VCA Compressor is a compressor plugin from Softube that emulates a classic VCA hardware unit, adding modern features such as Sidechain, Drive and Stereo Link for mixing and production.
Softube modeled VCA Compressor on a legendary hardware compressor known for its hard knee compression curve and the harmonic content it adds in the gain stages. The developer kept the characteristic RMS level detection and feed-forward gain reduction while adding features aimed at mixing and production work. Softube says it draws on years of modeling professional analog gear, including partnerships with Tube-Tech, Solid State Logic, Chandler Limited and Marshall Amplification.
The plugin is built around the snappy, analog character of the original hardware. Softube points to the hard knee compression curve and the harmonic content generated in the gain stages as the core of its sound.
RMS level detection and feed-forward gain reduction are kept from the original design. Together they give the compressor its grabbing, vintage behavior, which the developer describes as snap and sheen on the processed signal.
Beyond the classic design, the plugin adds controls for mixing. The Sidechain section offers punch, filter and external gain. Drive and Dry/Wet let you add harmonic content and blend it with the dry signal.
Stereo Link switches between linked mode, with shared Left and Right gain reduction, and Unlinked Dual Mono, which gives each channel independent gain reduction. The High Frequency Make-up control offsets the loss of high frequencies that can occur during compression.
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, RTAS |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
VCA Compressor is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. Softube notes that TDM, VENUE and RTAS are no longer supported.
The plugin runs on Windows and macOS. Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit) and macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12 and Ventura 13 are listed as supported.
You need a compatible 64-bit host such as an AU, VST, VST3 or AAX-compatible DAW, a Softube account and an iLok account, plus internet access for downloading installers and managing licenses. Softube recommends VST3 for full feature support.
