DiodeCrush
Key Features
- Fully passive diode-bridge design voiced for heavy compression, sustain, pump, and dirt rather than broad utility processing.
- GAIN controls the clean signal level feeding the compressor, letting input level drive the effect's response.
- OUTPUT provides a dedicated clean output-level control for sensible gain staging after heavy processing.
- MIX blends dry and processed signals for fast parallel-style compression inside one plug-in instance.
- Dedicated BY control makes before-and-after comparisons straightforward.
- Resizable interface scales from 50% to 200% using the bottom-right handle.
- Version 1.0 is supplied in VST3, AU, and AAX variants for the listed macOS and Windows systems.
Description
DiodeCrush is Analog Obsession's deliberately narrow diode-bridge compressor for turning input level into hard squeeze, extended sustain, pump, and dirt. It is an effect for committing character rather than a neutral all-purpose dynamics processor.
GAIN sets the clean level feeding the compressor, OUTPUT restores level after processing, and MIX blends the processed and dry signals. That compact control set makes parallel-style drum-room, bass, guitar, vocal, and synth treatments quick to dial in while retaining a route back to the original transient.
The fully passive design is intended to be driven for a pronounced crushed response, so it is best approached as a color tool when a part needs density or movement. Use the bypass control to judge the effect at a matched output level, especially when increasing sustain makes a source seem louder.
Version 1.0 has a resizable interface that ranges from 50% to 200%. The official release supplies current macOS and Windows builds in VST3, AU, and AAX variants, including Apple Silicon support on the listed Mac build.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is DiodeCrush designed to be a transparent compressor?
No. Analog Obsession presents it as a fully passive, heavy-crush diode-bridge compressor with sustain, dirt, and pump as intentional parts of its sound. It is a better fit for audible dynamic shaping than subtle leveling.
What do the GAIN, OUTPUT, and MIX controls do?
GAIN is the clean input level feeding the compressor, OUTPUT is the clean output-level control, and MIX blends dry and processed signal. Together, they let you drive the character hard and then retain some of the original source in the result.
Can DiodeCrush be used for parallel compression?
Yes. Its MIX control blends the dry and processed signals in the plug-in, so a separate parallel bus is not required for that workflow. Start with a modest wet balance if you want to keep more of the initial attack.
How does the interface resizing work?
Drag the bottom-right handle to set the interface between 50% and 200%. A duplicated instance remembers its current GUI size, while a new instance opens at the default size unless you save your preferred size in a DAW default preset.
