Quagliardi Pro Audio BoomBlender

Quagliardi Pro Audio has released BoomBlender: a digital emulation of the “BOOM” function from the renowned Quagliardi 576 FET Compressor. This circuit is known for its distinctive expansion-compression behavior, adding body and personality to sources like drum buses, vocals, bass, and more. A key part of the concept is using the Mix knob for parallel processing to keep the weight and saturation while bringing back the original transients, therefore preserving the natural punch and dynamics of the signal.
In the digital domain, that same idea expands into a broader, more flexible toolset, while staying fast and intuitive.

Built around the dry/wet concept, BoomBlender’s “one-knob” approach is intentionally not minimal in results: it blends the amount of compression and related processing applied, making it a quick, musical tone-shaping tool without slowing down decisions.

501+ THD
Using machine learning processes, BoomBlender models the saturation characteristics of the Quagliardi 501+ module, the brand’s flagship preamp. With three Total Harmonic Distortion modes, the THD control offers clean, warm, and hot gain staging, letting you choose how much color is added to the dry signal before it hits the compression stage.

Fast/HD modes
BoomBlender includes two processing modes. Fast mode is optimized for low CPU usage and lower latency, keeping the processing footprint light when you want to use BoomBlender across multiple tracks. HD mode uses higher-quality processing with minimal aliasing, and represents the most accurate harmonic behavior.

Style
With four compression styles, BoomBlender covers most common use cases without overcomplicating the workflow. The styles reflect different attack and release times and response curves inspired by the hardware, making it easy to audition options that pair naturally with the Mix control. Whether you’re leveling a vocal, fattening a bass track, or parallel-crushing drums, the workflow stays fast and intuitive.

Mid/Side Mode
In addition to stereo operation, BoomBlender includes a Mid/Side matrix, enabling processing on the mid or side channel. This opens up practical mix options for controlling center focus versus width, and for more creative spatial shaping.

If you’re after a fast, intuitive in-the-box tone-shaping tool, BoomBlender delivers that Quagliardi “BOOM” attitude with the flexibility of a plugin.

Price: $89.99 (release price: $34.99)

Download your 15-day free trial at https://quagliardiaudio.com/shop/

BoomBlender Lite is also available as a free plugin. You’ll find it at the same link above: limited features, same attitude. Enjoy!