Embark on a journey into the realm of timeless audio processing with Midnight, the newest Acqua plugin, available in VST, AU, and AAX formats that stands as the Ultimate Vari-mu Tube compressor collection universally considered the most iconic dynamics processor to date, reinterpreted in the Acustica way.
Introducing Midnight: Timeless Classic Compressors, Vintage Vibes, Modern Mastery.
Described as the ‘universally accepted standard for level control’ in the 1950s, Vari-mu’s remain one of the most revered studio processors ever invented, equally multipurpose in mastering studios and radio broadcast facilities. Widely acknowledged for their unique ability to impart a musical warmth and gentle compression, these tube compressors have left an indelible mark on the world of sound.
Midnight includes four different sampled units from different manufacturers, delivering unparalleled sound quality thanks to Hyper 3 technology. It brings to life the ‘Ultimate’ vari-mu tube compressor, reminiscent of the renowned Acqua plugin suite Ultramarine, but redesigned by Acustica, adding many innovative features, never before introduced for these specific iconic 660-670 compressors whether hardware versions or software emulations on the Market.
What’s the idea behind Midnight?
This product was born out of the need to recreate an even more adaptable and intuitive version of a classic and timeless icon. Midnight does not want to pose as a simple clone, which Acustica has already given with the now famous Ultramarine plugin suite. The idea behind this product is to offer our loyal customers the best of a compressor that has made history, redesigning it, enhancing it, and pushing the boundaries of traditional emulation. The goal lies in offering a range of features not found in the original gear ensuring maximum versatility, allowing users to sculpt their sound with greater precision, without sacrificing the sound of the equipment sampled, so as to harness all its different facets.
The sound of these impressive hardware devices is characterized by the unique feature of having short attack times and long release times, acting on the individual Time Constant control. This allows for the control of transients and a subtle “sonic massage” to enhance the body of the track. This sonic characteristic has been preserved and enhanced. One of Midnight’s distinctive features lies in the management of transient response and the overall compression behavior, which is more precise and detailed compared to its hardware counterparts. This is primarily achieved through the ability to independently adjust the attack and release time constants, further refining them with the use of Hold controls. From subtle and transparent compression to bold saturation and rich character, Midnight serves as a dual-mono compressor offering a truly broad spectrum of sonic possibilities without sacrificing ease of use.
Its intuitive interfaces (3D & Flat) ensure ease of use, enabling both seasoned professionals and novices to harness the power of tube compression effortlessly.
Over the years, multiple hardware clones have been created in an attempt to harness the unmistakable character of this behemoth compressor/limiter. We have captured the sound of what we believe to be the best four different hardware inspirations of this legendary compressor. When combined, their total list price would exceed $35,000. We offer them in a software version redesigned to Acustica standards.
Don’t let its size fool you! Try it out for yourself — we’re sure you’ll agree that the results are simply stunning.
