Quick Start
Get to a stable starting point in four steps, then fine-tune from there.
Insert Pressure on your track
Add Pressure as an insert effect on any track, bus, or your master channel. It works in VST3, AU, and AAX on the current public macOS release path - most modern DAWs will find it automatically after installation.
Pick an engine mode
Use the Mode selector to choose the right engine for your source:
| Mode | Best for |
|---|---|
| MIX | Mix bus, group buses, gentle glue |
| INST | Guitars, bass, synths, keyboards |
| VOCALS | Vocals, voiceover, dialogue |
| DRUMS | Drums, percussion, drum bus |
| MASTER | Master bus, stereo mix, mastering |
Set the PRESSURE knob
Turn up the PRESSURE knob while audio is playing. Target 3-6 dB of gain reduction on the GR meter for most material. The PRESSURE knob automatically maps threshold, ratio, attack, and release for the selected engine - one knob does the work of four.
Blend with MIX
Use the MIX knob for parallel compression. Start at 100% (fully compressed) and back off to taste. For mix bus work, 40-60% often sounds more natural than 100%.
Host Setup Notes
Restart your DAW after installation, then run a plugin rescan if Pressure does not appear immediately.
Pressure ships on the current public macOS release path in VST3, AU, and AAX formats. Your host will use the compatible format it scans first.
If you prefer the lowest-friction install path, start with Weather Station. If you prefer a standard package install, the direct macOS installer remains available from your Bellweather purchase surfaces.
Quick Tips
- •Enable AUTO mode for program-dependent attack and release that adapts to your material.
- •Use TONE to tilt the sidechain detection - subtle changes make a big difference on bass-heavy material.
- •Try factory presets as starting points - there are 34 presets tuned for specific use cases across all five engines.