True Dynamics

Name: True Dynamics
Price: 39.99 USD
Author: Kazrog

by Kazrog · Compressor · Vari-mu tube compressor

Not rated yet

True Dynamics models three rare vintage variable-mu tube compressors, the Presto 41A, ITA LA1B and Collins 26W, in one plugin.

Shared controls let you switch models with the same settings for quick comparison, and it was a 2021 NAMM TEC Awards nominee.

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

Keywords: tube, vari-mu, bass, bus processing, drums, low latency, mix bus, vocals, full mix, glue, metering, parallel processing, advanced, analog-sounding, CPU-light, gentle, mastering, built-in mix knob, mixing, oversampling, resizable UI, sidechain input, single-band, tracking, vintage, zero-latency.

What it does

True Dynamics puts "3 vari-mu compressors" in one plugin: the Presto 41A, ITA LA1B and Collins 26W, which Kazrog describes as some of the most sought-after and hard-to-find tube compressors in pro audio. It uses the same analog-modeled DSP as True Iron.

Three models: switch between the Presto 41A, ITA LA1B and Collins 26W with one click.
Unified controls: gain reduction, recovery time, mix percentage and output level stay the same across models for fair comparison.
Parallel and bypass: a built-in mix knob for parallel compression and a fully compensated internal bypass.
Advanced options: sidechain HPF/LPF, a zero-latency mode for tracking, a VU meter, oversampling up to 32x, and a resizable window.

The free demo drops to silence at random intervals and disables preset saving.

Source: Kazrog product page

When to use it

True Dynamics offers smooth tube leveling like Universal Audio's Manley Variable Mu Limiter Compressor or IK Multimedia's Vintage Tube Compressor/Limiter Model 670, but from three obscure broadcast-era units instead of the usual Manley or Fairchild designs. Pick it when you want several vari-mu flavors in one low-CPU plugin; Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B Mk II is the opto alternative.

Best for: vocals, drums, bass, the mix bus and masters that need gentle, glue-style compression.
Genres: works in any genre.
Look elsewhere if: you need fast peak control or aggressive character; a FET or VCA compressor suits that better.
Standout: three rare vari-mu compressors sharing one set of controls.

What producers say

KVR users like the sound and low CPU use; early comments focused on price, which has since dropped.

KVR users (2020) called it "a lovely compressor, both models compliment each other" (before the Collins model was added), and one found CPU use "practically nothing on my old i5."
Gripe: at its original launch price, users felt it was expensive "in a market full of great compressors"; another liked it but not enough to buy with many alternatives on hand.

Where to buy

Kazrog: $39.99

Tutorials and reviews

Kazrog True Dynamics - Out Now! (Kazrog)
Kazrog - True Dynamics - Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week (Mixing With Mike)
Kazrog True Dynamics Compressor, my new favorite plugin (2020) (Soundkandy Studio)
DID THEY DO IT AGAIN?! || Kazrog True Dynamics
Kazrog True Dynamics-Revisión en Español-

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