Maag and Brainworx team up for MAGNUM-K compressor & mastering processor

26 Jan 2019 by Lyubomir Dobrev | Approximate reading time: 1 Minute

· Source: Plugin Alliance

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Manufacturer Mäag Audio has teamed up with the gear modeling ninjas at Brainworx for a digital reincarnation of the former’s coveted MAGNUM-K channel strip. The original single-channel unit houses two compression circuits (Magnum Comp and K Comp), a bespoke parallel equalizer, and a soft limiting function.

Luckily, Brainworx didn’t stop at replicating the hardware. It practically invented a software sequel to it by adding Stereo (L/R or M/S), Stereo Width control, a so-called Mono Maker, and as many as 20 different-sounding “analog channels”. I’m not sure I understand what the last bit stands for, exactly. Looking at the plug-in, you get to choose between the 20 models for the Left and Right output channels, with an optional Digital mode and a random channel assignment button.

This functionality may not be immediately clear to me, but regardless, MAGNUM-K is a seriously powerful channel strip. I prefer calling it that instead of a mere compressor, given everything else it does beside compression. With all the stereo processing options, I can see it doubling as a capable mastering processor, too.

Since Maag and Brainworx collaborated on this project, the MAGNUM-K plug-in gets the full endorsement and approval from the hardware’s creators. Good stuff all-around!

Price and availability

Sold at an introductory price of USD 199, down from regular USD 299, MAGNUM-K works on Windows (32/64-bit) and Mac (64-bit) systems. A fully functional 14-day trial version can be downloaded after registering.