Bettermaker Bus Compressor

The Bettermaker Bus Compressor is a high-quality stereo VCA compressor that combines a 100% analog signal path with the speed and precision of digital recall and automation. Nominated for a TEC Award, this compressor is designed for professionals who demand high-fidelity compression with modern flexibility. With features like Dry/Wet mix, sidechain high-pass filter, adjustable THD saturation, and full DAW integration, the Bus Compressor is an essential tool for any mix or mastering engineer.

Key Features

• 100% Analog Signal Path: Classic VCA compression with uncompromised sound quality.
• Advanced VCA Compression: Peak/RMS detection for dynamic and transparent processing.
• Dry/Wet Mix Control: Parallel compression for added versatility.
• Sidechain Processing: High-pass filter with hardware insert and preview function.
• Adjustable THD Saturation: Introduce harmonically rich analog warmth.
• LED Matrix Display: Real-time monitoring of gain reduction, input/output levels, and parameters.
• DAW Automation & USB Connectivity: Save, recall, and automate settings within your DAW.
• Instant Recall & A/B Comparison: Rapidly switch between settings for fast workflow.

Digital Control with Analog Purity

While the Bettermaker Bus Compressor features a fully analog audio path, all controls and user interactions occur in the digital domain, allowing for advanced capabilities beyond standard analog compressors:

• Recall last unit state after reboot.
• Instant parameter reset.
• Precise, repeatable adjustments with total recall.
• Synchronized stereo operation with a single control.
• Full DAW automation and plugin integration.

Front Panel & LED Matrix Display

The intuitive front panel features an LED matrix display, allowing engineers to monitor:

• Gain reduction levels in real time.
• Input and output levels.
• Compression curve representation.
• All major parameters and settings.

DAW Integration

The Bettermaker Bus Compressor integrates seamlessly with your DAW via USB, appearing as a HID device for instant parameter recall, automation, and plugin control. This ensures a hybrid workflow with the warmth of analog and the efficiency of digital control.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Response: 10Hz to 22kHz (+/- 0.2 dB)
• Dynamic Range: 106dB (+23dBu, 22kHz BW)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 87dB (A-weighted, +4dBu, 22kHz BW, unity gain)
• Crosstalk: -83dB @ 1kHz, +18dBu, channel-to-channel
• CMRR: Max 85 dB @ 3 kHz, Min 52 dB @ 20Hz, 20 kHz BW
• THD: 2nd: < 0.06%, 3rd: < 0.01%; 4th: < 0.006% (+4 dBu, 20-20 kHz, unity gain, THD and CLIP disabled)
• Balanced Stereo Input (XLR): 23dBu max input level (THD < 0.2%)
• Balanced Stereo Output (XLR): 23dBu max output level (THD < 0.2% into >2kohm)
• Input Impedance: 48kΩ (for balanced signal)
• Output Impedance: 50Ω + 50Ω (electronically balanced)
• Power Supply: Universal 100 – 240V power supply with Auto-on function
• Maximum Power Consumption: 25W
• Enclosure: 1U rackmount, 230mm deep
• Shipping Weight: 5 kg

Compressor Settings

• Threshold: -35dB to +5dB (40dB range)
• Attack: 0.1 – 60ms
• Release: 10 – 2000ms
• Ratio: 1.5:1, 2:1, 4:1, 6:1, 10:1
• Knee: 20dB
• Output Gain: -5dB to +15dB
• Sidechain HPF: Off – 370Hz
• Sidechain Feed: Forward
• Sidechain Type: PEAK/RMS

Why Choose the Bettermaker Bus Compressor?

The Bettermaker Bus Compressor is the ultimate solution for engineers who need high-quality stereo VCA compression with the power of digital recall and automation. Whether you’re working on bus compression, mixdowns, or mastering, this unit offers pristine analog sound, flexible sidechain options, and seamless DAW integration.

With its intuitive LED matrix display, parallel compression capabilities, and fully recallable settings, the Bettermaker Bus Compressor brings precision and efficiency to your studio workflow.