In this Pro Tools Expert review we take a look at the Tegeler Audio Manufaktur Sckwerkraftmaschine, loosely translated The Heavy Force Machine. The Sckwerkraftmaschine is a stereo Vari-Mu compressor with 11 compressor modes all housed in a beautiful 3u rack chassis. This is a very unique tool, so unique I can't think of any other studio outboard gear available today that comes close to The Sckwerkraftmaschine's feature set, value for money and overall sound quality. This thing is a compressor Swiss Army Knife, watch our video review to find out if you agree.

Main Controls

• Input

• Threshold

• Attack

• Release

• Mode (switching between compressor types)

• Side Chain Filter

• Mix (Parallel compression)

• Output

• Bypass

• Power on/off

11 Compressor Types

1. Multi-band Complex

2. Diode Pressor

3. Breakthrough

4. Stereo Transformer

5. Vari Tube Compressor

6. Vocal Leveler

7. Optical Compressor

8. Drum Smasher

9. Classic VariMu

10. Chart Analysis

11. DeEsser

Visit the Tegler Audio Manufaktur website for a detailed description of each of the 11 Schwerkraftmaschine compressor modes.

Out of the 11 compressor modes, I've found myself using the Vari Tube Compressor or Classic VariMu in my mastering workflow as both do a great job of glueing things together in a very transparent yet lazy way. The Side Chain Filter control is extremely useful for reducing pumping caused by low-end energy resulting in the upper mids and highs being dynamically shaped in true Tegeler style.

For drum processing, the Drum Smasher mode does things to my drum tracks that I find really exciting... its difficult to describe the energy of this mode but I know I've not come across this type of compressor behaviour in a plug-in... that's for sure.

Efficient Recall? More Like Precision Recall

Tegeler Audio armed "The Heavey Force Machine" with a powerful modern convenience in the way of motorized pots. No, this isn't a gimmick, this is a smart feature that enables users to interact with the device and to also save/recall compressor settings quickly.

Recalling settings on studio outboard gear is a pain, no one likes to do it. It takes time and it can be difficult to redial in exact settings. The Schwerkraftmaschine does away with the faff of recall with the use of a free plug-in by Tegler Audio that, in control, feels just like a plug-in and saves and loads presets like a plug-in as well... very cool.

When a user preset has been loaded in the plug-in the machine quickly spins all its pots to the exact position and hey presto, instant, and more importantly, effortless & precise hardware recall in seconds.

Watch our review of The Schwerkraftmaschine by Tegeler Audio Manufaktur to hear a handful of compressor types perform on a drum mix and a full mix. Watch also to find out why Pro Tools Deputy Editor Dan Cooper awarded his first ever hardware Pro Tools Expert Editor's Choice Award to the Tegler Audio Manufaktur Schwerkraftmaschine.

Try Before You Buy

If this unit takes your fancy then why not try it for yourself in the comfort of your studio before purchasing? Tegeler Audio will happily ship a demo unit to your studio for up to 2 weeks so that you can test and evaluate any product in their range. A small returnable safety deposit is required but it is important to try items such as the Schwerkraftmaschine before you buy.

Visit the Tegeler Audio Manufaktur website for more information regarding demo units.