Tan 2
Key Features
- Five compressor models include Original Tan plus Hyper-driven single and double variants.
- Threshold, ratio, attack, release, gain, dry/wet, high-pass filtering, and ShMod provide broad dynamic shaping.
- ShMod lets you refine the shape of the compressor attack response for the source at hand.
- Internal sidechain processing gives the detector a dedicated control path within the plug-in.
- Stereo-link operation is available in the double-compression emulations.
- Selectable 1x, 2x, and 4x oversampling is paired with anti-aliasing in the compressor emulations.
- Presets, resizable interface control, and updated graphics support day-to-day mix workflows.
Description
Tan 2 is Acustica Audio's analog VCA compressor for shaping dynamics with a choice of classic and Hyper-driven compressor models. It combines threshold, ratio, attack, release, gain, dry/wet, high-pass filtering, and a ShMod control for tailoring how the attack responds to different sources.
The current second-generation edition supplies Original Tan alongside Hyper Tan, Hyper Tan AA, Hyper Double Tan, and Hyper Double Tan AA compressor emulations. The double models add stereo-link operation, while the internal sidechain gives the detector a dedicated signal path without requiring external routing.
Oversampling can run at 1x, 2x, or 4x in the compressor emulations, with anti-aliasing intended to improve the processing quality. Presets, interface-size control, graphic updates, and functional optimizations round out the revised release.
Tan 2 suits producers who want VCA-style dynamic control with tonal character rather than a purely transparent utility compressor. Its mix control also makes it practical for blending compressed punch back into drums, buses, or individual tracks.
Acustica distributes Tan 2 through its Aquarius Desktop application. After creating an Acustica account, users can find the product in Aquarius, choose a plug-in format, and install it from the application on macOS or Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tan 2 the current version of the old TAN compressor?
Yes. Acustica's current developer-controlled product page identifies the product as Tan 2 and lists Original Tan among its compressor emulations. The older discovery listing calls it Tan Free, so this entry uses the current official name rather than preserving the legacy title.
What does ShMod do in Tan 2?
ShMod is the plug-in's control for shaping attack behavior. It works alongside the regular attack setting, giving you another way to tune how the compressor reacts to a source's initial transient.
Which Tan 2 models support stereo link?
Acustica says stereo link is available only in the stereo or double compression emulations. The listed double models are Hyper Double Tan and Hyper Double Tan AA.
How do I install Tan 2?
Create or sign in to an Acustica account, install the Aquarius Desktop application, then search for Tan 2 in Aquarius. Select the desired format from the product menu and run the installation from the application.
