gbSoundlab SweetPressor: hybrid compressor combines the best of both worlds
gbSoundlab has released SweetPressor, a new compressor plug-in that combines the advantages of solid-state and tube circuits. Paired with a spectral control, the developer says that this approach results in exceptionally silky and stable compression. Let’s take a look.
gbSoundlab SweetPressor
Spanish developer gbSoundlab says that SweetPressor is designed to combine the best of both worlds: the precision and control of solid-state transistor circuits and the character of Vari-Mu tube compression. Like the classic Vari-Mu compressors, SweetPressor uses a pair of valves in a symmetrical configuration. But the negative signal is supplied by a transistor circuit with precise filtering. According to gbSoundlab, this results in stable compression without pumping and with a subtle sustain.
The process starts by adjusting the input and trim controls to set the optimum input level for the tubes. The virtual tube lights up to help you find the ideal amount of gain. From there, you can adjust the compression using the familiar Threshold, Attack, Recovery and Ratio parameters, as well as the Makeup Gain.
The developer even took the concept further by implementing a spectral control. While the high and low spectrum is automatically stabilized, you can use the Spectre control to vary it as you please. There are separate Attack and Recovery controls for the high and low spectrum to allow for more precise adjustments. You can choose from five different crossover frequencies ranging from 150 Hz to 1 kHz.
gbSoundlab says that SweetPressor provides you with all the tools needed for precise control of the dynamics, but that it also works as a glue compressor and for “enhancing the atmosphere”. It certainly is an interesting concept that offers many ways to tailor the compression to your input signal, or to get creative with it.
Price and compatibility
gbSoundlab SweetPressor is now available from the developer’s website for €30.
The plug-in runs on macOS 10.11 or higher and Windows 8.1 or higher in AU, VST and VST3 formats.
More information about gbSoundlab SweetPressor
Video
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