Plugin interface — screenshot pending
Compressor

Comp TUBE-STA

Arturia

Comp TUBE-STA is a tube compressor emulation based on the classic Gates STA-Level hardware unit used in 1950s-60s broadcast, now enhanced with modern features for professional music production. It offers warm, smooth compression with program-dependent behavior and minimal artifacts, making it ideal for mastering and adding cohesion to mixes. Arturia's TAE® technology faithfully recreates the vintage circuit while adding useful controls for contemporary workflows.

Key Features

01Three Compression Modes (Single, Double, Triple) for variable attack and release response
02Program-dependent compression with no fixed threshold or ratio
03Input range 0 to +48 dB with linked Input/Output controls
04Recovery Time control with 2, 4, or 8 second options
05VU Meter with three modes (Input, Output, Gain Change) and three calibration settings (-18, -14, -8 dB)
06Advanced Side-Chain Control with Internal/External source selection and SCGain (-24 to +24 dB)
07Detection Mode with five options: Linked, Dual, Reversed, Mid Only, Side Only (stereo only)
08Side-Chain Equalizer with single parametric band (30 Hz–16 kHz), High-Pass Filter (20 Hz–1.2 kHz), Low-Pass Filter (3 kHz–20 kHz)
09Parallel Compression via Mix knob (0–100%)
10A/B snapshot comparison system

Things to Try

  • 01Raise Input while watching the VU Meter in Gain Change mode, aiming for needle position around +1 to +2 dB at average peak level, then adjust Output to match original input level
  • 02Set EQ to frequencies between 4 kHz and 8 kHz to make the unit act like a de-esser
  • 03Use Dual or Reversed Detection Mode on stereo tracks to balance volume between channels when they are very different
  • 04Apply Mid Only Detection Mode on drum overhead tracks to increase width and presence of side elements by leaving them uncompressed
  • 05Apply Side Only Detection Mode to increase presence of centered elements and improve mono compatibility
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Comp TUBE-STA by Arturia | Plugin Library