Capitol’s Legendary Mastering Compressor in Your DAW!
Inspired by vintage Fairchild 670 and Gates Sta-Level tube limiters, the CM5511 is one of the rarest pieces of gear ever built (only four were ever made), and a crucial reason why Capitol Records’ mastering services have been sought-after for decades. It’s a handbuilt variable-gain stereo tube compressor that has been described as Capitol’s “secret sauce” … but not anymore! Thanks to Universal Audio’s impeccable analog emulation of two of Capitol’s CM5511s, the UAD Capitol Mastering Compressor plug-in can now take its place right in your DAW. Plus, you’ll get features not found within the original hardware, such as Mono Fold for tightening low end, M/S Controls for widening your stereo image, and a Saturator for adding subtle harmonic content. Finally, dFBS/LUFS metering and sidechain filter means that this legendary vintage tool is primed for the modern age.
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Not just for the 2-bus …
The word “mastering” might give you the impression that the UAD Capitol Mastering Compressor is destined to live only on your stereo mix bus. Well, our Sweetwater studio engineers are pleased to report that it sounds excellent on many other applications. Drum buses, synths, background vocals … the UAD Capitol Mastering Compressor has a way of making just about anything immediately sound radio-ready.
Not just the sound of hits …
There’s a wide variety of studio gear with a unique and coveted “hit sound,” but few pieces of kit have seen as much action as the CM5511. Capitol Records — in addition to Motown, Geffen, Blue Note, Def Jam, and many more — have used the CM5511 to provide the final polish not just to chart-topping hits, but to entire catalogs of music! As a result, the number of songs on which the CM5511 has left its mark is truly countless. Now, you can apply that same polish and shine to your recordings with the UAD Capitol Mastering Compressor plug-in from Universal Audio.
Universal Audio UAD Capitol Mastering Compressor Plug-in Features:
- The silky-smooth sound and feel of Capitol Studios’ legendary handbuilt variable-gain stereo tube compressor: the CM5511
- Works wonderfully on drums, synths, BG vocals, and more — not just on the 2-bus
- Add texture and color to your tracks with the Saturator control
- Blend processed and unprocessed signals to taste with the Mix control
- Headroom control lets you more efficiently level match compressed signals and adjust the plug-in’s gain reduction response
- Focus your bottom end with Mono Fold
- Sculpt your stereo image with Mid/Side controls
- Sidechain (SC) switch with 3 positions (Off, 365Hz, or 700Hz) for reducing bass signal by 6dB/octave
- Sidechain Link gives you Dual Mono or Stereo (linked) options
- Stepped controls give you easily repeatable results
- Attack and Release values of Slow, Medium Slow, Medium, Medium Fast, and Fast
- Ratios: 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1, and 10:1 (with ratios 3:1 and 4:1 modeled from original hardware units)
- Usable with any audio interface — no UA hardware necessary
