Klanghelm has announced the release of MJUC, a compressor effect plug-in for Windows and Mac.
After almost 2 years of excessive research and development the new Klanghelm compressors are finally released.
In order to do the diversity of the variable-mu compression topology justice, three different models have been build. These are kind of a time travel though the history of tube compression to capture the essence of each generation. Unlike most original designs, MJUC’s models consist of up to 4 (interacting) variable-mu stages. Each model has its own dedicated signal path and dedicated control set.
MJUC is the first Klanghelm plugin, that’s built with the help of a new framework. That’s brings a lot of new usability features such as GUI-resizing, AB-ing and a feature-rich platform independent preset browser with save/copy/paste/save-as-default functionality. Furthermore it’s possible to tweak the knob behavior, enable tooltips, show/hide value labels and more. All these features will find their way to the existing Klanghelm plugin as soon as possible.
MJUC features
- Model Mk1 is based on the very early variable-mu* designs from the 50s. Due to its extremely high control voltage it doesn’t impart any audible “thumping”, most other variable-mu* designs suffer from at high GR and fast timing constants. Also it has a very simple signal path, where the compression happens directly in the audio path. The result is a very natural compression character with very little distortion. The arrangement of four(!) variable-mu* stages add to the incredibly dense and thick nature of Mk1. Mk1 is the most colored of MJUC’s models.
- Model Mk2 is built upon the more complex designs of the 175 and 176 from the early 1960s, the all-tube-predecessors of the classic 1176 FET compressor. It offers four ratios, a density switch, that enables a second variable-mu* stage and reduces the program dependence of the attack and recovery timings to a minimum. Furthermore, it lets you activate the interstage transformer to reduce overall noise and distortion and making the compression more accentuated. Compared to Mk1 the second model is less Jazz and more Rock’n’Roll with enhanced generated harmonics and a more forward sounding character.
- Model Mk3 is the least colored and most Hi-Fi-sounding model in MJUC. It is Klanghelm’s modern interpretation of this compression topology. The only design idea derived from another modern famous variable-mu* comp is, that it’s circuitry is done entirely differential, making the unit very quiet and almost distortion-free. But the real special thing about this model is, that the actual compression is done by two different variable-mu* stages, which kind of work against each other, one works feedforward, while the other in a feedback configuration. This results in a attack accentuating, punchy compression, surprisingly closer to a British G type bus comp than to a 670.
MJUC for Windows and Mac (VST/AU/RTAS/AAX) is available for purchase for the introductory price of 24 EUR.
Klanghelm has also released MJUC jr., a mix of Mk1 and Mk2 of its big brother MJUC.
It’s a variable-mu** design with lots of vibe. capable of smooth leveling but also heavy pumping effects. With its two gain stages and interstage transformer simulation it offers a very deep and lively soundstage.
The three-position timing switch not only controls the attack and release times of the unit, but also the slew rate of the transformers and the timing of the other parts of the circuitry, that are directly influencing the generated harmonics (saturation).
