Variable-MU Tube Compressor
StaGate
Variable-MU compression from the 1950s — smooth, program-dependent gain riding with real tube warmth.
Full-version trial for 15 days · Free updates · Online activation
See it in action
Walkthrough & demos
Overview & walkthrough
The classic home of Variable-MU
Before VCAs and FETs, tubes rode the gain. The ratio listens to the music — that's why vocals sit so effortlessly.
StaGate models a legendary 1950s American tube compressor. The compression ratio adjusts itself to the program, creating musical, transparent gain reduction perfect for vocals and mix bus.
Drive the input for tube saturation, balance the stereo image precisely, and switch Single or Double mode to go from gentle glue to punchy aggression.
Hear the difference
Before and after, on real material
StaGate on vocals, bass, drums and mix bus.
What's inside
Smooth gain riding,
straight from the ’50s.
Variable-MU compression
Program-dependent dynamics control — the ratio follows the material for musical, transparent gain reduction. Drive the input for the desired squeeze and tube color.
Single & Double modes
Single mode: slow time constants for gentle, transparent compression. Double mode: fast and punchy — ideal for drums and percussive material.
Stereo balance
Precise stereo balance compensates channel differences — essential for mastering where imaging is critical. True bypass for honest A/B.
In session
Set the drive, ride the tubes
On vocals it's invisible gain riding; on the 2-bus it's cohesive warmth. Push the output for subtle harmonic color when you want the tubes heard.
Specifications
The fine print
| Type | Variable-MU tube compressor |
| Modes | Single (slow) · Double (fast) |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX — 64-bit |
| macOS / Windows | Apple Silicon & Intel · Windows 10+ |
| Metering | Dual VU |
| Extras | Stereo balance · true bypass |
| License | Online activation required |
| Trial | 15-day full version, no feature limits |
Try before you buy
The demo is the full plugin for 15 days — decide with your ears.
Mastering-ready
Balance control and gentle MU compression suit critical work.
Instant delivery
License and installers arrive by email the moment checkout completes.
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