Weiss DS1-MK3 by Softube mastering compressor, limiter and de-esser plugin interface

Weiss DS1-MK3: Mastering Compressor, Limiter and De-Esser Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (18 ratings)

Weiss DS1-MK3 is a mastering plugin from Softube that combines de-essing, compression and limiting in a single digital processor. It is a line-by-line code port of the Weiss DS1-MK3 hardware unit.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Weiss DS1-MK3 is a digital mastering processor built around three tools: a de-esser, a compressor and a limiter. Softube developed it in collaboration with Weiss Digital Audio as a plug-in version of the Weiss DS1-MK3 hardware. It processes at up to 32 bit/192 kHz and includes two new limiter algorithms alongside the original Weiss limiter. This upgrade edition is for owners who already have both the Weiss Compressor/Limiter and the Weiss MM-1 plugins.

Best for

Mastering final mixes
Stereo bus compression
Vocal and mid/side de-essing
Brick wall limiting
Loudness-focused mastering

Developer: Softube
Category: Mastering
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Combines de-essing, compression and limiting in one processor
Line-by-line code port of the Weiss DS1-MK3 hardware
Processes at up to 32 bit/192 kHz sample resolution
De-esser with mid/side processing and selectable filters
Compressor with variable soft-knee settings
Three limiter algorithms, including two new ones
Waveform view advanced metering
New presets by mastering engineer Bob Katz
Multiple instances allowed on the same mix

03In depth

Sound and Processing Character

The plug-in is described as a line-by-line code port of the original Weiss DS1-MK3 hardware rather than an emulation. Softube says it runs at up to 32 bit/192 kHz, which exceeds the resolution of the original hardware.

The compressor offers variable soft-knee settings, which the developer describes as covering everything from gentle levelling to aggressive compression. The limiter includes the original Weiss algorithm plus two new ones, one of which is designed for true peak limiting.

Bob Katz, a mastering engineer and author of Mastering Audio, has described the original hardware as transparent and less digital-sounding than other dynamics processors, according to the developer's marketing.

Workflow, Controls and Metering

The de-esser can process the mid and side channels independently, and it lets you choose filters and adjust frequency. You can also run it in stereo or mid-side mode.

The unit includes advanced metering with a waveform view. Softube has also included new presets created by Bob Katz.

Because it is a plug-in, you can run multiple instances on the same mix at no extra cost, which the hardware original does not allow.

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	Mastering
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does Weiss DS1-MK3 support?

Weiss DS1-MK3 is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to use Weiss DS1-MK3?

You need a compatible 64-bit host application that supports VST, VST3, AU or AAX, a Softube account and an iLok account. Softube recommends using the VST3 format.

Can I run more than one instance of Weiss DS1-MK3?

Yes. As a plugin, it can be run on multiple tracks in the same mix at no extra cost.

Is this version for existing Weiss owners?

This edition is an upgrade for customers who already own both the Weiss Compressor/Limiter and the Weiss MM-1 plugins. Products purchased within the Volume Bundle are not eligible.

07Developer

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