Ink
by Acustica Audio · Compressor · Multilevel and multiband dynamics
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Ink is a dynamics suite that compresses and expands across four loudness zones and four frequency bands, using eight classic compressor models.
It includes a MultiLevel and a MultiBand processor and costs €159 (about $180.54).
Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Drum Bus, Vocals, Bass. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: multi-band, vocals, bus processing, mastering, classic, drums, colored, FET, full mix, oversampling, vari-mu, VCA, aggressive, auto-gain, bass, digital, diode-bridge, downward expansion, drum bus, metering, mid/side, mix bus, built-in mix knob, mixing, subtle.
What it does
Ink is Acustica Audio's dynamics suite that aims to "build the ideal compressor" in one engine. It works on two dimensions at once: by loudness, splitting the signal into level zones, and by frequency, splitting it into bands, with models of classic hardware compressors doing the work.
- Two processors: Ink MultiLevel Dynamics treats the signal by loudness, and Ink MultiBand Dynamics treats it by frequency. They are separate but designed to work together.
- Four loudness zones: Subtle, Core, Edge and Impact, so quiet detail, the body of the signal, louder parts and the loudest peaks can each get their own treatment.
- Four frequency bands: Low, Low-Mid, High-Mid and High for multiband control.
- Eight models: Gold 8254 (diode bridge), Sand Bus Comp (VCA), Pink 2500 (fast VCA), Midnight E670M (Vari-Mu), Grey V65 (aggressive VCA), Secret FET (ultra-fast FET), BA-6B (hybrid Vari-Mu) and Tiger Lim (digital limiter).
- Compress or expand: each model can work as a compressor or as a model-true expander, so a zone can be pushed down or lifted up.
- Matched preamps: seven preamp models, one paired with each analog compressor model, add that unit's tone and harmonics.
- Control and display: continuous Mid/Side control, dry/wet mix, auto-gain with hold, an anti-aliasing attack system, a multi-zone knee view and real-time metering per zone and band.
- Oversampling and presets: oversampling modes tuned either for mastering quality or for efficiency, plus factory presets for vocals, drums, buses and mastering.
Ink runs at 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz. The product page does not give a version number or trial details.
Source: Acustica Audio product page
When to use it
Ink is the pick when you want analog-modelled compression with very fine control over where it acts, both by level and by frequency. Compared with Pro-C 3, it brings the colour of eight sampled hardware styles and adds multiband and zone-based upward and downward processing, but with four zones, four bands and eight models it takes more setting up. Unlike The Glue, which models one bus compressor with a few knobs, Ink can treat quiet detail and loud peaks differently in the same pass. Next to TDR Kotelnikov it is heavier and coloured where Kotelnikov is clean and light on CPU. It suits engineers who already like the Acustica sound and want one toolkit instead of several separate compressors.
- Best for: detailed, coloured dynamics on vocals, drum buses, mix buses and the master, especially where quiet and loud parts need different handling.
- Genres: any.
- Look elsewhere if: you want quick one-knob bus glue (The Glue or SSL G-Master Buss Compressor) or clean, transparent compression with low CPU use (Pro-C 3 or TDR Kotelnikov).
Where to buy
- Acustica Audio: $180.54 (€159 (KVR listing price) converted to USD (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))
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