Musik-Instrumente from MIDI Agent

a midi software which combines a AI functionality

MOK is an innovative music technology company focusing on new forms of audio synthesis and effects.

MOK is an innovative music technology company focusing on new forms of audio synthesis and effects.

Brands

Acustica Audio - Smoke

Acustica Audio Smoke

inofficial:Gates/Retro Instruments Collection
Compressor is a Gates/Retro Instruments Sta-Level

Stereo EQ: RETRO 2A3 (similar to a Pultec)

Preamps List
Line / Mic: From 1 to 5 : Gates Gatesway Vintage Tube Console
CUST - EST : Retro Instruments - 2A3 Pre
CUST - CMP : Retro Instruments - Sta-Level Pre
CUST - PM1 : Retro Instruments 500PRE MONO1 (three tube mic preamp)
CUST - PM2 : 500PRE MONO2
CUST - PST : 500PRE STEREO

The "Golden Age" of American Tube Sound

Smoke is a specialized suite that recreates the lush, "posh" sheen of 1950s and 60s American broadcast and recording hardware. It is the perfect choice if you want your tracks to sound like they were recorded through a vintage tube console at a world-class US radio station or studio from the valve era.

1. Smoke Stereo EQ (The "Purple" Magic)

While Acustica often uses the term "Purple-style," this is their take on the legendary Pultec-style passive tube equalizers (specifically inspired by the high-end Retro Instruments 2A3).

  • Musical Shaping: Like a classic Pultec, it’s designed for broad, musical strokes. It excels at adding "Air" to the top end and "Weight" to the bottom without sounding clinical or harsh.

  • Extended Features: Unlike original vintage hardware, Smoke offers a wider range of frequency points for more flexibility in modern mixes.

  • Preamp Section: It features an impressive collection of 15 different preamps, including emulations of tube mixer-amplifiers and standalone vintage tube gear.

2. Smoke Comp (The Vari-Mu Workhorse)

The heart of the Smoke suite is the compressor, modeled after a famous 1956 American Vari-Mu tube compression amplifier.

  • Smooth Leveling: This is not a "snappy" VCA compressor. It is a "leveling" tool that elegantly glues tracks together. It’s famous for being "creamy" and adding "girth."

  • Three Modes:

    • Single: Slow and smooth, perfect for bass or vocals.

    • Double: The "all-rounder" for most sources.

    • Triple: Faster response, allowing you to catch transients while maintaining musicality.

3. Smoke Strip

This is the "all-in-one" solution. It combines the 4-band parametric EQ, high/low-pass filters, the preamps, and the tube compressor into a single, efficient interface.

Best Used For

  • Vocals: It adds a "forward" pop sound and a warm sheen that makes voices sit perfectly in the mix.

  • Drums: Excellent for adding a thick, expensive character to the drum bus.

  • Bass: The "Single" mode on the compressor is a secret weapon for keeping bass levels consistent while adding tube "growl."

  • Mastering: The Stereo EQ is a fantastic final touch for adding a "posh sheen" to a flat-sounding master.

Pro Tip: Try the Smoke Comp in "Triple" mode on a drum bus. It doesn't just squash the signal; it stretches a "sheen of poshness" over the transients, making the mix sound instantly like a high-end vintage production.

Company: Acustica Audio