Comp TUBE-STA

Beef your signal up with fat broadcast sound.

A reimagining of the legendary vacuum-tube powered Gates' STA-Level, a secret weapon for bass and vocals since the 1950s. Accurately recreated as a powerful plug-in, you can add some studio gold-dust compression to your mix.

The Arturia TUBE-STA gives you a stunning recreation of the stalwart, valve-driven compressor that was the all-American workhorse of early broadcast and recording studios.

With simple controls, dynamic performance, and gorgeous vintage tone, you can now own a piece of history as a software effect in your DAW.

Entering production in the ‘50s, the original Gates® compressor featured quirky non-linear attack and release that were very forgiving with almost any input.

Its simple controls and fantastic, harmonically rich sound made it a favorite with radio and studio engineers, and now thanks to the power of Arturia’s exclusive TAE® modelling technology, it’s destined to become a favorite of yours, too. Analyzed, mapped out, and reborn as a software plugin, and powered up with new features that make this golden-age compressor a must-have for the modern producer.

If you want tube-tone and that magic vintage gear warmth to liven up your audio, Comp TUBE-STA could be exactly what you’re looking for.

A boutique signal processor with a golden touch, the original STA-Level was well known for the intimacy, air, and subtle saturation it gave to any audio it treated. As it moved from TV and radio studios to more music-focused studios in the 60s and 70s, word got around that it had a killer sound on bass and vocals; having this awesome ability to transform weak bottom-end into fat, harmonically rich bass, and bringing voices to life. All this at the turn of one knob.

Its simplicity was certainly part of its appeal, and while Comp TUBE-STA has been given a few modern touches, Arturia’s engineers have been faithful to the original, powerfully simple design.

What’s so special about Comp TUBE-STA?

Through painstaking analysis of a 1950s original, Arturia’s audio engineers and developers were able to “measure the magic” on a component level.

Using the same modelling technology behind the award-winning, celebrated V Collection synth compendium, the compressor was reborn as a software plugin, ready to treat your audio with that authentic vintage touch.

Groove Machine

This bass and drum part ventures through some 15dB of tube compression. Your ears will ask for more! The Kick triggers the Bass Comp Tube-STA compression using the External Sidechain input.

Grand piano up close and personal

Grand piano up close and personal. Subtle glue and proximity added to this grand piano track using gentle Single Mode

Guitar heaven

On this acoustic guitar track, listen how the strumming is nicely fattened while retaining all the attack and details.

Vintage glue, still sticking tight

The Comp Tube-STA softens any drum bus. It’s not only about compression, it’s about character!

Silky Intimacy

The Comp Tube-STA is also at ease with classical tracks, bringing the piano further to the front while keeping the singer in place, thanks to Arturia’s Dual Mode side-chain detection.

Fat bass is good for your health!

For this electric bass line, the Comp Tube-STA brings a gentle touch of fatness and smoothing. The Triple mode gives a slight edge to its attack.

Retro Americana
a modern French accent

There’s no replacing that iconic tone of a driven vacuum tube, but in the modern era of pristine digital audio and sleek DAWs, that time-honored sound is often forgotten.

Because Comp TUBE-STA has been reworked as a software plugin, Arturia’s engineers were also able to integrate some contemporary features that make this compressor the best of both worlds: a simple, no-nonsense, great sounding compressor that you can use with modern setups and techniques.

The top panel of the interface gives you access to all of the original controls. You can click to expand the plugin to and access its advanced, new features.

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01. Input-output Link

Rather than the now standard “threshold” parameter, the original hardware compressor made you crank the input to engage the effect. This will obviously give you volume boosts and alter levels in your mix, but you can simply hit the “link” button to keep volume levelled as you boost the input, so you get compressed sound with steady volume.

02. Advanced Sidechain Control

“Shame compressors from the ‘50s weren’t set up for side-chaining” you cry, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The advanced panel gives you access to contemporary sidechain controls with SSL-style EQ, as well as mid-side processing so you can carve exactly the sound you want to control the compressor.

03. New York, New York

One of the oldest recording studio tricks was to split a signal\'s path in two, leave one dry, heavily compress the other, and then mix the two signals back together. It became known as "New York" compression, or parallel compression. We simplified the process, and have included a "Mix" knob so you easily get the same effect.

Artistscorner

Included in
FX collection

Effects you'll actually use

This effect is part of FX Collection, a suite of essential audio effect plugins empowering musicians, producers, and artists to get creative with their production. From iconic recording gear modeled with breathtaking accuracy, to cutting-edge contemporary effects, the collection includes the most sought-after studio tools, rare guitar pedals, modern mix enhancers, and beyond. Elevate your production and add color to your mix like never before.

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The features
you need

  • DAW ready

    However you use these plugins; for the amazing tone of their reverb, for the gritty preamps, or for their incredible sound design abilities, you'll be safe in the knowledge that they are fully compatible with your setup. These plugins work with all major DAWs, and on both Windows and MacOS.

  • ASC

    Arturia Software Center lets you download, organize, and update all of your Arturia software titles in one place, as well as manage all of your licenses across multiple devices. Keep it simple.

  • Resizable GUI

    Whether you want the full visual immersion of our classic effects emulations, or to save precious screen real estate, the interfaces for all of your Arturia plugins can be resized to a scale that suits you.

  • Real-time control

    Every parameter in every FX Collection plugin can be mapped to your favorite MIDI controller for instant, hands-on control of your mix. Sweep a filter, crank a preamp, or warp your modulation on the fly.

  • In-App Tutorials

    Every plugin in FX Collection comes with built-in tutorials, guiding you step-by-step through the crucial parameters, adjustments, and mixing hacks to get the most out of your sound. The tutorial panel also explains the controls you’re using in real-time - so you’ll never miss a tweak.

  • Preset browser

    FX Collection’s streamlined preset browser lets you filter, organize, and save your favorite presets for instant recall. Search by instrument type, genre, production technique, and much more - so you can quickly find the tweak you need and save valuable creative time!

TAE® Powered

The exclusive analog modeling technology that makes our emulations indistinguishable from the originals.

By accurately mimicking the characteristics of analog oscillators, filters, and soft clipping, we can provide astonishing component-accurate detail and authentic analog charm in equal measure.

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Gallery

Main Features

Virtual recreation of famed classic tube compressor

Original tube electronic path accurately modeled, using Arturia’s state-of-the-art TAE® analog modeling

Original variable Recovery parameter

Additional Arturia creative side-chain features:

  • External side-chain source to trigger the compressor to an external source
  • 5 creative detection mode, including M/S processing
  • Advanced Side-chain EQ
  • Monitor Side-chain signal directly

Dry/wet Mix knob for parallel compression

Input-Output gain link switch

Analog clipping LED indicator

Comprehensive set of presets

A/B comparison setting

Integrated tutorials and unique dynamic preset tips

Resizable window

State-of-the-art TAE® analog modeling

Platforms specifications

Windows

  • Win 10+ (64bit)
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
  • 1GB free hard disk space
  • OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
  • ARM processors not supported on Windows

Required configuration

  • VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).

Apple

  • Mac OS 10.13+
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
  • 1GB free hard disk space
  • OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU

Work with ASC

  • An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software.

* All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.

*NKS ready