Magenta 5 replicates a series of high-end tube processors hand-built in the USA. It works wonders on single sources like drums, percussions, guitars, analog synths, bass, and vocals, but functions as an ideal mastering processor as well. From hard compression to velvety equalization and tonal shaping, Magenta’s intuitive controls allow you to select the perfect “color” for your mix, resulting in a multi-dimensional listening experience your ears will thank you for.
With a retail price of over €6500, the tube equalizer we sampled for this fantastic suite of plugins is not cheap. Luckily for you, you don’t need to pony up for expensive hardware — the Magenta 5 EQ perfectly captures the even most complex nuances of the holographic stereo image of the original machine. Now you can have both a stereo and a mono version of this impeccable piece of equipment for a fraction of the price.
Magenta includes two different compressors, each offering an accurate reproduction of the original unit, and including 4 switchable compressor emulations (B, C1, C2, D1, D2) to provide you with total dynamic control.
Comp B combines both a Vari-Mu and an optical compressor in a single dynamic processor. The C1 is a full-blown Vari-Mu compressor: Handle this one with care!
While the Vari-Mu compressor mode has a “soft knee” starting with a 1:5:1 ratio, the sharper-knee “limit” mode of C2 starts at 4:1 and moves to a more dramatic ratio of 20:1 when limiting over 12dB. Though it sounds counter-intuitive the knee actually softens when the unit is pushed harder.
The D1 model is an optical limiter/comp emulation, but D2 is all about FET compression, offering much faster attack and release times.
Our unique approach to sampling individual preamps offers you the opportunity to add tons of mojo to your mixes. Play around with the “input trim” control on the Magenta preamp module and bask in the glorious effect that mastering-grade preamplification has on your recorded tracks.
Magenta is also available as a channel-strip compatible plug-in for Modula.
