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Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST: The Ultimate Guide
Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST Download: A Review
If you are looking for a powerful and musical mastering compressor that can emulate the sound of legendary hardware units, you might want to check out the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST. This plugin is a faithful emulation of the original Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, a high-end device that has been used on countless records by artists such as Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, and more. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this plugin, and show you how to use it in your own projects. We will also tell you where to get it and how much it costs.
shadow hills mastering compressor vst download
What is Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST?
The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST is a digital version of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, a hardware device that was designed by Peter Reardon, the founder of Shadow Hills Industries. This device is known for its ability to control dynamics in two stages: an optical section and a discrete section. It also has three different types of output transformers that can change the tonal character of the signal. The hardware version is very expensive and rare, but it has been praised by many engineers and producers for its sound quality and versatility.
A brief introduction to the hardware version
The hardware version of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor was first released in 2007, and it quickly became a sought-after device for mastering engineers and studios. It has a unique design that combines two different types of compression circuits in one unit: an optical section and a discrete section. The optical section is similar to an LA-2A compressor, with a simple threshold and gain control, and a two-stage release time. The discrete section is based on a VCA design, with more precise control over the ratio, attack, and release settings. The user can choose to use either section alone, or both in series for more complex compression effects.
The device also has three different types of output transformers that can be switched with a knob on the front panel. These transformers are made of steel, nickel, or iron, and they have different sonic characteristics that affect the frequency response and harmonic distortion of the signal. The steel transformer has a fast and detailed sound, with a slight boost in the low end. The nickel transformer has a smooth and balanced sound, with a polished top end. The iron transformer has a colored and warm sound, with a rich low end and even-order harmonics.
A comparison of the plugin versions
There are two plugin versions of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor available on the market: one from Plugin Alliance and one from Universal Audio. Both plugins are authorized by Peter Reardon and aim to emulate the sound and behavior of the hardware version as closely as possible. However, there are some differences between them that are worth noting.
The Plugin Alliance version was developed by Brainworx, a company that specializes in modeling analog devices with digital technology. This version is available in VST, AU, AAX, and RTAS formats, and it can be used on any DAW that supports these formats. It also has some extra features that are not found on the hardware version or the Universal Audio version. These include:
A parallel mix control that allows blending the dry and wet signals
A sidechain filter that prevents low frequencies from triggering the compression
A stereo link control that adjusts the amount of linking between the left and right channels
A headroom control that sets the internal operating level of the plugin
A wet solo control that mutes the dry signal and only plays the wet signal
A noise control that adds or removes the analog noise of the hardware unit
A metering section that shows the input, output, and gain reduction levels of both sections
The Universal Audio version was developed by Universal Audio themselves, a company that is known for creating high-quality hardware and software products for audio production. This version is available in UAD and AAX formats, and it can only be used on a DAW that supports these formats and has a UAD DSP card or device installed. It does not have any extra features that are not found on the hardware version or the Plugin Alliance version, but it has a more realistic graphical interface that resembles the hardware unit more closely.
Why use Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST?
The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST is a plugin that can offer many benefits to anyone who wants to improve the dynamics and tone of their audio tracks. Whether you are working on mastering, mixing, or even recording, this plugin can help you achieve a professional and polished sound. Here are some of the reasons why you should use this plugin:
The benefits of dual-stage compression
One of the main advantages of this plugin is that it allows you to use two different types of compression in one device: an optical section and a discrete section. This gives you more flexibility and control over how you shape the dynamics of your audio. You can use either section alone, or both in series, depending on your needs and preferences.
The optical section is a smooth and gentle compressor that can add some glue and cohesion to your tracks. It has a simple threshold and gain control, and a two-stage release time that adapts to the input signal. It is ideal for leveling out the overall loudness of your tracks, without affecting the transients too much.
The discrete section is a more aggressive and precise compressor that can add some punch and clarity to your tracks. It has more detailed control over the ratio, attack, and release settings, as well as a sidechain filter that lets you adjust the frequency range that triggers the compression. It is ideal for shaping the transients and peaks of your tracks, without affecting the overall loudness too much.
By using both sections in series, you can achieve a complex and musical compression effect that can enhance the dynamics and tone of your tracks. You can also adjust the balance between the two sections with a knob on the front panel, giving you more creative options.
The versatility of output transformers
Another benefit of this plugin is that it allows you to switch between three different types of output transformers: steel, nickel, or iron. These transformers can change the tonal character of your audio, adding some subtle coloration and saturation to your tracks. You can use them to fine-tune your sound, or to create some contrast and variety between different tracks.
The steel transformer has a fast and detailed sound, with a slight boost in the low end. It can add some weight and solidity to your tracks, making them sound more powerful and authoritative. It can also enhance the stereo image and depth of your tracks, making them sound more spacious and realistic.
The nickel transformer has a smooth and balanced sound, with a polished top end. It can add some brightness and sparkle to your tracks, making them sound more clear and crisp. It can also reduce some harshness and sibilance in your tracks, making them sound more smooth and pleasant.
The iron transformer has a colored and warm sound, with a rich low end and even-order harmonics. It can add some warmth and fatness to your tracks, making them sound more vintage and analog. It can also increase some distortion and saturation in your tracks, making them sound more gritty and lively.
The extra features of Brainworx plugin
If you choose to use the Plugin Alliance version of this plugin, you will also get some extra features that are not found on the hardware version or the Universal Audio version. These features can give you more flexibility and convenience when using this plugin. They include:
A parallel mix control that allows blending the dry and wet signals. This lets you create parallel compression effects easily, without having to set up separate buses or tracks in your DAW.
A sidechain filter that prevents low frequencies from triggering the compression. This lets you preserve the low end of your tracks, without making them sound too compressed or muddy.
A stereo link control that adjusts the amount of linking between the left and right channels. This lets you control the stereo width and balance of your tracks, without affecting the mono compatibility or phase issues.
A headroom control that sets the internal operating level of the plugin. This lets you adjust the input and output levels of the plugin, without changing the compression settings or the output transformer selection.
A wet solo control that mutes the dry signal and only plays the wet signal. This lets you hear the effect of the plugin more clearly, without being distracted by the original signal.
A noise control that adds or removes the analog noise of the hardware unit. This lets you add some realism and character to your tracks, or remove some unwanted noise from your tracks.
A metering section that shows the input, output, and gain reduction levels of both sections. This lets you monitor the signal flow and dynamics of your tracks, and make sure they are not clipping or over-compressing.
How to use Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST?
Now that you know what this plugin can do and why you should use it, let's see how you can use it in your own projects. Here are some steps to follow:
A step-by-step guide to install and activate the plugin
The first thing you need to do is to install and activate the plugin on your computer. Depending on which version you choose, the process may vary slightly, but here are some general steps to follow:
Download the plugin installer from the official website of Plugin Alliance or Universal Audio, depending on which version you want.
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen. You may need to create an account or log in to your existing account on their website.
Choose the formats and locations for the plugin files. Make sure they are compatible with your DAW and system.
Launch your DAW and scan for new plugins. You should see the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST in your plugin list.
Insert the plugin on a track or a bus that you want to process. You may need to activate the plugin with a license code or a dongle, depending on which version you have.
A walkthrough of the plugin interface and controls
The next thing you need to do is to familiarize yourself with the plugin interface and controls. Depending on which version you have, the interface may look different, but the controls are mostly the same. Here is a brief overview of what each control does:
ControlDescription
Optical ThresholdSets the level at which the optical section starts to compress
Optical GainSets the amount of makeup gain for the optical section
Discrete ThresholdSets the level at which the discrete section starts to compress
Discrete RatioSets the ratio of compression for the discrete section
Discrete AttackSets how fast the discrete section reacts to peaks
Discrete ReleaseSets how fast the discrete section returns to normal after compression
Discrete Sidechain FilterSets a high-pass filter for the sidechain signal that triggers the discrete section
Discrete GainSets the amount of makeup gain for the discrete section
Dual/Stereo ModeSwitches between dual mono or stereo operation for both sections
Optical/Discrete BalanceSets the balance between the optical and discrete sections
Output TransformerSelects the type of output transformer: steel, nickel, or iron
Output GainSets the overall output level of the plugin
BypassBypasses the plugin entirely
Parallel Mix (Plugin Alliance only)Sets the balance between the dry and wet signals
Stereo Link (Plugin Alliance only)Sets the amount of linking between the left and right channels
Headroom (Plugin Alliance only)Sets the internal operating level of the plugin
Wet Solo (Plugin Alliance only)Mutes the dry signal and only plays the wet signal
Noise (Plugin Alliance only)Adds or removes the analog noise of the hardware unit
Metering Section (Plugin Alliance only)Shows the input, output, and gain reduction levels of both sections
Some tips and tricks to get the best results
Now that you know how to use this plugin, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results:
Experiment with different combinations of optical and discrete compression, as well as different output transformers. You can create a wide range of sounds, from subtle and transparent to heavy and colored.
Use the optical section for gentle leveling and glueing, and the discrete section for more precise control and shaping. You can also use them in reverse order, or use only one section, depending on your needs.
Use the sidechain filter to prevent low frequencies from pumping or ducking your tracks. You can also use it creatively to create some frequency-dependent compression effects.
Use the parallel mix control to blend in some of the dry signal with the compressed signal. This can help you preserve some of the natural dynamics and transients of your tracks, while still adding some compression and coloration.
Use the stereo link control to adjust how much the left and right channels are linked. You can use a high value for more consistent compression across the stereo field, or a low value for more independent compression on each channel.
Use the headroom control to match the input and output levels of the plugin. This can help you avoid clipping or over-compressing your tracks.
Use the wet solo control to hear how the plugin is affecting your tracks. This can help you fine-tune your settings and hear any subtle changes.
Use the noise control to add some realism and character to your tracks. You can also use it to remove some unwanted noise from your tracks.
Use the metering section to monitor your signal levels and gain reduction. You can also use it to compare how different settings affect your tracks.
Where to get Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST?
If you are interested in getting this plugin, you have two options: Plugin Alliance or Universal Audio. Both options have their pros and cons, so you should consider them carefully before making a decision. Here are some details about each option:
The official websites of Plugin Alliance and Universal Audio
The easiest way to get this plugin is to buy it directly from the official websites of Plugin Alliance or Universal Audio, depending on which version you want. You can find the links to their websites below:
Universal Audio: https://www.uaudio.com/uad-plugins/compressors-limiters/shadow-hills-mastering-compressor.html
On their websites, you can find more information about the plugin, such as the features, specifications, reviews, demos, and tutorials. You can also buy the plugin online, using a credit card or PayPal. You will receive an email confirmation with your license code or activation instructions.
The pricing and licensing options
The pricing and licensing options for this plugin vary depending on which version you choose. Here are some details about each option:
The Plugin Alliance version costs $329 USD, and it comes with a lifetime license that allows you to use the plugin on up to three computers at the same time. You can also use the plugin on any DAW that supports VST, AU, AAX, or RTAS formats. You can also get a 14-day free trial of the plugin, if you want to test it before buying it.
The Universal Audio version costs $299 USD, and it comes with a license that allows you to use the plugin on one UAD DSP card or device at a time. You can also use the plugin on any DAW that supports UAD or AAX formats. However, you need to have a UAD DSP card or device installed on your computer, which can cost from $499 to $5999 USD, depending on the model and features. You can also get a 14-day free trial of the plugin, if you want to test it before buying it.
The system requirements and compatibility
The system requirements and compatibility for this plugin also depend on which version you choose. Here are some details about each option:
The Plugin Alliance version requires a Windows 7 or higher (64-bit) or a Mac OS X 10.9 or higher (64-bit) operating system, an Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / Xeon or AMD Quad-Core CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and an OpenGL 2.0 compatible graphics card. It is compatible with any DAW that supports VST2, VST3, AU, AAX Native, or RTAS formats.
The Universal Audio version requires a Windows 10 (64-bit) or a Mac OS X 10.12 or higher (64-bit) operating system, an Intel Core i5 / i7 / Xeon CPU, 6 GB of RAM, and a UAD DSP card or device. It is compatible with any DAW that supports UAD or AAX DSP formats.
Conclusion
The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor VST is a plugin that emulates the sound and behavior of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, a hardware device that is known for its dual-stage compression and output transformer options. This plugin can help you improve the dynamics and tone of your audio tracks, whether you are working on mastering, mixing, or recording. It has two versions available: one from Plugin Alliance and one from Universal Audio. Both versions have their pros and cons, so you should consider them carefully before making a decision.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this plugin:
Q: What is the difference between optical and discrete compression?
A: Optical compression is a type of compression that uses a light-sensitive element to control the gain reduction. It is smooth and gentle, and it has a simple threshold and gain control. Discrete compression is a type of compression that uses a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) to control the gain reduction. It is more aggressive and precise, and it has more detailed control over the ratio, attack, and release settings.
Q: What is the difference between steel, nickel, and iron transformers?
A: Steel transformers have a fast and detailed sound, with a slight boost in the low end. Nickel transformers have a smooth and balanced sound, with a polished top end. Iron transformers have a colored and warm sound, with a rich low end and even-order harmonics.
Q: How do I use parallel compression with this plugin?
A: Parallel compression is a technique that involves blending the dry and wet signals of a compressor to create a more natural and dynamic sound. You can use parallel compression with this plugin by using the parallel mix control on the Plugin Alliance version, or by setting up separate buses or tracks in your DAW with the Unive