WesAudio ngBusComp

Analog VCA bus compressor with recall and digital automation

• 100% analog VCA stereo bus compressor with headroom up to +24 dBu
• Digital recall and full integration with DAW via plug-ins
• Stereo, dual mono and mid-side modes for maximum flexibility
• Quad VCA THAT 2181 for precise and musical compression
• Carnhill transformers with IRON mode for analog saturation
• MIX knob for parallel compression
• Variable THD control for adding harmonic character
• Sidechain filters with dedicated HPF and tilt filters
• Hardware A/B/C for instant comparison between three settings
• USB and Ethernet connection with analog automation in DAW

The WesAudio ngBusComp is an all-analog VCA stereo bus compressor designed to deliver the classic "mix bus glue" effect with the advanced control of modern hybrid workflows. With an all-analog audio path and digital control with instant recall, the ngBusComp combines the musicality of traditional hardware compressors with the flexibility of DAW integration.

WesAudio ngBusComp: analog bus compressor for mixing and mastering

For more than four decades, the stereo bus compressor has been a fundamental tool in professional mixing, used to unify and give cohesion to the mix. The ngBusComp takes this philosophy and expands it with advanced features such as mid-side modes, THD control, and full plug-in integration.

The circuit utilizes four THAT 2181 VCAs in the audio path and an additional VCA for each sidechain detector, providing precise compression, high headroom and extremely controlled dynamic response.

Stereo, dual mono and mid-side compression

The compressor can operate in dual mono, stereo or mid-side mode, providing an ideal level of flexibility for mix buses, stereo groups and mastering. Detector linking can be turned on or off at any time, allowing you to quickly switch between traditional stereo compression and independent controls on the two channels.

Mid-Side processing for stereo image control.

Mid-side mode allows different compression settings to be applied to the center channel and sides of the mix. This allows more targeted intervention in the stereo image, improving depth, width and balance of the mix.

Selectable output stages with Carnhill transformers

The ngBusComp offers two different selectable output stages to shape the sonic character of the compressor:

Balanced electronic output

Provides a more transparent and precise response, ideal for applications where the highest sonic fidelity is required.

IRON mode with Carnhill transformers

When IRON mode is activated, the signal passes through Carnhill transformers that add harmonic saturation and timbral depth. The IRON PAD control, a passive attenuator up to 15 dB in 1-dB steps, allows you to drive the transformer for more analog character.

Parallel compression and THD control

The MIX knob makes it easy to adjust parallel compression, mixing the compressed signal with the original signal. This function is especially useful for maintaining natural punch and dynamics in the mix.

Variable THD for analog saturation

The proprietary THD control allows you to add harmonic distortion that can be adjusted from 0% up to 8%, allowing you to go from very slight saturation to a more obvious analog character.

Advanced sidechain and dynamic control

The compressor incorporates selectable sidechain filters to shape compression behavior:

• High Pass filters at 60 Hz, 90 Hz and 150 Hz
• Two dedicated Tilt filters to shape the detector curve

An external sidechain is also available for each channel, allowing external signals to be used to control compression.

Digital recall and full DAW integration

The WesAudio ngBusComp offers Total Recall and complete control via plug-ins compatible with VST2, VST3, AU, AAX and AAX DSP. All parameters can be saved within DAW sessions and recalled instantly.

Analog automation and A/B/C compare

Analog automation allows you to dynamically control compressor parameters directly from the DAW. In addition, the hardware A/B/C feature allows you to quickly compare three different compressor configurations while working.

USB and Ethernet connection

The device can be connected via USB or integrated into the local network via Ethernet, allowing flexible management via dedicated WesAudio software.

Specifications.

• Type: analog VCA stereo bus compressor
• Maximum headroom: +24 dBu
• VCAs: 4 × THAT 2181
• Operating modes: stereo, dual mono, mid-side
• Compression ratios: 1.5:1, 2:1, 4:1, 10:1, INF
• Attack: 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30 ms
• Release: 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 s, Auto
• Sidechain filter: 60, 90, 150 Hz, T1, T2
• THD: adjustable from 0% to 8%
• Frequency response: 0 Hz - 300 kHz (-3 dB)
• THD+N: <0.03% (1 kHz, 0 dBu)
• Dynamic range: >120 dB
• Max input level: +24 dBu
• Max output level: +24 dBu
• Input impedance: >10 kOhm
• Output impedance: <50 Ohm
• Connection: USB and Ethernet
• Power consumption: 20 W
• Rack format: 3U
• Dimensions: 135 × 483 × 252 mm
• Unit weight: 7.95 kg
• Warranty: 2 years