Hey Plugheads,
You already know I’m always on the hunt for those small but mighty tools that can seriously level up your workflow—and today, I’ve got a gem for you. Let me introduce you to TBPA Volume by TBProAudio.
Now before you scroll away thinking, “Just another volume plugin?” — hold up. This one’s different. It’s not here to replace your mix console fader; it’s here to do the job your console can’t — giving you surgical volume controlinside your plugin chains, without disrupting your whole gain structure.
Why TBPA Volume is More Than Just a Fader
You know those moments when you’re automating or tweaking a chain — maybe from a saturation plugin into a compressor — and suddenly your levels start acting wild? You end up compensating manually, or worse, ruining the flow with messy gain staging. TBPA Volume slides right in like a studio ninja and keeps your volume clean, controllable, and click-free.
Whether you’re automating modulation curves, fine-tuning mid/side levels, or just adjusting gain transparently between inserts, this plugin stays out of the way sonically while giving you full control over dynamics.
Here’s What I’m Loving About It 🔧
- Click-free 64-bit internal processing – smooth as silk. No pops, no clicks, even during intense automations.
- Master + L/M and R/S faders – precision control over stereo and mid/side balance.
- Customizable min/max volume – great for creative modulation or strict control.
- Smart locking – set the max to 0 dB or use min as negative infinity. So clean.
- Volume modulation display – visually track what’s going on under the hood.
- Smooth parameter interpolation – no harsh jumps or artifacts.
- Low aliasing – perfect for high-frequency or fast gain changes.
- Sample accurate automation (VST3/CLAP/AU) – yes, you can go surgical with your envelopes.
- Free GUI scaling – looks great on any screen.
- Preset management – handy for recalling setups across sessions.
How I Use It in My Chains 🎛️
Let me give you a few real-world Plughead applications:
- Post-saturation level control – I drop TBPA Volume right after a gritty tape or tube emulation to tame the output before hitting compression. It’s cleaner than using output knobs that color the tone.
- Volume automation with zero clicks – ideal for LFO-style swells or creative stutter effects.
- Mid/Side balancing – want to subtly pull your sides down before mastering? Or push the mid just a little without affecting stereo width? This is the cleanest way I’ve found.
- Parallel processing chains – great to use in your parallel drum bus, allowing you to blend at the perfect level without fiddling with group faders.
Final Thoughts – Small Plugin, Big Power ⚡
Look, TBPA Volume isn’t flashy — but that’s the point. It’s a workhorse utility that fits perfectly into your rig and keeps your signal flow tidy, transparent, and flexible. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
Plus, it’s lightweight and CPU-friendly, so I’m literally throwing it everywhere now.
DOWNLOADS:
If you’re into precise control, clean automation, and better gain staging (and I know you Plugheads are), grab this plugin and start experimenting. Sometimes the best tools are the ones that just work, and this is one of them.
Let me know in the comments how you’d use it, or tag me in your setups — I’d love to see it in action!
Until next time,
Endrin a.k.a. Sheen
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