ThrillseekerLA MkII by Variety of Sound is a powerhouse optical stereo compressor designed to add depth, character, and a touch of vintage warmth to your mixes. Known for its rich harmonic coloring and precise dynamics control, this updated version takes inspiration from the iconic LA2A while introducing modern enhancements like advanced opto-cell emulation and new harmonic options. Whether you’re gluing a mix together or taming unruly peaks, ThrillseekerLA MkII blends functionality and musicality effortlessly.
ThrillseekerLA MkII isn’t just a compressor; it’s a tool for shaping the sonic fabric of your mix. Its optical compression provides smooth, transparent dynamics control, perfectly suited for mix bus duties or individual tracks. The compression not only glues elements together but enhances the stereo image, adding depth and dimension. From subtle leveling to heavier limiting, its range makes it equally adept at handling vocals, guitars, synths, and more.
The new version introduces a technical redesign with improved opto-cell emulation, delivering precise and natural response. Attack and release controls provide fine-tuned dynamics shaping, while simplified gain staging ensures quick setup without sacrificing professional results.
ThrillseekerLA MkII stands out with its streamlined coloring options: Tube, Interstage, and Loudness. These modes allow you to infuse your mix with harmonic richness, adding warmth, vibrancy, and clarity without veering into harshness. The coloration can also be bypassed entirely, leaving you with the clean, dynamic action of the compressor.
The dual compression ratios (3:1 and 10:1) make it adaptable for both peak control and limiting, while the dry/wet blend knob enables parallel compression, preserving transients when needed. Combined with an intuitive interface and precision sidechain filtering, ThrillseekerLA MkII is a versatile addition to any producer’s toolkit.
It works as a VST plugin on 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems and is compatible with major DAWs that support VST format.
While it evokes the LA2A in its optical compression design, ThrillseekerLA MkII adds modern features like attack/release controls and harmonic coloration, making it more versatile.
Yes, you can turn off the coloring modes (Tube, Interstage, Loudness) for a clean compression effect.
The MkII update introduces advanced opto-cell emulation, simplified gain staging, new harmonic modes, and reworked sidechain filtering for more precise control.
Yes, ThrillseekerLA MkII is completely free to download and use.
Absolutely! Its transparent compression and harmonic options make it a great choice for subtle mix bus or mastering applications.