FET compressor
A FET compressor is a compressor that uses “field effect transistors”. It allows for incredibly fast attack times (down to 20 microseconds) and release times (down to 50 milliseconds). This compressor tends to introduce more distortion than other kinds, which gives it a characteristic sound.
The only FET compressor I can find lots of info about is the Urei 1176 so let’s talk about that. Some things to note about it:
- Introduces a “bright, gritty, present” character to any signal
- Best if used on individual instrument tracks
- Not very clean to use for bus compression
- It’s been used a lot
Plugins: