Punch Evolved compressor plugin interface by Minimal System Group

Minimal System Group·CompressorsFree trial

Punch Evolved: FET-Style Compressor Plugin by Minimal System Group Free Download

Rated 4.3/5 on Plugin Boutique (626 ratings)

Punch Evolved is a Windows VST2 compressor and limiter plugin from Minimal System Group, based on the 1176AE limiting amplifier and extended with Mid/Side processing, a gate and an EQ section.

VST2Windows32-bit only

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Punch Evolved is an update of Minimal System Group's Punch compressor, which the developer builds on the 1176AE limiting amplifier. The plugin keeps the FET-style gain reduction character of the original and adds sound shaping tools such as Mid/Side processing, a gate and a three-band EQ. Its ratio options run from 2:1 to 8:1 for compression, with a 20:1 setting for full limiting. The plugin is available as a VST2 for Windows.

Best for

Drum compression
Drum bus limiting
Mid/Side stereo control
Kick and snare shaping
Analog-style compression

Developer: Minimal System Group
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Ultra-fast attack time for transient control
FET gain reduction emulation with analog-modeled character
Input and output gain knobs with adjustable attack and release
Ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 8:1 and 20:1 for limiting
Mid/Side processing for stereo control
Gate with threshold, attack and release controls
Low/Mid/High EQ section
Custom output transformer emulation and full automation

03In depth

Compression Character and Controls

The core of Punch Evolved is an analog-modeled compressor with an ultra-fast attack time. The developer describes the character as unique and analog-modeled, with FET gain reduction emulation at its core.

Input and output gain knobs sit alongside adjustable attack and release settings, so you can set the level going in and coming out. The ratio choices include 2:1, 4:1 and 8:1 for everyday compression, plus 20:1 for limiting.

A custom output transformer emulation adds further coloration, and LED feedback and flexible VU metering help you read the gain reduction as you work.

Mid/Side, Gate and EQ for Drums

Beyond the compressor, Punch Evolved includes Mid/Side processing, so you can treat the center and sides of a stereo signal separately. A gate with threshold, attack and release controls and a Low/Mid/High EQ extend the plugin into basic channel-strip territory.

The developer notes that the plugin works well on drums. Its fast attack and gate section make it a practical choice for shaping percussion, kick and snare sounds.

Full automation support lets you move parameters over time within your host.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Minimal System Group
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST2
Operating systems	Windows
Architecture	32-bit only
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does Punch Evolved support?

Punch Evolved is available as a VST2 plugin and runs on Windows only. The developer states that the product is compatible only with Windows operating systems.

Is Punch Evolved 32-bit or 64-bit?

The plugin is 32-bit. The developer says it can run on 64-bit systems using jBridge, and that it works within the 64-bit versions of several hosts, including Cubase, Nuendo, Bitwig Studio, Reaper, Renoise, FL Studio, Sonar, Mixcraft and Samplitude, through their built-in bridging.

What do I need to use Punch Evolved?

You need a Windows PC and a VST-compatible DAW or VST host. The developer says the plugin has been tested in Ableton Live, Adobe Audition, Cakewalk Sonar, FL Studio, Energy XT, PreSonus Studio One, Renoise and Cubase.