Limited Class A Mastering Compressor — Digitized!
With the stamp of approval from Shadow Hills founder Peter Reardon comes the expanded Shadow Hill Mastering Compressor Class A Plug-in from Brainworx and Plugin Alliance. This iconic limited edition unit that offered buss compression for legendary groups like Radiohead, Foo Fighters, and Green Day can be delivered today — right to your DAW! It comes with impeccable emulation of the sights — and especially the sounds — of the original compressor, offering Nickel, Iron, and Steel output transformer selection to give you some creative control over frequency presence and harmonic distortion. Operate in stereo, dual mono, and Mid/Side modes to meet the needs of your project, and work with proper 2-stage compression with both Optical and Discrete control sections. With a punchier VCA and meticulous modeling of premium circuitry, among other improvements, the Class A unit utilizes Brainworx's patented Tolerance Modeling Technology to deliver smoother and more powerful compression than the standard version. And thanks to the magic of Brainworx, you’ve now also got access to Parallel Mix, an External Sidechain, and onboard Sidechain Filter in addition to its Extra Unit of controls for Headroom, Stereo Width, and more. Get ready to add the untouchable punch of class A compression to your next mastering session!
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All the OG controls
The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A is no stranger to dual-stage compression, and now your home studio can reap its benefits. The Mastering Compressor Class A encases your tracks with controlled and musical tonality, achieved through both Discrete or Optical controls (or even simultaneously). Whether you’re adjusting the Threshold and Gain settings of the Optical section or fine-tuning the Ratio, Attack, and Release of your signal via VCA Discrete controls, chasing that perfect dynamic shape and compression response is as effortless and satisfying as it gets.
You’ve also got your choice of three output transformers, just like on the original! With Nickel, you’ll notice extraordinarily smooth and refined delivery at both frequency poles, making it the perfect candidate for those mellower tracks. Switch to Iron, and experience a bit more musicality across the board, highlighted by low end boost, Class-A even-ordered harmonic distortion, and a vibrant top end. Or select Steel, and emphasize a low-end boost with phenomenal detail and responsiveness!
What's different about Class A?
Brainworx painstakingly modeled every aspect of the limited edition Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A — and we mean every aspect! Right down to the handwired compressors, Mogami cabling, and Lundahl input transformers, this plug-in packs a seriously high-grade punch thanks to Brainworx's patented Tolerance Modeling Technology. And speaking of punch, the resulting sound of the Mastering Compressor Class A is a much punchier VCA than the standard version, offering a thicker tone with greater depth and dimension for your mix.
Below the main unit, Brainworx included the Mastering Compressor Class A's coveted Extra Unit. This add-on to the limited edition compressor supplied TMT, Mid-Side processing, Mono-Maker, Stereo Width, Parallel Mix, Sidechain Filtering, Headroom, and Parameter Linking. Now, not only does your sound give off a punchier, richer, and more powerful vibe, but there are even more sculpting controls to bring your masters to the exact level you are chasing!
New features exclusive to Brainworx
In addition to the stellar original controls, Brainworx has some modern tricks to make the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A even more versatile. Parallel Mix Control enables efficient referencing to your original unprocessed signal. Additionally, an External Sidechain with Sidechain Filter keeps your mix tight and crisp, eliminating the unneeded triggering of compression by frequencies outside your ideal set range. Just open up the toolbar, and your compression extras are at your disposal.
Plugin Alliance: top-tier production tools under one roof
Obtaining all your plug-ins from a single source keeps workflows simple. As it turns out, that’s exactly what the bright minds at Plugin Alliance set out to achieve. Over 40 international brands contribute to the Alliance’s massive library of virtual instruments, mastering utilities, and related production tools. The result is a convenient one-stop shop for plug-in browsing and activation, allowing you to find and utilize new software as soon as possible. Additionally, Plugin Alliance supports all major plug-in formats, permitting nearly any production artist to take advantage of the company’s software inventory. Whether you’re a budding creator or seasoned studio expert, efficiency is key — when it comes to digital equipment, Sweetwater producers always turn to Plugin Alliance.
Plugin Alliance Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A Plug-in Features:
- Classic mastering compressor emulation of the unit used by bands like Radiohead, Foo Fighters, and Green Day
- Specific emulation of the limited edition Class A version
- Dual-stage compression allows you to operate both Optical and Discrete control sections
- Classic Threshold, Gain, Ratio, Attack, and Release controls let you fine-tune the dynamic shape of your mastered sound
- Nickel, Iron, and Steel output transformer selection dials in proper frequency range emphasis to fit each track
- New Parallel Mix Control enables easy referencing of your unaltered signal
- New External Sidechain with Sidechain Filter keeps your altered mix tight and crisp
- Class A emulation utilizes Brainworx's patented Tolerance Modeling Technology
- Punchier, richer, more dimensional sound than the standard unit
- Meticulously modeled Mogami Cables, Lundahl input transformers, and handwired compressors
- Extra Unit includes bonus controls like TMT, Mid-Side processing, Mono-Maker, Stereo Width, Parallel Mix, Sidechain Filtering, Headroom, and Parameter Linking.
- Stamp of approval from Shadow Hills founder Peter Reardon
