FET Compressor MK II

A Ground-Up Remake Of An Eternal Favorite

Launched as the "fastest compressor in the world" with a 20-microsecond attack time, the classic hardware Softube modeled FET Compressor Mk II on is exceedingly popular and heard on countless hit recordings. With a FET gain reduction stage, Class A solid-state amplifiers, input and output transformers, beloved aggression, and tasty distortion, it's easy to see why. The FET Compressor Mk II keeps that original sound and character while supporting a DAW-based workflow. There may be more than 1176 emulations of this compressor on the market, but only their meticulously remodeled FET Compressor Mk II features Softube sound quality, extra features, and added control.

 Designed by Experts, Built on Legacy

Softube have been emulating professional audio gear for two decades. With partnerships with premium brands like Tube-Tech, Solid State Logic, Chandler Limited, and Marshall Amplification, they have a strong record of accurately recreating analog standards in software form. FET Compressor Mk II builds on this legacy, delivering nothing less than the same classic character as the original hardware, superior sound quality, and added modern features.    

The Glow Up

 FET Compressor Mk II gives you the lightning-quick, in-your-face character of the hardware, plus more modern features for a DAW-based workflow. You can use the two different drives, FET and transformer, together or separately. Dry/Wet, and a Sidechain section deliver more control and increased usability for mixing and mastering. With Stereo Link, you can toggle from Stereo Linked mode, with linked Left and Right gain reduction, to Unlinked Dual Mono for independent gain reduction for Left and Right channels. The High Frequency Make-up feature allows you to offset the minor loss of higher frequencies when compressing sound sources as varied as vocals, snares, kick drums, guitars, and more.  

In Short

• A complete and expertly executed remodel of one of the most popular analog compressors in the world
• Perfect for vocals, drums, and other sources that require considerable compression
• Added modern features, such as Drive, Stereo Link, a Sidechain section, a High Frequency Make-up feature, and Dry/Wet
• Authentically modeled All-buttons-in mode, or British mode

System Requirements

• macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13
• Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11
• Softube account
• iLok account
• Computer with AU, VST, VST3, and/or AAX-compatible DAW host software
• Internet access (for downloading installers and managing licenses)

Supported CPU Families 

• Apple macOS computers with Intel Core i3/i5/i7 or Apple silicon (M1 or newer) CPU. Apple silicon is supported natively. 
• Windows computers with quad-core Intel Core i3/i5/i7 or AMD quad-core processors with SSE 4.2 support.
• Other Intel processors (Celeron, Pentium, and Xeon) are compatible if they support SSE 4.2 instructions. 

Supported Host Software (DAW)  

Any 64-bit VST, VST3, AU, or AAX (Pro Tools 11.0.2 or higher) compatible host application should work. However, due to plug-in host differences between DAWs—and our rigorous standards—Softube only officially test their plug-ins and instruments in the most recent versions of Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One, and Reaper. Softube plug-ins are not tested regularly in non-listed systems. They will likely work if the system requirements are met. However, the manufacturer cannot guarantee a solution for issues in unsupported systems. 
  
Softube strongly recommend using VST3, as some of their plug-ins have features that are not present in the older VST format. Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz, in both mono and stereo. The most recent maintenance release of your DAW application is recommended. AAX DSP is not currently in active development. TDM/VENUE/RTAS are no longer supported. See Legacy Installers.

Important Note: Make sure that you always use the latest iLok License Manager. It is not included in the Softube installer but can be downloaded from www.ilok.com​