Arturia Comp DIODE-609 Compressor / Limiter Plug-In (Download)

Audio engineers and producers looking for a classic Neve compressor for mixing and mastering will rejoice over the Arturia Comp DIODE-609, a re-engineered software emulation of the legendary Neve 33609 compressor/limiter. This highly sought-after dynamics processor is famed for its warm, smooth, and versatile stereo response. Modern music wouldn't be the same without its unmistakably creamy response, simple design, and sonic flexibility.

The Comp DIODE-609 features dual compression channels and is particularly effective on bus channels such as the stereo master and drum buses, but also adds tightness and rich harmonics to instruments and vocals. You'll find the familiar controls, from fast/slow attack options to makeup gain to a variable attack option for the optimal amount of punch. The limiter is authentically opposite of transparent, offering a distinct warmth and a signature crunch when tightening the threshold.

This stereo processor features a link/unlink parameter switch, as well as stereo/dual mono selections and mid/side / stereo option. With the mid/side option selected, you can independently compress the middle and sides of your mix, so that every instrument, vocal, and rhythm sits just right. The dry/wet knob allows you to dial in the perfect amount of parallel compression, combining the best of the original dynamics with the signature sound of the compressor.

The advanced sidechaining function allows you to select internal or external inputs, sidechain listen, lookahead control, and even includes a sidechain EQ to ensure pumping pads, vocal space, and responsive density in any mix.

Other notable features include a switchable analog/digital VU meter and stepped/continuous controls. The digital VU meter displays the waveform alongside compression levels and gain reduction. The stepped controls will adjust parameters in bold chunks, while the continuous control provides a finer level of control.