280 PRE
User Manual
v1.0.0
1. Introduction
2. Installation/Setup
2.1. Product Registration
3. Main Controls
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4. Troubleshooting
1. Introduction
Thanks for joining us on this sonic adventure with the 280 PRE!
I've spent ages absolutely gushing over the hardware this plugin
emulates, and now I'm beyond excited to share this digital
evolution with you. We've meticulously captured the essence of the
original, while pushing the boundaries with features like DRIFT and
AGE, bringing a new level of analog behavior to your digital
workflow. I'm confident you'll find the 280 PRE an indispensable tool
for adding warmth, depth, and character to your productions. See
you in the studio!
-Jesse Ray, MIXLAND
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System Requirements / Formats
- Mac 64bit / M1 & M2 & M3 & M4 Native: VST3, AU, AAX
- Windows 64bit: VST3, AAX
- 1 GHz Intel Dual Core Processor or AMD equivalent (PC)
- 4GB of RAM
- Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, 10.14 or higher recommended (up to Sequoia)
- Windows 7 & Above
- Screen res: 1024 x 768 or higher
- 64 bit DAW support only
2. Installation/Setup
For Mac users: The included installer should install the plugin’s VST3, AU, and
AAX formats automatically, you may need to restart your DAW to see the
plugin listed.
For Windows users: The included installer places the plugins in the following
places: VST3: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3 AAX: C:\Program
Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins. For alternative locations, drag the
included plugin files to the folder directly. If after restarting your DAW, you still
don’t see the plugin listed, check your DAW’s plugin folder settings, and be
sure that the plugin is in the proper location for your software.
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2.1 Product Registration
When using 280 PRE for the first time, you will see the product registration
screen, and if you have not yet purchased a license, here is where you can
begin your trial period. Otherwise, enter your license key for the product and
click the arrow icon to the right of the text box to finish registration and step
into the virtual studio. During trial mode you can still register at any time by
clicking the MIXLAND logo in the top left, and opening the registration prompt
from there. After your trial ends you will go back to seeing the registration
prompt every time you open an instance, and you will have to register the
product to continue.
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3. Main Controls
RECORD LEVEL (INPUT): This parameter adjusts the input going into the plugin.
Driving the input harder will result in more harmonic distortion.
PLAYBACK LEVEL (OUTPUT): Adjusts the output signal level coming out of the
plugin.
IO LINK: On by default, this parameter conveniently links the input and output
controls, for easy dialing that avoids unwanted changes in level. When
engaged, moving the input knob will result in the output knob moving along
with it. Note that when engaged, the user is able to trim the output volume up
or down, without changing the position of the input knob, leaving the
gain-staging and harmonics dialed-in as desired.
HI-PASS FILTER: Hi-Pass Filter: This control attenuates frequencies below the
selected cutoff point. Turning the knob clockwise raises the cutoff frequency,
reducing the presence of low frequencies in the signal.
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LO-PASS FILTER: This control attenuates frequencies above the selected
cutoff point. Turning the knob counterclockwise lowers the cutoff frequency,
reducing the presence of high frequencies in the signal.
2x Stack: This feature engages serial processing, effectively routing the signal
through two instances of the 280 PRE in succession. This doubles the
processing effect, resulting in increased saturation and harmonic distortion.
Power: A simply bypass switch
Meter Calibration: (the screw in the center of the plugin, nearest the VU
Meter) can be turned to adjust the meter to your liking!
Top Menu Bar:
Presets: select one of the versatile presets created by Mixland, or one of the
user preset slots. Use the Save and Save As functions to change your destiny
forever.
AGE: This parameter emulates the tonal changes associated with aged
electronic components. Increasing the "Age" value introduces subtle
harmonic variations and a gradual attenuation of high frequencies.
DRIFT: This parameter alters the harmonic behavior, creating a distinct and
unique sonic fingerprint. Higher "Drift" values result in a more pronounced
difference in the harmonic content, offering a consistent tonal variation
without any fluctuations.
Undo and redo: move backward and forward within the history of tweaks
you’ve made to the controls.
A/B: Use this to tweak the plugin and quickly revert back to a previous state
for quick comparison.
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Mix: Overall Wet/dry control of plugin processing.
Oversampling: Choose between 2x, 4x 8x, 16x oversampling to mitigate
aliasing and maximize clarity.
UI Size: allows access to the GUI resize control which changes the size of the
window. Defaults to 100%.
Mixland Menu (upper left corner): When clicked, this icon in the upper left
hand corner of the top menu bar will display the current version of the plugin,
whether the plugin is “licensed” or in “trial” mode, as well as provide the user
with an option to “Check for Updates”; when clicked, the plugin will quickly
search to see if a new update is available. If a new update is found, you’ll be
given the option to download the newest update; once downloaded, install
the latest installer and restart your DAW to load the latest version of 280 PRE.
4. Troubleshooting
1. Be sure to re-read through the Setup/Installation section of this
manual just in case.
2. Check the Mixland Support page and chat with our highly-trained AI
Chatbot.
3. If not, contact
[email protected] with your plugin version and
computer/DAW type, the details of the issue, and the steps to
reproduce it. We’ll get right back to you with help 🙂
