Q Sahara
Overview
Features
- CPU friendly.
- Feed-forward topology.
- Recoil compressor circuit.
- 500-series style GUI format.
- Stepped ratio and S/C HPF.
- Zero samples latency.
- Oversampling: Vintage, Intel. and HD
"Really interesting compressor! Sahara seems to improve the sound of everything I put it on."
MARK LINETTThree-time Grammy-winning producer and engineer (The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, Red Hot Chili Peppers) 
"I reach for the Sahara compressor when I want character. It shines on bass, acoustic guitar, snare, parallel drums, and more!"
BRIAN VIBBERTS7x Grammy Award Winner Producer / Engineer 
"Pretty much everything I used it on—guitars, horns, clave ... it gave everything extra character and control."
JUSTIN STANLEYGrammy nominated engineer, producer, musician (Prince, Jamie Lidell, Mocky, Nikka Costa) 
"Really interesting compressor! Sahara seems to improve the sound of everything I put it on."
MARK LINETTThree-time Grammy-winning producer and engineer (The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, Red Hot Chili Peppers)
"I reach for the Sahara compressor when I want character. It shines on bass, acoustic guitar, snare, parallel drums, and more!"
BRIAN VIBBERTS7x Grammy Award Winner Producer / Engineer
"Pretty much everything I used it on—guitars, horns, clave ... it gave everything extra character and control."
JUSTIN STANLEYGrammy nominated engineer, producer, musician (Prince, Jamie Lidell, Mocky, Nikka Costa)
Videos
Audio Examples
Specification
Supported Plugin Formats
AU, VST3, AAX (Apple Silicon ready).
Supported Operating Systems
macOS 10.13+ Apple RISC M chip and Intel CPU (Universal 2 Binary)
Windows 10+ x64-compatible CPU
Copy Protection
A one-time challenge & response over the internet. License works on up two separate machines.
Downloads
MP MIDI model 2A Controller Preset
Q Sahara Pro Tools presets by Mark Linett
User Guides- Dark Mode
User Guides- Print Mode
For previously authorized computers
- Expanded curated presets, now presented in a well navigable subfolder hierarchy.
- Fix: Correct compression behavior when Oversampling is set to HD.
- Ongoing development commitment, with future updates planned and full compatibility with previous versions.
- Advanced Preset Manager with improved organization and faster browsing.
- Refined low-frequency response for more controlled, grounded bass behavior.
- Updated user guides with clearer workflow and gain-staging documentation.
- Bug fixes.
- Value box with a semi-transparent background for better visibility.
- Option to turn off value field display (accessible from the help menu) for a cleaner workflow.
- Pyramix DAW compatibility.
- Corrected initial transient processing on first play.
- GR reduction meter in Pro Tools on mono tracks.
13 reviews for Q Sahara
Q Sahara has quickly become one of my favorite compressors for rap vocals. To my ears, it feels like an API and DBX had a baby but with a very unique character of its own. What i love most is that it’s a peak compressor rather than an rms style compressor, which makes it incredibly punchy and responsive on vocals. It’s one of those compressors where i can throw it on a rap vocal, make a few moves and immediately get the punch, attitude and control i’m looking for.
The Q Sahara has quickly become one of my favorite compressors for rap vocals. To my ears, it feels like an API and DBX had a baby but with a very unique character of its own. What i love most is that it’s a peak compressor rather than an rms style compressor, which makes it incredibly punchy and responsive on vocals. At the same time, the controls are very easy to understand and dial in, getting the vocal to sit exactly where i want it doesn’t take much effort. It’s one of those compressors where i can throw it on a rap vocal, make a few moves and immediately get the punch, attitude and control i’m looking for.
A lot of bang for the buck!. Super useful, direct and simpler compressor than their others. No getting lost in dozens of parameters that interact with each other but you still get stellar PM quality sound. You’ll mix much faster with Sahara in your toolbox!
Simple. Effective. This is not your all in one compressor (Check out Abyss for that) but when you just need to get stuff under control and add some vibe, this will deliver. As with all PM plugins it has lots of range so fine tuning and digging in is the key. Dropped one of the bass presets on my track and then JUST changed the ratio from 10 to 7. Magic! It gives a body and organic quality to things that you get from high end analog compressors. Again, it’s not a 1 stop shop, but it does a great job on drums, acoustic guitars and bass. Haven’t tried it on vocals yet but I’m sure there’s a setting there that will work.
Saturation when you drive into it is great too!
This is such an amazing and organic piece, it’s got a wonderful tight compressor circuit tone, & It’s sooo easy to use,
I am enjoying using this tool, Because it has a nice analog reaction, and its very smooth + light on CPU.
Thank you Pulsar Modular 🙂