Bugfix update for the tempo synced compressor
We are excited to announce the release of SyncPressor version 1.0.1, our tempo-synced compressor designed to enhance your mixes with transparency and precision. SyncPressor is not just another dynamics processor; it is a tool developed with input from Antonio Porcelli, one of Italy’s top mixing engineers. This collaboration has resulted in a plugin that provides that signature “glue” effect to your mixes while maintaining the utmost clarity and transparency.
SyncPressor is engineered to deliver dynamic compression that evolves with the tempo of your track, making it stand out from traditional compressors. Unlike other compressors, which rely on static attack and release settings, SyncPressor automatically adapts its time constants based on the tempo of your track. This feature ensures that your compression behaves dynamically, in sync with the beat of the music, making it an ideal choice for master bus compression as well as individual track compression.
The key feature of SyncPressor is its ability to sync the attack and release times to the track’s tempo. Rather than relying on traditional attack and release knobs, SyncPressor uses dropdown menus that let you select time divisions directly tied to the internal tempo of the plugin. You can either sync it to your DAW for seamless integration, set it manually to fit your needs, or let it automatically detect the tempo from the audio itself.
This unique approach allows SyncPressor to maintain tight rhythmic control over your mix without compromising musicality. Traditional compressors often struggle with tempo-based compression, leading to unnatural pump effects or poorly timed release times. SyncPressor avoids these issues by automatically adjusting its behavior to the track, making the compressor’s time constants work with the music, not against it. Whether you are working on a fast-paced track with quick, snappy drums or a slower ballad, SyncPressor adapts seamlessly to keep your mix cohesive.
While SyncPressor excels as a master bus compressor, it can also be used as a versatile track compressor. It offers the usual compressor controls, including a variable knee, RMS mode, feedback processing, and an external sidechain input. These features provide the flexibility you need to apply compression creatively to individual tracks or your master bus.
One of the standout features of SyncPressor is its high-pass filter for the sidechain detector. This allows you to filter out low-frequency rumble from the sidechain signal, which is especially useful when working with complex mixes or bass-heavy material. The sidechain input can be used both internally (for processing within the plugin) and externally (for external sources), giving you maximum flexibility in how you apply compression. Whether you’re side-chaining a vocal to the kick or creating space for a snare drum, the sidechain controls allow precise manipulation of how your tracks interact with each other.
For master bus compression, SyncPressor offers a powerful feature: the ability to unlink the left and right channels in the internal detector. This functionality transforms SyncPressor into a “dual mono” processor, allowing you to compress the left and right channels separately. This feature is particularly useful in situations where the stereo image needs independent compression on each channel. Whether you’re mixing a full stereo mix or need precise control over a wide stereo field, the dual mono option ensures you have the control you need.
This flexibility makes SyncPressor an invaluable tool for those who need to compress both stereo mixes and individual channels while maintaining clarity, depth, and punch in the final sound. Whether you’re working on a dense mix or a subtle master bus compression, SyncPressor adapts to your needs with ease.
Another valuable feature of SyncPressor is the dry/wet control, which allows you to blend the unprocessed signal with the compressed one. This feature is essential for achieving parallel compression, a technique commonly used to add punch and power to mixes without losing dynamic range. The dry/wet control gives you precise control over how much of the original, uncompressed signal is mixed with the compressed output, providing more creative freedom in shaping the dynamics of your tracks.
In addition, the tempo multiplier setting allows you to adjust the attack and release times by doubling or halving the time divisions relative to the internal tempo. This feature is ideal for experimenting with rhythmic compression at different tempos or achieving unique effects when working with fast or slow tracks. By increasing or decreasing the tempo multiplier, you can fine-tune the feel of your compression and add an extra layer of creativity to your mixes.
The tempo multiplier allows for more flexibility in how the compressor reacts in sync with your tracks. If you’re working with tracks that have varying tempos or you’re experimenting with different rhythms, the tempo multiplier provides the perfect tool to make fine adjustments and create the desired compression effect without compromising timing.
SyncPressor version 1.0.1 includes several key updates and bug fixes designed to improve performance and usability:
Fixed tempo detection for sample rates higher than 44,100 Hz. Users with higher sample rates can now expect precise tempo syncing, regardless of the sample rate of their session. This fix ensures that SyncPressor remains accurate and reliable, even when working at higher resolutions.
Fixed the external sidechain issue that affected only the left channel in Pro Tools when unlink mode was activated. This fix ensures that the external sidechain works correctly on both channels, regardless of whether unlinking is used. This was a critical issue that impacted workflow in certain setups.
Corrected how the plugin reports oversampling latency. This update improves the accuracy of latency compensation, especially in situations where oversampling is being used to reduce distortion. Accurate latency reporting is essential for ensuring that SyncPressor remains in sync with your DAW.
Added new presets created by well-known engineers in the industry, including Nicola Fantozzi, Davide Linzi, and Simone Squillario. These new presets offer a variety of settings designed to give you a starting point for a wide range of mixing styles and applications. Whether you’re working on a rock track, pop vocals, or electronic music, the new presets provide a professional starting point for achieving the perfect compression.
As with all HoRNet plugins, the update to SyncPressor version 1.0.1 is completely free for all existing owners. To download the update, simply log into your user area on the HoRNet website or use HoRNet DoIn, our downloader/installer. If you haven’t tried SyncPressor yet, now is the perfect time to experience the benefits of tempo-synced compression and how it can elevate your mixes to the next level.
Whether you’re mixing vocals, drums, or full tracks, SyncPressor provides the precision and flexibility needed to achieve professional-level results. The ability to sync compression to the tempo, combined with dual mono processing and parallel compression, ensures that SyncPressor will quickly become a vital tool in your mixing toolkit.
In conclusion, SyncPressor is a must-have plugin for any audio engineer looking to achieve transparent, yet dynamic, compression. With its tempo-synced processing, dual mono feature, and precise control options, it offers a unique set of capabilities that are simply unmatched by conventional compressors. Whether you’re working on individual tracks or creating the perfect master bus compression, SyncPressor provides the flexibility and control needed to make your mixes shine.
