Louder Than Liftoff Announces MISTER FOCUS Collection

Louder Than Liftoff Announces MISTER FOCUS Collection

MISTER FOCUS is a collection of affordable 500 series processors that can be customized using modular analog plugins (Colour modules) to create console-like channels aimed at no-fuss analog results during tracking and mixing.  It’s available as a console channel (STAGE II), compressor (COMP), equalizer (EQ), and an a la carte version that can be user-configured (RGB) to create your dream channel for your unique needs.

STAGE II – A colorful console channel to pair with your existing mic preamps to add organic analog mojo.  Available in three different tonal flavors: British (powered by Royal Blue module), American (powered by Mass Drivr module), and Tube (powered by Pentode) amplifier stages.  Our single-knob FOCUS EQ can be placed before or after this stage for effortless tone shaping pre or post saturation.  The signal lastly passes through a versatile FILTER and multi-stage saturation section, powered by the Super Filter module, which can be toggled on or off.

COMP – A two-knob compressor with character.  The compression is classic 1176 FET limiting powered by our Implode module.  Our single-knob FOCUS EQ can be placed before or after this stage for effortless tone shaping pre or post compression.  The signal lastly passes through the MEGA stage powered by the Mass Drivr module.  This features a discrete 2520 style op amp driving a beefy sounding output transformer, which can be toggled on or off.

EQ – An EQ you won’t overthink. Available in two different functional variants: passive Pultec-style high shelf boost (powered by Rogue-Tec Air), or FET saturating EQ (powered by FET Filter).  Our single-knob FOCUS EQ can be placed before or after this stage for effortless tone shaping pre or post saturation.  The final signal passes through the SHEEN stage powered by the Royal Blue module.  This features classic British transistor amplifiers driving a rich sounding output transformer.  An optional treble presence boost can be enabled via jumper, and the entire SHEEN stage can be toggled on or off.

RGB – a customizable platform for building your dream channel using analog plugins (Colour modules).  The first slot has separate controls for Colour drive and wet/dry mix.  Configure vintage-flavored line amps, compressors, EQs, or saturators.  At the end of the signal chain a second analog plugin slot, TWO-TONE, allows you to add another shade of coloration for a layered analog patina.  Add filters, HF boosts, or transformer-coupled output stages, all at the press of a button.

MISTER FOCUS Features At A Glance

• Line level
• Two Analog Plugin slots
  • Slot 1 Drive: -6 to +18 dB with constant gain 
  • Slot 1 Mix: blends dry and processed signal
  • Slot 2: on/off
• Focus EQ
  • Single knob EQ to balance bass and treble – Chop Shop heritage
  • Internal jumpers to shift pivot frequency
  • PRE switch moves Focus pre-Slot 1
• All circuit components were chosen by ear for maximum MOJO

MISTER FOCUS In Detail

Mister Focus features three blocks of high-end analog processing.  All four versions in the collection feature the same basic architecture and layout.  STAGE II, COMP, and EQ are pre-configured with our favorite combinations of analog plugins.  With RGB you configure the COLOUR and TWO-TONE blocks to build a custom signal path for your unique needs.  The third block is our powerful single knob FOCUS EQ.

CONFIGURE WITH ANALOG PLUGIN MODULES

While STAGE II, COMP, and EQ are set up with our favorite configurations, MISTER FOCUS – RGB is offered specifically as a blank canvas that allows you to configure its functionality and customize its sonic signature by installing analog plugins called Colour modules.  A wide variety of fully assembled analog plugins affordably priced from $79 - $129 are available and are easily installed in the two Colour Module slots on MISTER FOCUS’s printed circuit board – no tools required.  Just insert your favorite Colour Module into the slots, adjust the drive (C-DRV), and blend (C-MIX) the processing with the dry signal to taste.  With EQ modules installed in MISTER FOCUS, the C-MIX knob varies the amount of boost and cut depending on the module.

FOCUS EQ

The intuitive single-knob FOCUS EQ from the Chop Shop effortlessly balances the bass and treble energy of the sound.  Apparent loudness is maintained constant for meaningful A/B comparisons. Internal SHIFT jumpers decrease turnover frequency for a different midrange response.  The PRE switch allows FOCUS to be placed before or after the primary Colour slot for the most sonic flexibility.

Louder Than Liftoff offers the following analog plugins for MISTER FOCUS:

• Pentode - a subminiature tube saturator
• Implode - the world’s smallest 1176 compressor
• Pulse - a textured tape echo/delay
• Rogue Tec Air - a Pultec HF shelving EQ
• FET Filter - a FET buffered tone-shaper with low shelf, high pass, and mid EQ
• Mass Drivr - a classic American channel inspired by a transformer/DOA Line Amplifier
• Royal Blue - a vintage British channel with discrete transistor and transformer circuitry
• Super Filter (NEW) – high and low pass filters with multi-stage saturation
• Many other third party modules are also available from the DIY Recording Equipment store

Other exciting new analog plugin modules from Louder Than Liftoff are also in development and will be announced in the future.

APPLICATIONS:

• Line amp with EQ
• Saturation with tone shaping
• Customizable tracking channel
• Simple one-knob EQ
• Mic preamp expander
• Mix / 2-Bus mojo
• Stem / Bus processing
• Colour module host – add compression EQ, distortion, saturation, delay, etc.

INTRODUCTORY PRICING:

Mister Focus – RGB: $279 

Mister Focus – STAGE II: starting at $419

Mister Focus – COMP: $479

Mister Focus – EQ: starting at $439

For more info visit www.louderthanliftoff.com