Rivet
Key Features
- Input-driven FET compression with no threshold control, so compression intensity increases naturally as the Input stage is pushed.
- Five revision voicings cover gritty early behavior, colored AE warmth, smoother LN compression, modern F mode, and a cleaner H reference tone.
- Fixed ratio buttons include ALL, 20, 12, 8, and 4 settings, with AE substituting a 2:1 option for gentler compression.
- Fast reversed Attack and Release controls show approximate real-time values from 0.1-17 ms and 71-573 ms.
- Oversampled Drive stage, GR Limit control, and parallel Mix knob add harmonic color and compression blending without extra routing.
- Sidechain HPF, four-band detector EQ, external sidechain input, detector solo, and look-ahead/look-behind timing give detailed detector control.
- Linked stereo, dual mono, and M/S modes pair with analog-style GR VU metering, bar meters, curve/history displays, UI scaling, and 31 factory presets.
Description
Rivet is an input-driven FET compressor from GANUE Audio for Windows and macOS. Instead of a threshold knob, it follows the classic hardware workflow where Input drives the signal harder into gain reduction and Output brings the level back afterward.
The core draw is its Revision switch, which puts five 1176-family voicings in one plugin. The A, AE, LN, F, and H modes change ratio behavior, knee shape, detector response, and harmonic color, moving from gritty early-revision bite through warmer low-noise character to cleaner modern control.
Rivet also goes deeper than a minimal two-knob compressor. Fixed ratios include all-buttons-in behavior, attack and release are shown as real time values, Drive adds oversampled harmonic color, GR Limit can cap reduction or act as a color-only amp mode, and Mix handles parallel compression directly inside the plugin.
For precision work, the sidechain section includes a high-pass filter, four-band detector EQ with adjustable Q, internal or external sidechain input, and detector solo. Look-ahead and look-behind detection timing, up to 8x oversampling, linked stereo, dual mono, M/S operation, scalable UI, detailed metering, and 31 factory presets make it useful beyond simple vintage compression duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Rivet control compression without a threshold knob?
Rivet follows the classic FET compressor approach where the Input knob determines how hard the signal hits the compressor. Increasing Input creates more gain reduction and more character, while Output compensates for the level change afterward.
What do the five Revision modes change?
The Revision switch changes more than cosmetic tone. GANUE Audio says each mode alters ratios, knees, harmonic behavior, and detector response, so A, AE, LN, F, and H behave like different generations of the same FET compressor family.
Can Rivet handle modern sidechain workflows?
Yes. Rivet includes an internal or external sidechain, a sidechain high-pass filter, a four-band detector EQ with adjustable Q, detector solo, and look-ahead or look-behind timing options.
Does Rivet require iLok or online activation?
No. The developer states that Rivet has no iLok requirement, no online activation, and no locked features, although the download itself is delivered through Gumroad after entering an email address.
