Tegeler Magnetismus 2

What is the Tegeler Magnetismus 2 and what does it do?

The Tegeler Magnetismus 2 is a stereo analog processor that pairs a VCA compressor with a downstream transient shaper and transformer-based tape saturation. It compresses and rounds out transients much like a tape machine, producing a thick, rich, glued-together sound. Add the output transformer stage for extra density and punch. It is built in Berlin by Tegeler Audio Manufaktur.

What is the Tegeler Magnetismus 2 best for?

The Tegeler Magnetismus 2 is best for drums, drum bus, and other transient-rich material like synths and acoustic guitars. It adds punch, weight, and tape-style cohesion, and its compressor doubles as a bus or sum-signal glue compressor on its own. Pushed harder, it becomes a creative tool – a drum smasher or saturator for adding grit and attitude. Subtle tape warmth or full destruction, it covers both.

What are the Flux Modes (Eisen, Kobalt, Nickel) on the Magnetismus 2?

The Flux Modes are three saturation characters that run your signal through different transformers to emulate iron (Eisen), cobalt (Kobalt), and nickel tape saturation. Each mode also changes the time window of the transient shaper, rounding transients more or less for a tape-like feel. The Intensity control sets how strongly the shaping affects the signal. Together they range from gentle warmth to aggressive, characterful saturation.

What kind of compressor is in the Magnetismus 2?

The Magnetismus 2 uses a clean, punchy VCA compressor with Threshold, Timing, Ratio, and Make-Up Gain controls. Instead of separate attack and release knobs, a single stepped Timing control selects combined time constants, from fast (about 7 ms attack) up to much slower settings. Ratio runs from 1.5:1, 2:1, 4:1 and 8:1 up to a Limit setting, with an Off position for no compression. Because the compressor works independently, it also serves as a bus or mastering glue compressor.

Can I use the compressor and the saturation separately?

Yes. The VCA compressor and the Flux saturation/transient section work independently. Set the Ratio to Off to use the Magnetismus 2 purely as a transformer saturator, or leave the Flux subtle and lean on the compressor as a clean bus or mastering glue compressor. Driving the make-up gain pushes more signal into the saturation stage for added harmonic density. That flexibility is why it suits tracking, mixing, sound design, and bus work alike.

Is the Magnetismus 2 good for mastering?

The Magnetismus 2 can be used on the mix bus and for light mastering glue, though it is designed first for drums and transient-rich material. Its clean VCA compressor and stepped, repeatable controls make gentle sum-bus compression easy and recallable. Many engineers use its saturation sparingly to add weight and life to a full mix. For surgical mastering, pair it with a dedicated mastering EQ and compressor.

What is harmonic saturation, and why does analog tape-style distortion sound musical?

Harmonic saturation is the gentle distortion that adds new harmonic overtones to a signal, the way tape and transformers do when driven. Those added harmonics read to the ear as warmth, density, and perceived loudness rather than harshness, which is why analog saturation sounds musical instead of digital. The Magnetismus 2 generates it through real transformers in its Flux stage. Used lightly it thickens and glues; pushed hard it becomes overt, characterful grit.

Is the Tegeler Magnetismus 2 at Access Analog the real hardware or an emulation?

It is the real hardware. Access Analog connects your DAW to a physical Tegeler Magnetismus 2 in our racks and controls its actual knobs and switches robotically in real time, streaming your audio through the genuine analog circuitry and transformers and back. Real Gear. No Emulations. You hear the actual VCA compressor and transformer saturation, not a model of them.

Can I recall my settings on the Magnetismus 2 through Access Analog?

Yes. Every knob, switch, and selector on the Magnetismus 2 is saved and recalled independently through the Analog Matrix plugin. You can store a single setting as a preset or save an entire signal chain to bring back later, just like a software plugin. The unit’s stepped, switched controls make recall exact, with no guesswork matching analog positions. Ready-made preset packs are also available to get you started.

How much does it cost to use the Tegeler Magnetismus 2 at Access Analog?

Access Analog reservations for the Tegeler Magnetismus 2 start from $3.55. You can also use it on demand with credits (1 credit = $1, with bundles and subscriptions lowering the rate), or through a subscription. Every new account gets 12 free credits, about one hour on an average device, to try it.