COMPRESSOR BLOCK UPDATES
NOTE: These changes may affect the sound of your presets and can also add to CPU usage. If you use the Compressor block in your presets you should audition them accordingly.
● New Dynami-Comp algorithm: ○ New algorithm accurately models various nonlinearities for faithful reproduction.
○ Added Knee Type to allow varying the knee shape, Tone control (like in various clones), Drive control for overdriving the OTA to add saturation, and new Input/Output graph.
○ A low-CPU version is available with the Econo-Dyno-Comp type.
● New “VCA Bus Compressor” algorithm (replaces “Studio FB Compressor” ) ○ Based on a VCA feedback design (e.g., SSL Bus Compressor).
○ Dynamic time constants. Extremely fast attack times are achievable as the actual attack time is always less than the programmed time (decreases dynamically). Removed Auto Att/Rel as it is not applicable.
● New Optical Compressor Algorithm: ○ Based on classic optical rackmount compressors. The smooth attack and release characteristics make it ideal for vocals and acoustic instrument sources.
○ Times are “doubly dynamic”. The times are dynamic due to the feedback topology of the compressor and the attack and release times of the photocell are also dynamic. The Attack and Release Time controls set the nominal times of the photocell. However, the times will vary with the program level.
○ Whereas hardware optical compressors typically have a fixed compression ratio (usually about 4:1) and a limiting option, this algorithm allows adjusting the ratio from 4:1 to (nearly) infinite.
○ Due to the design of these compressors the minimum compression ratio is 4:1. Any settings below 4.0 will be clamped at 4:1.
○ Rather than input/output gain controls the algorithm allows adjusting the threshold instead which requires less fiddling with the makeup gain.
○ The Emphasis control replicates the internal “Limiter Response” adjustment. This control may be on the front panel of some clones and the operation may be reversed depending upon the manufacturer. The Emphasis Frequency control allows shifting the frequency range of the curve.
○ The “Drive” control allows overdriving the output stage for added distortion.
● New JFET Compressor algorithm: ○ Based on classic JFET rackmount compressors. Perfect for fattening up your sound and adding grit. Works well as a “finishing” compressor at the end of a chain (usually before time-based effects). Also great for vocals, bass and drums.
○ Dynamic time constants. The Attack and Release times are the “native” times of the detector. The actual Attack and Release times will be much shorter (about 5 times). The native range of Attack Time for an 1176 is 0.1 ms to 5.5 ms. The Release Time range is 59 ms to 1.1 s.
○ Due to the design of these compressors the minimum compression ratio is 4:1. Any settings below 4.0 will be clamped at 4:1.
○ Due to the very fast attack times these types of compressors will distort. This is often used for effect. Low frequencies are distorted more.
○ The “Drive” control allows overdriving the output stage for added distortion.
○ Unlike the actual hardware the algorithm’s threshold is variable so instead of varying the input and output gains we give you a more convenient method (and Automatic Makeup Gain).
● New JFET Pedal Algorithm ○ Based on pedals with a JFET as the shunt resistor in a non-inverting op-amp configuration.
○ Replaces the JFET Sustainer type.
● New Rockguy Compressor Type: ○ Similar to the JFET Pedal but with dynamic release time and several other enhancements.
● New Tube Compressor Algorithm (now called “Vari-Mu Tube Compressor”): ○ Based on a tube compressor using “remote-cutoff” tubes for gain control. This compressor has big, swoopy compression curves and a warm tone making it useful for adding “glue” to a track or mix.
○ Features dynamic attack times.
○ The actual compression ratio is somewhat nebulous due to the nature of the circuit but, in general, the minimum ratio is about 2:1 and the maximum ratio is about 20:1. The Threshold and Compression controls interact. The graph assists with adjusting the controls.
○ The “Drive” control allows overdriving the output stage for added distortion.
PHASER BLOCK UPDATES
● New “Vibe” algorithm in Phaser block. The default values have changed for the Vibe models and existing presets are automatically updated to the new defaults. If you have edited the default values, you may wish to audition your presets.
● New “Modern Vibe” model based on a classic UniVibe but with modern input buffer and LFO.
● New “LFO Mode” parameter in the Phaser block. When set to UNIVIBE the amplitude of the LFO is roughly proportional to the LFO Rate. When set to NORMAL the amplitude is constant. NORMAL allows deeper phasing at slow rates than would be possible with an actual Univibe.
● New Low Cut and High Cut controls for the wet path.
● Changed “Exponent” parameter name to “VCR Shape”as this is a more accurate description.
OTHER BLOCK UPDATES
● Improved Room modeling in the Cab block. The simulation is now louder, and this will change the sound of existing presets that use this feature. Audition your presets accordingly. “Mic Spacing” was also changed to distance in cm, with a default of 17 cm (ORTF standard).
● Improved Gate block: Improved Downward Expander type. The “Hold Time” parameter has been removed as it is not compatible and no longer needed with the new algorithm. This type has been renamed “Classic Expander” and is based on classic analog downward expanders. Added “Modern Expander” type. This type uses a novel approach to the envelope detector, resulting in improved ballistics compared to traditional analog expanders. A “Knee Type” parameter has been added which allows selecting between hard-knee expansion and varying degrees of soft-knee expansion.
● Improved Noise Gate in Input block: Improved performance based on new algorithm developed for Gate block. A Mode selection has been added allowing the user to select between “Easy” and “Advanced”. In Easy mode the number of parameters is reduced, simplifying the adjustment procedure for those who are unfamiliar with the finer details of gates/expanders in guitar noise reduction applications.
● Improved Filter block Touch-Wah detector behavior.
● Improved Sweep Delay algorithm in Delay block, with a new selectable Filter Type control.
● Improved Quad Diffusor algorithm in Multitap Delay block, now with stereo output, adjustable stereo spread, and LFO controlled filters.
● New Tremolo “Ducking” control. This reduces the intensity of the effect as you play louder.
● Improved behavior of Reverb, Plex, and Multitap Delay blocks when changing channels or presets. If the type has changed the delay lines are cleared. If the type has not changed the delay lines are not cleared allowing for spillover between channels. If Spillover is on, the delay lines are not cleared between preset changes if the type has not changed.
● Added new Filter page with graph to the Plex Delay block to assist with editing filter parameters.
● Added modifier capability to Sensitivity parameter in Filter block (for Envelope Filter and Touch-Wah types).
UPDATES
● Scene change can now clear CPU Limit condition if the destination scene is under the use limit.
● Added clip warning if Input 1 clips. This is indicated on the Mini-Tuner.
FIXES
● Update for USB Audio compatibility with Apple Mac OS update 15.4. (This update is not required for Mac OS 15.5 or newer, since Apple independently fixed this issue.)
● Corrected internal pedal jacks configured as switches being ignored due to active sensing update.
● Fixed resistor mistakenly attached across drive pot on Plexi 2204 model.
● Fixed Phaser block LFO Reset not working properly for some types.
● Fixed wrong Miller capacitance value in Brit 800 models (probably not audible).
● Fixed Tremolo block graph not working if Rate is set to LFO1 SYNC.
● Fixed wrong capacitor value in OD 250 and OD 250 Gray models.