M Media Audio Magic Buss

Three compressors. One chain. Your call on the order.
Magic Buss runs three compressor stages in series - FET, VCA, and Vari-Mu - each with its own parallel blend knob so you control exactly how much of each character makes it to the output. Stack all three for a full-character bus treatment. Bypass what you don't need. Use the Order switch to put any character first in the chain and hear how the downstream stages respond differently.

A six-band parametric EQ sits after the compressors, and a subtle saturation stage adds the last bit of density before the output gain trim. This is not a one-knob bus compressor. It is the chain that makes a mix behave - every stage adjustable, every interaction intentional.

Three Stages in Series
FET hits hard. VCA glues. Vari-Mu warms.
Each stage has a distinct character. The FET compressor is a peak detector with a fast, forward energy - presence and punch. The VCA is an RMS detector with a clean, transparent glue that makes elements feel like one record. The Vari-Mu is program-dependent and inherently slow, adding subtle even-harmonic warmth that the other stages don't. Run them in series and each one does what it does to whatever the previous stage handed it.
* FET - Peak detection, hard knee, fast attack range (20µs - 800ms)
* VCA - RMS detection, soft knee, Auto release mode available
* Vari-Mu - Program-dependent time constants, gentle ratios (1.5:1 to 6:1), inherent even-harmonic character
* Each stage: Threshold, Attack, Release, Ratio, Makeup Gain, In/Out switch

Per-Stage Parallel Blend + Order Switch
Mix in exactly as much of each stage as you need.
Every compressor has its own Mix knob - NY-style parallel blending at each individual stage, not just at the master output. Set the FET to 20% for just a touch of transient grip. Push the VCA to 80% for serious glue. Keep the Vari-Mu at 40% for warmth without heaviness. The Order switch provides all six permutations of the three stages - changing the order changes what each compressor reacts to, which changes everything about how the chain sounds.
* Mix per stage - 0-100% parallel blend at FET, VCA, and Vari-Mu independently
* Order switch - All 6 permutations: FET→VCA→VM, VM→FET→VCA, and four more
* Link toggle per stage - Default is unlinked (independent L/R detectors on each compressor)

Independent L/R Detection
Unlinked by default. That is the differentiator.
Most bus compressors default to linked stereo - one detector reading both channels, applying the same gain reduction to L and R. Magic Buss defaults to unlinked on every stage: left and right each run fully independent detectors and gain computers. When the mix is uneven, each channel compresses on its own content. The stereo field responds differently - often more naturally, with width that breathes rather than being locked down. Toggle linked on any or all stages independently for classic bus behavior on that stage while keeping the others free.
* Unlinked (default) - Independent L/R detectors per stage. GR meters show different readings when the stereo content is uneven.
* Linked - Single detector sums L+R (max of |L| and |R|), identical gain reduction to both channels
* Per stage - FET, VCA, and Vari-Mu each have their own Link toggle