Available for download, the Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors are a suite of three compressors, each modeled on analog hardware. Each is designed to impart the tone of its inspiration in addition to its dynamics-taming effects. It includes the FG-GREY, FG-RED, and FG-MU. These are all models of well-regarded bus compressors and are intended primarily for use on stereo submixes, though they’ll also work on stereo instruments.

The FG-GREY is an emulation of a classic British 4000-series console compressor, providing a clean sound that also adds some glue to the mix. It can work subtly on the stereo bus, add smack to the drums, and more. The FG-MU goes beyond the standard 670 and other MU compressors to provide a thickness in the midrange and tightening of the low end as it works. It provides smooth, warm, and, if pushed, aggressive compression.

The FG-RED is based on a compressor with a recognizable red-faced design. It’s a favorite of famed mixing engineers like Chris Lorde Alge, offering a very punchy tone and is able to retain transient heft even at fast attack times. The FG-RED has a Drive knob that emulates the output transformer of the original hardware, letting you dial it in to your desired strength. 

You can run these compressors in series in whatever order you like, and you can run two compressors at the same time. Each compressor has a mix knob for parallel operations. VBC is compatible with Mac and Windows platforms and can operate in AU, VST, and AAX formats.