Will Kjaerhus GCO-1 ever get side chain functionality?

[flugel45]

This was promised by Torben some time ago (don't remember exactly when, but Spectra synth, MPL-1 and GAG-1 have all been released since then).

As much as I love GCO-1, I'm baffled by the fact that competitors' basic comp plugs (selling in the $40 range) all seem to have side chain, yet the Kjaerhus flagship "Compressor kit" still lacks this function.

I'm assuming that adding this feature is technically possible - otherwise, Torben wouldn't have promised to do it - but I'm also not blind to the possibility that this job might be too much of a drain on resources to be worthwhile to Kjaerhus financially...

In that case, how about offering something like a side-chain module for the GCO-1, that can be added for a small fee? (I'm not a programmer; I've no idea if this is feasible or not).

Before someone suggests I buy one of the lower Kjaerhus models that has side-chain, first, think about the irony of my needing to do this. If you still don't get it, let me put it another way: I shouldn't have to buy a bunch of duplicate functions I've already paid for - especially when the developer made a promise that I wouldn't need to.

Torben, I hope you don't take offense by this. (I'm a huge fan of you and your company, and currently own and make great use of your gold series plugs; I also intend to get the MPL-1 soon). It's just that this issue of updating GCO-1 has been "on the fence" for way too long, and needs an answer once and for all.

Regards,
JD

[Shifrin]

I could be totally off the mark here, but I'd guess the delay could be down to the porting of Kjaerhus stuff to Mac?!

Shif.

[Kiwburger]

I'm disappointed in this too - but I think the more we whinge about it, the less likely Torben will meet his promise. It's fairly obvious he wants us to buy his other plugins that offer side chain. I used to be an early-adopter of Kjaerhus products - buying each new product at the introduction price. But because i've been screwed by actions like this, I've become a "wait and see" purchaser, and you can be very sure I check out all other options first. As compressors go, you really should check out Voxengo Marguis and the PSP stuff before rushing in.

[Kiwburger]

The crazy thing is - if it's money Torben wants, he could make money money simply by making a truely "flagship" compressor that has Mix and Sidechain (essential features). Making promises and not delivering just works against a vendor - I don't really understand this tactic.

But then again - stuff like MPL-1 is so good that I had to buy it regardless of what I feel about the company. Hopefully a new truely "flagship" compressor is in the making ...

[BKTormey]

I agree with the sentiments expressed here.

For VST FX, I principally run with Kjaerhus and Izotope, and I'm more of a loyalist than I am a best-of-breed buyer. As I watched GAC and GUP surpass GCO in some compression features, I hoped and expected that GCO would catch-up. I bought GAC and have been very happy with it, but I avoided purchasing GUP because there was too much overlap with GCO.

Even if these features must appear in GCO 2.0, I would buy it as long as the upgrade price was reasonable -- somewhere under buying GUP outright. I'm still hoping for version 2.

[Torben]

We got a list of several improvements and features for the Golden Compressor and other plug-ins, but we do not have the time to do it all at once. I try to prioritise that time towards projects that can satisfy as many of you as possible, and I do not hope anyone feel we let you down.

Thank you for your patience and support

Torben

[BKTormey]

Thanks for your response Torben.

The high expectations here demonstrate the high regard that many have for your plug-ins. I hope that your flagship compressor is floating near the top of that priority list.

[Amberience]

People would pay extra for this function? It should have been in there in the first place. I don't care how much of a dick I sound by saying that.

[BKTormey]

On the Kjaerhus Audio "About" page, Torben writes:

"Our products must ... go beyond fulfilling our customers' expectations."

I don't agree that mix and sidechaining should have been there from the start. It's just that GCO hasn't kept-up to the "go beyond" promise. If it needs some retooling, I'm not adverse to paying a little for the upgrade.

[Kiwburger]

Thanks Torben - don't take me too seriously. Good things are worth waiting for.

[EnzymeX]

I agree with the sentiments expressed here.

For VST FX, I principally run with Kjaerhus and Izotope, and I'm more of a loyalist than I am a best-of-breed buyer. As I watched GAC and GUP surpass GCO in some compression features, I hoped and expected that GCO would catch-up. I bought GAC and have been very happy with it, but I avoided purchasing GUP because there was too much overlap with GCO.

Even if these features must appear in GCO 2.0, I would buy it as long as the upgrade price was reasonable -- somewhere under buying GUP outright. I'm still hoping for version 2.

You took the words right out of my mouth. I have GCO, GMO, and GPP. I dislike the idea of paying for another less featured comp just to get sidechaining.

[EnzymeX]

Bump. Any updates on the promised sidechaining, Torben? Thanks.

[cptgone]

yeah, we wants the kink-y stuff!

[jens]

yes, it's odd - how long can it take to implement this, especially since it's already there in GUP-1 which seems to be based on the same code... (and which has been released almost one and a half years ago!)

[EnzymeX]

Maybe Torben doesn't see the value of supporting new features without a fee. It's a business descision, but my opinion is that could backfire from a public relations perspective.