Behringer released firmware 3.1 for the WING last week, and this one's a big deal.
My favorite feature of the update: all gate and compressor plugins are now available in both the Gate and Compressor slots on every input channel.
If that doesn't immediately sound exciting, let me explain why it should.
Two Compressors in Series: No Insert Required
Previously, the Gate slot had gate-specific processors, and the Compressor slot had compressors. Made sense on the surface, but it limited your options.
Now you can load any dynamics processor into either slot. Gates, compressors, and expanders.
All dynamics processors now available in both the Gate and Compressor slots.
Now you can run two compressors in series, right there on the channel strip. No need to burn an insert slot or route through an effects rack.
Here's a practical example: put a fast-attack, fast-release compressor in the Gate slot to catch peaks and control the initial transient. Then follow it with a slower-attack, slower-release compressor in the Dynamics slot for more natural, transparent sounding compression.
This approach works incredibly well on overly dynamic vocals that don't really need a traditional gate—you get control without the source sounding squashed or processed.
You could also run two different compressor flavors in series. Maybe a 76 Limiter Amp for punch followed by an LA Leveler for smooth leveling. Or use the new One Knob Compressor for quick control, then fine-tune with a more detailed compressor after it.
The combinations are wide open now.
What Else Is New
Firmware 3.1 also brings:
Four new dynamics plugins – Even 88 Comp (Neve-style), LMT Compressor (SSL Listen Mic style), One Knob Compressor, and a Dual Dynamic EQ
Expanded Aux channel dynamics – Way more gate and compressor options beyond just the PSE/LA Combo
WING-DANTE with AoIP-WSG support – Use Waves SoundGrid on the expansion card instead of a module slot
Remote client limit increased – From 16 to 24 clients for WING CoPilot and WING-Q
Multiple source selection – Select multiple sources on the SOURCES screen and adjust them all at once
I go deeper on each of the new compressors and the Dual Dynamic EQ in the full blog post.
One reminder: Never update on show day. Give yourself time to verify everything works after the update, and always back up your show files first.
Until next time,
Drew
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