Powerhouses in the mastering domain, the UAD Shadow Hills Class A and Maag EQ4 MS plugins represent the pinnacle of digital emulation technology for professional audio engineers.
The Shadow Hills Class A Mastering Compressor, modeled after a rare hardware unit with only 50 physical versions ever built, has quickly become an industry standard for its dual-stage compression capabilities that combine optical and discrete VCA technology. Engineers particularly value the plugin’s three distinct output transformers—Nickel, Iron, and Steel—each imparting unique tonal characteristics ranging from sparkling highs to rich midrange complexity.
Unmatched dual-stage compression meets transformer versatility, delivering sonic character once reserved for elite mastering suites.
What sets the Shadow Hills Class A variant apart from its predecessors is its noticeably thicker, richer tone profile, delivering approximately 1-3 dB higher output at matched gain settings. This warmth, coupled with Brainworx’s exclusive Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT), creates an authentically analog sound that mastering engineers describe as “more musical” than typical digital compression. The plugin’s versatility allows for creative experimentation similar to how sound designers shape atmospheric elements through layering and synthesis.
The plugin’s flexibility extends to its processing modes, supporting not only traditional stereo but also dual-mono and Mid/Side configurations essential for spatial precision in modern masters. The inclusion of Lundahl input transformers enhances the authentic Class A discrete character of the compressor section.
The Shadow Hills Class A’s technical innovations are matched by its practical workflow enhancements. Its sidechain filtering prevents unwanted pumping on bass-heavy material, while the parallel mix control allows engineers to blend compressed signals with dry originals, maintaining dynamic integrity even during aggressive processing. The final thorough check with fresh ears is essential when using these plugins to ensure optimal results before finalizing your master. The plugin is readily available at select retailers for $29.99 to $40.00, making professional mastering tools accessible to engineers at various budget levels.
These features explain why, since its 2020 introduction, the plugin has appeared on countless chart-topping releases across genres from hip-hop to orchestral recordings.
Running in 64-bit environments across major DAW platforms, the Shadow Hills requires minimal system resources despite its sophisticated algorithms. This accessibility, combined with its transformer-switching capabilities for tailored harmonic content, makes it particularly valuable for mastering engineers seeking to enhance tonal richness without introducing digital artifacts.
When paired with the transparent yet musical Maag EQ4 MS, engineers gain a complete mastering chain that delivers professional results while maintaining the sonic integrity of original recordings.
