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Crest Factory

Crest Factory

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3U 24HP Eurorack Analog Modular Auto Compressor & Expander

650.00 € 650.0 EUR 650.00 € Tax Excluded

650.00 € Tax Excluded

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Welcome to the

​Crest Factory



Comprehensive Dynamics ProcessorFor Your Sound StudioAdvanced Analog Compression ArchitectureFrom Whispering Kittens to Flaming Banjos ​A Grand Tour of Sonic Absurdity

Comprehensive Dynamics Processor

Developed at Simmetrik Labs, this Analog Modular Auto Up/Down Compressor, Expander, Waveshaper, Noise Gate and Saturator is a high-performance Eurorack module that integrates established principles of adaptive dynamic range control with a utility-focused interface.  

For Your Sound Studio

Its compact design emphasizes precision and ergonomics, making it well suited for professional audio engineers, producers, and musicians who require refined dynamic range manipulation in a modular environment. The comprehensive and innovative feature set, combined with low-noise analog circuitry, allows this module to compete with outboard gear and advanced digital compressors, making it a distinguished analog audio processing solution.

Advanced Analog Compression Architecture

A high-fidelity, original analog compression architecture developed in accordance with industry best practices and established academic research, this module does not merely recreate or emulate existing designs. Instead, it can closely approximate the behavior of a wide range of hardware and digital compressors—offering cleaner performance and more flexibility than typical analog units and freedom from the aliasing artifacts often associated with digital processing.

From Whispering Kittens to Flaming Banjos ​

It can deliver anything from delicate, barely perceptible compression—akin to a timid whisper from a particularly bashful kitten—to a ferocious maelstrom of distortion so extreme it might have interdimensional warlords cowering behind their plush beanbag chairs.

A Grand Tour of Sonic Absurdity

Dare to push it beyond all reason, and your once-pristine signal may erupt into a screeching parade of flaming banjos riding velociraptors through a smoldering cotton-candy inferno.

A Peek Under the Hood



Key Features

Program-Dependent DynamicsBeyond Conventional Downward CompressionAuto KneeLinear vs. Logarithmic Level Detection Domain

Program-Dependent Dynamics

The module employs automatic, program-dependent compression, dynamically adjusting attack and release times based on the input signal’s crest factor. This crest factor is calculated using a knob-adjustable, voltage-controllable RMS time factor and functions independently of the input signal level, allowing precise fine-tuning of the detection response to suit different audio material. The intensity of this adaptation can be adjusted with the **Auto** knob and applied independently to either the release or attack stages, or to both simultaneously, effectively accelerating the level detector’s response to transients. By continually adapting to both transient and sustained components, the module mitigates distortion and pumping artifacts commonly associated with fixed time constants. This advanced flexibility ensures a natural and transparent dynamic response, tailored to the unique characteristics of any signal.

Beyond Conventional Downward Compression

Unlike standard compressors restricted to downward compression, Crest Factory supports upward compression, upward expansion, and downward expansion too. These modes can be combined with adjustable compressor topologies (feedforward or feedback) and selectable level detector response curves (linear or exponential), enabling peak-level compensation, both positive and negative ratios, and soft, automatic, or manual knee settings. The result is a significantly broader array of dynamic shaping possibilities, surpassing the capabilities of traditional compressors.

Auto Knee

Engaging the automatic knee function repurposes the Manual Soft Knee control into an adjustable Auto Soft Knee parameter. As the average gain reduction increases, the effective knee broadens. A back panel trimmer allows for fine-tuning the smoothing interval of the Auto Soft Knee response, ranging from approximately 0.3 seconds to 6.3 seconds, offering nuanced control over transient handling and tonal coloration.

Linear vs. Logarithmic Level Detection Domain

Attack and release "slew limiters" (level detectors) can operate in either a linear or logarithmic domain. A dedicated switch converts the sidechain signal between these domains, resulting in either an exponential or linearized envelope response. This flexibility in processing domains aligns with advanced compression models, allowing users to precisely tailor the compressor's temporal behavior.