Rubber Band Compressor V2

Name: Rubber Band Compressor V2
Price: 37.99 USD
Author: Mixland

by Mixland · Compressor · VCA/FET compressor with floating ratio

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Rubber Band Compressor V2 is a Mixland compressor whose VCA circuit is modeled on the tension of a rubber band, giving a floating ratio and exponential release.

Version 2 adds a FET mode, shelving EQ, three voicings and tape saturation; it is $37.99 on sale (list $49.99).

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

Keywords: VCA, FET, vocals, drums, heavy, built-in mix knob, parallel processing, tape, acoustic guitar, aggressive, bus processing, hardware emulation, percussion, synths, undo/redo, A/B compare, bass, destructive, drum bus, full mix, gentle, inspired by, mix bus, mixing, punchy, sidechain input, simple, single-band, transparent, vintage.

What it does

Rubber Band Compressor V2 is Mixland's VCA/FET compressor built around a floating ratio: the ratio grows exponentially the harder the signal pushes, like a stretched rubber band. Mixland says the aim is "greater feel, bounce, and resolution" than a fixed-ratio design.

Dual-stage compression: VCA compression with an exponential ratio that rises with input level, so light passages are treated gently and peaks are held harder.
FET mode: new in V2, a faster, more aggressive FET-style option alongside the VCA behaviour.
Voicing modes: Vintage, Flat and Modern change the overall tonal character of the compressor.
Shelving EQ: an adjustable shelving EQ with flexible frequency points, switchable to sit before (pre) or after (post) the compressor.
Weight mode: a high-pass filter in the detection circuit, so heavy low end doesn't over-trigger the gain reduction.
Saturation and limiting: built-in tape saturation and a limiting stage for adding colour and catching peaks in the same plugin.
Routing and workflow: flexible sidechain options, a Mix knob for parallel compression, artist presets, A/B comparison and undo/redo.

Mixland pitches it for everything from "invisible vocal leveling to all-out sonic obliteration." A free 7-day trial is available.

Source: Mixland product page

When to use it

Rubber Band Compressor V2 is the pick when you want compression that reacts progressively rather than at one fixed ratio, with EQ, saturation and a limiter in the same window. Compared with an 1176 emulation such as the CLA-76, its floating ratio gives a bouncier, less binary response, and the new FET mode covers some of the same aggressive ground. Unlike Pro-C 3, it has no detailed numeric readouts or a long list of compressor styles, so it is less suited to precise, surgical work. It is also far cheaper than most of the rated compressors, and quicker to dial in than a general-purpose tool like Pro-C 3 or TDR Kotelnikov.

Best for: punchy, energetic compression on vocals, drums, percussive synths and acoustic guitar, and parallel crush using the Mix knob.
Genres: pop, hip-hop, rock and electronic music.
Look elsewhere if: you need subtle, transparent dynamics control or a precise mastering compressor; Pro-C 3 or TDR Kotelnikov suit that better.

What producers say

Reviews of the original version were very positive about its character and value, with the main gripe being the lack of numeric feedback.

MusicTech gave the original Rubber Band Compressor 9/10, praising its intuitive workflow and its results on vocals, and said its progressive response gives energy "hard to achieve with a conventional VCA compressor."
Usage (MusicTech): it worked best on drums, percussive synths, acoustic guitars and vocals, and less well for subtle, transparent dynamics.
Criticisms: the visual display lacks numerical readouts, and the stylised hand graphics may not suit everyone.

MusicTech review (original version)

Where to buy

Mixland: $37.99

Tutorials and reviews

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