PSPaudioware - PSP MasterComp v1.11.0 VST, VST3, AAX for Windows

• Dual Plugin Package (MasterComp & MicroComp):
  • PSP MasterComp: Flagship mastering processor with comprehensive controls for compression, expansion, filtering, and limiting.
  • PSP MicroComp: Low-overhead, streamlined edition tailored for track inserts and sub-mix busses during multi-track mixing.
• Proprietary FAT Double-Sampling Architecture: Frequency Authentication Technique double-sampling eliminates high-frequency cramping and anti-aliasing artifacts, ensuring complete acoustic transparency up to the highest sample rates.
• Smooth Level Detector Technology: Low-distortion detector algorithm designed to suppress unwanted intermodulation distortion and pumping during aggressive compression ratios.
• Mastering-Grade Dynamics Control: Continuous ratio and threshold controls supporting both transparent compression and dynamic expansion above threshold.
• Intelligent Auto Envelopes: Optional adaptive attack and release circuits that dynamically respond to program material transients.
• Comprehensive Channel Processing Modes: Independent matrix switching supporting Stereo, Mid/Side (M/S), Left-only, and Right-only routing.
• Integrated Brickwall Output Limiter: High-headroom peak limiter with automated release to protect final mixdowns from inter-sample clipping.
• Precision Analog Metering: Dual high-resolution PPM/VU meters with customizable ballistics, peak holds, and contextual Gain Reduction / Level readouts.

Transparent Dynamics for Mastering and Mixing
PSPaudioware PSP MasterComp was developed to resolve one of the most persistent dilemmas in digital audio engineering: achieving heavy dynamic control and density without crushing transient air or introducing harsh harmonic distortion. Operating with 64-bit double-precision math, MasterComp treats delicate acoustic details with surgical fidelity, functioning as an invisible leveling tool or as a musical bus glue compressor.

The core innovation driving MasterComp is PSP's proprietary FAT (Frequency Authentication Technique) double-sampling. By running internal detector and compression stages at double the session sample rate, the processor preserves phase linearity and prevents high-frequency cramping near the Nyquist limit.

MasterComp & MicroComp: A Tailored Two-Tier Workflow
The release provides two distinct modules designed for specific production stages:

1. PSP MasterComp: Houses the complete mastering suite, including sidechain high-pass/low-pass filtering, tilt EQ, sidechain linking, Mid/Side matrixing, upward/downward expansion, and brickwall peak limiting.
2. PSP MicroComp: Distills the core compression engine into a compact, CPU-friendly interface, ideal for dropping across dozens of drum groups, guitar stems, and vocal channels during tracking and mixdown.

Mastering & Dynamics Architecture:

• FAT Double-Sampling Engine:

  • Engages 2x oversampling across detector and dynamic gain cells (excluding the clean output limiter).
  • Preserves natural high-end sheen and transient clarity across high-resolution projects.

• Dynamic Range Modes (Compression & Expansion):

  • Compression: Smooth VCA-style leveling with soft/hard knee switching.
  • Expansion: Above-threshold expansion to restore life, punch, and dynamic punch to over-compressed mixes.

• Envelope & Detection System:

  • Smooth Level Detector: Minimizes low-frequency distortion and unwanted wave-shaping artifacts.
  • Auto Attack & Auto Release: Program-dependent timing adjustments that adapt to fast drum transients and slow ambient tails.

• Sidechain & Filter Matrix:

  • Dedicated low-cut and high-cut filters with frequency sweep controls.
  • Tilt Control: Spectral balance tilt for the internal detection path to prevent low-end energy from over-triggering high-frequency compression.
  • Channel Link: Continuously variable stereo linking from 0% (dual mono) to 100% (locked stereo).

• Channel Modes & Parallel Processing:

  • Channel Modes: Stereo (L/R), Mid (sum), Side (difference), Left, and Right.
  • Mix Control: Continuous 0% to 100% dry/wet balance knob for instant parallel compression.

Software Specifications:

• Supported Formats: VST2 (64-bit), VST3 (64-bit), AAX Native (64-bit)
• Internal Processing: 64-bit double-precision floating-point DSP
• Sample Rate Support: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 384 kHz
• Channel Configurations: Mono, Stereo, Dual Mono, Mid/Side

Compatible Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs):

• Image-Line FL Studio
• Ableton Live (All 64-bit versions)
• Steinberg Cubase / Nuendo
• PreSonus Studio One
• Cockos REAPER
• Bitwig Studio
• Avid Pro Tools (AAX Native 64-bit)

Installation Steps:

1. Run the installer executable (PSPaudioware_PSP_MasterComp_v1.11.0_Setup.exe) as Administrator (Right-click -> Run as administrator).
2. Select your desired plugin formats (VST, VST3, AAX) and destination folders.
3. Follow the setup wizard prompts to complete installation.
4. The release is pre-activated and cured; no license keys, serial numbers, or iLok authorizations are required.
5. Launch your DAW, perform a plugin rescan, and insert PSP MasterComp or PSP MicroComp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Q: What is the main operational difference between MasterComp and MicroComp?
  A: MasterComp includes the full mastering matrix (Sidechain EQ, Tilt, Mid/Side routing, Expander, and Limiter), while MicroComp streamlines the controls down to essential ratio, threshold, and envelope parameters for fast track/bus mixing.
• Q: Does the FAT double-sampling introduce latency?
  A: FAT engages linear-phase oversampling filters, which introduce a small, predictable sample delay that modern DAW automatic delay compensation (PDC) compensates for seamlessly.
• Q: When should I use the Tilt control in the sidechain section?
  A: The Tilt control allows you to bias the detector circuit toward higher or lower frequencies. Turning Tilt positive makes the compressor react more aggressively to harsh mid/high frequencies while letting heavy bass passes through uncompressed.