MTurboComp

Name: MTurboComp
Price: 199 USD
Author: MeldaProduction

by MeldaProduction · Compressor · Vintage compressor collection

Not rated yet

MTurboComp brings 14 vintage-style compressor models into one plugin, designed with machine learning.

It adds side-chain filters, a dynamic EQ, serial compression and a multiband version (MTurboCompMB), for $228.

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

Keywords: vintage, multi-band, hybrid topology, AI/machine learning, bass, drums, dynamic, sidechain input, vocals, A/B compare, bus processing, classic, hardware emulation, parallel processing, auto-gain, CPU-light, drum bus, external sidechain, full mix, glue, look-ahead, mid/side, MIDI-controllable, mix bus, built-in mix knob, mixing, true-peak.

What it does

MTurboComp packs "14 vintage-style compressors in one plugin (and more...)". All models share one interface, so you can switch between them quickly, and an edit screen lets you build your own compressors. The developer says the emulations were made with machine learning rather than circuit analysis.

Compressor models: 14 emulations of classic analog compressors, selectable on the Easy screen.
Detector: 5 automatic release modes, true RMS and true peak hold, look-ahead and adjustable attack and release shapes.
Mix tools: saturation, dry/wet for parallel compression, automatic gain compensation and a safety limiter.
Side-chain: external input with detector high-pass, low-pass and peak filters; mid/side and surround modes up to 8 channels.
Edit screen: 4 parallel level detectors, a dynamic equalizer, 2 saturators and 8 modulators for designing custom compressors.
Multiband: MTurboCompMB is included, so different models can work on different frequency bands.
Workflow: A-H snapshots for up to 8 settings, A-D morphing, adjustable upsampling and MIDI learn.

A free trial is available; an LE version is also listed. Updates are free for life.

Source: MeldaProduction product page

When to use it

MTurboComp is for engineers who want many vintage compressor colors plus deep customization in one plugin. Compared with FabFilter Pro-C 3, it offers more classic-style models and a full compressor designer, but its interface is plainer and it shows values as percentages rather than ratios and milliseconds. Unlike the UA 1176 and Teletronix LA-2A collections, it doesn't model one unit in depth, and it lacks their hardware look. It also costs more than single-model plugins such as Klanghelm MJUC or Cytomic The Glue, so it pays off mostly if you will use many models or the multiband version.

Best for: trying different vintage compressor colors on vocals, drums, bass and buses, and multiband compression with different models per band.
Genres: any style.
Look elsewhere if: you want one faithful hardware model with a familiar faceplate; a dedicated 1176 or LA-2A plugin is simpler. If you want a lot of colour, Sonoteka found its sound fairly clean.
Tip: MusicRadar suggests studying the Active presets to learn how the Edit mode builds each model, and using the A-H snapshots to compare setups.

What producers say

Reviewers praise its sound and versatility; the most common complaint is the interface.

MusicRadar (2017) called the sound "magnificent" and liked the 14 models plus 4 original designs such as a gate and expander, but found the GUI "visually dull and uninspiring".
Sonoteka praised its flexibility, low CPU use and multiband mode, and named models inspired by a Neve console compressor, the 1176, LA-2A and Distressor.
Criticisms: percentages instead of ratios and times, compressor settings that reset when switching Active presets (MusicRadar), and a steep learning curve for custom designs.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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