Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A

An exclusive upgrade to one of the most prestigious hardware compressors of today
Available exclusively via Plugin Alliance, enhanced with patented TMT modeling, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A Limited Edition is one of the rarest and most powerful high end compressors ever built. In 2012, Vintage King released the hardware version of the Class A, limiting production to only 50 units! Through patented TMT modeling, Brainworx has created an exacting emulation of this legendary hardware that improves on the original with expanded features and much punchier VCA.

Class A compression meets even sweeter transformers
With the limited-edition Mastering Compressor, Shadow Hills Industries included an updated Class A discrete compressor section utilizing Lundahl input transformers, as well as hand-wiring each compressor with Mogami Cable, an important factor when Brainworx Audio modeled one of these limited units as it gave the limited edition version a different character to the original. For this limited edition, Brainworx included its well-known retractable Extra Unit, featuring TMT, Mid-Side processing, Mono-Maker, Stereo Width, Parallel Mix and an additional Sidechain Filter.

Offers smoother compression and a faster, punchier tone at the same time
During rigorous shoot-out tests against the original Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor, our pro audio engineers observed time and time again that the Class A version features a smoother compression sound, a punchier VCA, more pronounced sonic dimension, and a larger sense of “size” and perceived depth.

An alternate, even fuller flavor from Shadow Hills
With the gain set to identical values on both versions of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, the Class A hardware version clocks in roughly 1-3 dB hotter, delivering a thicker and richer tone to whatever is running through it. To put it simply, this limited RED Class A version is punchier, faster and more versatile than the original GREEN version. Try GREEN for the Drum Buss and RED for the Master and you won’t be disappointed!

• Exacting emulation of the original Class A limited edition of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, endorsed by Shadow Hills Industries.

• Class-A discrete compressor section

• Stereo, dual-mono and M/S modes


• Separate Optical and Discrete compression sections for two-stage compression techniques.

• Switchable Output Transformers: Nickel, which adds a nice top-end sparkle; Iron, which adds a little character in the mids; and Steel, which adds additional harmonic distortion.

• Brainworx Plugin Only Features added to the additional panel including TMT, Headroom, M/S Processing, Mono-Maker, Stereo Width, Parallel Mix, Sidechain Filter, External Sidechain, Scalable User Interface.

• TMT — Brainworx patent-registered “Tolerance Modeling Technology” (US Patent No. 10,725,727)

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  Rich Tozzoli

  Grammy-nominated Producer, Mixer, & Composer (David Bowie, Carly Simon, Boston Pops)

  This thing is pretty ferocious! I have it on Discreet with Steel, adding a touch of Stereo Width, some Mono Maker and its ripping....I like that you can squeeze the Master Channel up to 3db and it… Read More

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  Michael Brauer

  7 Grammy Awards (Coldplay, John Mayer, The Rolling Stones)

  I love my customized Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, not only did Brainworx match it, but I have to admit, I wish it had all those extra cool features like the mono-maker, stereo width and the… Read More

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  Tue Madsen

  Music Producer & Sound Engineer (Meshuggah, Dark Tranquillity, Suicide Silence)

  This is such a powerful tool for compression. Instantly worked its way into the mixes I am working on at the moment and made me go back to a few to put it in there too. Very nice and round feel,… Read More

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  Lucas (Luke) Pimentel

  Grammy & Dove nominated, Gold, Platinum & Diamond awarded Mastering Engineer (Jeremy Riddle, Miel San Marcos, Marcos Witt)

  Wow, just wow!! The New Version of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor has taken this tool to a whole different level. With TMT and M/S features alone, this emulation is now replacing other… Read More

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  Robert Venable

  Producer and Sound Engineer (Megadeth, Twenty One Pilots, Kelly Clarkson)

  This plugin gives you a spot-on emulation of the top-dollar mastering compressor we all know and love, but can do things that the original can't! The headroom adjustment abilities, as well as M/S… Read More

• Well done

  ★★★★★

  by Kell

  May 26, 2024
  What an amazing tool!
  I was really surprised what it does on the mix bus. Immediately, things come together in pleasing way and it is easy to dial in the desired sound I'm looking for – very… Read More

• amazing

  ★★★★★

  by foxy grandpa

  March 18, 2024
  so i have to admit i am a bit of compressor collector. i love trying out different ones and seeing how they mold my sound. there are a few that have been my "go-to" throughout the years but this one… Read More

• The last 10%

  ★★★★★

  by Alan Brucke

  March 18, 2024
  This compressor took my test song to the next level. It’s a great way to get clean loudness. You can squeeze a couple more LUFS out of a master with ease. And it makes everything sound more alive.… Read More

• Top Compressor

  ★★★★★

  by MiamiDude

  March 11, 2024
  Great for mastering with tone, punch, and that 3D sound! Very versatile!

• COMP and Overall rating

  ★★★★★

  by Shunaiman

  January 16, 2024
  The compressor makes precise approximations work like magic.
  I express special respect to the Native Instruments and Alliance team for their subtle sense of everything.
  Special respect… Read More

Supported Plugin Formats
AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST2, VST3

Supported Operating Systems
macOS 15 down to macOS 12
Windows 11 down to Windows 10

Mac
Intel, or Apple Silicon

PC
x64-compatible CPU

System Requirements
Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher
Memory: 2 GB RAM