Arturia Comp Tube-STA

FAT BROADCAST SOUND
A reimagining of the legendary vacuum-tube powered Gates® STA-Level, a secret weapon for bass and vocals since the 1950s.

The Arturia TUBE-STA gives you a stunning recreation of the stalwart, valve-driven compressor that was the all-American workhorse of early broadcast and recording studios. With simple controls, dynamic performance, and gorgeous vintage tone, you can now own a piece of history as a software effect in your DAW.

Entering production in the ‘50s, the original Gates® compressor featured quirky non-linear attack and release that were very forgiving with almost any input. Its simple controls and fantastic, harmonically rich sound made it a favorite with radio and studio engineers, and now thanks to the power of Arturia’s exclusive TAE® modelling technology, it’s destined to become a favorite of yours, too. Analyzed, mapped out, and reborn as a software plugin, and powered up with new features that make this golden-age compressor a must-have for the modern producer.

Features

• Virtual recreation of famed classic tube compressor
• Original tube electronic path accurately modeled, using Arturia’s state-of-the-art TAE® analog modeling
• Original Single, Double and Triple modes
• Original variable Recovery parameter
• Additional Arturia’s creative side-chain features:
  • External side-chain source to trigger the compressor to an external source
  • 5 creative detection mode, including M/S processing
  • Advanced Side-chain EQ
  • Monitor Side-chain signal directly
• Dry/wet Mix knob for parallel compression
• Input-Output gain link switch
• Switchable Analog VU meter with 3 calibrations mode (-18dBFs, -12dBS, -8 dBFs)
• Analog clipping LED indicator
• Comprehensive set of presets
• A/B comparison setting
• Integrated tutorials and unique dynamic preset tips
• Resizable window
• State-of-the-art TAE® analog modeling

A boutique signal processor with a golden touch, the original STA-Level was well known for the intimacy, air, and subtle saturation it gave to any audio it treated. As it moved from TV and radio studios to more music-focused studios in the 60s and 70s, word got around that it had a killer sound on bass and vocals; having this awesome ability to transform weak bottom-end into fat, harmonically rich bass, and bringing voices to life. All this at the turn of one knob. Its simplicity was certainly part of its appeal, and while Comp TUBE-STA has been given a few modern touches, Arturia’s engineers have been faithful to the original, powerfully simple design.

If you want tube-tone and that magic vintage gear warmth to liven up your audio, Comp TUBE-STA could be exactly what you’re looking for.

What’s so special about Comp TUBE-STA?

Groove Machine
This bass and drum part ventures through some 15dB of tube compression. Your ears will ask for more! The Kick triggers the Bass Comp Tube-STA compression using the External Sidechain input.

Grand piano up close and personal
Grand piano up close and personal. Subtle glue and proximity added to this grand piano track using gentle Single Mode

Guitar heaven
On this acoustic guitar track, listen how the strumming is nicely fattened while retaining all the attack and details.

Vintage glue, still sticking tight
The Comp Tube-STA softens any drum bus. It’s not only about compression, it’s about character!

Silky Intimacy
The Comp Tube-STA is also at ease with classical tracks, bringing the piano further to the front while keeping the singer in place, thanks to Arturia’s Dual Mode side-chain detection.

Fat bass is good for your health!
For this electric bass line, the Comp Tube-STA brings a gentle touch of fatness and smoothing. The Triple mode gives a slight edge to its attack.

Retro Americana with a modern French accent
There’s no replacing that iconic tone of a driven vacuum tube, but in the modern era of pristine digital audio and sleek DAWs, that time-honored sound is often forgotten.

Because Comp TUBE-STA has been reworked as a software plugin, Arturia’s engineers were also able to integrate some contemporary features that make this compressor the best of both worlds: a simple, no-nonsense, great sounding compressor that you can use with modern setups and techiniques.

The top panel of the interface gives you access to all of the original controls. You can click to expand the plugin to and access its advanced, new features.