Universal Audio Triple Crown Compressor Bundle is a collection of three iconic compressor emulations that have shaped the sound of countless recordings over the past decades. This bundle includes meticulously modeled versions of the Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection, the 1176 Classic Limiter Collection, and the Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection. Each of these compressors brings its unique character and sonic imprint to the table, offering users a versatile toolkit for shaping dynamics and adding analog warmth to digital productions. The LA-2A is renowned for its smooth, musical compression and is particularly favored for vocals and bass. The 1176 is celebrated for its fast attack times and aggressive character, making it a go-to for drums, guitars, and vocals that need punch and attitude. The Fairchild, with its tube-driven circuitry, is prized for its ability to add thickness and glue to mixes, often used on the master bus or for parallel compression.
Pros:
• Authentic emulations of three classic compressors
• Versatile range of compression styles for different sources and genres
• High-quality sound with analog-like warmth and character
• Intuitive interfaces that closely resemble the original hardware
• Expanded features not found on the original units, like mix controls and sidechain filters
Cons:
• Relatively high CPU usage compared to some native plugins
• Requires iLok for authorization, which some users find inconvenient
Universal Audio has gone to great lengths to capture the nuances of these hardware units, modeling not just the compression characteristics but also the subtle harmonic distortions and non-linearities that contribute to their sought-after sound. The result is a set of plugins that closely mimic the behavior and sound of their hardware counterparts, allowing users to access legendary analog tones within their digital audio workstations. The Universal Audio Triple Crown Compressor Bundle offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to both vintage enthusiasts and modern producers. Each compressor in the bundle comes with multiple models, representing different hardware revisions or modifications.
The LA-2A Leveler Collection includes three distinct flavors: the original silver-faced unit, the later black-faced version, and the more modern LA-2A Gray. These variations offer subtle differences in compression behavior and tonal coloration. The LA-2A is known for its program-dependent release time and gentle compression curve, making it ideal for smoothing out vocals and bass without losing their natural character.
The 1176 Classic Limiter Collection provides four different models: Rev A, Rev E, Rev F, and the AE (Anniversary Edition). Each revision has its own sonic signature, from the more colored and aggressive Rev A to the cleaner and more versatile Rev E. The 1176 is famous for its extremely fast attack time, which can be as quick as 20 microseconds, allowing for precise transient shaping. It also features the iconic “all buttons in” mode, which creates a unique, aggressive compression effect beloved by many engineers.
The Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection includes accurate recreations of both the mono Fairchild 660 and the stereo Fairchild 670. These units are revered for their smooth, warm compression and their ability to add cohesion and depth to a mix. The Fairchild emulations capture the complex interplay of the original’s tube circuitry, variable-mu compression, and custom transformers.
All three compressors in the bundle feature expanded controls not found on the original hardware. This includes a wet/dry mix control for parallel compression, a headroom control for adjusting the plugin’s internal operating level, and a sidechain high-pass filter to prevent low frequencies from triggering excessive compression.
The user interfaces are meticulously designed to resemble the original hardware units, with authentic-looking VU meters, knobs, and switches. This attention to detail extends to the behavior of the controls, which respond in a manner consistent with their hardware counterparts.
Additionally, Universal Audio has included a comprehensive set of presets created by renowned engineers, providing users with excellent starting points for various sources and mixing scenarios. These presets showcase the versatility of each compressor and can serve as educational tools for understanding how professional engineers use these classic units.
When compared to other emulations of classic compressors, the Universal Audio Triple Crown Compressor Bundle holds its own in terms of sound quality and authenticity. The Waves CLA Classic Compressors bundle offers similar emulations of the LA-2A and 1176, but many users find the Universal Audio versions to have a slight edge in terms of analog-like behavior and overall sound quality. The Plugin Alliance UREI Classic Compressor Collection is another strong contender, particularly praised for its 1176 emulation. For Fairchild emulations, the Waves PuigChild and the UAD Fairchild are often compared, with the UAD version generally considered more authentic to the original hardware. The IK Multimedia T-RackS Fairchild 670 is another well-regarded option in this category. The Softube Tube-Tech Classic Channel and the Arturia FET-76 are standalone plugins that offer high-quality emulations of the 1176, often praised for their sound and lower CPU usage compared to the UAD versions. However, they lack the multiple hardware revisions found in the UAD bundle. Slate Digital’s Virtual Buss Compressors includes emulations inspired by the Fairchild and other classic units, offering a more modern take on these vintage sounds with additional features tailored for contemporary production techniques.
This plugin is best for:
• Professional mixing and mastering engineers seeking authentic emulations of classic hardware
• Producers looking to add analog warmth and character to their digital productions
• Vocalists and instrumentalists who want to shape their sound with legendary compression tools
• Audio post-production professionals requiring versatile dynamics control
• Educators teaching the principles of compression using industry-standard tools
Universal Audio Triple Crown Compressor Bundle represents a significant investment in sound quality and versatility for serious audio professionals. It offers meticulously crafted emulations of three of the most iconic compressors in recording history, each bringing its unique flavor of compression and analog character to the digital domain. The expanded features and multiple models for each compressor provide users with a level of flexibility that goes beyond the original hardware units, making them adaptable to a wide range of modern production scenarios. While the CPU demands and iLok requirement may be drawbacks for some users, the sound quality and authentic behavior of these plugins make them a valuable addition to any mixing or mastering toolkit. The inclusion of presets from renowned engineers adds educational value and serves as a great starting point for users new to these classic units. For those willing to invest in top-tier compression tools, the Universal Audio Triple Crown Compressor Bundle offers a compelling package that can elevate the quality of mixes across various genres and production styles.