Bus FORCE by Arturia parallel processing plugin interface

Bus FORCE: Parallel Dynamics and Saturation Plugin by Arturia Free Download

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (28 ratings)

Bus FORCE is a stereo parallel processing effect plugin from Arturia that combines EQ, filter, compressor, saturation and clipping modules in a single unit. It runs as VST2, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Arturia's Bus FORCE is built around parallel processing, a technique where a signal is split into separate paths, processed differently and blended back together. It offers three audio paths (Dry, Comp and Sat) with an independent mixer, and 36 or more routing configurations let you decide which modules sit on which path. The developer describes it as a tool for mixing and mastering, suitable for single tracks, buses and the stereo master.

Best for

Drum bus compression
Vocal harmonic enhancement
Synth stereo width
Sidechain pumping
Master bus polish

Developer: Arturia
Category: Dynamics Processors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Stereo multi-FX dedicated to parallel processing
Five modules: EQ, Filter, Compressor, Saturation, Clipping
Three audio paths with independent volume mixer
36+ routing configurations between paths and modules
Pultec-style EQ and SEM-inspired dual filters
VCA-style compressor with external sidechain option
Four flavours of analog saturation plus analog clipping
Comprehensive metering, resizable window and integrated tutorials

03In depth

Modules and Sound Character

Bus FORCE includes five processing modules: EQ, Filter, Compressor, Saturation and Clipping. The EQ is inspired by the Pultec-style equalizer and the Filter draws on the SEM synth filter design. The compressor is a VCA-style unit with dual RMS and peak detection and a negative ratio option, plus an external sidechain input.

The saturation module offers four flavours of analog saturation, and a separate analog clipping stage can add limiting and grit at the end of the chain.

Workflow and Routing

Each of the three paths can be configured with its own combination of modules, and the Clipping module can be added to the output. Individual module bypass switches make it easy to dial back the effect or audition each stage.

Resizable windows, metering and displays, and integrated tutorials support a hands-on workflow. A broad selection of presets for mixing and mastering is included as a starting point.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Arturia
Type	Plugin
Category	Dynamics Processor
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Bus FORCE support?

Bus FORCE is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats and runs on Windows and macOS. It is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to run Bus FORCE?

On macOS it requires macOS 10.13 or later, 4 GB RAM, a 4-core CPU at 3.4 GHz or an Apple Silicon CPU, 1 GB of free disk space and an OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU. On Windows it requires Windows 10 64-bit or later with 4 GB RAM, a 4-core 3.4 GHz CPU, 1 GB of free disk space and an OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU; ARM processors are not supported on Windows.