Manic Compressor makes cumbersome and procedurally intense chores easy and intuitive. With true parallel processing, it features six compressor models and the ability to switch between them instantly without changing settings. Two EQ sections give you sidechain controlas well as the ability to create truly unique sounds unattainable by standard EQ/compressor combinations.
Manic Compressor is not only manic, but also has multiple personalities—six to be precise, each one providing its own unique character. Manic Compressor addresses the creative needs of mix engineers in ways that no other compressor does. Its ability to instantly switch between compressors models without changing settings lets you can choose the most effective compressor for the job without losing perspective or valuable mix time. Along with supreme flexibility, Manic Compressor was conceived with true parallel compression as its core functionality. It also combines the compressor models with two sections of EQ, plus a number of innovative features that give you the ability to drive Manic Compressor as hard as you like, simultaneously creating new and unique sounds while still retaining musicality. Once you hear what Manic Compressor can do, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Plus, it will be hard to resist the temptation to revisit old mixes with a renewed enthusiasm.
Parallel-O-Grammys
Manic Compressor is built for parallel compression right from the drawing board. It comprises six unique compressor models, each optimized for the response you want from bus compression, plus separate faders for compressed, uncompressed, and master levels—offering true parallel compression in a single plug-in. However, if you want subtle compression with natural sound, you can combine the Wet and Dry faders to function like a mix knob.
The Power of Six
With Manic Compressor, you can switch between its six compressors instantly without any change in settings, so you can hear the tonal effect and impact of each in action without losing perspective. Plus, since compression is treated more and more as a creative effect, Manic Compressor is built for abuse, enabling you to go to extremes and achieve unique, musically useful sounds that go beyond the limits (so to speak) of mere level control. One such effect is the Tone EQ in a parallel compression setup.
Built-in Tone and Sidechain EQ
In standard parallel compression schemes, EQ is used to boost or cut various frequencies for pre- or post-compression effects. Ahead of the compressor, EQ can tame sounds going into the compressor, such as cymbals from being too harsh, or, it can prevent low frequencies from pulling down the mix. Used after the compressor, EQ can emphasize lost frequencies or tame those that the compressor over-emphasizes. This involves a lot of extra steps, even in software. Either way, this approach is more utilitarian than creative.
Manic Compressor gives you both practical and creative EQing. It hosts two EQ sections, both with their own preset manager, for the “all-in-one” functionality you’ve come to expect from Boz Digital. The Sidechain EQ, which is not audible, affects the signal going into the detector, determining how it reacts to program material by emphasizing or de-emphasizing selected frequencies. Additionally, the Sidechain input, selectable between internal and external sources, can be monitored in isolation for tweaking purposes.
The second EQ section is the Tone EQ, which does affect the audio output and gives you creative license to go wild if you want to. This EQ is designed to give you control over the frequency bands mainly associated with parallel compression. However, it’s not simply for low- and high-end boost. It follows its own set of rules. You can use extreme settings and blend them in with the dry signal for some truly unique sounds, unattainable by standard compressors and EQs.
Bringing Transients into Sharp Relief
You know you have a great piece of kit when you can crank knobs all the way up and still get a good sound, or an unexpectedly great sound, which is what Manic Compressor is built for—so let’s make some mistakes—that’s what it’s all about. The last “mistake” that spawned a unique compression effect was the “all button mode,” which is so 50 years ago. Among Manic Compressor’s innovative features is its Loud Relief control, which lets you apply extreme amounts of compression while relaxing the compressor’s grip on loud transients for a more natural sound.
With Loud Relief, Manic Compressor lets you visit sonic mayhem on an unsuspecting populace, crushing tracks under your merciless boot heels, and then ease off with Loud Relief, which softens the compression artifacts even under super heavy load.
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