Red Phatt Pro
Key Features
- Supports upward compression, downward compression, parallel (New York-style) compression, dual-ratio processing, expansion, and gating in one plugin
- Zero-latency processing with an integrated peak limiter that adds warmth through dynamic waveshaping
- Higher-order level detector with controllable filter and hysteresis for precise envelope shaping
- Ultra-fast attack rates down to 0.0001 seconds and release times down to 0.001 seconds with multiple release curves
- Mono and stereo sidechain input for broadcast processing and advanced music production techniques
- Supports 64-bit double-precision audio processing at any sample rate the host supports
- Over 30 categorized presets covering everything from transparent dynamic range reduction to aggressive parallel compression
Description
Red Phatt Pro is a full-featured dynamics processor created by Jeroen Breebaart, the audio engineer behind the ToneBoosters plugin suite. It supports an unusually wide range of compression techniques including upward compression, downward compression, New York-style parallel compression, dual-ratio compression, expansion, and gating.
The plugin processes audio with zero latency, making it suitable for both live performance and studio mixing. A dedicated zero-latency peak limiter can be enabled to protect against overs and add warmth through dynamic waveshaping.
Red Phatt Pro features a higher-order level detector with controllable filter and hysteresis, providing precise control over signal envelope detection. Ultra-fast attack rates go down to 0.0001 seconds, while release times reach as low as 0.001 seconds, with multiple release curve shapes available for tonal variety.
The dual-ratio compression and expansion curves allow both upward and downward processing in a single instance, delivering flexibility that rivals many paid dynamics processors. A mono or stereo sidechain input adds broadcast and advanced production capabilities.
Users consistently praise the plugin for its aggressive, punchy character on drums and vocals, with some comparing its hefty compression style to hardware units like the DBX 160. It ships with over 30 categorized presets covering common use cases from subtle dynamic range reduction to heavy parallel slamming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What compression modes does Red Phatt Pro support?
Red Phatt Pro supports upward compression, downward compression, New York-style parallel compression, dual-ratio compression, expansion, and gating. The dual-ratio system lets you combine two different ratio curves in a single instance for complex dynamic shaping.
Can Red Phatt Pro be used for live performance?
Yes. Red Phatt Pro operates with true zero latency, making it fully suitable for live stage monitoring and real-time broadcast processing. The integrated peak limiter also runs at zero latency for transparent over-protection.
Who developed Red Phatt Pro?
Red Phatt Pro was created by Jeroen Breebaart, an audio researcher who served as director at Dolby Labs Australia. He later went on to develop the commercially successful ToneBoosters plugin suite, and released his older plugin catalog including Red Phatt Pro as freeware in 2012.
Is Red Phatt Pro available in 64-bit?
Red Phatt Pro is only available as a 32-bit VST plugin for Windows. To use it in a 64-bit DAW, you will need a bridging tool such as jBridge or the bridging built into some hosts like Reaper. Users report it works well through bridging despite the 32-bit limitation.
