AS 1973 FET Compressor

Updated on 5 May 2025. Built it in v4.0 and a first pass at this device. See notes below. Enjoy! 

Here is something new - I like the sound of the Drawmer mastering compressor and I found a manual for the hardware version of the 1973 FET Three-Band Stereo Compressor and thought I'd have a go at making my own version as a Bitwig Studio preset. My approach was to replicate the programme driven ratio response curves for each band and to put a low level of saturation on the each band that is applied as the gain is brought up. 

Recommended usage:

1. Start with the preset as shown below.

2. Adjust the Thresholds for each band to suit your taste. Try the Mute option to silence the other bands to isolate the frequencies you are interested in with the Low and High X Over controls.

3. Adjust the Attack and Release to fit your goals.

4. Apply Gain to each band as needed.

5. Big will mix some of the low band back in and Air will do the same for the upper range.

If you are not a fan of the saturation stage you can adjust these or turn them off (they are in the FX tanks for each band). You can push it pretty hard and the Peak Limiter at the end of the device chain will keep it at -0.3db. 

Is it the same as an expensive plug in that requires iLok or some other licensing software? No. Is it the same as the hardware model? Most likely not at all since I've not had the pleasure to operate one. Does it do something that makes me happy? Yes! Maybe you'll enjoy it too - grab a copy from the link below.

AS 1973 FET Comp v1.0 (Bitwig v4.0+ fxGrid Preset) 

Warning: can produce frequencies and volumes which may damage hearing, audio gear and speaker coils. Be kind to your ears and gear.