With simple controls, dynamic performance, and gorgeous vintage tone, you can now own a piece of history as a software effect in your DAW. Entering production in the ‘50s, the original Gates® compressor featured quirky non-linear attack and release that were very forgiving with almost any input. Its simple controls and fantastic, harmonically rich sound made it a favorite with radio and studio engineers, and now thanks to the power of Arturia’s exclusive TAE modelling technology, it’s destined to become a favorite of yours, too. Analyzed, mapped out, and reborn as a software plugin, and powered up with new features that make this golden-age compressor a must-have for the modern producer.
A boutique signal processor with a golden touch, the original STA-Level was well known for the intimacy, air, and subtle saturation it gave to any audio it treated. As it moved from TV and radio studios to more music-focused studios in the 60s and 70s, word got around that it had a killer sound on bass and vocals; having this awesome ability to transform weak bottom-end into fat, harmonically rich bass, and bringing voices to life. All this at the turn of one knob. Its simplicity was certainly part of its appeal, and while Comp TUBE-STA has been given a few modern touches, Arturia’s engineers have been faithful to the original, powerfully simple design.
Input-output Link
Rather than the now standard “threshold” parameter, the original hardware compressor made you crank the input to engage the effect. This will obviously give you volume boosts and alter levels in your mix, but you can simply hit the “link” button to keep volume levelled as you boost the input, so you get compressed sound with steady volume.
Advanced Sidechain Control
“Shame compressors from the ‘50s weren’t set up for side-chaining” you cry, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The advanced panel gives you access to contemporary sidechain controls with SSL-style EQ, as well as mid-side processing so you can carve exactly the sound you want to control the compressor.
New York, New York
One of the oldest recording studio tricks was to split a signal’s path in two, leave one dry, heavily compress the other, and then mix the two signals back together. It became known as “New York” compression, or parallel compression. We simplified the process, and have included a “Mix” knob so you easily get the same effect.
Features:
- Virtual recreation of famed classic tube compressor
- Original tube electronic path accurately modeled, using Arturia’s state-of-the-art TAE analog modeling
- Original variable Recovery parameter
- Dry/wet Mix knob for parallel compression
- Input-Output gain link switch
- Analog clipping LED indicator
- Comprehensive set of presets
- A/B comparison setting
- Integrated tutorials and unique dynamic preset tips
- Resizable window
- State-of-the-art TAE analog modeling
Additional Arturia creative side-chain features
- External side-chain source to trigger the compressor to an external source
- 5 creative detection mode, including M/S processing
- Advanced Side-chain EQ
- Monitor Side-chain signal directly
Windows
Win 8.1+ (64bit)
4 GB RAM
4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
6GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
Required configuration
VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).
Apple
Mac OS 10.13+
4 GB RAM
4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
6GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU