SUCCESSOR Plug-in

The British diode-bridge compressor that changed the industry is now available as a plugin

When we released the SUCCESSOR stereo mix bus compressor it was a first in its class — finally allowing creative engineers, producers and musicians to apply warm, colorful and fat compression. Until its release, all that was previously available was clean and transparent VCA-based processors for these duties. While often adequate for the Mix Bus, they just don't have anywhere near the mojo, energy and vitality that the SUCCESSOR can offer; it’s diode bridge compression delivers a flavor you don’t get from FET, VCA, Vari-MU or optical compressors. 

Adopted early by top class engineers such as Chris Lord-Alge, the SUCCESSOR will let you feel how your separate tracks interact and blend together in a way not possible when master bus compression duties are relegated to the mastering stage.The Heritage Audio SUCCESSOR plug-in recreates all of the features that its outboard predecessor has… and more.

From subtle to in-your-face

Originally conceived for the mix bus, the SUCCESSOR has also become a popular choice for all the different aspects of music and sound production, including tracking sessions, subgroups, and the mastering stage. 

SUCCESSOR’s ultra-fast attack and release times allow for larger-than-life drum bus compression, while the sophisticated sidechain filters let you sculpt your mix in ways not possible on other compressors. Snare drums become more present; the stereo image widens… there is simply more natural room for tracks to breathe. 

From FET-like, all-buttons-in drum sounds (in stereo!) to VCA-style mix bus processing with added warmth and fatness, you’ll find myriad opportunities for the SUCCESSOR plug-in to make your mixes shine. Vocals will stand out in the mix without being overwhelming or mudding out your guitars or other instruments. The Blend control lets you dial in as much or as little of the SUCESSOR’s color as you would like. 

Going Nuclear

Warning! Things can get wild here! The newly added NUKE feature pushes the boundaries of traditional compression and takes your signals to the next level. An extra +20 dBs added right before compression forces a more extreme reaction, and then gives you control to make up any or all of the +20 dBs at the output stage… essentially taking the compressor into new territory and benefitting from its exaggerated response. NUKE drives the SUCCESSOR to work much harder and to produce more of the desired artifacts and character that it’s famous for. This can sound incredible, and is worth trying on most any material, as the results can be surprising!

Controls

• NUKE: Adds +20 dB before compression.

• THRESHOLD: With an extended range from +20dBu (fully clockwise) to -20dBu (fully counterclockwise).

• ATTACK: 6-position rotary switch to select attack times from ultra-fast 50 microseconds to a very gentle 20 milliseconds.

• SIDECHAIN FILTER: OFF, 80 and 160 Hz high pass, 800 Hz and 3 kHz bell type boost and5Khz low cut. These allow for unprecedented flexible tweaking of your compression on a 6-position rotary switch.

• BLEND ON: Activates the BLEND control function. If not used the signal is 100% wet.

• OUTPUT TRIM: Option to add up to +20 dBs more at the OUTPUT stage.

• GAIN REDUCTION VU METER: Measures gain reduction in dB and will light up when active.

• DYNAMICS IN: Engages dynamics processor.

• RATIO: From a very gentle 1.5:1 to a full LIMIT function. On a 6-position rotary switch.

• RELEASE: 6-position rotary switch controls RELEASE times from a super fast 25mS up to .4S with two automatic release times (fast on peaks & slower on sustained program material).

• GAIN MAKEUP: Restores any gain loss due to compression. Up to 10dBs in 2dB steps on a 6-position rotary switch.

• BLEND %: Allows you to set the exact amount of compression to be added. Fully adjustable between 100% WET and 100% DRY.

• POWER: Turns power ON.

Compatibility

• Plugin formats: VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit). 

• Platforms supported: 

  • Mac OS: 10.15.7 and up (Both INTEL and Native Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 Compatibility). 

  • PC: Windows 10 and 11

• DAWs supported: All major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, Reaper, Reason etc