Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $9,238

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$100

$501+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into a world of unparalleled sonic mastery with the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor—a cornerstone for serious sound engineers and producers alike. This versatile signal processor is designed to provide meticulous control over your audio dynamics, whether you're mastering an entire mix, sculpting individual busses, or refining single tracks. With its dual-stage architecture, it seamlessly blends an optical compressor with a discrete VCA compressor, each offering distinct tonal characteristics and control parameters.

In the Optical section, experience traditional threshold and gain settings, complemented by a program-dependent release that echoes the legendary LA-2A. This is where subtlety meets precision, allowing you to gracefully tame peaks while preserving the essential character of your music. Meanwhile, the Discrete section invites you to explore adjustable ratios, attack, and release times, letting you fine-tune compression to suit any musical style or complexity.

What truly sets the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor apart is its trio of switchable output transformers—Steel, Nickel, and Iron. Each option infuses your sound with a unique tonal quality, from the polished highs of Nickel to the colored mids of Iron, and the robust lows of Steel. This feature alone offers a palette of sonic flavors, reminiscent of the world's most iconic studio consoles.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is your ticket to dynamic control and tonal excellence.

Key Features:

  • Dual-stage compression with both Optical and Discrete sections
  • Switchable output transformers: Steel, Nickel, Iron
  • Operable in stereo and dual-mono modes
  • High-quality components for pristine audio fidelity

Product specs

Type Optical/VCA
Number of Channels Stereo, Dual Mono
Controls Optical/Discrete Threshold, Optical/Discrete Gain, Ratio, Attack, Recovery
Ratio 1.2:1 to 20:1
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Inputs 2 x XLR
Outputs 2 x XLR
Side Chain Inserts Sidechain Highpass Filter
Rack Spaces 5U
Power Source Shadow Hills rackmountable power supply required (sold separately)
Height 8.5"
Depth 14.25"
Width 19"
Weight 33.5 lbs.

FAQs

What type of compression does the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor use?

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor utilizes both optical and VCA compression, allowing for versatile dynamics control suitable for mastering applications.

How many channels does the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor support?

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor supports stereo and dual mono channels, providing flexibility in processing multiple audio sources.

What are the main controls available on the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor?

The compressor features controls for Optical/Discrete Threshold, Optical/Discrete Gain, Ratio, Attack, and Recovery, offering precise manipulation over dynamics.

Is the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor suitable for mastering?

Yes, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is specifically designed for mastering, offering high-quality compression with detailed control over dynamics.

What kind of inputs and outputs does the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor have?

The compressor is equipped with 2 x XLR inputs and 2 x XLR outputs, ensuring professional-grade connectivity for studio environments.

Does the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor require an external power supply?

Yes, it requires a Shadow Hills rackmountable power supply, which is sold separately, to operate effectively.

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor In Action

Video thumbnail for Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor In Action by Doctor Mix

Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Tips & Tricks by Dan Worrall

Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Tips & Tricks

Dan Worrall

Dan Worrall

Video thumbnail for Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Walkthrough | Vintage King by Vintage King

Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Walkthrough | Vintage King

Vintage King

Vintage King

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor.

Use cases and applications

  • The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor excels at providing a gluey, warm tone for genres like indie and folk, but may sound muddy on heavy music.

    Source
  • For mastering, some users employ less than 1dB of gain reduction with a slight mix knob adjustment, resulting in a controlled yet punchy sound.

    Source
  • It's noted for adding a distinct sonic signature, potentially lifting mids, which can be detected even without engaging compression.

    Source
  • While not specific to techno, the compressor is praised for its incredible detail, loudness, and stereo enhancement capabilities.

    Source
  • Using the Shadow Hills Compressor after a multiband compressor can create a smoother compression effect by pre-treating peaks.

    Source
  • The Shadow Hills Compressor is often used in a mix bus context rather than strictly for mastering, due to its heavy-handed compression character.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Users recommend setting the attack at 30ms for percussive elements, achieving a snap without excessive gain reduction, and suggest slow release times for optimal results.

    Source
  • The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor can be simplified by using only the optical gain and threshold, minimizing the need for other controls when in stereo mode.

    Source
  • It's possible to stack discrete and optical modes, although using only one at a time simplifies operation to just two knobs.

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  • In M-S mode, the right side controls the side signal, offering unique benefits not present in stereo mode.

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  • The plugin's right half is mostly inactive in stereo mode, simplifying operation compared to dual mono.

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User experience

  • It's noted that the saturation characteristics of the Shadow Hills' transformers are often preferred over actual gain reduction, enhancing tonal color without compressing.

    Source
  • Some users find the interface overwhelming due to unrecognizable labels and settings, but reading the manual reveals its simplicity in stereo mode.

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Comparisons

  • The SPL Iron is frequently mentioned as a preferable alternative for those seeking the sound qualities that users sometimes expect from the Shadow Hills.

    Source
  • Owners compare the flexibility of the Shadow Hills plugin to bx_masterdesk, which offers a more colored and less transparent sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The gain knob on the Shadow Hills plugin is roughly equivalent to input gain set at 7, making initial setup straightforward.

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Critic Reviews

Review: Brainworx Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

musictech.com

The Brainworx Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor plug-in impressively captures the vintage charm and sonic prowess of its hardware counterpart, delivering versatile two-stage compression and unique tonal variations through its transformer options. While its interface is large, it mirrors the original's design beautifully. The compressor excels across various applications from mastering to individual tracks, offering both subtle and pronounced effects. Although it's not the cheapest option, its value compared to the $8,000 hardware makes it a worthy investment for serious audio professionals. A must-try for those looking to replace multiple favorite compressors with one powerful alternative.

positive

Review: Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor - Mixonline

mixonline.com

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor plug-in impresses with its dual compression modes and selectable transformers, offering a versatile tool for mastering and individual track processing. The Discrete compressor shines with its smooth and transparent handling of full mixes, while the Optical compressor adds warmth to vocals and instruments, although it can enhance sibilance. The plug-in's flexible sidechain filtering and transformer options provide nuanced tonal control, making it a strong choice for detailed audio work. However, its metering could be more advanced for mastering needs. Despite this, its ability to preserve mix transparency is a standout feature.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 12 Ratings

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noxurecordings

Our go to Mastering compressor.

The Shadow Hill compressor got a great warm characteristic and a very intuitive way of compressing.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Armin Van Buuren uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Armin Van Buuren

Music Producer

Major League

...
Verified via Photo

in this picture you can see armin tweaking on a Shadow Hills compressor.

See how Flume uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Flume

Music Producer, DJ

What So Not

...
Verified via Photo

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor can be seen on the left side of Flume's desk around 6-8 seconds into the video.

See how Chris Wolstenholme uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Chris Wolstenholme

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via WSJ

In a Wall Street Journal article titled "You Can't Beat It," Muse bassist Chris Wolstenholme discusses his home studio, where he uses the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor.

See how Steve Angello uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Steve Angello

Music Producer

Swedish House Mafia

...
Verified via Twitter

When describing the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, Steve Angello says "its a f-ing monster :)"

See how Eric Prydz uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Eric Prydz

Music Producer

Eric Prydz & Steve Angello

...
Verified via Twitter

Eric's Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is featured in numerous Instagram (links below) of him teasing new work-in-progress music in his Los Angeles home studio.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUR4aOOAJPH/?taken-by=ericprydz&hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/BLcH3baBs9G/?taken-by=ericprydz&hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/BLhCzG1hRtZ/?taken-by=ericprydz&hl=en

See how Justin Vernon uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Soundonsound

The Shadow Hills Mastering compressor was used on 10 Death Breast and on other tracks on Bon Iver's album 22, A Million as stated in this article

See how Dirty South uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Dirty South

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

In a photo Dirty South posted of his studio, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor can be seen amongst other outboard gear.

See how Noah "40" Shebib uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Noah "40" Shebib

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

This compressor can be seen under the Maschine Studio, lit up under Noah's desk at 3:14 in this video

See how Alessandro Cortini uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Alessandro Cortini

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Trashaudio

In the Trashaudio feature "Workspace and Environment: Alessandro Cortini," Alessandro Cortini discusses using the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor in his studio setup.

See how AN21 uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

AN21

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

"Friday off will be spent in the studio, Which knob to turn?" The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is the top module in AN21's Instagram photo.

See how Dave Pensado uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Dave Pensado

Audio Engineer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "3 Pieces of Gear I Use On Every Mix - Into The Lair #138" on Pensado's Place, Dave Pensado can be seen using the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, prominently placed on his desk.

See how Matador uses Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Matador

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Item can be seen 4:21 into this video

Album Usage

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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