FIVER FRIDAY #549: Free Compressor, Nielsen Breakup & Tapestry
Another Friday, another five things that caught my ear this week. Let’s get into it.
1. Plugin
Astra Creative Audio just dropped A-2A, an optical compressor that actually models an opto cell instead of faking it with a fast attack knob. The gain reduction follows your material instead of a fixed curve, so you set it and leave it alone. Zero latency too, which means you can track straight through it without fighting delay compensation. I’m thinking VO chains my friends. It smooths a read out without squashing the life out of it. Free until September 14, Grab it now!
Learn More: astracreativeaudio.com
2. Inspiration
Simple but…Radio Ink asked their Best Managers what actually moved the needle for them this year. Not software, not a new dashboard. One manager put it simply: “It’s pushed me to ask ‘how can I help you succeed’ before I ask anything of my teams. When leadership starts with service instead of authority, people show up differently.” Simple idea, still rare in practice. Ask first, then lead.
Read it here: radioink.com/2026/09/10/radios-best-managers-name-their-secret-day-to-day-weapons/
3. Music
Love that new album from Majid!
5. ImagingFresh off SoundCloud, our brand new Spark Hot AC composite. Format Director Adam “Ketch” Kecskemeti and Format Voice Dan Kelly! That is how Hot AC needs to sound imho!
;)
;){kind=icon}
