Novatron

Name: Novatron
Price: 149 USD
Author: Kush Audio

by Kush Audio · Compressor · Varitone tube compressor

Not rated yet

Novatron is an analog-modeled compressor that draws on several classes of hardware, with separate input and output transformer saturation and two optional tone circuits.

Kush highlights its attack and release character and three-dimensional solidity, for $149.

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

Keywords: transformer, drums, metering, tube, vari-mu, analog-sounding, bass, FET, vocals, harmonic enhancer, VCA, bus processing, full mix, gentle, mix bus, mixing, perpetual licence, single-band, spacious, subscription, visual feedback, warm.

What it does

Novatron is Kush Audio's "Varitone" tube compressor, an analog-modelled design that borrows from so many classes of hardware that, Kush says, it "could only exist in the world of DSP". It pairs a compressor with separate transformer saturation and tone circuits, aiming for the solidity of expensive hardware.

Three compression modes: Mix (2:1), Limit (6:1) and Punish (20:1), each with its own knee shape and release slope (as described by Computer Music).
Morphing attack and release: the timing controls move through FET, VCA and vari-mu behaviour; attack runs from 100 microseconds to 30 ms and release from 15 ms to 1.2 s.
Transient modelling: Kush focused on how the compressor handles the first 100 microseconds of a transient.
Input transformer: adds odd harmonics for a tougher sound.
Output transformer: adds even harmonics for warmth.
Tone circuits: two optional filter voicings, Dark (rolls off the highs) and Airy (adds shimmer).
Metering: includes an Energy Delta meter alongside the usual gain reduction display.

KVR lists version 1.2.3. A perpetual licence with free updates and support is available. There is a 10-day demo, it is also part of Kush's subscription to all its plugins, and it is included in the Kush Complete Bundle.

Source: Kush Audio product page

When to use it

Novatron is the pick when you want one compressor that can sound like several types and add transformer colour at the same time. Compared with the Teletronix LA-2A Collection or CLA-2A, it is far more flexible, with three ratios and timing that morphs from FET to vari-mu. Computer Music compared it favourably with the Distressor for range of character. Klanghelm MJUC also covers vari-mu tones at a lower price, but Novatron adds separate input and output transformers and the Dark and Airy tone circuits.

Best for: drum buses, vocals and bass that need weight and colour, and gentle mix smoothing in Mix mode.
Genres: any style.
Look elsewhere if: you need a transparent, precise compressor with sidechain EQ and visual feedback; Pro-C 3 is more neutral.
Tip: use Mix mode for transparent smoothing and Punish on drum buses; Airy adds shimmer to dull sources (Computer Music).

What producers say

Computer Music was unreservedly positive, calling it a true character compressor and saturator.

Computer Music (via MusicRadar, 2018) praised the sound, the FET/VCA/vari-mu morphing and the Energy Delta meter, said it "just makes everything sound great" and listed no criticisms.

MusicRadar (Computer Music) review

Where to buy

Kush Audio: $149

Tutorials and reviews

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