Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor

Softube & Tube-Tech: making modern classics

Our partnership with Tube-Tech goes back to 2006, when we began work on the definitive plug-in representations of the Danish company's best and most highly prized analog hardware units.

In 2018, we utilized our latest signal processing technology and released Mk II versions of CL 1B and Classic Channel. The super stunning high-resolution graphics and additional features made the best even better.

Never ones to rest on our laurels, we bring you the only officially licensed Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor plug-in, the new Tube-Tech Complete Collection 2, and additional updates to CL 1B Mk II.

The dark art of modeling

Softube Research & Development DSP Electronics Expert Kim Larsson and DSP Framework Developer Thomas Andersson are modeling magicians. It's their wizardry behind popular plug-ins such as Tape, Model 80 Five Voice Synthesizer, American Class A, and others. When Larsson and Andersson began work on Tube-Tech SMC 2B, they knew that to get this iconic opto compressor in the box, they would have to think outside the box. That's because, for the most accurate measurements possible, the modeling of the SMC 2B compressor needed to be done in the dark.

The SMC 2B's photosensitive components that cause the optical compression – and dynamically affect the responsiveness of the gain reduction – are highly sensitive to ambient rays. So, it was lights out in the laboratory in the heart of Softube headquarters. And the pitch-black magic of precisely modeling this extremely non-linear compressor commenced. The results are clear to see. Our Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor offers sound and behavior that perfectly captures the iconic hi-fi hardware.

Why multiband compression?

Multiband compression allows you to address compression across specific frequency ranges. You can use it to control transients on acoustic guitar picking or manage specific vocal frequencies to get them to sit flawlessly in a mix. Multiband compression is an ideal tool for targeting drum bus problem areas. It works amazingly to isolate the snap and crack of a snare drum, for instance. A well-known use is for control of bass frequencies on a vocal, bass, guitar, or drum bus. It can even help you rebalance a full stereo mix. The flexibility and versatility of multiband compression is second to none. It gives you control that conventional single-band stereo compression just can't muster.

Bewitching blue authenticity

The SMC 2B's iconic blue color, musical tube sound qualities, and low distortion make it a staple of the most esteemed studios. We modeled every component and stage of this famed three-band optical stereo comp, and the result is software that is indistinguishable from the hardware in our tests. Our Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor plug-in gives you the authentic interaction of 6 dB/octave filters that determine the crossover points. It gives you the Tube-Tech-designed interface so you can adjust parameters just as prominent pro engineers do. Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor offers you genuine mastering-grade Tube-Tech fidelity that's DAW-ready.

Enchanting control & flexibility

The SMC 2B's three independent optical stereo compressors offer total control over mix, vocal, bass, and drum buses. Start by choosing which frequencies to treat with compression, then adjust the level of those frequency ranges to rebalance sections of the audio. In addition to that, the sides and mid of a stereo width can be influenced independently. With added features, like unlinked Dual Mono operation, Mid/Side Processing, Parallel Compression via the Dry/Wet Knob, Sidechain input, and mute switches, our SMC 2B compressor gives you even more versatility and control than the storied original. Abracadabra.

Designed by Experts, Built on Legacy

Softube has a long history of emulating professional audio gear. After two decades collaborating with premium brands like Tube-Tech, Weiss Engineering, Solid State Logic, and Chandler Limited, we have a rock-solid reputation for recreating classics in software form that sound exactly like their hardware counterparts.

Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor is built on this legacy. Our meticulous approach to component modeling ensures that Tube-Tech SMC 2B Mulitband Compressor precisely captures the fidelity and flexibility of the celebrated three-band opto original with stunning Softube sound quality. And nothing less.

Features:

• A precise model of the world-renowned Tube-Tech SMC 2B hardware.
• The authentically captured behavior and tube sound.
• Control and flexibility with added modern features.
• Low, Mid, and High bands determined by 6 dB/octave crossover filters with variable frequencies.
• 60-1200 Hz set the point for the Low/Mid bands.
• 1.2-6 kHz set the point for the Mid/High bands.
• Per-band parameters for Threshold, Ratios of 1.5:1 to 10:1, Attack, Release, and Gain.
• Stereo processing via linked or selectable Dual Mono operation.
• Mid/Side processing.
• Parallel Compression via the Dry/Wet knob.
• Sidechain input.
• Mute switches for each band.

{See video at top of page}