BRAINWORX BX_OBERHAUSEN
Synthesizer plugin
ARTURIA - 3 COMPRESSORS YOU’LL
ACTUALLY USE
BACK TO THE FUTURE! THE NAME SAYS IT ALL
From a synth company that makes a plugin to a plugin
company that has made a synth, there’s a lot of expectations
for the first synth from brainworx. But in all honesty, this
one is modelled on the 70’s classic, the Oberheim SEM.
And Brainworx is no stranger to modelling analog gear. Arturis, a name synonymous with synthesisers have released
a compressor bundle. Naturally we remain a little skeptical
but I must say the bundle’s name is quite a clickbait idea.
The 3 comps are all emulations of three legendary units
namely- the Universal Audio 1176, Gates STA and DBX 156A.
As someone who has access to actual units for the 1176 and
STA level, Its always fun to put emulations up to test with
the real thing. Arturia claims to have faithfully recreated the
sound of these units while expanding on them with a range
of added functionality bonuses. The impression i get from
the choices of comps chosen is that these three comps should
cover most sources quite well. Lets talk about each of them -
The plugin features signature Brainworx Audio Tolerance
Modeling Technology (TMT), a unison mode, M/S processing
and a set of effect modules from brands such as Mäag,
Brainworx Audio and more. The bx_oberhausen comes
packed with full polyphony of up to 32 voices, twice the
voice count of today’s priciest poly synths remaining
resolutely in the analog domain, users can create sounds
that are not possible using the original hardware by using
what they call Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT)
to accurately replicate individual component variations
specified by the manufacturer. This creates, in separate
voices slight variations which you would expect to hear
in an original analog instrument. These slight variations
add the complexity, nuance, depth, and width for which
analog instruments are loved. They have also added a lot
of their plugin prowess to the synth to help it sound better
and sit better in mixes. These involve additions like an
M/S menu through which users can select which part of
the sound passes through the filter section and which part
does not. It also features a Unison mode through which you
can combine voices to generate rich, complex sounds. The
effects section features an interesting array of small versions
of fx carrying the Brainworx brand – including the Mäag
Air band. The synth further includes FM modulation and
a really great arpeggiator which comes with an adjustable
“swing parameter” which really helps humanize parts
that would normally sound extremely mechanical.
This plugin is a great example of adapting the essence of a
classic to create a truly versatile modern synth plugin. Its
got just enough usability to make it easy to pick up and add
parts while also retaining insane versatility if you need
it. It’s very easy to make big lead sounds with this that
will cut through your mix and have a lot of character.
It sounds fat and warm sounding when needed, and at
the same crystalline and sparkly. More than capable
of all your bread and butter analog-style synth sounds
and much more, this synthesizer expander module
inspired VST is definitely worth checking out!
The Comp FET 76 - promises the fast attack, huge punch
and versatility of the original with added features scubas
side chain control and time warp. Its a pretty nice sounding
comp with the right amount of functionality and colour.
Sounds pretty good on vocals and guitars especially.
Comp TUBE STA - The real version is known for
its creaminess and tube warmth that still remains
unparalleled to this day. Arturia’s version does a good
job of getting close. It really smooths out sounds in a
musical way while making it stand out and sound much
larger in the mix. They have also added a bunch of side
chain controls that seem unnecessary and confusing but
at the same time might be useful for a lot of people.
Comp VCA - 65 - One of the most popular classics
especially for aggressive compression duties, this one
is a faithful reproduction of the DBX 165A. It works
great for situations where you need some heavy duty
compression. And the character it adds is also quite nice.
All three compressors are super versatile and come with the
color you want to add to your mix when using these types
of compressor. It felt like a carefully chosen trio for people
looking to add a quick collection of coloured and ‘musical’
compression tools to their arsenal. It seems like a great buy
for a producer looking for simple and quick tools to make
their tracks sound a little better before they head out for
mixes. Quite impressed with this plugin series from arturia.
Looking forward to more (delays/verbs maybe?) in the future!
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
49