I’ve had the opportunity to work with a plethora of tools in my 20 years of mixing and mastering music. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into Arturia’s “3 Compressors You’ll Actually Use” bundle, a collection that has garnered significant attention in the audio engineering community. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of each compressor, their features, and practical applications, offering valuable insights for both seasoned professionals and aspiring engineers.
Overview of Arturia’s 3 Compressors Bundle
Arturia, primarily celebrated for their exceptional emulations of classic synthesizers and keyboards, has ventured into the realm of outboard studio gear emulation with their “3 Compressors You’ll Actually Use” bundle. This collection comprises three iconic compressors: the Urei 1176 FET compressor, the dbx 165 VCA compressor, and the Sta-Level tube compressor. Each of these units has left a distinct mark on the history of audio engineering, renowned for their unique compression characteristics and sonic footprints.
1176 Arturia Compressor
The Urei 1176 FET Compressor
The 1176 is a staple in the industry, known for its fast, aggressive compression. It’s a go-to for dynamic control, especially on vocals and drums, offering a punchy, clear sound that cuts through the mix.
The dbx 165 VCA Compressor
The dbx 165 is famed for its versatility. Its fast, tight response makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from smoothing out vocals to adding punch to drums and bass.
The Sta-Level Tube Compressor
The Sta-Level is a less conventional choice compared to the more ubiquitous LA-2A. It’s known for its warm, thick, and velvety sound, making it an excellent choice for adding character and depth to vocals and bass instruments.
Arturia’s emulation of these classic units extends their legacy into the digital domain, offering modern producers and engineers the opportunity to incorporate the revered sounds of these historic compressors into their digital workflows.
Common Features of the Compressors
Arturia’s commitment to authenticity and innovation is evident in the design of these compressors. Each unit in the “3 Compressors You’ll Actually Use” bundle boasts a set of common features that enhance their functionality while staying true to the original hardware’s essence.
Photo-realistic Front Panels and Controls
Each compressor features a meticulously crafted interface that mirrors the original hardware. This attention to detail not only aids in user familiarity for those who have worked with the physical units but also provides an intuitive and engaging experience for new users.
Advanced Sidechain Control
A standout feature in these emulations is the advanced sidechain control. This includes both internal and external sidechain options, complete with sidechain filters and EQ. This level of control allows for precise dynamic shaping, essential in modern mixing and mastering contexts.
MS Operation and Additional Features
In stereo instances, the compressors offer MS (Mid-Side) operation, a powerful tool for stereo imaging and spatial manipulation. This feature is particularly useful in mastering, allowing for targeted dynamic control over the center and sides of a stereo image.
Arturia’s TAE Technology
At the heart of these emulations is Arturia’s True Analog Emulation (TAE) technology. This proprietary technology ensures that the compressors not only mimic the sound of the original hardware but also replicate their behaviors and nuances. The result is a set of tools that are incredibly faithful to their analog counterparts, providing a level of realism that is often sought after in digital emulations.
The common features of these compressors demonstrate Arturia’s dedication to blending historical sonic characteristics with contemporary functionality. This fusion makes the bundle not only a tribute to the past but also a highly practical toolset for today’s audio professionals.
Individual Compressor Details
In this section, we’ll explore each compressor in Arturia’s bundle in detail, highlighting their unique characteristics and the specific applications they excel in.
Comp FET-76 (Urei 1176)
Characteristics and Sound:
- Fast and Aggressive: The FET-76 is known for its rapid response, making it ideal for controlling dynamic peaks quickly and effectively.
- Backwards Operation: Unique to the 1176, the attack and release knobs operate inversely, a quirk that has become a hallmark of this compressor.
- All-Buttons Mode: This mode, emulated in the FET-76, offers a more aggressive compression curve, perfect for adding punch and presence to drums and vocals.
Applications:
- Vocals and Drums: The FET-76 shines on vocals and drums, providing clarity and punch. Its fast attack can tame sharp transients, while the all-buttons mode adds a distinct character.
- Parallel Compression: With the added Mix knob, parallel compression becomes effortless, allowing blending of the dry and compressed signals within the plugin.
Comp VCA-65 (dbx 165)
Characteristics and Sound:
- Tight and Versatile: The VCA-65 is celebrated for its ability to provide tight control over a wide range of sources.
- Over-Easy Soft Knee: This feature, inherited from the original dbx 165, allows for smoother onset of compression, making it less obtrusive.
Applications:
- Bass and Vocals: Its fast response and soft knee make it suitable for bass and vocal tracks, where consistent level control is needed without sacrificing natural dynamics.
- Drum Buss: The VCA-65 can add cohesion to a drum mix, gluing the elements together while maintaining punch and clarity.
Arturia Tube-STA
Comp Tube-STA (Sta-Level Tube Compressor)
Characteristics and Sound:
- Warm and Velvety: The Tube-STA stands out with its warm, thick tonal quality, owing to its tube-based design.
- Variable-Mu Compression: This method, similar to the Fairchild 660/670, offers a more organic and musical compression character.
Applications:
- Vocals and Bass: The Tube-STA excels on vocals and bass, imparting a smooth, rich quality that enhances the warmth and fullness of the source.
- Master Buss: Its gentle compression curve makes it an excellent choice for subtle leveling on a master buss, adding warmth and glue without overt compression artifacts.
Each compressor in Arturia’s bundle brings its unique flavor and set of strengths, making the collection a versatile tool for various mixing and mastering scenarios. Whether you’re looking for aggressive dynamics control, subtle leveling, or characterful saturation, these emulations offer a range of options to enhance your mixes.
Practical Applications and Impressions
Having explored the individual characteristics of each compressor in Arturia’s bundle, let’s delve into their practical applications and my personal impressions from a professional mixing and mastering perspective.
Versatility in Mixing
Each compressor in the bundle serves a distinct purpose in a mix. The FET-76, with its aggressive and punchy character, is my go-to for adding energy and presence to lead vocals and snare drums. Its ability to quickly tame transients while adding a distinct character makes it invaluable in modern music production.
The VCA-65, on the other hand, is my choice for tasks requiring subtlety and precision. Its Over-Easy soft knee and fast response make it perfect for bass lines and vocal tracks, where maintaining a consistent level without squashing the dynamics is crucial. Additionally, its effectiveness on drum buses can’t be overstated – it glues the elements together, enhancing the overall cohesion of the mix.
The Tube-STA is a masterpiece for adding warmth and richness. Its application on a vocal track can transform a thin-sounding recording into a lush, full-bodied performance. I often use it on the master buss as well, where it imparts a subtle, warm compression that ties the mix together beautifully.
Mastering Applications
In mastering, these compressors show their true versatility. The FET-76 can add punch and clarity to a mix, making it more lively and dynamic. The VCA-65 is excellent for overall dynamic control, ensuring the mix sits well across various playback systems. The Tube-STA is my secret weapon for adding that final touch of warmth and analog character to a digital mix, making it sound more organic and pleasing to the ear.
Personal Impressions
Having worked with numerous compressor plugins and hardware units, I find Arturia’s bundle to be a standout in terms of sound quality and versatility. The emulations are not only sonically accurate but also bring the tactile feel of working with the original hardware into the digital realm. The additional features like the Mix knob for parallel compression and advanced sidechain controls add a layer of modern functionality that makes these classic units even more versatile in a contemporary setting.
In conclusion, Arturia’s “3 Compressors You’ll Actually Use” bundle is a powerful tool for both mixing and mastering. It offers a range of sonic flavors from aggressive and punchy to smooth and warm, catering to a wide array of musical styles and production needs. This bundle is not just a tribute to the past but a bridge to the future of digital audio processing, combining classic sound with modern functionality.
