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Description

Unleash the full potential of your mixes with the Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors, a trio of meticulously modeled analog dynamics processors that bring sonic depth and character to your music. This suite houses three exceptional compressors, each inspired by iconic hardware, making it an essential tool for both mixing and mastering. The FG-GREY offers the distinctive punch and glue of a classic British console compressor, enhanced with a transformer simulation for added sonic stability. The FG-RED, favored by mix masters like Chris Lord-Alge, recreates the subtle transformer-driven saturation of a legendary British compressor, providing your tracks with unrivaled warmth and cohesion. Meanwhile, the FG-MU captures the essence of the revered Fairchild 670, delivering the lush, tube-driven sound that defines this “Holy Grail” of compressors, with shimmering highs and robust low-end.

Whether used individually or within Slate's Virtual Buss Compressors Rack, these plugins offer unparalleled flexibility and tonal color, allowing you to tailor the dynamics to perfectly fit your sonic vision. From the nuanced harmonic distortions to the precise emulation of non-linear characteristics, Slate Digital's technology ensures that each compressor not only sounds authentic but also feels like the real deal, elevating your production to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Three expertly modeled compressors: FG-GREY, FG-RED, and FG-MU
  • FG-GREY: Classic British console compressor with transformer simulation
  • FG-RED: Beloved by Chris Lord-Alge, known for its subtle transformer saturation
  • FG-MU: Inspired by the Fairchild 670, providing tube-driven warmth and clarity
  • Operate as standalone plugins or within Slate's Virtual Buss Compressors Rack
  • Perfect for adding cohesion and depth to mixes and group signals

Owner's manual

Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors User Manual

Product specs

Available since October 2016
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Delay No
Dynamics Yes
Effect Filter No
Encoder/Decoder No
Equalizer No
Guitar amps/-effects No
Channel Strip No
Metering / Analysis / Correction No
Modulation Effects No
Multieffect / Plugin-Host No
Overdrive/Distortion No
Preamp / Saturation No
Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter No
Restauration No
Reverb No
Special FX No
Summer / Mixing Consoles No
Tape Simulation No
Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching No
Transient Processing No
Vocoder / Vocal effect No
Mastering Tools Yes
Hardware Controller No
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FAQs

What DAWs are compatible with Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors?

Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Cubase. Always check the latest system requirements on the manufacturer's website to ensure compatibility with your specific setup.

What are the main features of Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors?

Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors offers three distinct compressor models: FG-Grey, FG-Red, and FG-Mu, each emulating classic analog hardware. These models provide a range of dynamic processing options suitable for enhancing mix bus dynamics and adding analog warmth.

Is Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors suitable for mastering?

Yes, Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors is designed to be used in mastering applications. Its range of compressor models allows for precise dynamic control and tonal shaping, making it a versatile tool for mastering engineers.

Does Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors include any presets?

Yes, Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors comes with a variety of presets designed to help users quickly achieve professional-sounding results. These presets can be a great starting point for customizing your own compression settings.

Can Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors be used on individual tracks?

While primarily designed for bus compression, Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors can also be used on individual tracks to add character and dynamic control. Experimenting with different settings can yield unique results tailored to specific track needs.

recordingrevolution

recordingrevolution

Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors Plugin Review - TheRecordingRevolution.com

Video thumbnail for Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors Plugin Review - TheRecordingRevolution.com by recordingrevolution

Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors Plugin Review - TheRecordingRevolution.com

recordingrevolution

recordingrevolution

Video thumbnail for Slate Digital VIRTUAL BUSS COMPRESSORS Tutorial by SlateDigitalTV

Slate Digital VIRTUAL BUSS COMPRESSORS Tutorial

SlateDigitalTV

SlateDigitalTV

Video thumbnail for Review Of Slate Digital VBC Virtual Buss Compressors by Production Expert

Review Of Slate Digital VBC Virtual Buss Compressors

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Slate Digital VBC - Virtual Buss Compressor - Tutorial by Adam Steel

Slate Digital VBC - Virtual Buss Compressor - Tutorial

Adam Steel

Adam Steel

Video thumbnail for Steven Slate Digital Virtual Bus Compressors,  VBC, demo and explanation by Kern Ramsdell

Steven Slate Digital Virtual Bus Compressors, VBC, demo and explanation

Kern Ramsdell

Kern Ramsdell

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality with analog-like saturation

  • Great default settings that enhance mixes without adjustments

  • Versatile with multiple compressor types for various applications

  • Effective on a wide range of instruments and mix types

  • M/S mode offers extra control over side signals

  • Enhances sound simply by being in the plugin chain

  • Highly recommended for mastering and drum groups

  • Smooth compression on vocals, leveling peaks effectively

  • Offers distinct tonal options for different music styles

  • Considered essential by many users for its musicality

CONS

  • Can be CPU intensive, demanding more processing power

  • May lack the "wow" factor compared to hardware compressors

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors.

Comparisons

  • Users have found the Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors to outperform the Kramer Master Tape plugin in terms of subtle yet impactful changes to guitar and drum sounds.

    Source
  • The FG-GREY's behavior mimics SSL-style compressors, which also exhibit more gain reduction at lower ratios due to a softer knee.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The compressors are particularly effective for making guitars sound fuller and providing a noticeable pulse to drum tracks when desired.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users wish the plugin did not require iLok 2, though it is acknowledged that a significant effort was made to ensure both sonic and visual quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Several tests through 40-inch monitors indicate a clear sonic benefit, suggesting that this plugin performs well in professional studio environments.

    Source
  • Users describe the FG-GREY as maintaining transparency even under heavy compression, making it suitable for vocals when combined with an LA-2A.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The compressors offer subtle enhancements rather than drastic changes, which can be ideal for nuanced mixing needs.

    Source
  • The FG-GREY's knee dynamically adjusts, becoming softer at lower ratios like 2:1, which leads to earlier compression onset compared to higher ratios.

    Source
  • The internal threshold of the FG-GREY shifts with ratio changes, explaining its unique compression behavior at different settings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors

soundonsound.com

Slate Digital's Virtual Buss Compressors bundle offers a stellar emulation of classic hardware, delivering three distinct sonic personalities in one package. FG-Grey impresses with its snappy pop sound, FG-Red excels in rock with its saturation feature, and FG-Mu provides a vintage charm for slower tracks. The inclusion of a Mix knob and side-chain high-pass filter across all models adds versatility, although some users might miss auto release in FG-Mu and stereo unlinking in VCA models. Despite these minor drawbacks, the bundle's rich, analogue-like performance and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice for producers seeking that extra mix glue.

positive

Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Slate Digital's Virtual Buss Compressors deliver a trio of impressive buss compressor emulations with a convincing 'analogue' sound, capturing the essence of classic SSL, Focusrite, and Fairchild/Manley designs. The package boasts excellent harmonic and phase distortion characteristics, enhancing the originals with modern precision. While the absence of mono versions and a limited sidechain high-pass range are drawbacks, the distinct personalities of FG-Grey, FG-Red, and FG-Mu shine, making them versatile for different mixing contexts. Overall, it's a remarkable effort that stands out among software emulations, offering both character and authenticity.

positive
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 39 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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martinmeva

Great. Not only for mastering.

I use them all the time. I love the sound of FG-MU, and the HP feature on them is really basic for me right now. FG-MU in HP Mid-Side mode is great for mastering, in HP Stereo i use it od drum groups, on guitar groups i use HP mode FG-MU - or FG-Red on distorted guitars, as FG-MU brightens them a little too much, and i need something more transparent. Probably usable on some synth groups, but never tried it.

batuhanag

Sadece Kanala at

hiç bir ?ey yapma kanala at ve mixinin sorunlar?n? otomatik çözsün aq plugini çok güzel

skulpture

Love these in particular the FG Red

Slate bringing the goods again with this bunch of essential comps

jakesaunders27

Fantastic

Good plugin, compressors sound brilliant.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tycho uses Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via XLR8R

"I'll wrap it up with some precision EQ, PSP Neon usually, and some transparent compression via the Slate VBC stuff. After that, I run it through the Waves NLS to emulate a console channel and give it some final drive."

See how Adam Nolly Getgood uses Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors

Adam Nolly Getgood

Guitarist, Bassist

Periphery

...
Verified via Photo

Nolly uses this plugin for his instrumental master buss.

See how Alex Tumay uses Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors

Alex Tumay

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

Alex Tumay uses the Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors, specifically mentioning the "slat" plugin, in his mixes for Thug, as noted in his Twitter post.

See how Derpcat uses Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors

Derpcat

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video on the DerpcatMusic YouTube channel, Derpcat mentions using the Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors before mastering to cohesively blend the mix.

T

Todd Howe

Guitarist

The Boxer Rebellion

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo posted by Howe on his Instagram profile, a Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressor can be seen on the screen.

See how Scorb uses Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors

Scorb

...
Verified via Trkmastering

Scorb utilizes the Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors, particularly favoring the Focusrite Red mode (FG-Red) for its sweet-sounding bus and master compression, as noted by TRK Mastering in England.

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 Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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