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MJUC is the most effortful Klanghelm plugin to date.
It took almost two years of extensive, dare I say "excessive", research and development. To create MJUC I've researched and analyzed each and every variable-mu implementation I could get my hands on to get the best of tube compression into a single processor. In order to do the diversity of this compression topology justice, three different models have been built. These are kind of a time travel though the history of tube compression to capture the essence of each generation. Each model has its own dedicated signal path and dedicated control set. If desired you can tweak the overall tone and saturation of each model with the unique TIMBRE and the DRIVE control. DRIVE controls the load of the input and output transformers as the saturation of the tube gain stages, if applicable. The TIMBRE extends MJUC's use as a tone shaping device.
MJUC is the first Klanghelm plugin, that's built with the help of a new framework. That's brings a lot of new usability features such as GUI-resizing, AB-ing and a feature-rich platform independent preset browser with save/copy/paste/save-as-default functionality. Furthermore it's possible to tweak the knob behavior, enable tooltips, show/hide value labels and more. All these features will find their way to the existing Klanghelm plugin as soon as possible.
Model Mk1 is based on the very early variable-mu designs from the 50s. Due to its extremely high control voltage it doesn't impart any audible "thumping", most other variable-mu designs suffer from at high GR and fast timing constants. Also it has a very simple signal path, where the compression happens directly in the audio path. The result is a very natural compression character with very little distortion. The arrangement of four variable-mu stages add to the incredibly dense and thick nature of Mk1. Mk1 is the most colored of MJUC's models.
Model Mk2 is built upon the more complex designs of the 175 and 176 from the early 1960s, the all-tube-predecessors of the classic 1176 FET compressor. It offers four ratios, a density switch, that enables a second variable-mu stage and reduces the program dependence of the attack and recovery timings to a minimum. Furthermore, it lets you activate the interstage transformer to reduce overall noise and distortion and making the compression more accentuated. Compared to Mk1 the second model is less Jazz and more Rock'n'Roll with enhanced generated harmonics and a more forward sounding character.
Model Mk3 is the least colored and most Hi-Fi-sounding model in MJUC. It is Klanghelm's modern interpretation of this compression topology. The only design idea derived from another modern famous variable-mu comp is, that it's circuitry is done entirely differential, making the unit very quiet and almost distortion-free. But the real special thing about this model is, that the actual compression is done by two different variable-mu stages, which kind of work against each other, one works feedforward, while the other in a feedback configuration. This results in a attack accentuating, punchy compression, surprisingly closer to a British G type bus comp than to a 670.
I started with Klanghelm's free MJUCjnr as I wanted a more characterful warm tube compression effect not unlike a Fairchild 670, as I loved the sound of all the various 670 dems and reviews I'd watched, but thought them all pricey - too risky a purchase for the money being asked ($100ish)
The free MJUCjnr seemed to give this warm Fairchild-ish quality as it's a Vari-mu compressor, which I'd learned a surprising amount about after studying loads of 670 plug youtube dems.
Vari-mu compression was virtually unknown to me previously, but sounded so lush in the 670 dems I'd heard.
From a casual download and try-out, I quickly found I loved MUJCjnr's warm thick sound and was using it on almost everything as it lifts everything up in such a seamless feeling way that never seemed to spoil the music.
It almost never sounded wrong, and was awesomely easy to use. It always just seemed to work.
This is apparently due to the different ways a vari-mu automatically responds & adapts whatever input level you drive it with.
So I sprang for the full paid up MUJC.
Fabulous buy.
The paid version includes the all important attack/release preset knob, as on a 670,. This is really fun to use once an overall input drive is set. It's an important feature that the free MUJCjnr lacked. The latest version also has AutoGain which is nice to have in a budget priced plug.
Also got 2 additional vintage style comps in the pack, but find the Tube version vari-mu 670 effect is still my favourite.
Nonetheless having two alternative compressors readily available, a click away within the same plug, is quite handy for AB comparisons.
I can't pretend to know how accurately the MUJC matches the original Fairchild 50s limiter, but I do know I like what I'm hearing. It's a sound I've been after for a while. Warm, rich, never harsh.
Even driven hard it never seems to upset the music, and the tube character is so wonderfully warm and thick without ever getting gritty.
And even when driven very lightly it still adds subtle tube warmth.
It works on individual tracks and works fine on any mixbus, and increasingly also on my master bus, normally the sacred territory of my Sonible Smart Comp.
If you're looking for a Fairchild 670 sim on the cheap then maybe this is it. A genuine pro quality plug for little money. The Beatles always used it, which was what drew me in the first place.
Trying out the freebie MUJCjnr is worth the bother as you get to hear the essential 670 sound, certainly enough to make a decision over whether this is the right thing for you.
I don't normally write reviews anymore, but MUJC has been such a success for me, I thought to share my feelings with you.
Reviewed By Manbombchoi [all]
May 22nd, 2021
Version reviewed: 1.4.2 on Windows
I really wanted a different compressor from the DAW native I was using. I put in research, I found some compressor plugins on sale, and then I found MJUC. For a little bit of money, you're being given three different compressors with their own character, a really cool UI, and a rich sound. The dedication that went into this VST is incredible (you can read about it on the website for Klanghelm) So really what you're getting is a world class compressor plugin that doesn't cost $300 or more. That is so cool. Tipping my hat to you Klanghelm.
Reviewed By sergeyotro [all]
October 10th, 2019
Version reviewed: 1.0.1 on Windows
Awesome compressor, a go to for vocals. Beautiful saturation, easy controls. Love it! And actually there are 3 compressors in one, each with it's own character.
$79.00Comp VCA-65
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