Shadow Hills Compressor Alternatives: The Monolithic Mastering Compressor
Other options for mixing and mastering compression.
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Shadow Hills Compressor Alternatives: The Monolithic Mastering Compressor · Source: Universal Audio
We look at different Shadow Hills Compressor Alternatives that you can use both inside and outside of your DAW, for mixing and mastering.
In this Article:
The Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor
Peter Reardon’s Shadow Hills Industries launched the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor in 2008, a monster 5U compressor that would even make the mighty Fairchild shake in its boots. This masterpiece of studio engineering offers a versatile chain of dynamics processing, with optical and VCA compression, and a choice of nickel, iron, and steel output transformers for adding different sonic characteristics.
Because of its modular design and stereo/dual-mono flexibility, the Shadow Hills MC can be used for more than just mastering, and this is why it is one of the most sought-after pieces of studio gear available to this day.
However, at nearly $10,000, excluding the power supply (an extra $1000), it’s hard for the average user to justify the level of investment, unless you’re offering mixing and mastering as a professional service. Luckily, there are other alternatives, so let’s check out some other viable software and hardware options for a range of different workflows.
Shadow Hills Compressor Alternatives: Brainworx and Universal Audio
At only a fraction of the cost, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is available natively as a Brainworx plugin, or as a UADx plugin for your Apollo or Satellite DSP acceleration system. There are, in fact, two versions of the Shadow Hills MC plugin from Brainworx: a basic version with all the standard features, and a Class-A version modelled on a limited edition version of the Shadow Hills MC.
With the Class-A version of the Brainworx plugin, you also get a range of extra features such as mid-side processing, parallel compression, a variable sidechain high-pass filter, a stereo width control, a monomaker control, and a headroom control. This opens up the possibilities, particularly for mastering, as you can take a range of different approaches with a single plugin.
Meanwhile, Brainworx also collaborated with Universal Audio to create the UADx version, which will do all the heavy lifting instead of your native system. Overall, the plugin version of the Shadow Hills MC is so popular because of its versatility inside a DAW, as you can have one on every channel with different settings, something you could never do IRL. Get it at Thomann.*
Shadow Hills Compressor Alternatives: DOCtron IMC
At 15 kg and 5U, you won’t be lugging the Shadow Hills Compressor to your next club gig. However, the DOCtron IMC is a versatile dynamics processor that can help you achieve loud, thick, and punchy masters wherever you are. The IMC was actually designed by Martin Stimming, an electronic music artist who needed a mastering processor for his DAW-less live shows.
The IMC provides an API 2500-style VCA compressor with sidechain input and feedforward/feedback modes, as well as a Lundahl transformer saturation stage for adding grit and warmth. Also, the IMC has a 2-band shelving EQ (60 Hz and 12 kHz) and a built-in headphone amplifier for use on stage.
While the IMC doesn’t offer the same level of dynamics control as the Shadow Hills Compressor, you can still use it in studio for mastering applications or in mixing to process your drum bus. Overall, it provides decent value for the price, and it’s also available as a module for the 500 series format. Get it at Thomann.*
Shadow Hills Compressor Alternatives: Chandler Limited EMI TG12413 Zener Limiter
If you already own a nice VCA compressor to take care of the transient-grabbing side of the equation, you’ll need to add a decent opto compressor if you want to get into the same ballpark as the Shadow Hills Compressor. The Zener Limiter gives you a combination of Fairchild-like limiting and TG opto compression, as well as another intermediate setting with faster release times.
There are no threshold or ratio controls, so all you need to do is boost the input gain to achieve more aggressive limiting. Also, the THD setting disengages the limiter and allows you to introduce the harmonic distortion from the circuitry in a most pleasing way. Meanwhile, the variable sidechain filter lets you preserve the low-end for modern mastering applications.
Overall, the beauty of a piece of gear like this is its versatility. You can use it in your mastering chain, track vocals through it, or use it as an insert in your DAW. The ability to run one channel into the other opens up possibilities when it comes to processing a wide range of individual instruments in your mix. The TG Opto is also available as a rackmount and 500 series module. Get it at Thomann.*
Shadow Hills Compressor Alternatives: elysia alpha compressor
It’s hard to believe that the alpha compressor was the first piece of gear that elysia released onto the market, but this proved the perfect product to establish exactly what the innovative German manufacturer stands for. The alpha is a VCA mastering compressor with stereo, dual-mono, and mid-side operating modes, parallel processing, and a range of features that make it useful for any style of music.
For different characteristics, the compressor can be set in feedback or feedforward modes, and there is a useful program-dependent auto-fast function for the attack and release times. By far, one of the most intelligent features is the sidechain filter that lets you precisely adjust the compressor’s detection bias toward the high or low frequency range.
If you consider that the alpha compressor was launched in 2008, the inclusion of features like soft clipping and an optional transformer saturation circuit was visionary because of how popular they are with DAW users today. When compared to the Shadow Hills Compressor, it’s a different beast altogether sonically, but it’s in a similar price bracket and a worthy alternative. Get it at Thomann.*
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