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An introduction to Soundtoys Devil-Loc Deluxe, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
What is Devil-Loc Deluxe?
Devil-Loc Deluxe is an aggressive compressor for drums and other sources, an expanded version of Devil-Loc, which is based on the 1960s Shure Level-Loc, and includes Devil-Loc.
It is described as extreme compression for big, gritty drum sounds.
Darkness rolls off crunchy highs, release switches between slow and fast, and a Mix knob blends in the dry signal.
Existing Devil-Loc owners can upgrade through their Soundtoys account.
Extreme compression
Heavily squashes levels for big, gritty sounds, which may suit pushing drums forward.
Darkness
A tone control that rolls off crunchy highs.
Release switch
Choose slow or fast release to change how the compression recovers.
Mix knob
Blend in the dry signal for parallel compression.
Includes Devil-Loc
The standard Devil-Loc is included for simpler use.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Version | 5.5 |
| Formats | AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST 2, VST 3, AU (64-bit only) |
| Sample rates | 44.1 to 192 kHz |
| macOS | 10.15 or later |
| Windows | Windows 10 or later (not ARM Windows) |
| Apple Silicon | Supported |
What is included and system requirements
- Devil-Loc Deluxe and Devil-Loc
- Also in the Soundtoys 5 bundle
- Hosts include Pro Tools, Live, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic, Studio One, Reaper, Bitwig
How to use it
- Insert on a drum bus or room mic.
- Raise input to set compression depth.
- Adjust Darkness.
- Choose slow or fast release.
- Balance with Mix.
- Compare with bypass at matched level.
Drum sound design
It may suit adding a big, gritty character to a drum bus.
Room mics
Heavy crushing blended in parallel may be an option.
Aggressive vocals
It may be tried on vocals where an aggressive texture is wanted.
Who it may suit
- People wanting heavily compressed drums
- Those using parallel compression
- Soundtoys users building a toolkit
Good to know before you buy
- An internet connection is needed at activation.
- Existing Devil-Loc owners have an upgrade path.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Devil-Loc
Deluxe includes Devil-Loc and adds Darkness, a release switch and a Mix knob.
Price
$99 (Soundtoys official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Devil-Loc Deluxe on the product page
Sources: soundtoys.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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