Slate Digital VBC Virtual Buss Compressors Plugin Overview
Virtual Buss Compressors is a comprehensive suite of dynamic processors meticulously modeled after legendary mix buss compressors from the audio industry. These plugins faithfully capture the unique nonlinearities and tonal characteristics of the original hardware units, including transformers, tubes, VCA’s, amplifiers, phase distortions, harmonic distortions, and timing. With Virtual Buss Compressors, you can add a professional finishing touch to your mixes and elevate them to the next level.
FG-RED
Based on the classic RED-faced compressor favored by renowned mix engineer Chris Lord Alge, the FG-RED delivers exceptional results. Despite its unusual settings of 1.5:1 ratio and a seemingly fast attack, Chris Lord Alge’s mixes stood out with their incredible transient punch. The analysis of the RED revealed its uniqueness, particularly in the output section, where nonlinear reactions induced by the output transformer created an astonishing effect. This effect has been incorporated into Virtual Buss Compressors with a dedicated DRIVE knob, allowing you to control the punch and articulation of transients, regardless of the makeup gain setting. Renowned rock mixer Justin Netbank highly recommends setting the DRIVE to ‘6.6’ for optimal results.
FG-GREY
The FG-GREY is a precise emulation of the classic British “4000 series console compressor.” Through careful modeling, the plugin retains the unit’s ability to tighten and gel the components of a mix. Additionally, the Virtual Buss Compressors version incorporates a modification to the circuit, leveraging the characteristics of the British discrete transformer. This modification enhances the clarity of the midrange and bottom end while preserving the classic sound of the original unit. The bottom end remains big and round, and the midrange maintains openness, even with heavy compression. The FG-GREY excels on drums and guitars and works exceptionally well in both manual and auto mode.
FG-MU
The FG-MU captures the magic of classic tube buss compressors like the Fairchild 670 and Manley Vari Mu. Going through the FG-MU alone, without any gain reduction, reveals its ability to thicken the midrange, tighten the lows, and open up the top end with a sparkling quality. This tube circuit emulation adds a beautiful analog character to your mix. Moreover, the FG-MU is a remarkable compressor in its own right, offering smooth, warm, and slightly aggressive compression. Its analog mojo and vibe make it a valuable tool for any ITB (in-the-box) mix.
The Non-Linear Difference
Virtual Buss Compressors stand out from other analog-modeled compressors due to their comprehensive modeling of nonlinear artifacts. In close collaboration with top audio industry professionals, the developers discovered that classic analog compressors introduced complex nonlinear artifacts, including modulations, dynamic harmonic distortions, dynamic phase distortion, saturation, crosstalk, and more. These artifacts contributed to the unique sound and tonal imprint of analog compressors. Virtual Buss Compressors meticulously modeled these artifacts, capturing the depth, life, and analog vibe that sets them apart from other plugin compressors. The result is a plugin that brings the magic tone of analog compressors to your mixes, delivering a depth and sonic character like never before.
Experience the power and sonic excellence of Virtual Buss Compressors as you add the final polish to your mixes.
