NAMM 2022: Mixland Rubber Band Compressor v2 is the real deal
Remember the Mixland Rubber Band compressor plug-in? Merging emulated VCA circuitry (component modeling) and a simulated rubber band (physical modeling) is as zany as it’s clever. It made for a memorable gimmick and proved there’s still room for exploration where everything seems to have been done.
The compressor is getting a sequel in time for NAMM 2022. Version 2 is rebuilt from the ground-up with improved sound quality and additional features. Let’s dig in…
Mixland Rubber Band compressor v2
Version 2 retraces the original Rubber Band compressor plug-in with updated modeling technology resulting in greater fidelity and faster operation. The core concept is still stretching a simulated rubber band. More scientifically, this is ‘tension-based compression with an exponential ratio that snaps back harder depending on how far you push it’. So it turns out that a plain old rubber band is great at determining gain reduction (under the correct circumstances.)
Moving on, the compressor is expanded with notable new features such as:
- All new FET mode to complement the VCA emulation.
- Adjustable shelving equalizer with flexible frequency points.
- 3 new modes – Vintage, Flat, and Modern – add different character.
- New Tape Saturation and Limiting coloration options.
- “Weight” mode triggers a high-pass filter to the compressor’s detection circuit.
A massive update like this tells me that v1 was more like a proof of concept: ‘Why yes, we can base a VCA compressor off rubber band physics!’ With version 2, the plug-in outgrows its gimmick and becomes a very impressive compressor. Isn’t this the most heartwarming coming-of-age story in compressor history?
Price and availability data
Rubber Band Compressor v2 is available for purchase for USD 50 at mixland.io. Owners of the original plug-in can upgrade for USD 25. A 14-day trial version is available for download. The plug-in works under Windows 7+ and macOS 10.7+ in 64-bit AAX, VST, and AU formats.
Learn more about Mixland Rubber Band compressor v2
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