Elysia Alpha Compressor

The tool that set the standard for what a modern mastering compressor can be

The ultimate in sound quality and sophisticated control
The elysia´s alpha compressor set the standard for what an analog mastering compressor could be. Following its debut in 2008, it quickly became one of the most respected mastering-grade compressors of the modern era, thanks to its clean, high-rent sound, even at aggressive settings, and its unusual degree of flexibility.

Pristine sound, smooth response, unparalleled sensitivity
The hardware alpha compressor is coveted for its professional dynamics processing, featuring innovative functions and absolutely uncompromising sound quality. It set new standards for audio mastering thanks in part to its highly-responsive limiters and extra features like built-in Parallel Compression, an onboard M/S matrix, elysia’s signature EQ filters, and special modes including Auto-Fast, Warm, Soft Clip, Feedforward and Feedback, offering an endless array of tonal-shaping possibilities.

The highest quality audio paths
This 100% discrete class-A analog beast provides a degree of openness and clarity unmatched in the dynamics processing world. Every part of its signal processing is based on single transistors running in class-A mode. Even the sidechain and power supply use discrete circuits. All components are of the highest grade available and exclusively chosen according to their sonic excellence.

Clean and powerful, even at extreme settings
All these design features add up to an audio quality that is truly unrivaled. Even when extreme settings are used, the sound characteristics stay clean and powerful. The alpha compressor delivers the “this is it” feeling of a finished song. Its enhanced functions far exceed the potential of normal compressors, giving users previously unimagined options for mastering and mixing. No wonder it is considered a mastering studio gem.

Even more of a good thing in plugin form
Using Brainworx advanced circuit modeling techniques, the alpha compressor plugin captures every nuance of the original hardware, delivering it to your desktop where multiple instances of this beauty are available in just a few clicks. In addition to the full-blown Mastering version of the alpha compressor, Brainworx worked in close collaboration with elysia to develop a simpler Mixing version. This version eliminates some of the more advanced features to make it even easier to get great sounding compression quickly.

Features

• Provides the most sophisticated and complete set of dynamics control available.
• Maintains the character of the original source material even when extreme compression settings are applied.
• Integrated M/S Matrix: As an alternative to standard stereo operation, you can process M/S Stereo (mid and side signals), opening up completely new options for your work.
• Feed Forward & Feedback: Compression types can be individually chosen for each channel, making different compressors available with just a button push.
• Auto Fast: Switchable semi-automation consistently provides perfect attack and release based on adjustable values—even when working with complex material.
• Audio Filter: The Niveau Filter changes the proportions between high and low frequencies for added clarity and punch with zero harshness.
• Sidechain Filter: Onboard frequency selective compression, avoiding the need for complex routings and favoring an efficient workflow.
• Parallel Compression: Both direct and compressed signals can be blended as desired.

System Requirements

Mac

• macOS 13 down to macOS 10.11
• Intel, or Apple Silicon 

PC

• Windows 11 down to Windows 8
• x64-compatible CPU

Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher

Memory: 2 GB RAM

AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST2, VST3