M Media Audio – Magic Buss v1.0.0 for WiN

Magic Buss uses three series-connected compressor stages—FET, VCA, and Vari-Mu—each with its own parallel mix knob, allowing you to precisely control how much of each signal type makes it to the output. Connect all three stages for a rich buss sound. Disable unnecessary stages. Use the Order switch to put any signal type first in the chain and hear how subsequent stages react differently.

A six-band parametric EQ

Sits after the compressors, and a subtle saturation stage adds a final touch of density before the output gain is adjusted. This isn’t a single-knob bus compressor. This is a chain that makes the mix work as it should—every stage is adjustable, every interaction is carefully considered.

Three stages in the

FET series deliver powerful sound. The VCA ensures a stable connection. The Vari-Mu warms things up.

Each stage has its own unique character. The FET compressor is a peak detector with a fast, forward-facing energy pulse—presence and punch. The VCA is a root-mean-square (RMS) detector with a clean, transparent “glue,” making the elements sound like a single recording. The Vari-Mu is program-dependent and inherently slow, adding a subtle warmth of even harmonics that the other stages lack. When connected in series, each stage will perform the same function as the previous stage.

• FET – Peak detection, hard knee, fast attack range (20 µs – 800 ms)
• VCA – True RMS detection, soft knee, auto release mode available
• Vari-Mu – Program-dependent time constants, soft ratios (1.5:1 to 6:1), inherent even harmonic character
• Each stage: Threshold, Attack, Relaxation, Ratio, Gain Compensation, Input/Output Switching

Staged Parallel Mixing + Order Switching:

Add just as much of each component as you need.

Each compressor has its own Mix control—New York-style parallel mixing on every individual stage, not just on the master output. Set the FET to 20% for subtle transient capture. Increase the VCA to 80% for serious coherence. Leave the Vari-Mu at 40% for warmth without heaviness. The Order switch provides all six options for the three stages—changing the order changes the response of each compressor, completely transforming the sound of the chain.

• Mix on each stage—0-100% parallel mixing on FETs, VCAs, and Vari-Mu independently of each other.
• Order switching—all 6 options: FET→VCA→VM, VM→FET→VCA, and four more.
• Communication switching for each stage – default is no communication (independent L/R sensors on each compressor)

Independent L/R Detection

Disabled by default. This is the difference. Most bus compressors operate in linked stereo mode by default—a single detector reads both channels, applying equal gain reduction to both left and right channels. Magic Buss operates in unlinked stereo mode by default at each stage: the left and right channels use completely independent detectors and gain controls.

With an uneven mix, each channel compresses its own content. The stereo field reacts differently—often more naturally, with an expanding width rather than a fixed one. Toggle linked stereo mode on any or all stages independently for classic bus behavior at that stage, leaving the others unattached.

• Unlinked (default)—Independent L/R detectors at each stage. The GR meters show different readings with uneven stereo content.
• Linked Mode—A single detector sums L+R (maximum |L| and |R|), applying equal gain reduction to both channels.
• Each stage – FET, VCA and Vari-Mu – has its own Link switch.