OmniTec-436C by Black Rooster Audio vari-mu compressor plugin interface

OmniTec-436C: Vari-Mu Compressor Plugin by Black Rooster Audio

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (56 ratings)

OmniTec-436C is a vari-mu compressor plugin from Black Rooster Audio, inspired by the Altec 436C tube compressor. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The OmniTec-436C is a digital vari-mu compressor modeled on the Altec 436C, a tube compressor from the 1950s. Black Rooster Audio says the plugin reproduces the circuit and characteristics of the original while adding its own features. These include 2-band sidechain filters, dual mono/stereo linking, a limit mode and an SC listen mode. It is aimed at producers who want smooth, cohesive compression on a wide range of sources.

Best for

Vocal compression
Bus glue on mixes
Strings and brass dynamics
Synth compression
Sidechain-filtered compression

Developer: Black Rooster Audio
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Vari-mu compressor modeled on the Altec 436C
Faithfully modeled vari-mu stage with tube-based character
2-band sidechain filter from 100Hz to 20kHz
SC Listen mode to hear the filtered sidechain signal
Stereo linking and parallel compression
Dual mono/stereo link option
Limit mode
Available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Vari-Mu Stage

The developer says the vari-mu stage was modeled faithfully after its hardware counterpart, aiming for the warm, natural analog sound the original is known for. The Altec 436C was a 1950s tube compressor widely used in studios, and its circuit influenced later vari-mu designs.

Black Rooster Audio describes the result as musical and mellow, providing cohesion or "glue" to a mix without overpowering it. The plugin is suggested for vocals, strings, brass and synthesizers.

Sidechain Filtering and Stereo Control

The 2-band sidechain filter lets you filter the detector signal with high and low filters from 100Hz up to 20kHz. The SC Listen mode lets you hear the isolated, filtered sidechain signal, which helps when setting the filters.

Stereo linking and parallel compression give control over the stereo image and density of the signal. Dual mono/stereo link and limit mode add further options for shaping how the compressor behaves on a stereo mix.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Black Rooster Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the OmniTec-436C based on?

The OmniTec-436C is modeled on the Altec 436C, a vari-mu tube compressor introduced in the 1950s. Black Rooster Audio adds its own features, including sidechain filters and stereo linking.

Which formats and operating systems does the OmniTec-436C support?

The plugin is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS as a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to run the OmniTec-436C?

You need a VST, VST3, AU or AAX compatible 64-bit host. On macOS, the listed requirement is OS X 10.9 or newer with an Intel Core CPU or Apple Silicon M1/M2 processor. On Windows, the listed requirement is Windows 7 or newer with an SSE2 compatible processor. Both platforms need 1GB of RAM and a display resolution of 1280x1024 or higher.