Wes Audio _MIMAS is a mono, fully analog FET compressor in 1176 style, in ng500 format (2-slot 500-series module) with full digital integration — an analog signal path with automation and recall via VST/AU, USB, and MIDI with zero digital processing in the audio path. _MIMAS is a direct evolution of the classic UREI 1176LN architecture, with the addition of a digital control layer that preserves the full FET compression character: fast attack (20 µs – 800 µs), all operating modes including the "All Buttons In" (all-ratio) mode, and precise release control. Modules can be purchased in pairs and combined into a stereo FET compressor with stereo link. Stepper motors move physical potentiometers in response to DAW automation.
FET 1176 style — transient speed and coloration character
The field-effect transistor (FET) in the _MIMAS compression circuit provides the characteristic transient response speed unavailable in VCA and optical compressors: attack as fast as 20 microseconds allows hard peak control on drums and guitars without click artifacts. Ratio: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, and the "All Buttons In" mode — the classic 1176 configuration in which simultaneously pressing all ratio buttons creates a unique, aggressive compression character with a specific low-end boost tonality and a shortened attack transient. Attack: 20 µs – 800 µs (continuous or stepped). Release: 50 ms – 1.1 s + Auto. Input (threshold) and Output (makeup gain) on the front panel. VU meter with a switchable indication mode (output / GR). Transformer-balanced input and output — harmonic coloration from the audio transformers and the characteristic "FET color" of the 1176 (a subtle upper-midrange lift under compression). When two _MIMAS modules are paired, stereo link couples both modules to a shared detection circuit — consistent stereo imaging without panning artifacts under compression.
DAW integration and ng500 format
The _MIMAS VST/AU plug-ins handle DAW automation and recall: stepper motors move the physical Input, Output, Attack, and Release potentiometers in response to DAW automation. Recall is accurate to 16-bit per parameter, guaranteeing identical physical settings at every session recall. The "All Buttons In" mode is also accessible through the DAW plug-in as a switchable operating mode. The ng500 format (2-slot 500-series module) allows installation in any API-compatible 500-series rack; two _MIMAS modules form a stereo FET compressor with full stereo link. _MIMAS is one of the ng500 line modules from Wes Audio, alongside NGLeveler, NGBusComp, _DIONE, _RHEA, Timbre, and _Prometheus.
KEY FEATURES
- Mono FET compressor 1176 style, 2-slot 500-series module, with full digital integration
- Ratio: 4:1 / 8:1 / 12:1 / 20:1 + "All Buttons In" mode
- Attack: 20 µs – 800 µs (FET speed unavailable in VCA and opto designs)
- Release: 50 ms – 1.1 s + Auto
- Controls: Input (threshold) and Output (makeup gain)
- "All Buttons In" mode: unique compression character with low-end boost and shortened transient
- Transformer-balanced input and output — harmonic coloration
- VU meter with switchable mode: output / GR
- Stereo link when pairing two modules
- Full DAW automation (VST/AU) with physical potentiometer movement
- Full preset recall 16-bit per parameter via USB and MIDI
- Zero digital processing in the signal path
- Format: ng500, 2-slot module (API 500-series compatible)
- Available as single module or matched pair (stereo)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: mono FET compressor 1176 style, 2-slot 500-series module
- Signal path: fully analog, FET
- Ratio: 4:1 / 8:1 / 12:1 / 20:1 + "All Buttons In"
- Attack: 20 µs – 800 µs
- Release: 50 ms – 1.1 s + Auto
- Controls: Input, Output
- Transformer: transformer-balanced input and output
- VU meter: output / GR, switchable
- Stereo link: when pairing two modules
- Digital integration: VST/AU, USB, MIDI
- Automation: 16-bit per parameter, physical potentiometer movement
- I/O: balanced (500-series standard)
- Power: from 500-series rack (API standard)
- Format: ng500, 2-slot (API 500-series compatible)
