Shy audio has announced the release of Shy 90s Smack, a new dynamics processor designed to bring the distinctive sound of 90s VCA compression to modern digital audio workstations. This plugin, available in AU, AAX, and VST3 formats, is modeled after a fast and aggressive “dirt” compressor known for its punchy character, particularly on drum machines within electronic music productions. It aims to deliver that unmistakable grab and pump often associated with the era, providing a powerful tool for producers seeking a vintage yet versatile sound.

Versatile Dynamics Processing

The core of Shy 90s Smack lies in its versatile dynamics capabilities. It functions not only as a compressor but also integrates a de-esser, an expander mode, and a peak limiter. The de-esser, for instance, operates with its own independent detector circuit, ensuring precise control over harsh high frequencies without impacting the main compression. Furthermore, the expander mode allows for increased dynamic contrast, while the peak limiter, featuring a switchable slow response, helps to catch transients effectively. This comprehensive suite of tools makes it a valuable addition to any mixing or mastering chain.

Unique Mojo Control and Sidechain Capabilities

A notable feature is the Mojo control. This unique parameter alters the way the detector drives gain reduction. Lower settings provide a smoother, more transparent action, whereas higher settings introduce a faster, denser, and increasingly distorted compression character. This allows users to dial in anything from subtle glue to extreme saturation and aggression, mimicking the drive characteristics of classic hardware units. The “Max Mojo” setting, in particular, replicates an original hardware-style behavior, offering a specific vintage flavor. Consequently, users gain extensive control over the plugin’s sonic footprint.

Shy 90s Smack also incorporates an OLED-style Sidechain EQ with a built-in FFT analyzer. This intuitive touchscreen-like interface enables precise shaping of the detector signal. Users can apply high-pass, low-pass, and peak-band filtering to determine which frequencies trigger the compressor or expander. Moreover, this sidechain functionality extends to an external input, offering flexible control over how the unit reacts to other elements in a mix. The visual feedback from the live FFT helps in making informed decisions quickly, streamlining the sound design process.

For producers working in electronic music, the plugin offers a pathway to the “golden era” sound. Artists like Fabian Garrido praise its ability to nail the original hardware’s behavior while adding modern conveniences. Conor Dalton appreciates its intuitive design for quick decision-making in mixing and mastering. The plugin’s make-up stage can be pushed into soft-clipping for additional warmth and loudness, and a phase-aligned mix control facilitates seamless parallel processing. Overall, Shy 90s Smack positions itself as a comprehensive tool for dynamic processing, blending vintage character with contemporary workflow enhancements, thus making it relevant for a broad range of applications.

Features

• Compressor, limiter, expander, and de-esser in one unit
• Mojo control for detector speed and drive
• Auto Release for program-dependent recovery
• Peak limiter with switchable Slow mode
• External sidechain input
• Sidechain EQ display with FFT analyzer, HP, LP, and peak band control
• Make Up Gain with soft-clipping
• Clean final Output Trim
• Phase-aligned Mix control for parallel processing
• Gain reduction / expansion and output peak metering
• Selectable oversampling: Off, 2x, 4x, Minimum Phase, Linear Phase

Price
29.00 €

More info: Shy audio | Shy 90s Smack