CUBASE - THE TUBE COMPRESSOR - Plugin Friday

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the Tube Compressor plugin in Cubase, a powerful tool that emulates vintage compression, similar to the famous LA2A. This compressor is particularly effective for sustained instruments like bass, piano, and vocals, and can also be a great addition to your mix bus. By the end of this guide, you will understand how to set up and utilize the Tube Compressor to enhance your audio projects.

Step 1: Accessing the Tube Compressor

• Open Cubase and load your project.
• Go to the mixer view by pressing F3 or selecting it from the menu.
• Locate the channel strip for the audio track you want to apply the compressor to.
• Click on an empty insert slot (usually labeled as "Insert") and select "Dynamics" from the dropdown menu.
• Choose "Tube Compressor" from the list of available plugins.

Step 2: Understanding the Interface

• Familiarize yourself with the Tube Compressor interface, which typically includes the following controls:
  • Threshold: Sets the level at which compression begins.
  • Ratio: Determines how much compression is applied once the threshold is exceeded.
  • Attack: Controls how quickly the compressor responds after the threshold is crossed.
  • Release: Sets how quickly the compressor stops working after the signal falls below the threshold.
  • Gain: Allows you to boost the output level after compression.

Step 3: Setting the Compression Parameters

• Adjust the Threshold: Start by lowering the threshold until you hear compression being applied. A good starting point is to set it around -10 dB.
• Set the Ratio: For a more vintage sound, try a ratio of 4:1 or 2:1. This will give you a smooth compression characteristic.
• Fine-tune Attack and Release:
  • Set the attack time to about 30-50 ms for sustained instruments. This allows transients to pass through while still compressing the overall signal.
  • Set the release time to 100-200 ms to maintain a natural sound. This helps the compressor recover smoothly.

Step 4: Using Makeup Gain

• After applying compression, you may notice a decrease in overall volume. Use the Gain control to boost the output level.
• Adjust the makeup gain until the output level matches or slightly exceeds the input level, ensuring your track remains dynamic and lively.

Step 5: Applying to the Mix Bus

• To apply the Tube Compressor to the mix bus:
  • Navigate to the master channel in the mixer.
  • Insert the Tube Compressor in the same way as you did for the individual tracks.
  • Use lighter settings (e.g., a lower ratio and higher threshold) to subtly glue the mix together without overpowering it.

Conclusion

The Tube Compressor in Cubase is a versatile plugin that can add warmth and character to your audio tracks. By adjusting the threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain, you can achieve a vintage compression sound that enhances your mix. Experiment with these settings to find the perfect balance for your specific tracks, and consider applying it to the mix bus for an overall polished sound. For further learning, check out additional resources on compression techniques and Cubase functionalities.