Install
macOS
- Download the .pkg installer
- Open the installer and follow the prompts (requires administrator password)
- The installer places plugins in system-level directories:
- AU:
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Niviem OPT4.component - VST3:
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Niviem OPT4.vst3
- AU:
- Restart your DAW and scan for new plugins
Windows
- Ensure Microsoft WebView2 Runtime is installed (pre-installed on Windows 11)
- Download and extract the archive
- Copy
Niviem OPT4.vst3toC:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\ - Restart your DAW and scan for new plugins
Basic Usage
- Insert NIVIEM OPT4 on a vocal, bass, or mix bus track
- The plugin loads with the Vintage Leveling preset (LIMIT mode, VINTAGE opto)
- Adjust PEAK REDUCTION until you see 3-6 dB of gain reduction
- Adjust GAIN to match bypass level (default is +10 dB)
- Try COMPRESS mode for vocals, LIMIT for bass
- Fine-tune ATTACK and RELEASE to taste
Mode Selection
| Mode | Ratio | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| COMPRESS | ~3:1 | Vocals, acoustic, mix bus |
| LIMIT | ~10:1+ | Bass, drums, broadcast |
Controls
Left Column (4 knobs)
| Knob | Range | Default | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAIN | -12 to +30 dB | +10 dB | Output makeup gain |
| ATTACK | 0-100% | 30% | Attack character (lower = faster) |
| PEAK REDUCTION | 0-100% | 50% | Sidechain drive (compression amount) |
| RELEASE | 0-100% | 50% | Release character (lower = faster) |
Right Column (4 knobs)
| Knob | Range | Default | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC LPF | 0-100% | 0% (OFF) | Sidechain low-pass filter |
| MIX | 0-100% | 100% | Wet/dry blend (parallel compression) |
| HF | 0-100% | 0% (FLAT) | Sidechain HPF / R37 emphasis (up to 1 kHz) |
| OUTPUT | -inf to +12 dB | 0 dB | Final output trim |
Center Switches & Selectors
| Control | Options | Default | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode | COMP / LIMIT | LIMIT | Compression topology |
| Tone | DARK / BRIGHT | DARK | 12BH7 tube character |
| Opto | MODERN / VINTAGE | VINTAGE | T4 cell response |
| Meter | GR / +4 / +10 / SC | GR | VU meter mode (SC = sidechain listen) |
Quick Tips
- Classic vocal sound: COMPRESS mode, VINTAGE opto, HF at FLAT, 3-5 dB GR
- Fat bass: LIMIT mode, HF at FLAT, SC LPF at 30-40%, 4-8 dB GR
- Mix bus glue: COMPRESS mode, VINTAGE opto, 1-3 dB GR max, ATTACK at 50-60%
- De-essing: LIMIT mode, HF at 60-80%, use SC meter to hear sidechain
- Parallel compression: Aggressive GR with MIX at 30-50%
- Room explosion: LIMIT mode, 70-90% Peak Reduction, high Gain, fast Release
- Sidechain bandpass: Combine HF (40%) + SC LPF (40%) to focus on midrange
The LA-2A Difference
- Program-dependent: Attack/release adapt automatically to the signal
- Feedback topology: Natural, musical compression
- Two-stage release: 60ms fast + 0.5-5s slow recovery
- Memory effect: Compression "remembers" recent activity