Softube Weiss DS1-MK3

Mastering compression, limiting, and de-essing without compromise.

What it is: 
A virtual emulation of the Weiss DS1-MK3 compressor, limiter, and de-esser. 

How we use it: 
Transparent, refined, and flexible dynamics processing. 

Why it's cool: 
Working in collaboration with Weiss Digital Audio - Softube brings the coveted DS1 sound to your DAW.Softube purchases are strictly licensed for sale to customers in the USA only!

Every mastering engineer’s fondest dream is about to come true.

Gold-Standard
Since its launch in the 1990s the Weiss DS1 has become an absolute gold-standard unit, indispensable in mastering studios around the world despite a premium price tag. Its transparency, unparalleled versatility, and exceptional sound quality make it a must-have, heard (or rather not heard) on pretty much any major record you’d care to mention from the last twenty years. And in that time updates and improvements by Weiss have led to the near-perfection of the DS1-MK3.

And now for the first time ever, it is available as a plug-in from Softube, offering more flexibility than ever in a modern DAW environment, at a fraction of the cost.

What is the Weiss DS1-MK3?
This digital compressor/limiter/de-esser performs tasks no analog unit ever could, across a wider range of settings. World-renowned mastering engineer, Bob Katz, author of Mastering Audio (hailed by Sound on Sound magazine as ‘the definitive work on mastering’), and three times Grammy winner, described the original hardware unit as ‘impeccable’, saying ‘it is the most transparent, refined, flexible, and least “digital-sounding” dynamics processor I have ever used.’

Working in collaboration with Weiss Digital Audio, this latest addition to the already rich and desirable Softube product range has been almost three years in development. Porting the code perfectly, line by line, from the original unit so that the plug-in sounds identical was just one task. Recreating the workflow and characteristic broad and useable functionality that made the Weiss such a legend was another.

Running at 32 bit/192 kHz (an upgrade on even the hardware original) the plug-in opens up the absolute pinnacle of sound quality to everyone. And with two all-new advanced limiter algorithms in addition to the Weiss original, nothing touches this processor for sheer excellence. Mastering like the masters is open to all for the first time, with all the loudness, clarity, and precision, and none of the drawbacks.

In Short:

• Officially licensed and endorsed by Daniel Weiss himself
  
• Not an emulation, but a line-by-line code port of the original digital hardware
  
• Exactly the same processor as the $10,000 original, at a fraction of the cost
  
• Three processors in one; de-ess, compress, and limit, with the industry standard tool
  
• Processes at resolutions of up to 32 bit/192 kHz for exceptional sound quality
  
• Advanced metering - waveform view
  
• Featuring all new presets from Bob Katz
  
• Truly versatile de-essing. Choose your own filters, adjust frequency, and tailor the process to your needs working in stereo or mid-sides
  
• Digital compressor can operate at speeds no analog unit ever could, and offers you total control.
  
• Two brand-new limiter algorithms included, as well as the Weiss original
  
• Run multiple instances of this legendary unit on the same mix at no extra cost
  
• Nothing sounds as clean, as transparent, as good. That’s why the hardware is in every major mastering studio in the world
  

Compatibility

Versions from 2.0 and newer of the Softube plug-ins have the following minimum requirements.

All native versions

• Mac OS X 10.9 or newer (Note: Testing for OS X High Sierra has not been completed at this time)
• Windows 64-bit, versions 7, 8 or 10 (Note: Testing for Fall Creators Update has not been completed at this time)
• Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon 64 X2 or newer
• Screen resolution larger than 1280x800
• 1 GB RAM or more, and at least 6 GB hard disk space for installation (individual plug-ins take less space)
• Any VST, VST3, AU, or AAX (Pro Tools 10.3.7, 11.0.2 or higher) compatible host application
• Softube/Gobbler account
• Gobbler application to manage license activation and plug-in downloads
• Broadband internet access for downloading installer and registering licenses

All Softube plug-ins support both 32- and 64-bit hosts, although a 64-bit OS is required. Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz, in both mono and stereo.

AAX DSP version

• For AAX DSP you need to meet the reguirements for the Native version. You also need to have an Avid HDX processing card.
• Different plug-ins will have a different load on your HDX card.

TDM/VENUE is no longer supported.

Installation Instructions

1. Create a Softube/Gobbler account here. 
   

2. Download and install the Gobbler App

3. Open the Gobbler App and sign in using your Softube/Gobbler account
4. In the Gobbler App, click "Install All" to install all Softube products you have a license for - use the license key emailed to you by Reverb SYNC.
5. If you have new licenses, keep the Gobbler App running when starting your DAW. The first time you run a plug-in, you will get a prompt for activation. Please follow the step by step instructions.
General Instructions:
• We auto-detect your computer operating system, so just click the download button above.
• Find the downloaded plugin (it's in your computer's download folder, or wherever you've chosen to save it) and double click the installer.
• A plugin installer window will open. Simply go through the installation process.
• We will also send you an email with a link to re-download in case you need it.
How to use installed plugins in Ableton Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2VjFjUhlR4
1. If Ableton Live is closed, open it and skip to #5.
2. If Ableton Live is already open, go to Preferences.
3. Go to Files & Folder.
4. Click "Rescan plugins".
5. Find the plugin in the Ableton plugins folder in the sidebar.
6. Drag-and-drop the plugin onto your track at the bottom of the screen.
How to use installed plugins in Logic Pro X: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_dhy1wSIdI
1. Open Logic Pro X. Newly installed plugins should be detected automatically every time Logic is opened.
2. If you've downloaded an effect or utility plugin, these can be used on an insert for any track in the mixer.
3. Create a software instrument track if you downloaded a virtual instrument plugin.
4. Under Default Patch, go to AU Instruments and choose the plugin you just installed.
How to use installed plugins in Avid Pro Tools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm5QZ48MtuA
1. Open Pro Tools. Newly installed plugins should be detected automatically every time Pro Tools is opened.
2. If you've downloaded an effect or utility plugin, these can be used on an insert for many types of tracks (Audio, Aux, Instrument, Master Fader...)
3. If you’ve downloaded a software instrument, create a new Instrument track.
4. Navigate to the Mixer and locate the newly created Instrument track.
5. Select the desired instrument plugin by clicking on any of the Inserts on the Instrument track.
How to Install plugins to Garage Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_NmmTYMNhQ
1. Go to the Reverb SYNC Software and plugin Collection.
2. Choose your desired plugin.
3. Reverb will auto-detect your platform, so simply click the download button.
4. Continue the installation process by following the prompt.
5. Hover your mouse over the smart control button.
6. Click Show Inspector icon.
7. Click on plugins and choose your desired plugin.