Stillwell Audio The Rocket Compressor

Stillwell Audio’s The Rocket Compressor wasn’t a trouble to install, as it only took a few minutes to get it downloaded and installed.<span> </span>However, keep in mind that if you want to run this in Pro Tools as I do, you need the FXpansion VST to RTAS converter.<span> </span>In terms of the interface, it is quite user friendly as there isn’t anything out of the ordinary here as far as compressors go.<span> </span>The plug-in has parameters for attack, release, impetus, threshold, and ratio.<span> </span>For setting the ratio, like the classic 1176s, you’ve got options of 4, 8, 12, 20 and all to choose from.<span> </span>In addition to these parameters, there are also smaller knobs for parallel compression, detector high pass filter, and a side chain option.<span> </span>There are two VU meters, one for input and a programmable one that you can choose between output and gain reduction.<span> </span>Unless you’re having some sort of installation or technical issue, a manual isn’t necessary.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

<p class="MsoNormal">I’m currently running the Stillwell Audio The Rocket Compressor plug-in on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM.<span> </span>I run the plug-in in Pro Tools LE, but as I stated earlier please keep in mind that in order to do so you need the FXpansion VST to RTAS converter.<span> </span>For me, this is worth this investment as it allows me to run all sorts of VST plug-ins in Pro Tools that would otherwise not be possible.<span> </span>For Pro Tools, I run version 7.4 LE that runs with a Digi 002R audio interface.<span> </span>I can’t say that I’ve ever had a problem running as many of these as I would like within a single session, as it is the type of plug-in that won’t take up much processing power at all...

OVERALL OPINION

I’ve only been using Stillwell Audio’s The Rocket Compressor plug-in for a few months, but I’ve definitely enjoyed using it in this time.<span> </span>While it’s not my go to compressor plug-in, it is nice to have around as another option.<span> </span>The price is probably the best thing about this plug-in, as it is absolutely dirt cheap.<span> </span>For those looking for a cheap plug-in to use for any purpose, definitely check out this one…

(Originally written by barth111/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

No installation problems.

Personally I didn't have any compatibility problems.

Forget the user's manual, it's a compressor so you turn the knobs, listen to it and enjoy the sound .

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have an Intel E8400 @ 3GHz, 2 GB DDR2 RAM...

No problem with this configuration.

It's not resource intensive at all (I would need 4 instances to get 1% CPU use, but that has never happened...)

Extremely stable plug-in! No problem with Sonar 7.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for one week. (intensive use)

At last I can get a good and powerful drum sound for my band without that awful high-frequency emphasis and without having to tweak an EQ (altering the sound). This compressor adds something to the tone, it has a special sound character and I love how it works . Everything is clear in the final mix, it's a real pleasure.

Yes I tested lots of compressors... From Sonar and Cubase own compressors to Waves models (C1, C4, SSL, etc.). They are all good but they don't add the power I like for my mixes.

The full version isn't expensive so don't hesitate!

Based on my experience I would surely buy this product again!

Quick and easy installation. There is no real manual, just an explanatory note provides information on the various parameters, including those specific to the compressor as the "Decadence" (which oversampling or not active) or the knob "Impetus" (which saturate peaks - note: I love this parameter), or finally "Parallel Compression" (which mixes the processed signal to dry signal method known as "New York Compression" for a very natural sound. Learn more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_compression
Finally, for those who are not very familiar with compressors, it comes with a lot of great presets configured to cover most possible scenarios.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Never had a crash or problem whatever it is (on Mac Pro / Digital Performer.) This plugin uses very little CPU resources even with oversampling enabled.

OVERALL OPINION

I use the Rocket Compressor for several years. This is a compressor with a fairly versatile but its pretty typical. For my part, I use it mainly for drums. In fact, after trying many other plug-ins (especially in Waves), this is clearly the best software compressor I've found to give maximum punch my drums sounds, whether loops, BAR or acoustic drum. Also, I happened to use it happily on the bass and the electric guitar clear sound. Overall, I am very satisfied and I would do this choice without hesitation!

No problem
no manual, but there is no need, it can be adjusted simply by ear.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have a core2duo E4600 2.4 GHz
ca eat very little processor (less than 1% per instance)
Nothing to say either of the side.

OVERALL OPINION

It's been some time I use it, but before that I tested a bunch of plugs, I was looking for one that is complementary Voxengo Marquis and Crunchessor, and I found!

is a compressor that can provide a sometimes made very soft and very clean on acoustic instruments, sometimes made a good punchy as it should be well on batteries.
sidechain mode is less efficient than the Voxengo, but he is doing really well to give volume and keep the natural transition through the compression mode parallel.
It costs just $ 49 and well worth the investment!