Smasher is a compressor from Pulsar Audio built around a modified Urei 1176 circuit, with its all-buttons-in mode as the main character.
Smasher at a glance
| Developer | Pulsar Audio |
|---|---|
| Type | Effects / Compressor |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.9 or later |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Copy protection | iLok |
| RAM | 4 GB or more |
| Disk space | 1 GB |
| Free trial | Available |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €28.76 (regular €48.59) |
What Smasher does
The plugin keeps close to the original 1176 circuitry, while Pulsar has built modifications into it that change how the stage behaves. The developer describes the design as based on an internal feedback configuration, which places it in the FET compressor family that includes the Urei 1176.
Running the all-buttons-in mode changes the 1176 circuit, including its bias, and the result is a delayed transient squash that pushes drums forward in the mix. Smasher is described as suited to adding thickness and grit to drum and bass tracks, and to crushing a bus. The developer notes it will not work on every track, but where it does it can be striking.
Key features
- Modified 1176 circuit. The compressor stays close to the original Urei 1176 circuitry, with modifications Pulsar has built in for the all-buttons-in behaviour.
- All-buttons-in mode. Engaging all buttons together changes the bias of the 1176 circuit and produces a heavy, delayed transient squash.
- Ratio behaviour. The hardware offered four ratio settings, and the design keeps that basis while adding the modified behaviour above.
- Bus and drum use. The developer describes adding thickness and grit to drum and bass tracks, and crushing a full bus.
- Snare thickening. The developer suggests thickening a snare drum by reaching between -6 and -10 dB of gain reduction.
Compatibility
It runs on macOS 10.9 or higher with native Apple Silicon support, and on Windows 7 or higher. Activation uses iLok, and the plugin requires 4 GB of RAM and 1 GB of disk space. A trial is available.
Smasher compared with similar plugins
SSL Blitzer, from Solid State Logic, is an effects compressor in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX for Windows and macOS. Royal Compressor, from United Plugins, is also an effects compressor in the same four formats for Windows and macOS. Smasher is a FET-style compressor based on the Urei 1176.
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smasher | Pulsar Audio | Compressor | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €28.76 (regular €48.59) |
| SSL Blitzer | Solid State Logic | Compressor | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €101.15 |
| Royal Compressor | United Plugins | Compressor | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €4.96 (regular €115.04) |
| Model 5000 | Tone Empire | Compressor | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €84.29 |
| dbx® 160 Compressor / Limiter | Universal Audio | Compressor | VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €38.68 (regular €98.18) |
Price and availability
Smasher was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €28.76, reduced from €48.59. A free trial is offered. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
Smasher FAQ
Does Smasher run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. It has native support listed for Apple Silicon and runs on macOS 10.9 or higher.
Does Smasher require iLok?
Yes. Copy protection is iLok, so an iLok license is needed to activate it.
Is there a trial version of Smasher?
Yes. A trial is available for checking the all-buttons-in mode before using it in a session.
Where can I download Smasher crack for free?
Crack and torrent searches circulate the macOS .dmg crack and the .rar and .iso repack for the plugin, with serial key and keygen queries common alongside.