LOADED
Key Features
- Custom 500 Series channel strip with five processors and a main control section
- Preamp with gain-compensated saturation, filtering, pad, phase, and line/mic options
- De-esser with shelf-shape or hard-mode behavior
- Gate with threshold, release, and fast-attack controls
- Four-band LF/LMF/HMF/HF equalizer with selectable mid-band frequencies
- Compressor with attack, fixed/auto release, threshold, ratio, and gain-reduction controls
Description
LOADED is Analog Obsession's custom 500 Series channel strip, combining a preamp, de-esser, gate, equalizer, compressor, and main control section in one plugin. The five processors are independent, each has its own bypass, and the main section can bypass the complete chain.
The preamp provides gain-compensated saturation, a high-pass filter, phase flip, pad, low/high Baxandall shaping, and selectable line or microphone-style operation. The de-esser and gate each offer threshold and release controls, with the de-esser also providing shelf or hard-mode behavior.
LOADED's equalizer uses four bands: LF, LMF, HMF, and HF, with selectable peak frequencies for the two mid bands. The compressor adds fast or slow attack, fixed or auto release, threshold, ratio, and gain-reduction control, while the input and output controls sit in the main section.
The signal order is fixed rather than freely routable, so LOADED is best approached as a complete channel-strip workflow. It suits vocal cleanup, drum shaping, guitar and bass tracking, and broad mix-bus tone where several everyday processors in one window are more useful than building a chain from separate plugins.
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Tips
- Use the preamp to add analog warmth and saturation to digital recordings.
- Apply the de-esser to vocal tracks to reduce harsh sibilance.
- Utilize the noise gate to clean up recordings by removing background noise.
- Adjust the equalizer to shape the tonal balance of your mix.
- Use the compressor to control dynamic range and add punch to your tracks.
- Experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance for your mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rearrange LOADED's processors?
No. The developer manual says there is no internal routing for creating different chains, so the modules remain in their fixed signal order.
What does the preamp section include?
The preamp has gain-compensated saturation, a bypass, high-pass filtering, phase flip, a -20 dB pad, low/high Baxandall shaping, and selectable line or microphone-style operation.
How does the compressor section work?
The compressor provides fast or slow attack, fixed or auto release, threshold, ratio from 1.5 to 20, and gain-reduction control. Input and output level controls are in the main control section.
What are the de-esser and gate controls?
Both modules include bypass, threshold, and release controls. The de-esser can use shelf-shape or hard-mode behavior, while the gate includes a fast-attack option.
