Klanghelm MJUC Variable Tube Compressor v1.1

Introducing MJUC

MJUC is the most effortful Klanghelm plugin to date. It took almost two years of extensive, dare I say "excessive", research and development. To create MJUC I've researched and analyzed each and every variable-mu* implementation I could get my hands on to get the best of tube compression into a single processor. In order to do the diversity of this compression topology justice, three different models have been built. These are kind of a time travel though the history of tube compression to capture the essence of each generation. Each model has its own dedicated signal path and dedicated control set. If desired you can tweak the overall tone and saturation of each model with the unique TIMBRE and the DRIVE control. DRIVE controls the load of the input and output transformers as the saturation of the tube gain stages, if applicable. The TIMBRE extends MJUC's use as a tone shaping device.

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.

The Models

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.