I quite like that the default setting is quite aggressive. There is a scratch mark on the GUI that indicates the default setting of 100%, which can be backed off as required. The “Slay” control is effectively the ratio parameter and governs the amount of compression applied. By adjusting the input level on the top right of the interface, you can control how hard your audio is pressed into the threshold. Instead, the threshold is at a set level. There is no threshold dial on this plugin. You’re getting a hefty amount of very pleasing saturation along the way.
This is in no way a transparent compressor. As soon as the plugin is engaged, its gritty sound character becomes apparent. The meter lights up when the plugin is turned on, controlled by an on-off flip switch on the top left. The central part of the interface hosts the VU meter which shows the gain reduction being applied. Post-apocalyptic visuals aside, the layout is straightforward and contains few controls. Complete with masking tape and etched-in labels, this thing looks like it’s survived a nuclear blast and is still compressing. Starting with the GUI, the plugin has a hardware look, styled like an old, gritty, beat up hardware processor. The plugin comes with a streamlined control scheme in order to get you to a mix-ready vocal with as little messing about as possible. The overarching theme with this effect is that it gives you results quickly. JST Gain Reduction Deluxe (on sale for $35.40) is a vocal compressor, but could equally be applied to other instruments for a gritty compression effect. My previous review of JST Soar was recently published on Bedroom Producers Blog. Joey Sturgis is a successful metal producer, part of the team behind the URM Academy, and of course the man behind the Joey Sturgis Tones, his plugin development arm. It promises to be simple to use, great sounding, yet highly affordable. Gain Reduction Deluxe is a vocal compressor VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, RTAS plugin developed by JST.