Tube-Tech SMC 2B by Softube multiband compressor plugin interface

Tube-Tech SMC 2B: Three-Band Opto Multiband Compressor by Softube

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (17 ratings)

Tube-Tech SMC 2B is a three-band multiband compressor plugin by Softube, modeled on the Tube-Tech SMC 2B hardware. It offers low, mid and high band compression with tube-style character, Mid/Side processing and a sidechain input.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

Download Now

Opens the store in a new tab

01Overview

The Tube-Tech SMC 2B splits the signal into low, mid and high bands, each with its own threshold, ratio, attack, release and gain controls. Crossover filters with a 6 dB/octave slope let you set the split points, with the low/mid crossover adjustable from 60 to 1200 Hz and the mid/high crossover from 1.2 to 6 kHz. The plugin is aimed at mix buses, vocal, drum and bass buses, and dynamic processing tasks where single-band compression falls short.

Best for

Mix bus compression
Vocal bus processing
Drum bus control
Bass frequency control
Stereo mix rebalancing

Developer: Softube
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Precise model of the Tube-Tech SMC 2B hardware
Three-band compression with 6 dB/octave crossover filters
Low/mid crossover adjustable from 60 to 1200 Hz
Mid/high crossover adjustable from 1.2 to 6 kHz
Per-band Threshold, ratio (1.5:1 to 10:1), Attack, Release and Gain
Linked or selectable Dual Mono stereo processing
Mid/Side processing
Parallel compression via Dry/Wet knob
Sidechain input
Mute switches for each band

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Tube-Tech SMC 2B Compressor

Softube says it modeled every component and stage of the original three-band opto compressor, including its tube sound. The plugin keeps the Tube-Tech-designed interface, so the controls will look familiar to anyone who has used the hardware.

Each band runs through its own compressor with Threshold, ratios from 1.5:1 to 10:1, Attack, Release and Gain. Parallel compression is available through the Dry/Wet knob, which can add density without fully replacing the original signal.

Workflow, Routing and Key Controls

Stereo processing can be linked or switched to Dual Mono operation. Mid/Side processing lets you treat the center and sides of a stereo mix separately.

A sidechain input and mute switches for each band help you audition and shape the result. Start by choosing the crossover points, then adjust each band's level to rebalance sections of the material.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

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

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Tube-Tech SMC 2B support?

Tube-Tech SMC 2B is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It is 64-bit.

Which operating systems are supported?

The plugin supports Windows and macOS. Listed macOS versions are Big Sur 11, Monterey 12 and Ventura 13, and Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11.

What do I need to use Tube-Tech SMC 2B?

You need a Softube account, an iLok account, a computer that meets the system requirements, a DAW host with AU, VST, VST3 or AAX support, and internet access for downloading installers and managing licenses.