Iconic Tube Compression in Streamlined Form
Pulsar Audio’s divine VM-COMP plug-in achieves the professional and industry-preferred smoothness of a notable go-to variable-bias tube compressor, but without the hefty price tag or the finicky integration complexities of the original hardware unit. This stereo compressor works its way nicely into a variety of studio tasks, from its wheelhouse of mixing and mastering to tracking, leveling, limiting, and simply infusing analog warmth into your projects. Upgrades from the original unit begin with more thorough visualization metering for unprecedented fine-tuning capabilities, which also extends to the Curve Editor of the fleshed-out Sidechain EQ. Sweetwater loyalists of the original hardware are also thrilled to see that the VM-COMP provides speedier Attack and Release, enabling producers to use the model to achieve previously unattainable mid-forward aggression. While the musical yet transparent energy of the VM-COMP is an exceptional mastering secret weapon, users will also find drum buss processing, snare refinement, and acoustic guitar and vocal tracking to equally reap its beautiful tube compression benefits.
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Accurate character, invaluable upgrades
Often, emulation software falls short of replicating the special analog energy that makes specific studio hardware so distinct. But courtesy of the VM-COMP’s integrated Topology Preservation Technology, this plug-in performs virtually identically to the hardware unit on every front. That includes transformer magnetic flux, tube response, and minute calibration defects — it’s all properly replicated for application into your project.
The VM-COMP includes a handful of noteworthy improvements that are difficult for a hardware unit to wedge in, and it starts with external sidechains. Not only are ducking, de-essing, and sidechain signal filtering on the table, but so too is a powerful Sidechain EQ with band soloing, auditioning, and a handful of filter types to work with. Next, the Look-ahead and Look-behind functions enable gain reduction timing control, allowing the VM-COMP either to react early to transients for limiting or to leave the transients unprocessed as gain reduction engages afterwards. Instantly access hard-to-capture mid-forward presence with faster Attack and Release, and view your signal’s gain reduction and in/out leveling in a variety of ways, including scrolling, classic VU-style, and LED-style.
This plug-in’s virtual conveniences extend into the realm of Mid/Side processing as well, permitting producers to process mono and stereo data with individuality, backed by isolated Mid/Side Listening and per-channel visualization. And while the VM-COMP is designed for minimal CPU consumption, users with high-powered systems can take advantage of oversampling capabilities that extend its processing rates up to 384kHz.
Pulsar Audio VM-COMP Features:
- A replication of a highly regarded variable-bias tube compressor optimized for virtual spaces
- Topology Preservation Technology built-in ensures that this plug-in performs identically to the original model
- Sidechain inputting with dedicated Sidechain EQ supplies a highly versatile platform for a variety of mastering applications
- Look-ahead and Look-behind functions provide gain reduction timing control for in-depth command over transient reactions
- Faster Attack and Release make this plug-in able to achieve the evasive mid-forward and aggressive character of the original unit
- Multiple metering types for gain reduction and in/out leveling, including scrolling, VU-style, and LED-style
- M/S processing enables separate stereo and mono processing with helpful Listen modes for isolating signals
- Oversampling at up to 384 kHz is available for compatible CPUs
