Black Rooster PS-VC1 Packs Six Vocal Modules Into One Plugin

Black Rooster Audio has released the PS-VC1, the first plugin of its Professional Series. It is a vocal channel strip built to speed up mixing. The plugin combines six modules on one panel: Low End, High End, Compress, Reverb, Echo and Width. Therefore, you can treat the whole vocal with one single tool instead of opening several plugin windows.

One signal path

The processing order is fixed. Each module follows the chain a vocal goes through. Low End removes rumble and proximity build-up first. The Compress module then takes care of dynamics. High End shapes the top and controls sibilance. Reverb and Echo place the voice in space, while Width handles the stereo image. This reduces the amount of technical decisions. As a result, the workflow gets simpler and faster.

Every module has four presets, a fader and a bypass. Consequently, each part of the chain can be tested individually. The compressor supports peak or vintage detection. Auto makeup gain removes the usual loudness difference. The bypass now compares the sound of the compression instead of the complex. Meanwhile, the plugin uses precise LED meters on both ends.

Built for modern studios

The Low End filter covers 20 Hz to 640 Hz. The High End module runs from 1.2 kHz to 20 kHz. The included reverb has a CPU-friendly algorithm, stretching from a small room to cathedral decay. Echo can be tempo-synced or free-running. It works well for slapback, rhythmic repeats and ambient tails. Width, in turn, uses all-pass, Haas or Hilbert algorithms to protect the mono compatibility.

Input gain ranges from -30 dB to +15 dB. A phase invert and a pan are also available. The output stage has the same range, with a second high-resolution meter. The global Power switch lets you bypass or engage the whole chain instantly. That makes the A/B testing quick and reliable. No menus or nested pages interrupt your progress.

The interface is scalable in seven sizes from XXS to XXL. It supports high-DPI displays on macOS and Windows. The plugin is available as UAD, VST, VST3 and Audio Unit format. Native Apple Silicon support is included. The regular price is $79. A free 14-day trial with full features is available.

Price
Regular: $79.00 USD
Also real: $79.00 USD

Potential limitations
The six-step order is locked, so it cannot be changed for unusual mix styles. Users accustomed to user-designed chains may feel restricted by the fixed path.

Features

One signal path with six modules: Low End, High End, Compress, Reverb, Echo and Width
Four presets per module
Fader and bypass for each module
Compressor with peak and vintage detection
Automatic makeup gain
Low band from 20 Hz to 640 Hz
High band from 1.2 kHz to 20 kHz
Efficient reverb from room to cathedral
Tempo-synced or free echo
Three Width algorithms: All-Pass, Haas and Direct
Input and output gain from -30 dB to +15 dB
Phase invert and input level
High-resolution LED metering
Seven interface sizes from XXS to XXL