Black Rooster Audio BlackAsh SC-5

VCA Compressor Plugin

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  • $99.00
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    For detailed instructions on the registration/download process, you can visit our dedicated page by clicking here: Install Instructions.

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Types of proof

Student

Student ID Card, Letter of enrollment, or similar

Teacher/Lecturer

Teacher ID Card, Lecturer ID Card, Payslip, Letter from the school/college

Education proof is submitted to the manufacturer and is accepted at their discretion.

The Basics

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It has 3 types of activations, iLok USB, iLok Machine, and iLok Cloud.

Different brands/products will offer different iLok methods. iLok USB is always an option, but the availability of iLok Cloud and iLok Machine methods is at the discretion of the software developer.

iLok Account

For all iLok protected products, you will need an iLok account. You can create one for free here: ilok.com/#!registration

iLok License Manager

To manage your iLok licenses, there is a dedicated app called iLok License Manager. This app is used to register, activate, and move your licenses between locations.

You can download the latest installers from the iLok website: ilok.com/#!home

iLok USB Key

iLok USB

This activation is stored on an iLok 2 or 3 USB key.

It is the best option for portability, if you frequently move between multiple machines, and offline use.

iLok Machine ID

Machine ID

This activation is stored locally on your computer.

While this is a convenient way to work offline, and does not require the additional cost of an iLok USB, there is the risk of a license being lost in the case of a drive failure.

This option also requires extra care when you upgrade to a new computer, the license(s) must be deactivated on your old machine first to ensure you do not lose them.

iLok Cloud

iLok Cloud

This activation is based online, and requires a "cloud session" using the iLok License Manager.

It requires an active internet connection for the entire time you use the plugin(s).
View System Requirements
AAX Native - Compatible with Pro Tools 11 and above
AudioUnits Format VST2 Format
MacOS Logo
Windows Logo

Accurately modeled after the Black version of a classic and sought-after VCA compressor the SC-5 opens up a whole world of versatility: You‘re going for super gentle compression to sweeten up the signal on your master buss? You‘re looking for a colorful or smashed sound on your drum buss? You want to tame lively and dynamic material? The BlackAsh SC-5 handles it all. Compared to its brother, the BlueAsh SC-5, the BlackAsh SC-5 brings you slightly different compression behavior, a different harmonic structure paired with a darker sounding audio-path and the option to feed in external sidechain signals.

External Sidechain Input

The BlackAsh SC-5 adds an external sidechain input that can be engaged by depressing the “Ext SC” button. The BlackAsh SC-5 is a feedback compressor design, thus feeding an external sidechain input into the existing feed-back loop circuit would result in feed-forward topology, which would result in different compression behavior. To overcome this problem, the external sidechain input is treated just like the normal audio signal, while the resulting control voltage is fed into a mirror VCA that modulates the audio signal. This way feed-back operation can be retained in both the normal and external sidechain modes.

Auto Gain Compensation

The BlackAsh SC-5 is a fixed threshold compressor: More compression can be achieved by increasing the input gain. This will of course boost your signal's volume. Drag the input gain knob while holding the right mouse button and the output gain will be adjusted so the perceived output level will remain approximately the same.

Authentic Circuit Emulation

Our real time SPICE type component based circuit simulation approach allows us to authentically capture the sound and feel of the analog counterpart in all nuances. Every crucial part of the circuit, including the custom VCA design, the dual time-constant detector circuit, the feedback compressor loop, and the audio path have been faithfully modeled.

SSE2 Optimized Code

DSP operations are pipe-lined using the SSE2 instruction set. This ensures highest possible performance operation despite very complex computations.

Auto-Adjusted Oversampling for Maximum Audio Transparency

Aliasing artifacts are efficiently attenuated using a low latency linear phase Dolph-Chebyshev poly-phase design. The oversampling is auto-adjusted to your session‘s sample rate to save valuable CPU power while offering the most transparent sound possible.

High DPI / Retina Support

All Black Rooster plug-Ins support high pixel density on Mac OSX and Windows to bring you the most enjoyable user experience on high DPI displays. Please refer to your manual to find whether your DAW is HighDPI capable if you're working on Windows.

System Requirements

  • Mac OSX 10.9 - 10.15 Catalina
  • Windows 7 or newer
  • SSE2 compatible processor (Intel Core CPU recommended)
  • 1GB of RAM or more
  • VST, AU or AAX compatible host
  • Display resolution of 1280x1024 pixels or more

Crossgrade Proof

This crossgrade is for owners of a competing DAW. To prove your DAW ownership, we require that you upload proof in the form of an image/PDF.

Types of proof

A copy of your purchase receipt for the original license or the most recent update/upgrade

A screenshot of your product registration

A photo of your package (either CD/DVD or printed manual), with the unique serial number included in the photo.

Spectrasonics May 2025 Rebate

Get a rebate of up to $50 when you buy Spectrasonics this month.

Rebate amounts are as follows:

  • Omnisphere 2: $50
  • Keyscape: $40
  • Trilian: $30

Full info can be found here: ilio.com/spectrasonics-rebate