FrankCS
Key Features
- Five EQ bands drawn from Helios, Pultec, API, and Neve console designs with fully variable frequency selection
- Switchable solid-state and tube preamp models with automatic gain compensation
- Built-in compressor with dual detection circuits (solid-state and tube) for transparent or colored dynamics control
- Stepped compressor controls covering attack (0.5ms to 30ms), release (50ms to 2s), and ratio (1.5:1 to limiting)
- Oversampling mode for higher audio fidelity, engaged via the Analog Obsession logo
- Independent bypass buttons for the EQ and compressor sections for quick A/B comparisons
- Resizable interface from 50% to 200% with touchscreen support
Description
FrankCS by Analog Obsession is a channel strip plugin that combines EQ bands inspired by four legendary analog consoles into a single unified interface. Each band draws from a different vintage module — Helios for the low cut, Pultec for the low and high shelves, API for the mid band, and Neve for the high shelf — with fully variable frequency selection across all five bands.
The plugin evolved from its predecessor FRANK, which offered the same multi-console EQ concept but with fixed frequency points. FrankCS adds variable frequency control across every band, plus a selectable preamp section and a built-in compressor.
The preamp section lets you switch between solid-state and tube circuit models, each with compensated gain staging to keep levels consistent. The solid-state option delivers a cleaner, tighter response, while the tube setting introduces subtle harmonic warmth and saturation that works especially well on vocals and acoustic instruments.
The compressor section mirrors this dual-topology approach with solid-state and tube detection circuits. It offers stepped attack times from 0.5ms to 30ms, release times from 50ms to 2 seconds, and ratio settings ranging from gentle 1.5:1 compression up to hard limiting.
Oversampling is available by clicking the Analog Obsession logo in the interface, which processes audio at a higher internal sample rate for improved fidelity when driving the preamp or compressor harder.
The combination of four vintage EQ characters, dual preamp flavors, and a flexible compressor makes it a capable all-in-one mixing tool. The resizable interface scales from 50% to 200%, and independent bypass buttons on the EQ and compressor sections allow quick A/B comparisons during mixing.
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Tips
- Use the solid-state preamp for a cleaner sound and the tube preamp for added warmth and saturation.
- Experiment with different compressor settings to find the right balance between transparency and coloration.
- Utilize the independent bypass buttons to compare the processed and unprocessed signals.
- Engage the oversampling feature for higher audio quality, especially when working with high-frequency content.
- Adjust the frequency bands to tailor the EQ to the specific needs of your track, whether it's boosting the low end or cutting harsh mid frequencies.
- Save your preferred settings as presets within your DAW for quick recall in future projects.
- Use the resizable interface to fit your screen resolution and workflow preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vintage EQ models does FrankCS combine?
FrankCS draws each of its five EQ bands from a different classic console design. The low cut is Helios-inspired (H-Type), the low boost/attenuate and high attenuate are Pultec-style (P-Type), the mid band follows an API circuit (A-Type), and the high shelf is Neve-based (N-Type). This lets you use the best-sounding frequency range from each console in a single plugin.
How does FrankCS differ from the original FRANK plugin?
FRANK offered the same four-console EQ concept but with fixed frequency points for each band. FrankCS adds fully variable frequency selection across all five bands, a switchable solid-state/tube preamp section, and a compressor with dual detection circuits. It is essentially the full channel strip evolution of the original EQ-only concept.
What is the difference between the solid-state and tube preamp modes?
The solid-state preamp provides a cleaner, more transparent response that preserves the original signal character. The tube preamp introduces subtle harmonic saturation and warmth, which can add body to thin sources like DI guitars and vocals. Both modes include automatic gain compensation to keep levels consistent when switching.
How do I enable oversampling in FrankCS?
Oversampling is toggled by clicking the Analog Obsession logo in the plugin interface. When engaged, it processes audio at a higher internal sample rate for improved fidelity, which is particularly beneficial when driving the preamp or compressor harder. This does increase CPU usage.
