Kjaerhus Audio has released a new "channel strip" VST plug-in for Windows - Golden Audio Channel | GAC-1. It features two equalizers, two compressors, a noise-gate and a de-esser. The internal effects are interconnected with ten selectable routings, including normal instrument setups, dual band setups, and special setups like mid-side processing and compression based on side chain filtering. With the double EQ and Compressor architecture, the GAC-1 offers flexible sound possibilities that are not possible with single processing.

Three versions are available: stereo, stereo with side chain, and mono with side chain. There is no latency, which makes this the ideal tool for real time performance in the studio or on stage.

Features:

• Two Compressors with VCA and Opto models.
• Two four band parametric EQs with five filter types.
• Noise Gate with soft knee.
• Wideband De-esser.
• Ten routings (interconnection between effects).
• Side Chain.
• Individual On (Bypass) switch for each effect.
• A|B comparisons.
• Silent knobs and buttons.
• 40 Presets.
• 64 Bit Internal Processing.
• Very low CPU usage.
• Supports sampling rates up to 192kS/s.
• Full VST automation.
• No Latency.
• Detailed Users Manual.

GAC-1 costs $198 but is currently available for purchase at a special introductory price of $158 until April 29th, 2005. A demo version is available for download.