PSP Impressor: heir to MixPressor brings GUI refresh and modern features
PSP Impressor is the latest release from plug-in maker PSP Audioware. My initial (incorrect) impression was the plug-in is a mere reskin of PSP’s well-regarded MixPressor with little in the way of functional improvements. Understandably, I was wrong to expect such nonsense from PSP. It’s just that I haven’t been thinking quite straight lately. Anyway, here’s what’s up…
PSP Audioware Impressor
The developers describe Impressor as an “incredibly precise” compressor designed for use on entire mixes, busses and individual tracks. The plug-in emulates classic characteristics of tube, opto, and transistor compressors as well as those of modern digital processors. The sidechain input offers additional options for de-essing or minimizing the pumping effects from heavily compressed low-end content like bass drums.
PSP Audioware says the plug-in works particularly well in combination with the recently introduced PSP Saturator. Placing the compressor in front of the saturator is a go-to, but the other way around is also ripe for interesting results.
Compared to the former MixPressor, Impressor offers a redesigned user interface, VST3 support, 16x oversampling function, and sample rates of up to 400kHz. Where MixPressor only offered feed-forward compression, a feed-backward mode is also implemented. There are also two new sidechain modes – HPF and Equal Power – as well as a total of four attack and release modes. You will also find additional settings for the auto gain and channel link functionality. The output limiter has also been revised – it can function like a brickwall limiter or add soft clipping.
PSP Audioware Impressor – Price and availability
PSP Audioware Impressor is available in 64-bit VST, VST3, AU and AAX formats for macOS (10.12 or later) and Windows (7 to 11). The free iLok License Manager application is required for authorization. You can also download a 30-day demo version from the website. The introductory price is USD 69, down from USD 99. The offer is valid until March 14, 2022.