Slate Digital FG-116 Blue Series FET Compressor Plugin

The Slate Digital FG-116 Blue Series compressor plugin is a meticulously crafted tribute to vintage FET limiting amplifiers, offering both faithful recreations of iconic circuits and innovative modern enhancements. Designed to deliver a rich spectrum of tonal options, the Blue Series includes four distinct circuits—two vintage and two modern—each with its own unique sonic characteristics. Whether you're looking for the mid-forward warmth of a classic "rev A" compressor or the punchy, controlled dynamics of a modern circuit, this plugin has you covered. Features like hi-pass detection and a parallel mix knob make it a versatile tool for shaping your mix with precision and creativity.

Vintage Circuit 1 With Midrange Focus

The first vintage circuit in the FG-116 Blue Series is modeled after the revered blue-striped FET compressors that shaped countless classic recordings. Known for its mid-forward character, this circuit delivers a warm, harmonically rich upper midrange that enhances vocals, bass and guitars with a natural presence. The softer high and low frequencies create a smooth, rounded tone, while the harmonic distortion adds depth and articulation to transients. This circuit is particularly effective on drums, adding punch without sacrificing subtle details, making it an essential tool for achieving vintage-inspired warmth and clarity in your mixes.

Vintage Circuit 2 With Bigger Lows

The second vintage circuit takes inspiration from a refurbished "rev A" unit, offering a distinct tonal profile with extended low-end and smoother mids and highs. This setting excels at adding weight and dimension to drum room mics, bringing a sense of spaciousness and impact to your recordings. On vocals, it imparts a sense of "bigness" that fills out the sound without the midrange emphasis of the first circuit. This tonal balance makes it a go-to choice for tracks that need a fuller, more expansive sound while maintaining the organic warmth of vintage gear.

Modern Circuit 1 for Punchy Drums

The first modern circuit in the FG-116 Blue Series is designed for precision and punch, with a slower attack and faster release that are perfect for close drum mics. This setting enhances snare and kick drums by accentuating their punch and extending their decay, while also giving bass guitars an edgy, defined character. Adjusting the release tightens up the sound further, making it equally effective for locking in the dynamics of a full drum kit. This circuit's ability to bring out the attack while maintaining control makes it a powerful tool for modern, punchy mixes.

Modern Circuit 2 With Smooth Dynamics

The second modern circuit offers a more balanced and breathable response, ideal for drum busses and even full mix compression. With the hi-pass filter engaged, the compressor ignores low frequencies, allowing the bass to retain its impact while smoothing out the highs for a polished sound. Using the slowest attack and fastest release settings, this circuit can compress up to 10dB while maintaining energy and clarity. Dialing back the mix knob to 25% introduces parallel compression, adding excitement and cohesion to your tracks without over-compressing. This makes it a versatile option for adding musicality to your mixes.

Parallel Compression for Precision Dynamics Control

The FG-116 Blue Series simplifies parallel compression with its intuitive mix control. This feature allows you to blend heavily compressed signals with the original track, preserving dynamics while enhancing punch and presence. By engaging the hi-pass filter, the compressor ignores low frequencies, ensuring that the low-end remains intact while the upper frequencies are controlled. This functionality is particularly useful for drum tracks, where it can add impact and clarity without sacrificing natural tone. With these advanced compression tools, the Blue Series offers unparalleled control over your mix dynamics.