Big Apple v2.1
Key Features
- Inline parallel compression with built-in dry/wet mixing, eliminating the need for extra bus routing in your DAW
- Feed-forward VCA compressor model with threshold range from 0 dB to -60 dB and ratios up to 20:1 with soft knee
- Dual-mode operation: full parallel compressor with mixer or simplified single-unit compressor without parallel controls
- Flexible envelope shaping with 1-200 ms attack, 50-2000 ms release, and auto release mode for adaptive dynamics
- Sidechain input support for external signal triggering, enabling ducking and pumping effects
- Up to +24 dB make-up gain to compensate for heavy compression and maintain output level
- Clean, oversized GUI with large knobs and faders designed for quick, intuitive adjustments
Description
Big Apple by HASound Post is a feed-forward dynamic range compressor built on an ideal VCA mathematical model. Originally released in 2018 as a paid plugin ($19.99), version 2.1 was made entirely free and introduced a simplified single-unit mode alongside the full parallel compression interface.
The plugin handles parallel compression (often called New York compression) inline, splitting and blending the dry and wet signals internally without any extra routing in your DAW. This makes it straightforward to add weight and punch to drums, bass, or vocals without the hassle of setting up aux sends and return channels.
With a threshold range spanning 0 dB down to -60 dB, ratios up to 20:1 with soft knee, and +24 dB of make-up gain, Big Apple can handle everything from gentle dynamic control to aggressive parallel slamming. Attack times from 1 to 200 ms and release from 50 to 2000 ms (with auto release) provide flexible envelope shaping.
The GUI keeps things deliberately simple with large, easy-to-manipulate knobs and faders, making it approachable for beginners while remaining practical for experienced engineers. Sidechain input support lets you trigger compression from an external signal for more advanced ducking and pumping effects.
Big Apple is available as a 32-bit and 64-bit VST/VST3 plugin for Windows. The 4.8 MB download includes an EXE installer that sets up both plugin formats automatically.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the parallel and simple modes in Big Apple?
Big Apple v2.1 introduced a simple compressor mode that removes the parallel mixer section entirely. The parallel mode splits your signal into dry and wet paths, letting you blend them within the plugin. The simple mode works as a standard feed-forward compressor without the dry/wet mixing stage.
Can Big Apple handle sidechain compression?
Yes, Big Apple supports sidechain input for an external signal. Your DAW must support VST/VST3 sidechain routing for this feature to work. This lets you trigger compression from a different source, which is useful for kick-bass ducking or rhythmic pumping effects.
Why does Big Apple only run on Windows?
HASound Post developed Big Apple exclusively for Windows as a 32-bit and 64-bit VST/VST3 plugin. There is no macOS or Linux version available. Mac users looking for a similar parallel compression workflow should consider alternatives that offer cross-platform support.
How does parallel compression in Big Apple compare to setting up a send in my DAW?
Big Apple handles the entire parallel compression chain internally, splitting the signal and providing a mixer to blend dry and wet paths. This achieves the same result as manually routing to an aux bus with a compressor, but saves time and reduces channel count. The trade-off is slightly less flexibility in EQ-ing each path independently.
