New Music Gear Monday: United Plugins FirePresser Multi-Compressor Plugin

Many times a track requires multiple compressors to get it under control and we’ll mix different types, like an FET-style 1176 with an optical LA-2A, to make that happen. More processing means you’re using more computer resources, which can become a problem in a large mix. What if there was a compressor that combined all of the properties of the various types of compressors into one? Now there is with the new FirePresser from United Plugins.

The FirePresser combines four of the most popular analog compressor emulations into one, labeled as VARIMU (colored green), STRESS (colored red), DB160 (colored blue), and 76 (colored yellow). You have the ability to use each alone or blended together for something completely new.

These emulations can be placed in any order and infinitely blended together via the plugin’s “Rainbow Pad” that determines the amount of each compressor in the signal chain.

There’s more control available as well. Besides the standard input and output controls (on faders with +/- 24dB of gain), is a Dry / Wet control, Turbo and Saturator. Turbo increases input gain and compression level at the same time adding some extra squash, while the Saturator adds more analog-style saturation to color the signal.

For fine-tuning, there’s also a Detector section that allows you the link both input channels together, control the attack and release of all compressors at the same time, and high and low-pass filters. There’s also a smart bypass that ensures that you don’t get any clicks or noises when automating the parameter. Add to this a nice set of presets and you’re ready to go right away.

All in all the United Plugins FirePresser is an interesting package that takes an approach I don’t think we’ve seen before. The best part is that it carries an introductory offer of around $65 (after conversion from the Euro) that’s good for another week or so before the price goes up to $109. Of course there’s a free trial, it works on any platform, and operates at sample rates at 192kHz and beyond.

Find out more here, or check out the video below.

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