Following on from their recent SymphEQ plug-in release, Heritage Audio have announced that another of their popular hardware designs is now available as a DAW plug-in. BritStrip recreates the hardware unit of the same name, providing DAW users with a combination of 1073-style EQ and the diode-bridge-based compression found in the company’s Successor stereo compressor.
As with SymphEQ, the new plug-in largely replicates the front panel of its hardware counterpart. The top section of the GUI houses the EQ, with high and low sheves joined by a midrange band and a dedicated high-pass filter. The company say that the processor avoids ‘phasey’ sounds even at more extreme settings, and that users should be comfortable making far less subtle adjustments than they would with many alternative EQ designs.
In the lower section, you’ll find Threshold, Gain Makeup, Ratio, Release, Blend and SC Filter controls that govern the behaviour of the plug-in’s compressor. Ratios of 1.5:1, 2:1. 4:1, 6:1 and 10:1 are provided, while the side-chain filter offers a choice of six high-pass frequencies that range from 80Hz to 5kHz. The compressor’s release time can be set either to Auto or 50, 100, 200 or 400 ms, and there’s an Attack Fast button that reduces the attack time. The section can be placed either pre- or post-EQ thanks to a Pre Q switch. Finally, the right side of the plug-in features a VU-style meter that can display either the final output level, or amount of gain reduction being applied.
The plug-in is available in two versions: a ‘full’ native version, and a ‘lighter’ variant designed to run on the DSP found in the Heritage Audio’s i73 PRO interfaces.
SOS Review
We reviewed the hardware BritStrip in the September 2021 issue, click here to check it out.
Compatibility
BritStrip is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.15.7 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
BritStrip is available now, priced at €99. Owners of the hardware version, or an i73 PRO interface, are eligible for a free license.
