What does vari-mu stand for?

An audio compressor that employs a valve (tube) as the variable audio attenuator. Mu is an engineering term for gain, so this is a variable-gain compressor.

Is Fairchild Vari-Mu?

Vari-mu are the old school compressors. What are examples of variable-mu compressors? Fairchild 660 (and its bigger sibling — the holy grail — the stereo 670) which can cost you over $10,000, Federal AM-864/U, Manley Variable-Mu, Altec 436B, and Chandler Limited RS124.

What are vari-mu compressors good for?

This type of compressor works best on the master/group bus as it glues sounds together into a single homogeneous sound. It can be used to add warmth and thickness to a sound. The most famous Vari-Mu compressor is the Fairchild 670.

How do you use a mastering compressor?

Here are some general guidelines if you want to use compression while mastering:

1. Start your ratio at 1.25:1 or 1.5:1.
2. Set your threshold pretty high so that you’re getting 2 dB of gain reduction at most.
3. Use your ears; if you apply compression and don’t like how it affects your master, don’t hesitate to take it out.

What is a VCA compressor?

VCA stands for “Voltage Controlled Amplifier,” a type of mechanism found in many musical applications. In a VCA compressor, however, signal is split through an IC chip (another semiconductor device) into the detector path (which controls the compression effect) and the output path (which is what you hear).

What type of compressor is a Fairchild?

The Fabled Fairchild Tube Compressor The Fairchild 670 is the grandaddy of all tube-based compressors, and has joined the ranks of the Immortals due to its rarity, price, sophistication, and, above all, sound.

How does a vari mu compressor work?

A variable-mu (variable gain) compressor is an analog compressor centred around a vacuum tube. As the input signal increases, the current sent to the grid of the tube decreases, which results in a reduction in the overall level.

What are the different types of audio compressors?

The 4 types of audio compressors are VCA, FET, optical, and tube. Based on the DNA of analogue compressors, you can quickly determine the sort of sonic character they have, and how they will respond to the signal you’re sending them.

How does a opto compressor work?

In an optical compressor, electricity (from the audio input signal) is converted into light, and the intensity of that light is registered by a sensor which controls the amount of gain reduction. The louder the input signal, the brighter the light, and the brighter the light, the more the gain is reduced.

Should I put a compressor on every track?

It’s necessary to add compressors on each track to change the dynamics of the tracks. Generally you should record and mix at appropriate levels so that you don’t need to do any peak reduction to prevent distortion. Compressors give us control over the dynamics of a track.

What are the 4 types of compressor?

The four most common types of air compressors you will see are:

• Rotary Screw Compressor.
• Reciprocating Air Compressor.
• Axial Compressor.
• Centrifugal Compressor.

What kind of compressor does Manley variable mu use?

In Stock! The renowned Manley Stereo Variable Mu 2-channel limiter/compressor is a favorite of producers and recording engineers — and one listen to what this remarkable all-tube, transformer-coupled device does for your sound will make you a believer, too!

Is the Manley variable mu limiter plug in available?

Developed under Manley Labs’ rigorous scrutiny, the Manley Variable Mu Limiter Compressor plug-in is a thorough emulation of this legendary tube limiter, and is based on the coveted “6BA6 T-BAR Tube Mod” unit. Now, its famed sound is available exclusively for UAD-2 hardware and Apollo interfaces.

When did Universal Audio release Manley variable mu?

In November 2014, when Universal Audio announced that it would release a new software version of the Manley Variable Mu compressor, SonicScoop quickly covered this new design with in-depth behind the scenes story called “ How the Emulation Is Made ”.

Which is the best variable mu limiter compressor?

The Variable Mu Limiter Compressor is the GLUE that holds the mix together while crystallizing it into a professional, final product. All-tube, all transformer, an all-American legend. High Pass Side Chain mod now comes standard. “Excellent design and workmanship. Highest quality sonics. The ultimate ‘glue’ for a mix.”