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Magic Buss runs three compressor stages in series - FET, VCA, and Vari-Mu - each with its own parallel blend knob so you control exactly how much of each character makes it to the output. Stack all three for a full-character bus treatment. Bypass what you don't need. Use the Order switch to put any character first in the chain and hear how the downstream stages respond differently.
A six-band parametric EQ sits after the compressors, and a subtle saturation stage adds the last bit of density before the output gain trim. This is not a one-knob bus compressor. It is the chain that makes a mix behave - every stage adjustable, every interaction intentional.
Put it on your bus.
Drop all three compressors in at low Mix settings and listen to what a serial FET-VCA-Vari-Mu chain does to your mix. No commitment required.
Try Magic Buss FreeNo account required - we send the link to your email. Silences briefly every 30 seconds in demo mode.
Three Stages in Series
Each stage has a distinct character. The FET compressor is a peak detector with a fast, forward energy - presence and punch. The VCA is an RMS detector with a clean, transparent glue that makes elements feel like one record. The Vari-Mu is program-dependent and inherently slow, adding subtle even-harmonic warmth that the other stages don't. Run them in series and each one does what it does to whatever the previous stage handed it.
Per-Stage Parallel Blend + Order Switch
Every compressor has its own Mix knob - NY-style parallel blending at each individual stage, not just at the master output. Set the FET to 20% for just a touch of transient grip. Push the VCA to 80% for serious glue. Keep the Vari-Mu at 40% for warmth without heaviness. The Order switch provides all six permutations of the three stages - changing the order changes what each compressor reacts to, which changes everything about how the chain sounds.
Independent L/R Detection
Most bus compressors default to linked stereo - one detector reading both channels, applying the same gain reduction to L and R. Magic Buss defaults to unlinked on every stage: left and right each run fully independent detectors and gain computers. When the mix is uneven, each channel compresses on its own content. The stereo field responds differently - often more naturally, with width that breathes rather than being locked down. Toggle linked on any or all stages independently for classic bus behavior on that stage while keeping the others free.
Parametric EQ + Saturation
Six EQ bands run after all three compressor stages - highpass, low shelf or bell, two parametric mids, high shelf or bell, and lowpass. The shelf bands switch between shelf and bell mode; the highpass and lowpass include slope selectors. Saturation sits after the EQ: a single drive knob running a tanh waveshaper calibrated for tape and console transformer character at moderate levels. Not a distortion unit - dial it in at 15-30% and listen to what it does to the density and top-end cohesion.
Selected Work
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Install on up to three machines simultaneously. Need to move a license? Email us.
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VST3 (64-bit) - Windows, macOS, Linux
AU (64-bit) - macOS only
Windows 10 / 11
macOS 11 Big Sur or later (Apple Silicon + Intel)
Linux - Ubuntu 22.04+ or equivalent
Any VST3-compatible host: Reaper, Cubase, Studio One, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Bitwig Studio, Nuendo, and more
AU (macOS): Logic Pro, GarageBand, MainStage
Perpetual, single user
3 simultaneous activations
Need to move a license? Email us
SHA-256 (mmedia-magic-buss-v1.0.0.zip): 865b91a0b460b6b849e18c46b108a865d9149c92103d1c30266b6331c13c64ae
Perpetual license - pay once, own it forever.
By purchasing you agree to our EULA and Privacy Policy.
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