DarkMbuss

DarkMbuss.

A schematic-accurate emulation of a modern DIY "G-Bus" — an SSL G-series-style VCA bus compressor. Rather than adding extra features, DarkMbuss models the actual hardware circuit (THAT VCA, NE5532 op-amp stages, parallel-saturation VCA, and a Carnhill output transformer) to capture the authentic glue, punch, and subtle transformer color of the real unit on mix and drum buses.

Main panel — compression.

THRESHOLD (−60...0 dB) — Sets where compression begins. Lower = more gain reduction.

RATIO (2:1 / 4:1 / 10:1) — Stepped, the authentic SSL G-series ratios.

ATTACK (0.1 / 0.3 / 1 / 3 / 10 / 30 ms) — Stepped attack times, matching the hardware's 6-position switch.

RELEASE (0.1 / 0.3 / 0.6 / 1.2 s / AUTO) — Stepped release times plus the classic program-dependent AUTO position.

MAKEUP (0...30 dB) — Output makeup gain.

AUTO MU — Auto makeup gain, compensating automatically for the gain reduction.

MIX (0...100%) — Parallel compression, blends dry with compressed.

SC HPF (OFF / 1...500 Hz) — Sidechain high-pass so kick/bass fundamentals don't over-trigger compression. Default 80 Hz.

IN — Compression in/bypass.

The Carnhill output transformer and the parallel-saturation stage are part of the modeled circuit and are always active — they're what gives the unit its subtle low-end saturation, HF rolloff, and program-dependent harmonic character, rather than being separate controls.

Metering.

VU — Gain reduction metering.

Oversampling.

x2 / x4 / x8 — Anti-aliasing. Default x4.