Bettermaker Mastering Compressor

The Bettermaker Mastering Compressor is a state-of-the-art analog VCA compressor with digital control, offering the precision and recall of a plugin while maintaining a 100% analog signal path. Designed for professional mastering engineers, this compressor delivers high-class VCA compression with advanced features such as multiple compression modes, sidechain processing, Mid/Side operation, adjustable THD saturation, and seamless DAW integration.

Key Features

• 100% Analog Audio Signal Path: Pristine compression with no digital conversion.
• Advanced VCA Compression: PEAK or RMS detection with switchable forward/backward feed.
• Three Compression Modes: BM, SG, and DX modes for ultimate control.
• Sidechain Processing: HPF (15Hz-30Hz), LPF, and parametric EQ for precise sculpting.
• Adjustable THD Saturation: Odd/even harmonic clipping for rich, musical distortion.
• Dry/Wet MIX Control: Parallel compression with smooth blending.
• Stereo/Dual Mono/Mid-Side Modes: Flexible routing and compression techniques.
• Intelligent Gain Reduction: Range setting to limit max gain reduction.
• 5-Inch Capacitive Touchscreen: Intuitive control with real-time metering.
• DAW Automation & USB Connectivity: Save, recall, and automate parameters directly from your DAW.

Advanced Digital Control

While the Mastering Compressor maintains an all-analog audio path, all user interactions and controls occur in the digital domain, enabling features not found in traditional compressors:

• Save and recall presets (400 slots available).
• Instant reset of all parameters.
• Rapid, precise, and repeatable adjustments.
• Linked stereo operation with single-control ease.
• DAW automation and recall for complete workflow integration.

Front Panel & Touchscreen Interface

The Mastering Compressor features a large LCD touchscreen that allows for full control of all functions, real-time metering, and visual feedback on compression curves.

• View and adjust gain reduction, input/output levels.
• Monitor Peak/RMS levels and compression response.
• Store and recall presets with an on-screen QWERTY keyboard.
• Live representation of the compression curve.

DAW Integration

The Bettermaker Mastering Compressor can be fully integrated with your DAW via USB. It appears as a HID device and is managed through the Bettermaker Mastering Compressor Plugin, enabling instant recall, parameter automation, and seamless workflow integration.

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: 2U rackmount, 230mm deep (Mastering Compressor); 1U rackmount, 230mm deep (Bus Compressor)
• Shipping Weight: 5.5 kg (Mastering Compressor), 5 kg (Bus Compressor), 62x37x21 cm

Compressor Settings

• Threshold: -35dB to +5dB (40dB range)
• Attack: 0.1 – 250ms
• Release: 10 – 2000ms
• Ratio: Variable 0.7:1 – 10:1
• Knee: Variable 0 – 20dB
• Output Gain: -5dB to +15dB
• Width (in M/S Mode): -8dB to +8dB
• Range: Variable 0.1dB – 20dB / Off

Sidechain Processing

• Sidechain HPF: Off/15/20/25/30 Hz
• Sidechain LPF: 2kHz – 18kHz / Off
• SC MF Gain: +/- 15dB
• SC MF Frequency: 0.5 – 10kHz
• SC MF Q: 0.2 – 8
• Sidechain Feed: Forward/Backward
• Sidechain Type: RMS/PEAK

Why Choose the Bettermaker Mastering Compressor?

The Bettermaker Mastering Compressor offers the best of both worlds: the warmth and musicality of an analog VCA compressor with the flexibility and precision of digital control. Whether you’re mastering, mixing, or tracking, this compressor provides a powerful, transparent, and recallable solution that integrates seamlessly into your studio workflow.

With its intuitive touchscreen, powerful sidechain options, and Mid/Side operation, the Bettermaker Mastering Compressor is an essential tool for achieving polished, professional-grade sound.