Jade 2
by Acustica Audio · Channel Strip · EQ, dynamics and preamp suite
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Jade 2 is an Acustica Audio suite that merges six hardware units into three EQs, a Class-A compressor, a peak limiter and a preamp section.
It is aimed at adding air and top-end sheen in mixing and mastering, for €199 (about $226).
Best for: Vocals, Acoustic Instruments, Keys & Synths, Mix Bus, Mastering. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: mastering, mixing, polish, vocals, bus processing, enhancement, full mix, 90s, airy, hardware emulation, mix bus, tape.
What it does
Jade 2 is Acustica's EQ, dynamics and preamp suite, built from six hardware units merged into three EQ emulations, two dynamics processors and a new preamp section. The developer pitches it for adding "light and 'air'" when mixing and mastering.
- EQ A: from an American unit known for its ultra-high-frequency band, with ±10 dB of gain.
- EQ B: based on a UK-built unit introduced in 1994.
- EQ C: a hybrid that merges two equalisers, C1 and C2.
- Class-A compressor: a discrete design. Jade 2 fixes the first version's overflow at high input levels and can now compress very low-level signals.
- Peak limiter: runs on its own or in series after the compressor.
- Preamp section: 5 preamp models (A, B, C1, C2, D) across six banks: Line, Mic, Fat, Tape, Bus and Custom.
- Filters: high- and low-pass filters in the preamp section.
KVR lists version 2.3.5. It runs on Acustica's Acqua engine.
Source: Acustica Audio product page
When to use it
Jade 2 is about polish rather than one console's sound: its three EQ voices and Class-A dynamics are aimed at opening up the top end of vocals, acoustic sources and full mixes. Compared with Scheps Omni Channel or bx_console SSL 4000 E, it gives you several EQ and preamp flavours to choose from instead of one fixed channel layout. Compared with Native Channel Strip 2, it is sample-based and heavier on CPU, so it suits fewer, more important tracks better than every channel in a big session. Compared with Acustica's Sunray, it adds two more EQ models and a dedicated peak limiter, at a higher list price.
- Best for: adding air and sheen to vocals, acoustic instruments and mix or master buses.
- Genres: any; well suited to pop and acoustic productions.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a single familiar console channel or low CPU use; Native Channel Strip 2 is lighter.
Where to buy
- Acustica Audio: $225.96 (€199 converted to USD (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026); price as listed on KVR)
Tutorials and reviews
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