AnalogChannel

AnalogChannel is a VST3 channel strip plugin designed for mixing engineers who demand fast and characterful results in their workflow.

Each section provides carefully limited controls: fixed attack/release times, discrete frequency selections, and pre-configured parameters (both fixed and dynamic) working under the hood to deliver professional results with most source material. This is your go-to channel strip for fast, colored, musical mixing decisions.

It is not intended for surgical precision!

Built with faithful ports of legendary algorithms from Airwindows and classic JSFX processors. See CREDITS.md for details

Key Features

• Dual-Mono Architecture: Left and right channels process independently, enabling analog channel modeling through the Channel Variation system
• Channel Variation System: Emulates natural component tolerances in analog consoles with 48 unique channel presets (see UserManual.md for details)
• Independent Bypass: All sections feature smooth 10ms crossfade CPU-efficient bypass, for A/B comparison without clicks and resource optimization.
• Flexible Signal Routing: Style Comp. can be placed pre or post-EQ, filters can be routed post-OutStage for creative effects
• Comprehensive Metering: Input/output peak meters plus dedicated GR meters for dynamics sections
• Full DAW Automation: All parameters support VST3 automation and MIDI control
• Zero Latency: Real-time processing suitable for tracking and mixing

Processing sections:

• Input stage saturation: 4 modes to choose between Clean (digital gain), Pure (transparent saturation), Tape (vintage reel saturation with flutter and head bump), and Tube (3-stages asymmetric harmonics); DSP ported from AirWindows
• HPF/LPF filters with "Bump" option (higher Q factor) and switchable slopes
• "Clean" Compressor: Transparent peak control for taming dynamics before EQ
• Low Dynamic custom design section: Dual-mode dynamics processor for signals below the threshold; a custom 1-knob approach that works as either a downward expander/gate or an upward compressor
• 4 bands EQ with custom design: Musical baxandall shelving + parametric EQ, using custom curves with dynamic Q (similar to an API-style EQ); Mid-Cut control for precise mid-range shaping added to the original baxandall shelves.
• Style Compressor with Two character compression modes: "Warm" (optical CL1B-style) that with the coloration and adaptive attack/release time adds warmth, glue and vibes, and "Punch" mode to enhance the initial parts of the transients on percussive elements
• Console Emulation: Choose one of the magic console tones between Essex (Neve), Oxford (SSL style), and USA (API); DSP ported from AirWindows
• Output Stage - Final stage with saturation and clipping options (Hard/Soft); DSP ported from AirWindows

For detailed features, usage examples and in depth technical information, read the UserManual.md

If you like AnalogChannel, please consider supporting the project: https://buymeacoffee.com/oz3watvqah

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License: GPL v3 | Developer: Filippo Terenzi - KuramaSound | Formats: VST3 (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Linux build and install

AnalogChannel now ships with a CMake-based build that works on Linux (VST3 + optional standalone test host).

Prerequisites

• JUCE 7.x available either via juce-config package or a local JUCE clone (set JUCE_DIR=/path/to/JUCE)
• CMake ≥ 3.15
• Toolchain: build-essential (or clang), pkg-config, alsa/pipewire-jack dev packages, X11 dev headers

Quick build

# from the repo root
./scripts/build-linux.sh

This will configure + build in ./build/ and install to ~/.local (~/.local/lib/vst3/AnalogChannel.vst3). Override with PREFIX=/custom/prefix ./scripts/build-linux.sh.

Manual CMake invocation:

cmake -S . -B build -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release -DJUCE_DIR=/path/to/JUCE -DANALOGCHANNEL_STANDALONE=ON
cmake --build build --config Release --parallel
cmake --install build --config Release --prefix ~/.local

LV2 status

JUCE does not provide an official LV2 target. Bringing LV2 support would require an external wrapper (e.g. DPF/distribution or a JUCE-LV2 fork). No LV2 binary is produced in this repo, but the CMake layout keeps the code ready should such a wrapper be added later.

See CREDITS.md for detailed third-party algorithm attributions.