OmniTec-436C

Name: OmniTec-436C
Price: 59 USD
Author: Black Rooster Audio

by Black Rooster Audio · Compressor · Vari-mu tube compressor

Not rated yet

A vari-mu tube compressor modelled on the 1950s Altec 436C, a unit Geoff Emerick used at Abbey Road.

Black Rooster Audio adds Comp and Lim modes, a two-band sidechain filter, external sidechain and a parallel mix, for $59 at Plugin Boutique.

Best for: Vocals, Drums, Bass, Mix Bus. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: tube, vari-mu, parallel processing, 50s, sidechain input, hardware emulation, bass, drums, external sidechain, gentle, mixing, vocals, colored, glue, metering, modern, oversampling, vintage, bus processing, dual-mono, full mix, mix bus, built-in mix knob, single-band, thick, utility.

What it does

OmniTec-436C models the Altec 436C, a 1950s vari-mu tube compressor with a program-dependent gain stage. Black Rooster Audio modelled that behaviour, then "added the modern controls the hardware never had", such as variable attack, sidechain filtering and parallel mixing.

Two modes: Comp for gentle, program-dependent compression and Lim for firmer limiting.
Gain staging: Input and Makeup of ±24 dB each, and a Threshold from -48 to 0 dB.
Timing: Attack from 10 to 100 ms and Release from 250 ms to 2.5 s.
Parallel mix: a 0-100% Mix knob for blending compressed and dry signal inside the plugin.
Sidechain filter: SC High (high-pass, 20 Hz to 12 kHz) and SC Low (low-pass, 100 Hz to 20 kHz) with a listen function, plus an external sidechain input.
Stereo and metering: Stereo or Dual Mono linking, and a VU meter switchable between input, gain reduction and output.
Oversampling: adaptive oversampling of up to 4x.

A free 14-day trial is available.

Source: Black Rooster Audio product page

When to use it

OmniTec-436C is the better pick when you want 1950s vari-mu colour with modern controls on top. Like the UAD Fairchild and Manley Variable Mu models it is a tube vari-mu, but it is based on the less common Altec 436C and builds in a parallel mix, a two-band sidechain filter and variable attack and release. It is slower and more coloured than FET models like the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection or CLA-76, and less of a clean all-rounder than Pro-C 3. Next to the opto Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection it gives you far more hands-on control over timing. Its developer store shows a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 73 customer reviews.

Best for: thick, colourful compression on drums, vocals and bass, gentle glue on buses, and parallel compression without a separate bus.
Genres: rock, indie, soul and other styles that want a vintage tube character.
Look elsewhere if: you need fast, clean peak control; an FET design like the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection or CLA-76, or a transparent compressor like Pro-C 3, fits better.

Where to buy

Plugin Boutique: $59

Tutorials and reviews

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