Many "modeled" compressors are nothing more than futile attempts to
get an off-the-shelf algorithm to match its hardware counterpart by
tweaking a few parameters like the knee and attack/release
times. But anyone who has worked with hardware compressors knows
that there must be more to it. And there is.
The heritage of analog compressors very much showcases the history
of electronics in the previous century. It's the deficiencies of
the different designs and components that give each unit its unique
character, and what started out as technical limitations have now
become sought-after sounds. Simply approximating the most apparent
features is not enough to capture this uniqueness. It takes a model
of great complexity and accuracy to make a digital replica sound
like the original with all settings and inputs.
When creating FET Compressor, Softube set out to make the
most accurate emulation of the most famous solid state
compressor. Instead of modeling individual features and putting
them together digitally we have modeled the unit in its entirety:
input and output stages, gain reduction feedback loops,
bias differences of different transistors, etc. It's been by far
the hardest project we have taken on, but we feel that the result
speaks for itself. And hopefully it will be easier to do it the
next time (yeah right).
Not convinced yet? Download the demo, set the Input knob on max,
and Ratio on All. Listen.
Features
- Modeled analog compressor, input and output stages. Modeled everything.
- Modeled "All buttons in" mode
- Continuous ratio (even between 20:1 and ALL.)
- Super fast attack time (just like the original)
- Sweet input and output stage distortion.
- Parallel compression.
- Detector low and high cut filters
- External side chain
- Lookahead
- Stereo with synchronized gain reduction
- Very CPU friendly
Platforms
- Native version: includes VST/AU/RTAS formats
- TDM version: includes TDM/VENUE/VST/AU/RTAS formats. TDM version requires Pro
Tools HD)
System Requirements
Native version
- Mac OS X (10.4 or higher), Windows XP or higher
- Mac: Intel or PowerPC processor (G3 or higher), Windows: PIII or higher
- 512 MB RAM
- Any VST, AudioUnits or RTAS compatible host application
- iLok USB key and the latest Pace Interlok drivers
TDM Version
- Pro Tools | HD Accel with Pro Tools 7.0 or higher
- System must meet requirements for Pro Tools HD from Digidesign
- Mac OS X (10.4 or higher) or Windows XP (or higher)
- iLok USB key and the latest Pace Interlok drivers
TDM CPU Consumption
CPU consumption on Core and Accel processors for one stereo
instance of FET Compressor. The percentages includes TDM/MuSh overhead and
"first instance running" overhead, so the actual CPU consumption is
actually lower than these figures.
