The following article is a condensed version of the user guide. You can learn about more features under the Plugin Interface Overview .

Overview

Based on the revered Gates STA Level tube compressor that dominated the sound of Top 40 radio throughout the 1960s and '70s. This legendary piece of gear has been used on countless records thanks to its ability to smooth out erratic audio levels with a distinctive warmth and character. By meticulously analyzing the magic behind the original hardware, we were able to capture its essence while also integrating modern features that offer unparalleled flexibility, expanding its utility far beyond the original hardware’s capabilities. Utilizing our component-level modeling technology, we have taken the heart and soul of the classic into the modern digital world to create an exceptional mixing tool.

Artists Presets

The plugin includes artist presets from Calin Enache, Daniel Escobar, Ekzakt, Javon Gant-Graham, Johnny Morgan, Matt Lange, Nathan Salefski, Taylor Larson and more. The presets can be accessed through the plugin preset menu.

Global Plugin Features

The top section of every MixWave plugin interface includes a range of global plugin features, detailed in the Mixing Plugin Global Features article . Additionally, it features a preset browser, which is explained in the Plugin Presets and Locations article . Below is a list of all plugin-specific global features.

  1. Mode Switch - Toggles between Slow, Medium, Fast, and Faster, controlling compression recovery times. Slow providing the longest and most gradual recovery, and Faster offering the quickest response.

Level

  1. Stereo Link Switch - When engaged (ON), the left and right channel envelope detector is linked applying compression to both channels equally. When disengaged (OFF), the left and right channel envelope detector works separately applying compression to each channel individually.
  2. Modern/Vintage Switch - Switches between the Modern and Vintage circuits. The Modern mode delivers a cleaner sound with increased headroom, while the Vintage mode offers a more saturated tone with reduced headroom, causing the signal to overdrive more easily.
  3. Input Knob - Controls the amount of signal entering the compressor. It effectively sets the gain before the signal is compressed, allowing you to determine how hard the signal hits the compressor. Adjusting this knob impacts the amount of compression, as higher input levels will cause more gain reduction.
  4. Recovery Time Switch - Controls the compressor attack and recovery times. Single mode offers slower, simpler responses and Double mode providing faster attack and more complex recovery, distinguishing between sustained and short peaks for finer control over dynamic range.
  5. VU Meter - Displays the amount of gain reduction applied to the signal.
  6. Level Bypass Switch - Engages or disengages the Level unit only. This will not affect the Input/Output volumes or filters. The full plugin can be bypassed or enabled via the plugin toolbar in your DAW.
  7. Output Knob - Controls the level of the signal after compression, compensating for the gain reduction applied by the compressor.
  8. Age Knob - Simulates the circuit wearing out, allowing you to blend between a newer, cleaner tube sound with more low-end presence, and an older, worn tube sound that softens the top end while opening up the low end, adding character and tonal variation.

NOTE: To enable Auto-Gain, hold the Shift key while adjusting the Input Knob to automatically attenuate the Output knob.

Single Mode

Single mode has a slower attack time (75ms), ideal for more gentle compression with simple recovery times.

Single Mode Recovery Times

  • Slow: Recovers 63% in 7.05s and 90% in 28.2s
  • Medium: Recovers 63% in 2.25s and 90% in 10.0s
  • Fast: Recovers 63% in 1.125s and 90% in 4.5s
  • Faster: Recovers 63% in 0.375s and 90% in 1.5s

Double Mode

Features a faster attack time (25ms) and a more complex recovery behavior, distinguishing between sustained peaks and short peaks.

Double Mode Recovery Times (differentiated by peak type)

  • Slow (Sustained Peaks):
    • Slow: Recovers 63% in 3.1s and 90% in 28.0s
    • Medium: Recovers 63% in 2.0s and 90% in 8.0s
    • Fast: Recovers 63% in 1.0s and 90% in 4.0s
    • Faster: Recovers 63% in 0.333s and 90% in 1.333s
  • Fast (Short Peaks):
    • Slow: Recovers 63% in 2.35s and 90% in 9.4s
    • Medium: Recovers 63% in 0.75s and 90% in 3.0s
    • Fast: Recovers 63% in 0.375s and 90% in 1.5s
    • Faster: Recovers 63% in 0.125s and 90% in 0.5