PUSH per-band compressor plugin interface by KERN Audio

PUSH: Per-Band Dynamics Compressor Plugin by KERN Audio

PUSH is a per-band dynamics compressor plugin by KERN Audio that processes audio across 40 ERB frequency bands. It offers three characters, SETTLE, TIGHT and DRIFT, for bus cohesion, transient control and detail recovery.

VST3AUWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

PUSH is designed to sit before a regular broadband compressor in the signal chain. Instead of reducing or lifting the full signal at once, it applies dynamics separately to 40 frequency bands spaced to match the critical bands of human hearing. KERN Audio positions it as a tool for problems a single compressor averages away, such as stray transient peaks or quiet room tone. The plugin is available in VST3 and AU formats for Windows and macOS, with 36 factory presets and a simple control set of four knobs and two toggles.

Best for

Mix bus glue
Drum transient control
Bass tightening
Percussion control
Room tone and air recovery
Pre-compressor band dynamics

Developer: KERN Audio
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Three per-band modes: SETTLE, TIGHT and DRIFT
40 ERB-spaced frequency bands
Magnitude-only gain that leaves phase untouched
Upward per-band compression in DRIFT mode
Fast attack with per-band release in TIGHT mode
M/S processing
4096-point FFT
4 knobs and 2 toggles
36 factory presets
VST3 and AU formats for Windows and macOS

03In depth

Three Compression Characters for Different Workflows

PUSH uses three modes, each with its own gain computer, timing and coloration.

SETTLE applies gentle per-band gain reduction intended to pull mix elements together on a bus. The developer describes it as the frequency-aware layer that comes before a regular bus compressor.

TIGHT is aimed at drums, bass and percussion. It uses a fast attack with per-band release to catch peaks that a broadband compressor would smooth over.

DRIFT performs upward compression per band. It is meant to raise room tone, sustain tails and high-frequency air while leaving low-frequency buildup largely alone.

Magnitude-Only Processing and Band Structure

KERN Audio states that PUSH applies gain to magnitude only, leaving phase untouched. The developer says this avoids smearing, comb filtering and crossover artifacts that can come with splitting audio into bands.

The plugin uses a 4096-point FFT and 40 ERB-spaced bands. M/S processing is included for working with mid and side channels. The developer lists CPU usage under 3 percent.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	KERN Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST3, AU
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is PUSH used for?

PUSH applies dynamics per frequency band, so it can be used for bus cohesion, tightening transients on drums, bass and percussion, or lifting quiet detail such as room tone and sustain. KERN Audio positions it to run before a regular broadband compressor.

Which formats and operating systems does PUSH support?

PUSH is available in VST3 and AU formats. KERN Audio lists support for Windows and macOS, with macOS 10.13 or later on Intel or Apple Silicon and Windows 10 or later in 64-bit.

What do I need to use PUSH?

PUSH runs as a plugin in any VST3 or AU compatible host on a 64-bit system, meaning macOS 10.13 or later or Windows 10 or later.

What are the three PUSH modes?

SETTLE provides gentle per-band gain reduction for bus cohesion. TIGHT offers fast-attack transient control with per-band release. DRIFT applies upward per-band compression to recover detail.