Blog

Aug 07, 2023

Brainworx AMEK Mastering Compressor review

This stunning dynamics processor captures the tone and response of a classic analogue compressor and presents them in an infinitely more flexible package. Stunningly good results. Supremely flexible

This stunning dynamics processor captures the tone and response of a classic analogue compressor and presents them in an infinitely more flexible package.

Stunningly good results.

Supremely flexible dynamics control.

Excellent metering and visualisation.

Detailed sidechain filtering for honing frequency response.

It’s rather expensive…

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

Although Brainworx’s first pair of Amek-inspired plugins, the bx_2098 EQ andbx_console 9099, are based on specific original Amek hardware, the subsequent AMEK EQ200 and AMEK EQ250 plugins have no direct relationship with past Amek glories. Instead, they are a more general melding of the characteristics – and circuits – of vintage parametric EQs that are particular favourites of Brainworx’ head honcho, Dirk Ulrich.

The company has taken a similar approach with its new AMEK Mastering Compressor. The plugin’s circuit models aren’t based on any OG Amek hardware but are instead taken from Ulrich’s own GML 8900 compressor, a highly regarded and exclusive processor that has never – so far as we know – been modelled and plugin-ified before now. Brainworx has expanded on the original hardware’s somewhat austere control panel and added a suite of modern tools and features, and the result is a handsome plugin that doesn’t really resemble anything other than itself.

Each of the plugin’s channels boasts three true RMS detector circuits tuned to be sensitive to dynamic changes that happen over different periods of time. The Slow detector averages the signal over the longest period and is least sensitive to transients, Fast measures across a shorter period of time and so is more responsive, and Peak has the fastest response, as you would expect.

• Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class AA combo of optical and VCA compressors for dynamic control.

• Softube Icons Compressor Collection Three classic compressors that provide formidable mastering.

A single Timing control determines the length of time over which the Slow and Fast detectors average the signal, which ultimately impacts those detectors’ attack and release times, whilst Peak has an instant attack and fixed release time. The response times of Slow and Fast decoders can be linked together using the oddly-named Release Hysteresis control – when the signal is above the RH threshold the Fast timing is used, otherwise the Slow timing takes precedence.

Likening this to a compressor you may be more familiar with, this multi-detector setup is not dissimilar to a DBX 165A’s two-stage Over Easy compressor and Peak Stop limiter. Unlike the 165A, however, AMEK Mastering Compressor allows the relative influence of each detector to be adjusted, with the compressor’s gain reduction being calculated based on whichever detector is being pushed hardest at the time. This provides infinitely more nuanced dynamics control than is offered by DBX’s classic.

The actual amount of gain reduction applied to a signal is dependent upon the ratio mode. In soft knee mode the Threshold control sets the level at which the compressor departs from a 1:1 ratio, with the ratio increasing progressively as the signal moves further above the threshold level. This is somewhat reminiscent of a Teletronix LA-2A’s natural-sounding progressive compression. Conversely, in hard knee mode a specific ratio is dialled in, running from 1.1:1 all the way up to a brickwall inifinity-to-one ratio, and the threshold control operates by driving the input level into a fixed threshold. This adds a punchy Urei 1176 flavour to proceedings.

Below AMEK Mastering Compressor’s main rack-style control panel lie a set of three additional rack units that add useful features. The first, Detector Activity Monitor, shows colour-coded output traces of the three detectors plotted against the threshold level. This makes it easy to judge not only what each detector is doing, but also which one has precedence at any time (this is reinforced by labels on the graph, and lights on the main control panel). The module also includes an Ambience button, as found on bx_console 9099, which mutes any sound that falls below the threshold so that you hear only the parts of your signal that are being compressed.

Below this lies the Sidechain Filter Module which provides high-pass filter and two bands of peak or low-shelving EQ with which to shape the compressor’s response. The final sub module contains a set of features common across many Brainworx plugins: TMT (Tolerance Modelling Technology) channel selection, input and output gain control and metering, stereo balance and correlation metering, low frequency mono maker, stereo width adjustment, VCA clipping control and mid/side mode switch.

Whilst different to other compressors, it didn’t take us long to get to grips with AMEK Mastering Compressor. When we did, and had tuned it to fit various mixes, the results were beyond all expectations.

Deliciously thick yet smooth low ends, excellent control over transients and peaks, and tons of cohesion

This is quite simply the best mastering compressor we have ever used. It delivers deliciously thick yet smooth low ends, excellent control over transients and peaks, and tons of overall cohesion and glue, all whilst remaining utterly transparent with not a hint of pumping to be heard (unless you want it!).

AMEK Mastering Compressor has blown away every other compressor in our well-stocked mastering rack… It’s just a shame it has to blow such a big hole in the bank balance, too!

MusicRadar verdict: This stunning dynamics processor captures the tone and response of a classic analogue compressor and presents them in an infinitely more flexible package.

"All-in-all, then, we have to concur with the general consensus, because AMEK Mastering Compressor really is worthy of all the accolades and praise it has been receiving."MusicTech

Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.

The 5 chord progressions you need to learn and play 100s of songs

6 tips for mixing effectively on headphones

Want to live in Stewart Copeland’s $6 million house? It’ll cost you $25,000 a month

By Dave Gale16 August 2023

By Jon Musgrave15 August 2023

By Si Truss14 August 2023

By Phil Wise11 August 2023

By Matt McCracken10 August 2023

By Andy Jones10 August 2023

By Quentin Lachapèle9 August 2023

By Jon Musgrave9 August 2023

By Jon Musgrave8 August 2023

By Martin Delaney7 August 2023

By Andy Jones3 August 2023