Bus Compressor by IK Multimedia VCA mix bus compressor plugin interface

Bus Compressor: VCA Mix Bus Compressor Plugin by IK Multimedia

Bus Compressor is a VCA-style mix bus compressor plugin from IK Multimedia, modeled on a classic British large-format console compressor. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

Bus Compressor from IK Multimedia is an effects plugin modeled on the mix bus VCA compressor of a British large-format mixing console from the 1980s. That hardware unit became a sound many producers associate with hit records, and it was later sold as a standalone rackmount unit. The plugin aims to reproduce that character, including the cohesive "glue" it adds when several parts sit together in a mix. It is built for mix buses, but it also works on stereo sources such as drum submixes and parallel compression buses.

Best for

Mix bus glue
Drum bus compression
Parallel compression
Loud rock mixes
Dance track pumping

Developer: IK Multimedia
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

VCA mix bus compressor modeled on a classic British large-format console
Grit switch adds second-harmonic distortion for added character
Sidechain HP filter keeps low frequencies out of detection
1.5:1 ratio for subtle, even glue compression
Compression curve, soft knee and detection circuit modeled in detail
Oversampling supported for cleaner processing
Available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats
Requires an internet connection for Custom Shop operations

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Glue Compressor

IK Multimedia says the compression curve, soft knee behavior and detection circuit were analyzed in detail to reproduce the original. The result is meant to blend instruments together so a mix holds as one piece.

A Grit switch adds the slightly increased second-harmonic distortion of an out-of-calibration unit. Engineers often prefer this for a more characterful, gritty tone.

A 1.5:1 ratio gives gentle, even compression, which can make a mix sound fuller without an obviously compressed sound.

Workflow Controls and Sidechain Filtering

The Sidechain HP filter removes low frequencies from the detection path so bass content does not overmodulate the compressor. This helps avoid pumping at low thresholds and high ratios.

With the filter off, the compressor's pumping effect is strong, which suits loud rock mixes and driving dance tracks. The plugin is intended for a DAW's mix bus, and it can also push drum rooms or parallel buses hard for punch and pump.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	IK Multimedia
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Bus Compressor by IK Multimedia?

Bus Compressor is an effects plugin that models the VCA mix bus compressor of a British large-format mixing console from the 1980s. It is designed to add cohesion, or glue, to mixes.

Which formats and operating systems does Bus Compressor support?

Bus Compressor is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS in 64-bit versions.

What do I need to run Bus Compressor?

On macOS you need an Apple M1 or Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, macOS 10.15 or newer and 9 GB of hard drive space. On Windows you need a Core i5 or equivalent, 8 GB of RAM, Windows 10 (64-bit) or newer, 9 GB of hard drive space and an ASIO-compatible sound card. Both versions need an OpenGL 2 compatible graphics adapter and an internet connection for Custom Shop operations.