Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $95

Standard/Professional

$49

$150+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unlock the full potential of your mix with the Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in, a transformative tool for any audio engineer. Derived from the iconic Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, this plug-in encapsulates the classic warmth and musicality that the brand is renowned for, now optimized for the demands of digital production. Whether you're working on vocals, instrument tracks, or complete mixes, the OptoMax delivers precision and depth with its versatile control set.

Engage with sweepable Threshold and Gain controls, switchable Speed, Ratio, Tone, and Transformer settings, and Brainworx's bespoke parameter array for a tailored compression experience. The OptoMax offers three attack-and-release combinations and multiple transformer colorations, providing a canvas for nuanced tone shaping and dynamic response. With its expansive suite of sidechain controls and settings for harmonics, TX Drive, and Headroom, you can customize your sound with unparalleled precision.

Designed for seamless integration into any workflow, this plug-in is a testament to the power of collaboration between Shadow Hills and Brainworx, making it a must-have for both budding creators and seasoned studio veterans.

Key Features:

  • Optical section derived from the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor
  • 3 attack-and-release combinations, 3 ratio values, and active limiter ballistics
  • Multiple transformer colorations and operation modes
  • Full suite of sidechain controls
  • Comprehensive tone-shaping controls
  • Brainworx parameters including Harmonics, TX Drive, Headroom, and Mix

Product specs

Software Type Compressor
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Plug-in Formats AAX, AU. VST
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.11 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 8 or later

FAQs

What makes the Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in unique compared to other compressors?

The Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in is renowned for its dual-stage compression, combining optical and discrete VCA compression for versatile dynamic control. This offers users a rich sonic palette and precise control over their audio dynamics, making it ideal for both subtle and aggressive compression tasks.

Is the Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor compatible with my DAW?

The Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in is compatible with major DAWs that support AAX, AU, and VST formats. It works on both Mac (macOS 10.11 or later) and PC (Windows 8 or later) platforms, ensuring broad compatibility.

Can the Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in be used for mastering?

Yes, the Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in is well-suited for mastering applications. Its dual-stage compression capabilities allow for nuanced control over dynamics, making it a valuable tool for achieving professional-level mastering results.

Does the Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in require a specific bit depth?

The Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in operates at a 64-bit depth, which ensures high-quality audio processing and compatibility with modern DAWs and production environments.

What are the system requirements for installing the Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in?

To install the Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in, you need a computer running macOS 10.11 or later, or Windows 8 or later. It supports AAX, AU, and VST plug-in formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of digital audio workstations.

Plugin Alliance

Plugin Alliance

Shadow Hills OptoMax - Quick Overview | Plugin Alliance

Video thumbnail for Shadow Hills OptoMax - Quick Overview | Plugin Alliance by Plugin Alliance

Shadow Hills OptoMax - Quick Overview | Plugin Alliance

Plugin Alliance

Plugin Alliance

Video thumbnail for The new Shadow Hills Industries Optomax compressor plugin by Audio Toolshed

The new Shadow Hills Industries Optomax compressor plugin

Audio Toolshed

Audio Toolshed

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Brainworx Shadow Hills OptoMax Compressor Plug-in.

Use cases and applications

  • OptoMax excels on drum buses and bass when using only the opto setting, providing a gluey, warm tone for tamer music genres.

    Source
  • For mastering, the plugin is typically set with a 30ms attack and very minimal gain reduction (0.5 to 1 dB) to add snap to percussive elements.

    Source
  • Best suited for Band of Horses style Indie Rock, offering a record-like quality that other compressors struggle to match.

    Source
  • The Iron/Steel modes are favored for darkening mixes, providing a unique tonal shift not commonly found in other compressors.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The plugin's discrete section can be used with a medium ratio of 4:1, slow attack, and fast release to enhance punch and retain transients.

    Source
  • The transformer's saturation characteristics are often favored over gain reduction, offering a distinct tonal coloration.

    Source
  • The Nickel transformer EQ curve enhances guitar presence and sparkle, making it beneficial for mixes where guitar and vocals need to stand out.

    Source
  • Some users employ the SHMC primarily for its transformer color rather than compression, indicating versatility in tonal manipulation.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the SPL Iron, users often prefer the SPL for delivering what they desire from the Shadow Hills, citing its crash issues after updates were fixed.

    Source
  • The SHMC provides unique EQ/enhancing/imaging capabilities that users find difficult to replicate with other compressors, such as the UAD Neve 33609.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners express dissatisfaction with the plugin, citing a lack of punch for rock or metal mixes, but note its effectiveness in indie/folk music.

    Source
  • Owners note a significant learning curve, with presets often relied upon due to unexpected compressor reactions.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Brainworx Compressor Plugins

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides