Acustica Audio’s vintage-inspired channel strip plug-in has just been treated to an update that expands its tonal range with some new preamp options. Mystic 2 now offers a choice of three preamp models, with a new Vintage option delivering a more aggressive sound character, and Modern offering a more refined and flexible sound. 

The general layout and operation of the plug-in remains the same as before, and the three preamp modes are joined by high- and low-pass filters, a flexible four-band EQ section and an optical-style compressor. Two views are available: Standard and Extended, with the former focusing on ease of operating and quick results and the latter providing more in-depth tweaking and enhanced visual feedback. 

Mystic 2 has been built using Acustica’s NOVA (Neural Optimized Volterra Audio) technology, a hybrid approach that combines their Vectorial Volterra Kernels-based technology with advanced neural audio modelling. The company say that at lower signal levels, Volterra dynamic convolution ensures an accurate and stable response. As the signal increases, contributions from the neural processing stage allow for smoother saturation and more natural harmonic development, avoiding abrupt transitions as the sound moves between clean and driven sounds. 

• NOVA Powered: Smooth tube saturation with richer harmonics and expressive analogue response.
• Three Voices: Three tube personalities for authentic, vintage or modern-sounding analogue tone.
• Expanded EQ: a musical four-band EQ with Mid Q control and dedicated Air enhancement.
• Dual View: Fast workflow with instant access to detailed visual feedback.
• Opto Limiter: Natural-sounding optical-style dynamics with smooth control and preserved transients.

Video of MYSTIC 2 - Turn Every Sound Into a Bigger Story

Mystic 2 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or later, and Macs running macOS 10.15 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available. 

Mystic 2 is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of €79 until 12 August 2026, when it will increase to its full cost of €159. Owners of the previous version are eligible for a free upgrade.

www.acustica-audio.com/shop/products/MYSTIC2