As befits its name, Native Instruments is better known for cutting-edge plug-in instruments - see Razor - than it is effects. However, with Vintage Compressors, the first release in a new range of pro studio effects, it's taking a leap into vintage outboard hardware modelling territory.
Developed in collaboration with Swedish plug-in maven Softube, Vintage Compressors recreates three classic hardware compressors. Thus, there are three separate models: VC 76, VC 2A and VC 160.
A click through the screenshots (click here to see them) should reveal which compressor inspired each software emulation: the VC 76 is said to excel when tasked with compressing drums and vocals; the VC 2A is particularly suited to vocal, bass and guitar parts; and the VC 160 is your go-to guy for strings and individual drum hits.
Vintage Compressors is based on the Guitar Rig effects framework and can be loaded into either Guitar Rig 4 or the free Guitar Rig Player. The bundle costs $229/€199 and each compressor can also be purchased separately for $119/€99 each. Here's the official word from Native Instruments…
Native Instruments Vintage Compressors press release
Native Instruments has just introduced VINTAGE COMPRESSORS, a set of faithfully modeled classic dynamic processors for use in GUITAR RIG 4 and in the free GUITAR RIG PLAYER. Produced in collaboration with DSP experts Softube, the collection comprises three of the most distinctive and revered high-end studio compressors, and can be used to creatively treat a comprehensive range of instruments and sounds with the highest level of sonic fidelity and profound vintage charm.
VINTAGE COMPRESSORS is the first release in a new range of professional studio effects based on the GUITAR RIG effects framework. Developed in collaboration with acclaimed Swedish DSP developers Softube, known for their highly sophisticated emulations of analog audio hardware, VINTAGE COMPRESSORS comprises three different models designated as the VC 76, VC 2A and VC 160. While the VC 76 excels at drums and vocals, the VC 2A is popular for vocals, bass and guitar, with the VC 160 being a common choice for string instruments and individual drum sounds as well.
All three emulations offer the full feature set of their analog hardware counterparts, with their sonic characteristics and intricacies authentically replicated through advanced analog component modeling. The GUITAR RIG framework also provides an additional sidechain input with adjustable high-pass filter as well as a wet/dry control for parallel compression, opening up a wide array of advanced techniques. All three emulations are also available separately, and integrate seamlessly with any existing arsenal of effects in the GUITAR RIG 4 or the GUITAR RIG PLAYER software.
VINTAGE COMPRESSORS is available as a download in the NI Online Shop for $229 / 199 EUR, with the individual models being available for $119 / 99 EUR each.
