The Iconic Sta-Level Compressor — in Plug-in Form
The original 1956 Gates Sta-Level compressor emerged as a top-shelf compressor among engineers throughout the 1960s. Now, MixWave is helping to bring this lauded studio tool to modern-day engineers via the Level compressor plug-in. Using Component-Level Modeling, MixWave has captured every nuance of the Sta-Level, including its iconic variable mu triode tube. Use the "Age" Knob to adjust tube and transformer characteristics from more modern and "clean" version to older components' warm and vintage quality. You'll also get Adaptive Recovery Control, which allows you to dial in very precise response times. Finally, you'll benefit from modern workflow enhancements such as wet/dry mix controls for easy parallel processing and LPF/HPF adjustments for your input and output filters. Finding original Sta-Level compressors today in prime working order has proven to be a near-impossible feat; however, thanks to the Level compressor, it has never been more accessible!
Related Videos: Level Tube Compressor Plug-in
A unique compressor
The Sta-Level compressor inevitably gets compared to another heavy hitter from the same era: the LA-2A. However, Sweetwater studio engineers are quick to point out that such comparisons are fruitless — the Sta-Level really does stand on its own. This Level compressor plug-in particularly stands out in several ways. First, the "Age" Knob simulates the characteristics of tubes and transformers during various stages of their lifecycle. This enables you to get a more modern and transparent sound by turning the dial to the left or a more aged and slightly "Dirty" sound the further you dial to the right.
Ultra-accurate response times
Due to what MixWave calls "Adaptive Recovery Control," you'll be able to very finely tune your Level compressor's response times. This helps you get exactly the amount of compression and smoothing that you want.
The best of old and new
Every modern plug-in stands to benefit from workflow enhancements, and the Level compressor is no different. You'll find Dry/Wet mix controls for convenient parallel processing, as well as HPF/LPF for your inputs and outputs. Altogether, the Level compressor plug-in from MixWave represents a direct path toward incorporating the iconic Sta-Level compressor into your own productions.
MixWave Level Features:
- Plug-in leveraging Component-Level Modeling to emulate the distinctive warmth and smooth dynamics control of the iconic Gates Sta-Level tube compressor, including its variable mu triode tube
- Both modern and vintage versions of the compressor are represented and give you versatile tonal options
- “Age” Knob adjusts tube and transformer characteristics from modern and transparent to more vintage and warm sounding
- Advanced recovery time adjustments thanks to Adaptive Recovery Control
- Modern workflow enhancements, including wet/dry mix controls and I/O filters for highpass and lowpass adjustments
