Rescue MK2
Key Features
- Mid/side transient processing with independent control over center and stereo content
- Stateful signal saturation algorithms that respond dynamically to input for smoother, more musical distortion
- Analog mode adds hardware-like coloration including subtle noise and nonlinear signal behavior
- Width control for natural stereo widening without phase artifacts
- Ramp parameter to shape transient pass-through and control saturation onset timing
- Dual gain staging modes (0 dBFS and -18 dBFS RMS) for flexible integration into different mixing workflows
- Switchable mid and side bypass for precise A/B comparison of each channel's processing
Description
Rescue MK2 by Variety Of Sound is an analog-modeled signal designer built around mid/side transient processing. It splits incoming audio into mid and side channels, then applies envelope-dependent saturation and transient shaping to each independently, giving you detailed control over stereo depth and imaging.
The plugin uses stateful signal saturation algorithms that respond dynamically to the input signal, producing smoother harmonic distortion that reacts more like analog hardware than typical static waveshapers. This approach preserves the liveliness of transients even under heavy processing.
In Analog mode, the signal path introduces additional coloration reminiscent of hardware signal chains, including subtle noise and nonlinear behavior. The Width knob provides natural stereo widening on program material, while the Ramp control lets more transients pass through by delaying the onset of saturation.
Rescue MK2 supports multiple gain staging modes at 0 dBFS and -18 dBFS RMS, making it adaptable to both modern and gain-staged mixing workflows. Running multiple instances across a session at conservative settings is recommended for cumulative analog character rather than pushing a single instance hard.
Version 2.1 improved high sample rate support with corrected filter coefficient computations and critical processing paths running at higher internal sample rates. A detailed PDF manual is included with the download.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rescue MK2 available in 64-bit?
Rescue MK2 is a 32-bit VST plugin only. To use it in modern 64-bit DAWs, you need a bridge application such as jBridge or Bridgewize. Many users report successful bridging with no performance issues.
What is stateful saturation and how does it differ from standard saturation?
Stateful saturation algorithms take into account the signal's recent history rather than processing each sample independently. This means the distortion character adapts to the dynamics of the input, producing smoother transient handling and more natural harmonic behavior that closely mimics analog hardware.
What does the Ramp control do in Rescue MK2?
The Ramp control delays the onset of the saturation effect, allowing more of the original transients to pass through before processing kicks in. Higher Ramp values preserve more of the attack character of drums and percussive elements while still applying saturation to the sustained portion of the signal.
Can Rescue MK2 be used on individual tracks or only on the master bus?
It works well on both individual tracks and the master bus. The developer recommends using multiple instances across a session at moderate settings rather than pushing a single instance hard, which builds up cumulative analog character across the entire mix.
