, and they even allow for processing in the Middle and Sides of the stereo field.
Take it further with some advanced extras
The processing options don’t end at the boundaries of the classic Neve: Arturia has added an enticing Processor Advanced Controls panel for maximum customization! First, the Side Chain compressor gives you the option to compress sound with either an internal or external signal, so linking and working on your DAW’s drum kits and keyboards is an easy task. Next, the Look Ahead feature allows for early pickup of the incoming signal, and results in a quicker reaction to transience the earlier you make it. Control the frequency spectrum of your compressed signal with the built-in Side-Chain Equalizer, offering High Pass, Mid Frequency, Mid Gain, and High Shelf controls. Use these dials to define the frequency range, filter range, and boost levels of your chosen side chain while using the listen feature to isolate the track. Finally, the Input Drive knob gives you full control of your track’s input signal without having to make alterations to any of your fine-tuned compression settings.
Arturia Comp Diode-609 Compressor Plug-in Features:
- Recreation of the classic Neve 33609 Diode Compressor and Limiter
- Dual channel compressor (left/right) with identical, in-depth compression and limiting controls featuring Threshold, Attack, Recovery, Ratio, and Makeup Gain
- Vintage VU meters double as digital display for comparing your compressed signal to the original
- Three signal modes to work in including Link/Unlink, Dual Mono/Stereo, and Mid-Side/Left-Right with an added Dry/Wet Mix adjuster
- Processor Advanced Controls offer an Internal/External Side Chain switch and Equalizer for crafting the perfect frequency, filter, and boost levels with an additional isolated listening feature
- Look Ahead dial determines the earliness of your signal pickup and reaction to transience
- Input Drive controls the track’s input signal level without changing your compression settings
