DarkComp

DarkComp — Tube Optical Leveling Amplifier

A schematic-accurate LA-2A-style optical compressor with the warmth of a 12AX7 tube stage, the program-dependent character of an authentic T4B photocell, and UTC transformer modeling. Two detector topologies in one plugin — feedback (CLASSIC) for vintage opto behavior, feedforward (MODERN) for tighter, more controlled gain reduction.

Topology:

• T4B Photocell — dual-stage release with program dependency (the LA-2A sound)
• 12AX7 tube gain stage with authentic harmonic character
• UTC transformer modeling on the output
• Two detector modes:
  • CLASSIC — feedback opto, vintage-faithful response
  • MODERN — feedforward, tighter and more transparent
• R30/C6 always-on sidechain tilt (intrinsic to LA-2A circuit)
• x2 / x4 / x8 Kaiser FIR oversampling

Core controls:

• Gain (0–40 dB) and Peak Reduction (0–100, like the hardware)
• Limiter Mode toggle (Compress/Limit selector)
• HF Emphasis sidechain tilt (R37 emphasis switch)
• Stereo Link for L/R coupling
• Mix for parallel compression

Pro extras:

• 6-band Sidechain EQ for surgical detector shaping
• 6-band Output EQ — full parametric post-compression
• Knee, Input Gain, Saturation, Output Gain
• Three optional transformers: Carnhill / Sowter / Cinemag (mutually exclusive)
• GR / Output metering modes