Minimal Audio has joined Waves and Air Music Technology in releasing a new plugin, Squash, in celebration of Black Friday.
The new plugin, Squash, is free to download and serves as a thank you to users, new and old.
Minimal Audio has learned the true value of customer feedback, and putting out this new freebie is a nice way to show appreciation for that.
Squash is an OTT-inspired compression plugin, which might have some of you wondering if we need another OTT clone.
Besides the original Ableton effect, we’ve had Xfer Records OTT, Outobugi’s Dynastia, Cramit by Sixth Sample, and many others.
Minimal Audio describes Squash as “OTT reimagined” rather than an OTT clone.
While the developer isn’t claiming to have re-invented the wheel, it has taken a different approach to the classic effect.
OTT has been around for years, but discussions still regularly raise questions like what is OTT and why should I use it?
It’s easy to research the principles of dual compression (upward and downward) and find out that OTT is great for genres like EDM and Dubstep when you want aggressive sounds with real impact (or any sound design with the same goal).
At this point, the discussion often raises further questions like how do I get the best out of OTT, and do I need it if I’m not trying to make the next Skrillex Bangarang?
In terms of tackling the first question, Squash reminds us that out of sight is out of mind. Squash features four bands of dual compression (the original OTT had three bands), but there’s no visual representation of those bands; they remain under the hood in favour of a performance-based interface.
Squash can produce the same over-the-top compression effect but gets us there in a more tactile and intuitive way.
Like the original OTT, Squash is great for the genres mentioned above, and the simple X/Y pad interface means anyone can get the most out of the effect.
Dragging the cursor around the axis of Depth and Tone parameters allows you to rely on nothing but your ears to dial in the right amount of the Squash effect and the shape of your sound. A handy Dry/Wet slider helps create the perfect blend.
In response to questions about the versatility of the OTT effect, Squash’s unique Tone parameter adds an element of control that is perhaps missing in other OTT-inspired plugins.
Adjusting the Tone position can produce significant character changes, taking you from rounded, tamed transients to aggressively harsh and spiky.
Squash is capable of much cleaner effects along with the classic over-the-top compression, and the X/Y pad creates a smooth transition between the two.
So, it’s not just for the next Dubstep revival, although, depending on who you ask, it’s never been more popular!
Download: Squash (FREE)
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