- Publisher: Kazrog
- Product: Retro Sta-Level
- Release: BUBBiX
- Version: 1.0.0 RETAiL
- Format: VST, AU, AAX
- Requirements: Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.13 or higher
Experience the legendary sound of iconic tube compression, now available in its sole official software form. Developed by Kazrog in close collaboration with Retro Instruments, the Retro Sta-Level plugin meticulously captures the magic of the hardware revered by top producers and engineers worldwide. Known for its incredible musicality and ability to impart a “larger than life” character, the Sta-Level is your key to achieving instantly euphonic, professional results on vocals, bass, drums, and more. Download the definitive emulation today.
The Genuine Article: An Official Emulation
This isn’t just another compressor inspired by a classic; this is the only software version of the Retro Sta-Level officially endorsed by its creator, Phil Moore of Retro Instruments. Kazrog worked directly with Retro Instruments to ensure absolute authenticity, capturing the exact sonic signature and dynamic behaviour that makes the hardware so sought-after. When you use the Kazrog Retro Sta-Level, you’re using a plugin built with the explicit approval and cooperation of the original hardware manufacturer – a guarantee of genuine tone.
Two Flavors of Legendary Compression
The Kazrog Retro Sta-Level offers not one, but two distinct, meticulously modeled voicings, giving you access to both modern and vintage interpretations of this classic circuit:
- Modern Mode: This mode precisely emulates the contemporary Retro Sta-Level Gold Edition. This is the definitive, deluxe, made-in-USA tube recreation of the original 1956 Gates design, known for its smooth, warm, and hi-fi compression character that adds weight and presence without sacrificing clarity.
- Vintage Mode: Experience the sound of history. This mode emulates an original Gates Sta-Level from the renowned collection of Devin Powers, personally modified by Phil Moore to incorporate the full feature set of the Retro unit. This mode delivers a distinctly vintage, mid-focused voicing, rich in harmonics and character – perfect for adding classic color and vibe.
Vintage Soul, Modern Workflow
While delivering uncompromisingly authentic vintage tone, the Kazrog Retro Sta-Level incorporates essential modern features designed to integrate seamlessly into today’s production workflows:
- Sidechain Filters: Shape the compressor’s detection circuit with adjustable High Pass (HPF) and Low Pass (LPF) filters. Prevent low frequencies from dominating the compression or focus the detection on specific frequency ranges for creative dynamic control.
- Wet/Dry Blend: Easily dial in parallel compression directly within the plugin. Blend the heavily compressed signal with the original dry signal to retain transient detail while adding the weight and sustain of the Sta-Level’s tube circuitry.
- Analog Entropy: Introduce subtle, adjustable variations modeled after the component tolerances found in analog hardware. This adds an extra layer of non-linear realism, mimicking the slight drift and unique character of individual hardware units.
Dialed In by Legends: Pro Presets
Get started instantly with over 100 professional presets crafted by industry giants who rely on the Sta-Level sound, including:
- Michael Brauer
- Ross Hogarth
- David Kalmusky
- …and many more!
These presets provide excellent starting points for various instruments and vocal applications, showcasing the versatility of the Sta-Level. Plus, look forward to additional presets added in future free updates.
The Sta-Level Sound: Musicality & Euphonic Character
What makes the Sta-Level so revered? It’s the effortless musicality. This compressor doesn’t just control dynamics; it enhances the source material, adding a pleasing warmth, richness, and perceived size – those “euphonic qualities” engineers rave about. It excels at making vocals sit perfectly upfront, adding foundational weight to bass guitars, and bringing cohesive glue to drum busses, all while maintaining a natural, transparent dynamic action.
System Requirements
Mac:
- macOS 10.13.x or higher required
- Apple M1 (or Intel i5 “Ivy Bridge”) CPU or newer strongly recommended
- VST, AU, AAX (64-bit) compatible host required
- Pro Tools 12 or higher required for AAX version
- Universal Binary 2 (Native Apple Silicon and Intel support)
Windows:
- Windows 10 or higher strongly recommended
- Intel i5 “Ivy Bridge” CPU or better strongly recommended
- VST or AAX (64-bit) compatible host required
- Pro Tools 12 or higher required for AAX version
Get the Official Sta-Level Sound Free
Don’t settle for approximations. Access the authentic, officially endorsed sound of one of the most musical tube compressors ever created, enhanced with modern flexibility. Add the Kazrog Retro Sta-Level to your plugin arsenal today. Download the Official Kazrog Retro Sta-Level Free Now!