Reordering
Slate Digital impressed us in 2013 with Virtual Buss Compressors, and its latest outing, Virtual Mix Rack (VMR), follows the same path, being based on schematics and deep analysis of some classic hardware processors.
Loosely based on the API's 500 series modular format, which now features in many 'lunchbox' racks, VMR centres on an eight-slot Rack plugin (VST/AU/RTAS/AAX) that hosts a range of proprietary modules.
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The Rack is downloadable for free, coming with the non-expiring Revival enhancer and 15-day demos of the four main modules, which can be bought at any time as a set.
Each element (the Rack plugin and each individual module) requires its own licence (iLok 2), clearly preparing the ground for the introduction of more modules in the future.
Rack and modules
The Rack workspace is divided into three main sections: Preset Bar at the top, module Library (which can be folded away) to the left, and the main vertical module Slots (labelled A to H).
Modules are launched into the Slots from the Library panel and are reasonably large. The window scale isn't user-adjustable, but it does resize according to screen resolution: with the Library panel closed, a 1280x800 display shows four modules, and a 1920x1200 screen shows six.
Navigating between active Slots is done using the tabs at the bottom, and modules are rearranged by dragging them. The Rack signal flow follows the module order from left to right, and though you can reorder the modules, we were slightly disappointed to learn that there are no further routing configurations for split/parallel routing, a la T-RackS (though VMR's compressors do have dry/wet controls, which will take care of most parallel compression needs).
VMR has two Preset types: Rack and Module, loaded from the Preset Bar and Slot header respectively. Rack presets are chains of modules, while Module presets are simply settings for individual modules.
Further options include an A/B Snapshot function for the whole Rack, module Solo (with grouped solo via the Cmd/Ctrl modifier), individual module bypass, and Rotary Knob mode for circular mouse movement.
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Finally, automation can be targeted on each Slot, and clicking a Slot letter reveals its parameter list, with everything named as it will appear in your DAW.
VMR's four main modules (we're not including Revival in that category) comprise two EQs and two compressors, and draw heavily on a range of legendary hardware.
The FG-116 compressor is a very thorough emulation of the UREI 1176, while the FG-401 is based on several classic designs, and includes two separate circuits and a transformer circuit. The two EQs - FG-S and FG-N - are clearly based on the SSL E series and Neve 1073 designs respectively, but with some minor enhancements.
Emulation station
The FG-116 delivers your typical FET compressor sound, with lightning fast attack and release. It's great for shaping snare drums, adding attack to bass guitar, and bringing edge to vocals.
With the latter, FG-116 perfectly captures the 'enhancing' nature of the hardware that inspires it. It includes a mix control, which is welcome (and not found on the original hardware), but, alas, it lacks the real thing's 'all buttons' mode.
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FG-401 is the most feature-rich of VMR's modules, and we understand that it's modelled on the Empirical Labs Distressor and Teletronix LA-2A. The Circuit 1 setting is a snappy, Distressor-style option, for adding punch to drums, sub-mixes and the mix bus.
Circuit 2 is a different kettle of fish altogether, doing a great job as a transparent 'gluing' compressor. The compressor also exhibits practically imperceptible low-level harmonic distortions, which only become truly audible when switching in the Transformer circuit - great for adding bite to vocals, guitars and keyboards.
The FG-N EQ is like a supersized Neve 1073, offering not one but two parametric bands with identical frequency ranges (360Hz to 7.2kHz), plus high and low shelves, and a high-pass filter.
There's also a Drive option, which switches the Line level control over to a gain-compensated drive control. The effect of this is subtle, rebalancing harmonic distortions by enhancing the second harmonic.
Our favourite feature, though, is the fully sweepable frequency controls. Overall, FG-N is a far more powerful shaping tool than the original hardware. FG-S delivers your classic, powerful SSL E-Series-style EQ. That means audible enhancement combined with reasonably narrow Q, when needed.
The only negative with this one is the single high-pass rather than twin high- and low-pass filters. Indeed, the lack of low-pass filtering within VMR is a drawback.
Finally - and separately, really - Revival. This combines tube, tape, transformer and EQ modelling in a two-knob 'sweetening' effect that's great at poshing up sub-mixes (particularly drums) and works well in small doses on the mix bus.
Rated and Slated
Slate Digital really earned its processing spurs with Virtual Buss Compressors, and VMR casts the same net a bit wider. The design is slick and delivers excellent results quickly.
In terms of flexibility, drag and drop reordering is standard fare for most DAW inserts, so it offers nothing special in this regard; and the lack of flexibility in terms of inter-module signal routing feels like a missed opportunity.
Nevertheless, the sheer quality of the emulations more than saves the day, and we look forward to seeing what new modules become available down the line.
Virtual Mix Rack includes four world class mix modules, including two classic equalizers and two versatile mix compressors, with more modules to be developed.
The ‘VMR’ operates as a Virtual 500 series rack with hot-swappable modules, putting your whole processing chain in ONE WINDOW. This allows you customize your own channel strip, with signal flow following the modules, in any order you choose. Mix and match filters from different EQs. Chain an EQ before or after your compressor. Moving modules around is easy, fast, and creates no break in audio playback. Audition signal chains faster, easier, and in real time with the Slate ‘VMR’.
The FG-N is a digital recreation of one of the most classic discrete Class A British equalizers from the 70’s. All aspects of the circuit are modeled, including the rich harmonics and saturations that naturally occur when the equalizer is in use. The original model only contained one mid band, so we thought it would be nice to double it so that it has two mid bands. This equalizer is lush, fat, and bold. It sounds great on everything from drums to vocals, and can even add the perfect saturation to synth and electronic tracks.
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The FG-S is a digital recreation of one of the most famous British console equalizers from the 80’s. This equalizer also has rich harmonics and interactive mid bands with a fat musical tone. This is the ultimate workhorse mix eq that can be used on any track. It is great for surgical cutting strokes, or wide bell and shelf strokes for making drums and guitars punch out of the speakers.
The FG-116 is the most precise digital replication of the classic American FET limiter. No expense was spared to capture every nuance of this classic sounding compressor/limiter. From its trademark timing characteristics to the extremely musical sound of its transformer, the FG-116 will give engineers the musical and fat tone that has made the hardware so famous. The FG-116 sounds great on everything like lead vocals, drums, and bass guitars.
The FG-401 started as a recreation of the classic british console channel compressor, but morphed into quite a lot more. First, we gave it variable attack and release with increased range which added more tonal options. But then, we added an optimal transformer inout, and not just any transformer, the famous transformer from the British Class A Console! This adds a beautiful warmth and sheen to the compressor. Last, we added an entirely unique second circuit path that provides and additional smooth and rich tone. The FG-401 is perhaps the most versatile mix compressor in the world that can sound good on any source you feed into it.
Unlike so many ‘analog modeled’ equalizer plugins and compressors that simply recreate analog equalization and compression curves, the VMR models every nuance of the circuit paths and recreates all of the essential harmonics, saturations, phase, and interactivity that give the units their trademark tone.
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The VMR plugin is also modular, and new processors will be added in the future which will further enhance its powerful functionality.
Note : Remove the previous version of the plugin.