Audified U73b Compressor plugin is a faithful digital recreation of the legendary Telefunken U73b tube compressor/limiter, a staple in European broadcast and mastering studios during the 1960s and 1970s. This plugin emulates the unique sonic characteristics and simple control set of the original hardware unit, offering users a taste of vintage analog warmth and coloration in their digital audio workstations. The U73b plugin features a straightforward interface with input and output gain controls, a three-position switch for compression, bypass, or limiting modes, and six release time options. Audified has also included modern amenities such as an external sidechain input, oversampling, and a calibration control to adjust the plugin’s headroom. The U73b is known for its smooth, musical compression and subtle harmonic saturation, making it particularly well-suited for vocals, bass, and full mix processing. With its distinctive sound and user-friendly design, the Audified U73b Compressor plugin aims to bring the charm of a classic piece of analog gear into the digital realm.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the Telefunken U73b’s unique sound and behavior
• Simple, intuitive interface that closely mirrors the original hardware
• Adds pleasing harmonic coloration and analog-style warmth to audio sources
• Effective on a wide range of material, from individual tracks to full mixes
• Includes modern features like external sidechain and oversampling
Cons:
• Limited control set may not suit all compression tasks
• Can be CPU-intensive, especially with oversampling enabled
• Subtle high-frequency attenuation may not be desirable in all situations
Audified U73b Compressor plugin offers a carefully crafted emulation of the original hardware’s circuitry and behavior. At its core is a variable-mu compression algorithm that replicates the smooth, program-dependent gain reduction characteristic of the Telefunken U73b. This results in a gentle, musical compression that can add cohesion and character to audio material without sounding overly processed.
The plugin’s main interface presents users with a set of controls that closely mirror those found on the hardware unit. The large central knob allows switching between Compressor, Bypass, and Limiter modes. In Compressor mode, the plugin applies a softer knee and more gradual ratio increase, while Limiter mode provides a higher threshold and more aggressive compression curve.
Six release time options are available, with the first three offering fixed times (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 seconds) and the latter three providing program-dependent release times. This flexibility allows users to tailor the compression behavior to suit different source material and achieve various dynamic effects.
Input and output gain controls flank the main compression controls, allowing users to drive the plugin’s internal circuitry and adjust the overall output level. A calibration control, not present on the original hardware, enables fine-tuning of the plugin’s headroom to accommodate different working levels and achieve the desired amount of compression.
The U73b plugin includes a switchable high-pass filter in the sidechain, mirroring the original unit’s fixed 100 Hz filter. This can be bypassed if desired, offering more flexibility in bass management. Additionally, Audified has implemented an external sidechain input, expanding the plugin’s creative potential for modern production techniques. A VU meter provides visual feedback on input level, output level, or gain reduction, depending on user preference. The plugin also offers stereo linking options, allowing for flexible processing of stereo material.
Audified has incorporated several modern features to enhance the plugin’s usability and sound quality. Oversampling can be engaged to reduce aliasing and improve the overall fidelity of the processing, especially when driving the input hard. The user interface supports Retina displays and offers customizable color schemes to suit different workflow preferences.
The U73b plugin’s sound is characterized by its subtle harmonic enhancement, adding a slight forwardness and presence to processed material. This coloration, combined with the smooth compression action, can help bring sounds forward in a mix and add cohesion to various elements.
Audified U73b Compressor plugin enters a crowded field of vintage compressor emulations, but its unique character sets it apart from many competitors. Unlike more commonly emulated units like the LA-2A or 1176, the U73b offers a distinctly European flavor of compression. Compared to plugins emulating the Fairchild 660 or 670, which are perhaps its closest relatives, the U73b generally provides a more subtle coloration and a somewhat leaner midrange character. It lacks the extreme flexibility of some modern compressor plugins but makes up for it with its distinctive sonic imprint and ease of use. The U73b’s simple control set and program-dependent behavior make it more forgiving and often quicker to dial in than some more complex vintage emulations. However, it may not offer the precise control over attack and release times that some users require for certain tasks. In terms of CPU usage, the U73b can be more demanding than some simpler compressor plugins, especially with oversampling enabled. However, its resource consumption is generally in line with other high-quality analog emulations.
This plugin is best for:
• Adding cohesion and analog-style warmth to full mixes or submixes
• Smoothing out vocals while imparting a subtle vintage character
• Enhancing bass guitar tracks with gentle compression and tube-like harmonics
• Gluing together drum busses with its program-dependent release behavior
• Users seeking a simple, vintage-style compressor with a unique sonic signature
Audified U73b Compressor plugin successfully captures the essence of a lesser-known but highly regarded piece of vintage audio equipment. Its faithful emulation of the Telefunken U73b’s circuitry and behavior provides users with a distinctive flavor of compression that stands out in a crowded plugin market. The U73b excels at adding subtle warmth, cohesion, and character to a wide range of audio material, from individual tracks to full mixes. Its simple interface and musical compression characteristics make it easy to achieve pleasing results quickly, even for users less experienced with vintage gear. While the limited control set and subtle high-frequency attenuation may not suit all situations, these aspects are integral to the U73b’s unique character. The addition of modern features like oversampling and external sidechain input enhances the plugin’s versatility without compromising its vintage charm. For producers and engineers seeking to add a touch of classic European broadcast flavor to their mixes, the Audified U73b Compressor plugin offers an authentic and user-friendly option.