Bus FORCE

PARALLEL PROCESSING POWERHOUSE

Bus FORCE is a parallel processor effect designed with one aim: to make anything sound better. With built-in filter, EQ, compression, and saturation modules, and never-before-seen custom routing, this is your new go-to sonic enhancer.

Main Features:

• Unique stereo multi-FX dedicated to parallel processing.
• 5 processing modules: EQ, Filter, Compressor, Saturation, Clipping.
• 3 audio paths and mixer with independent volume controls.
• 36+ routing configurations.
• Pultec-style EQ.
• Dual filters inspired by SEM synth.
• VCA-style comp with dual RMS and peak detection circuit and negative ratio.
• External sidechain option.
• 4 flavors of analog saturation.
• Analog clipping stage.
• Comprehensive set of metering and displays.
• Resizable window.
• Integrated tutorials.
• Broad selection of presets for mixing and mastering.

Your secret sonic weapon

Imagine a single effect that can be used on individual tracks, from snare to synth; on your bus channels for beautiful dynamics; on your stereo master for that instant polish you've been looking for.

Imagine being able to incorporate the priceless outboard gear and advanced parallel mixing techniques favored by industry professionals for decades, straight into your DAW.

From delicate tweaks to bold cranks, Bus FORCE is built to ignite the energy of your mix, with ultra-powerful parallel processing that's a breeze to operate. Before you use any other plugin, use this one - whatever music you're making.

Make drums smack

From perfectly-compressed snare impacts to trashy overhead saturation, using Bus FORCE on your drum bus will ensure that your rhythm section slams.

Make vocals sing

Bring out the harmonic richness, vowel depth, and emotional energy of a vocal performance with Bus FORCE's multiple-module stereo workflow.

Make guitars pop

Whether it's funk popping lines, crushing power chord stacks, or the resonant chime of a jumbo acoustic, Bus FORCE will bring it to life in a few clicks.

Make synths glow

Say no to background pads and lacklustre monosynth leads; run your synth tracks through Bus FORCE for perfect stereo fatness, richness, and color.

Make sidechains pump

Get the components of your mix talking to each other and get those dynamics pulsing to your beat for impactful drops and anthemic choruses.

Make your master bus shine

Give your whole project a subtle dose of shiny EQ and compression, or slam it with crispy stereo saturation - a one-stop shop for the perfect final mix.

Parallel processing powerhouse

When used right, parallel processing can yield spectacular sonic results, unlocking a whole new level of detail and depth. The ability to separate your audio source into different branches, each with its own array of effects and adjustments, then mix them all back together again may sound complicated - but that's where Bus FORCE comes in.

The Filter module

A classic low pass & high pass resonant filter based on the much-loved SEM filter, an Oberheim classic. Give your vocal sibilance room to breathe or dampen the sharpness and attack of your low-end - an extremely useful quick-fix for any audio application.

The Compressor module

A proprietary VCA compressor, inspired by contemporary units like the Overstayer Modular Channel. Built for punchy & modern applications, including switchable sidechain source detection and the all-powerful FORCE control, for smooth to explosive compression techniques.

The Equalizer module

Inspired by the legendary Pultec EQ, known for broad ranges and musical curves. This detailed but immediate bell EQ module offers immediate and intuitive sound shaping, from delicate high-end accents to an uber-fat bass boost across the stereo field.

The Saturation module

Beautifully crispy analog saturation, also inspired by modern studio manufacturers like Overstayer, with 4 types of saturation on offer: Even, Odd, Thick, and Overdrive. Give your track some subtle warmth or crank the grain for that sought-after grungy character.

By uniquely combining several studio-grade modules and advanced signal routing in a single plugin, Bus FORCE makes parallel processing simple and accessible for everyone.

Beatmaker secret weapon

Trap and hip hop instrumentals made heavier than ever with Bus FORCE's floor-shaking sidechain compression.

Perfect parallel power

Bus FORCE's all-in-one compression, filtering, saturation, and EQ can bring a track to life in a few clicks.

Bass breather

By scooping the mids and gently accentuating the low end, a bass guitar makes room for the rest of the mix while reinforcing its own foundations.

Master Processing perfection

Add crystalline clarity to your highs and harmonic depth to your lows, with a bit of groovy parallel compression for the perfect polished master bus.

On the down low

Pump the low end frequencies to give your electro funk grooves the strut they deserve - for this example, Bus FORCE makes the kick and synth bass steal the show.

Drum bus energy

Bring punch, depth, and transient clarity to your drum bus channel with Bus FORCE.

Choose your path

3 signal paths are better than 1

To achieve true parallel processing, you need multiple signal paths, each one separately affected in different ways, then mixed back together again to suit your taste.

Bus FORCE gives you 3 paths to work with: Dry, Comp, and Sat. Each of these paths is uniquely configured to utilize a different combination of Bus FORCE's modules.

It really comes into its own, however, when you start to customize it. By having individual control over every aspect of the routing and individual module configuration, you can weave a web of sonic enhancement that's totally unique to you.

Smashed compression with some low-pass rumble? Soft analog saturation with a mid-boost sprinkling for that '70s sound? Bus FORCE is your bespoke mixing console and mastering suite rolled into one.

Path blend

Choose how much of each path you want to include in the output signal - and for extra crunch and character, add a touch of limiter at the end of the chain with the sneaky Clipping module.

Path customization.

Change how the paths interact with each other by removing or rerouting modules as you see fit. Remove the Filter here, add the Compressor there, change where the Equalizer goes - there's a total of 36 possible routing combinations to explore.

Module bypass

If you prefer a more subtle approach, you can attenuate Bus FORCE's sonic influence right from the start. Simply bypass each module as and when you need with their respective toggle switches.

The past, present, and future of production

Bus FORCE is a convergence of perfectly-emulated circuitry inspired by vintage studio gear, proprietary features, and cutting-edge appointments - designed to offer the best of both worlds.

We wanted a filter that was timeless and unique in its sound, while being versatile enough to suit modern production. The answer? It had to be our emulation of Tom Oberheim's groundbreaking SEM filter - the very same design that you'll find in our Filter SEM and SEM V software titles.

When it comes to reliable EQ, there are a few household names - for producers at least - that you can always turn to. One such name is Pultec, responsible for one of the most musical equalizers of all time. With its unique Gerzon shelves and venerable tube character, it was the perfect inspiration for Bus FORCE's Equalizer module.

The idea of combining multiple modules into one unit came from today's go-to outboard heroes. Manufacturers like Overstayer are known for their multifaceted units that offer the analog brilliance of old-school gear combined with the practicality of a sonic Swiss Army Knife. Who wouldn't want that available in their DAW?

{See video at top of page}