No audio toolbox would be complete without a compressor. They are some of the most versatile pieces of gear with complex and simplistic functions alike.

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Coloration, check…dynamic control, check…mix glue, check. Varied circuit designs in analog compressors make certain models better for one task than another and with the design of digital compressors, choosing the right tool for the job can become more difficult.

Plugins have been attempting to model their real-deal analog counterparts for years, but also offer some new innovations to the world of gain reduction. Check out these awesome plugins and listen to what a proper compressor can do for you.

FabFilter Pro C2

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32 to 64-bit audio units and vst plugins adapter. For those looking for a great “do everything” compressor, the FabFilter Pro C2 has exactly what you need and a ton more. This compressor manages to pack eight compression character styles, lookahead gain reduction, 4x oversampling, mid/side control, and the ability to affect each channel independently or linked as a stereo pair with the Stereo Link control into one of the most incredible interface designs plugins have seen.

The eight modes of the compressor allow the Pro C2 to add some coloration to your mixes. Version 2 adds five new modes: Vocal, Mastering, Bus, Punch, and Pumping to give you access to tailored responses to match what you are working on.

The HoRNet FAT-FET is a sound processor that provides you with a FET compressor emulation model, simulating the characteristics of an analog blue stripe vintage compressor The algorithm makes no. Virtual Instruments and Effects news, forum, reviews, information and deals. Find the latest VST Plug-ins, Audio Units, AAX Plug-ins, Samples, and Presets.

Mastering engineers will appreciate the new metering. The size and the accuracy of these meters have increased, and FabFilter adjusted the Pro C2 to comply with the EBU R128 loudness standard. Combine this with the 4x oversampling and GPU acceleration and you have one accurate plugin.

Aug 16, 2020 Compatible with Studio One Prime with separately purchased Fat Channel XT (Versions 3.5.6 and higher) Also Compatible with StudioLive Series III Console and Rack Mixers Includes 5 EQs and 6 compressors (listed in the main description) Functions as additional Comp/EQ models in the Fat Channel XT Plugin in Studio One and compatible host applications. FREE VST PLUGINS VST Effects SIGNAL Dynamics GranComp3. Dynamics SIGNAL VST Effects GranComp3. GranComp3 is a classicmultiband hard compressor. FabFilter Pro-C 2. If you’re looking for an incredibly versatile compressor, check out the FabFilter Pro.

All of this functionality and versatility make this compressor a great choice for any engineer looking for a lot of features in one package. Check out the FabFilter Pro C2 for access to a large toolset within one beautiful plugin.

Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

There are several reasons engineers have opted to use a stereo compressor on their master bus. When mixing into a compressor, engineers are often looking for more “glue” to their mix or they are after a certain coloration. Check out our article on Mix Bus Compression for more information.

One of the most legendary examples is the compressor from the SSL 4000 G console’s master section. Thanks to SSL and Waves, this emulation can bring you the tone of those boards for vintage coloration and the “glue” effect of this legendary console. To build on its accuracy to the original, Waves added modeled analog hum from the SSL 4000 G for even more coloration abilities.

This plugin is typically used for master bus compression, but also shines when your goal is to tighten up drums or piano. If you need a way to add the glue and polish to your mixes, check out the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor.

Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A

Among all hardware compressors, there are a couple that stand out as studio legends. One of those legends is the Teletronix LA-2A. The LA-2A is an optical compressor with a tube output stage. Featuring slower attack and release times, and vibe to spare, the LA-2A has become known for its warmth and character that can be heard on countless records. Universal Audio, the current manufacturer of the reissue hardware, decided that rebuilding the legendary compressor wouldn’t be enough. As a part of their UAD plugins, they took it upon themselves to get all of the famous sounds modeled into their Teletronix LA-2A.

As an optical compressor, most of the common uses of 2As include instruments with fewer transients and vocals. Bass and vocals have been commonly treated with this style of compression, both for its smoother gain reduction and in the case of the LA-2A, for the warmth of the tube output stage.

The plugin offers three variations of the compressor. The LA2 has the slowest attack and release like many 1950s compressors, while the gray and silver models have medium-fast attack and release for a more typical response similar to the vintage LA-2As that have earned their legendary status. Just like the hardware, there aren’t many controls. Output gain and peak reduction controls are available as well as the ability to change metering and switch between limiting and compressing. If warm, tune-aided optical compression is what you are shooting for, but you’re short the $3,000 to buy the hardware, check this out. There’s got to be some reason it’s on so many records. Free celtic harp vst.

PSP Audioware VintageWarmer2

PSP Audioware created a multi-faceted set of plugins when they created the VintageWarmer2. Having three modes of operation and precise emulation of analog equipment, the VintageWarmer2 is a great compressor for mixing and mastering with tons of analog saturation available.

The first mode, called MicroWarmer aims features speed, release, drive, low, high, knee, and output controls. With the addition of the shelving EQ section, this mode can be used for tone shaping while offering a scaled-back, CPU-friendly compressor. The second mode is a direct successor to the original VintageWarmer. It aims to keep low latency while adding brick wall limiting, multi-band compression, frequency selection for the EQ shelves, and more release settings. The third mode, VintageWarmer2, features the FAT mode. This mode allows the plugin to double sample incoming audio for more an improved analog sound.

The plugin has become known for its characteristics when overloaded. PSP aimed to make the VintageWarmer2 exhibit tape like qualities when pushed to overloading. Because of this, the plugin is very useful for coloration, saturation, and of course, compression. For a good emulation of analog processing that can be added effectively to a mix or master, check out the VintageWarmer2.

Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Kotelnikov

For the engineers who want smooth compression that doesn’t sound too obvious, the TDR Kotelnikov is a good place to start. Not only is there an entirely free version, but there is also a lot of flexibility available here to tailor your compression characteristics to taste.

The controls allow for threshold, peak crest, soft knee, ratio, attack, and two release times. Most of the controls function just as they would on other compressors. The Peak Crest knob can be viewed as a blend control for what the plugin is reacting to. The higher the setting, the more the Kotelnikov reacts to RMS level, the lower the setting, the more it reacts to the peak level. The control can be set to allow for only peak or only RMS, but the ability to blend the two reactions together allows for smooth and configurable reduction. The Kotelnikov allows for high pass filtering as well as stereo sensitivity. This allows for more precise control over what is making your compressor react.

The plugin function well in both bus and individual track scenarios. The tone of this plugin allows the original timbre and tone of your material to shine through. With no form of hardware emulation present in the plugin, the TDR Kotelnikov is a new type of digital compressor looking to make a name for its clean, uncolored gluing. Rounding out its features with oversampling and 64-bit processing, the TDR Kotelnikov is worth looking into for your transparent compression needs.

iZotope Ozone 8 Dynamics

iZotope has made a name for itself in the world of mastering and audio restoration. With plugin suites like RX and Ozone, it is clear to see why. The tools provided in these suites are second to none for critical audio work. Within Ozone 8, the Dynamics plugin stands out for its precise control and many options.

Combining the functionality of a quality limiter with a quality compressor is the first thing that makes this plugin so great. Fine-tuning how your mixes and masters sound with this level of accuracy ensures that your finished audio will sound just as you intended. Since its main goal is to act as a mastering compressor, it features mid/side processing, advanced metering, and variable look-ahead times.

The detection filter feature gives even more configuration options over how the incoming signal will affect the compressor’s detection algorithms. Using high pass and tilt modes, the signal can be tuned to have a greater or lesser effect on the compression being used. Other useful features such as learn mode can set where the crossover points used for multiband mode are.

This compressor lends itself to those who need clean compression with lots of versatility. Check this out when mastering as many of its features are geared towards polishing rather than coloring a mix.

Waves CLA-76

The Urei 1176 is one of the most popular hardware compressors in existence. It is capable of incredibly fast attack and release times due to its FET circuit, and infamously features “backward” attack and release potentiometers. Waves skipped no details and left those knobs exactly the way they were when designing this plugin.

The interface mirrors the controls of an analog 1176. The plugin allows for analog hum to be added at fifty or sixty cycles if desired. Depending on which revision mode you choose, you will have entirely different characters available in CLA-76. “Bluey” models the Blue Stripe revision which gives a little more edge to the sound due to hotter gain staging while “Blacky” models the 1176-LN model. Featuring less noise and smoother response, this mode gives a cleaner color to your tracks.

Due to its fast attack and release, this compressor can be useful for transient heavy material such as percussion. The punch that the CLA-76 adds to drums is great whenever you need big drum sounds. If you are after the sounds of the real deal Urei 1176, the Waves CLA-76 can get you started with presets from Chris Lord-Alge. If you have used the hardware before, you will feel right at home. Check out the legendary sounds of the CLA-76.

Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B

Another hardware emulation of a classic compressor. The Tube-Tech CL 1B is another great example of what a killer optical compressor can do for your tracks. Considered to be a “go-to” compressor for vocals of many genres, the CL 1B has demonstrated time and time again what smooth compression is great for. Softube did a painstaking recreation of the classic hardware and succeeded in maintaining its smooth and transparent tones.

The controls on the plugin mirror the hardware with a few small changes. In addition to gain, attack, release, threshold, and ratio controls, the plugin allows for parallel compression to be done from within the plugin. Save yourself an auxiliary track and use the knob to blend the perfect amount of compression into your mixes. On top of this, a sidechain low cut “switch” was added to the plugin for additional tweaking options.

This compressor has made itself known for its use with vocals, but many bassists have sworn by the CL 1B as well. It may be worth trying out on a master bus for the transparent and smooth tones it can yield. If a more transparent optical compression is what your mix needs, you won’t find much better than the CL 1B.

Klanghelm MJUC

Variable-mu compressors have been popular choices for bus compression for years. Hardware like the Fairchild 670 and the Manley Vari-Mu have become standards in high-end studios, and have graced many records with their smooth, colored tones. For those of us who cannot drop $30,000 on a Fairchild or even $4,400 for a Manley, Klanghelm has sought to help out.

The MJUC was designed to emulate the best of every variable-mu compressor Klanghelm could get their hands on. The result is a collection that reaches back to the 1950s in available sounds. Model Mk1 offers the most coloration, ranging into dense and thick textures. Model Mk2 looks to emulate designs from the 1960s. It adds four ratios to choose from as well as Density and IStage buttons for more color choices. The density switch adds a second vari-mu stage to reduce the dependence upon where you have your attack and release settings. Model Mk3 looks to be the most Hi-Fi and sounds similar to a 670 in the way that it adds punch.

The price of this plugin makes the desirable effect of variable-mu compression available to the masses. The MJUC’s versatility and inclusion of different levels of coloration make this a great plugin for any mix or master. For more information on variable-mu compressors, check out our article on Mix Bus Compression.

MeldaProduction MCompressor

Melda Production’s MCompressor is one of those plugins that surprises you as you use it. The feature set is very large, and the price tag is very small making complex issues much easier to handle for every engineer who faces them.

To start, the plugin features a transparent tone allowing for straightforward compression with no additional color. It features input/output gain, attack, release, RMS, threshold, and ratio controls as well as three knee modes with size adjustment. This section alone allows for many useful changes to make to your mixes and masters, but the MCompressor does not stop there. It adds mid/side processing, upsampling, a safety limiter, and automatic gain compensation for increased functionality.

The MCompressor can be linked to operate in stereo or unlinked for different compression of separate channels in your incoming signal. To make this plugin even more enjoyable to use, the entire UI can be edited to fit your style or to match your DAW. When transparency, a large list of features, and a small price tag are what your mix needs, Melda Production has your back with the MCompressor.

Conclusion: Whether you are new to engineering or you are a seasoned professional, compression can be one of the harder topics. Luckily, the options in sound quality, configurability, and features allow every engineer a toolkit to accomplish their goals. Whether mixing or mastering, compression becomes important for dynamics, color, and glue. These differences may seem small at first, but their impact on your mixes is noticeable.

If you’re looking to hear what top-notch compression can do for your mix, follow the link here for a free mastered sample of your song: https://www.sageaudio.com/register.php

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Sage Audio Mastering

Nashville, TN

If you are serious about mixing, a compressor is an essential tool that you can’t be without. There are a variety of software compressors that you can get your hands on, each with a different specialty and its own way of reacting to signals.

You could go the digital route if you’re looking for a beautiful, clear tone and open-end parameters. There’s also compression plugins that emulate analog gear if it’s a classic, warm sound you’re after. No matter what sound you’re trying to achieve, you’ll find a compressor that can help you get there. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve put together a list of some of the best compressor plugins that are currently available.

9 Best Compressor VST Plugins

1. FabFilter Pro-C 2

If you’re looking for an incredibly versatile compressor, check out the FabFilter Pro-C 2. You’ll find all the features you would have with a traditional compressor along with many extras. The Pro-C 2 offers lookahead gain reduction, Stereo Link control, mid-side processing, 4x oversampling, and eight distinct compression algorithms, all on an amazing interface.

With the variety of compression algorithms to choose from, you can run the gamut of compression from clean to colored for all of your mixes. You can achieve a wide range of sounds from these unique algorithms, which include Bus, Pumping, Vocal, Mastering, and Punch.

FabFilter has updated their I/O metering and gain reduction capabilities to ensure that your mixes adhere to loudness standards. You’ll be happy with how fast the compressor works without overwhelming your CPU. The Pro-C 2 is a one-stop shop for all your compressor needs.

Pros

• Helpful sidechain EQ
• A wide variety of compression styles
• Exciting interface

Cons

• Colored compression styles don’t really match up to vintage compressor plugins

2. Softube Tube-Tech Complete Collection

The Softube Tube-Tech Complete Collection comes with two EQs and a compressor that will help you get the job done. The stand-out in the collection is the Tube-Tech CL 1B, a classic compressor emulation that mixing engineers are drawn to. It’s often used for mixing vocals, but its capabilities extend far beyond that. If you’re looking for super smooth compression with an impressively transparent tone, the CL 1B is where it’s at.

Softube has copied the features found in the original hardware, and they’ve also included some additional parameters. These include release, threshold, gain, ratio, and attack parameters in addition to a parallel compression parameter. This means you won’t need to make an extra aux track for parallel compression of your signal. You can also take advantage of its sidechain low cut switch.

The Soft Tube-Tech C1 1B should be at the top of your list if you are looking for a vintage tube compressor plugin that will give you smooth and transparent results.

Pros

• Super flexible
• Authentic vintage controls
• External sidechaining capability

Cons

• Pretty pricey for what you get

3. Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Kotelnikov GE

If you’re looking for an affordable software compressor that can give you wideband dynamic control, the TDR Kotelnikov from Tokyo Dawn Labs is perfect for you. You might be familiar with the TDR Kotelnikov Feedback Compressor, which was the inspiration for a number of the controls found on this VST plugin. The control scheme is user-friendly with a basic, intuitive interface. The peak and RMS content also feature individual release controls. Its precise algorithms are comparable to pricier compressor plugins you can buy today.

If you want to take it up a notch with some extra features, you can fork out a little more for the Gentleman’s Edition. One notable feature on this version is the ability to set the compression ratio based on the incoming frequencies. You’ll also find a sidechain high-pass filter to help you achieve more precise compression.

This plugin stands out because it doesn’t try to copy any particular type of compressor. It’s a great example of a moderately-priced digital compressor with modern sounds and excellent features.

Pros

• Super affordable
• Lots of interesting parameters
• Transparent digital compression

Cons

• Not the best option for characterized compression
• Doesn’t have an auto release feature

4. PSP Audioware PSP VintageWarmer2

PSP Audioware has developed a great reputation based on the quality of their wide range of plugins. The PSP VintageWarmer 2 stands out among their VST plugins because of how authentically it mimics analog equipment. The VintageWarmer 2 has your mixing and mastering needs covered if you’re looking for warm analog saturation and compression.

You’ll have access to three different plugins, including the MicroWarmer. This is the most basic of the three with all the standard compression controls. This is an ideal option for beginners as it’s super user-friendly and ideal for adding compression and saturation to individual tracks. The next option is the VintageWarmer, which is perfect for brick wall limiting and multi-band compression. It comes with some additional release settings and EQ shelves for frequency selection. It also won’t take up a lot of CPU. Finally, there’s the VintageWarmer 2 with its exciting FAT mode, which double samples the audio input and gives you a fatter overall analog sound.

You can expect for the VintageWarmer 2 to exhibit tape when overloading. No, it’s not the best option for a clean sound. However, you should definitely pick up this plugin if you want to exhibit complete compression, coloration, and saturation to your mixes.

Pros

• Ideal for mixing and mastering
• Awesome auto-release mode
• Gorgeous analog sound

Cons

• Not backwards compatible
• Not the best option for clean compression

5. iZotope Ozone 9

You may already be familiar with iZotope’s awesome collection of audio restoration and mastering plugins. They have developed a great reputation based on these high quality, intuitive plugins. With the Ozone 9, you get incredible dynamics plugins that will give you ultimate control over your sounds.

In the Dynamics section, you’ll find a limiter/compressor plugin that will give you the ability to perfectly craft your sounds. It’s primarily a mastering compressor, so this means you’ll have extra tools than what you would find on a standard compressor. These include mid-side processing, look-ahead times, and advanced metering.

One cool feature is the built-in detection filter. This will help you determine what impact the incoming signal will have on the compressor’s algorithm. You also have the option of utilizing the high-pass mode if you want to use the compressor only with signals above the cutoff point. Whatever you’re trying to achieve with a compressor plugin, the Ozone 9 can get you there.

Pros

• Ideal for mixing or mastering
• Great selection of advanced features
• Very versatile

Cons

• Might be too pricey if you’re just wanting a traditional compressor plugin

6. McDSP 6030 Ultimate Compressor

If you’re an indecisive mix engineer, the McDSP 6030 is a great set of compressors for you. You’ll get a total of 10 different compressors in a user-friendly, modular format. It’ll give you just what you want from dynamic range control technology. McDSP built some of these compressors from scratch, and the rest are emulations of the original hardware.

Beginners will have an easy time working with the 6030, and more advanced mix engineers will find all the functionality needed for their compression needs. Whether you are aiming for clear or colored compression, you’ll find plenty of options to work with in the McDSP 6030.

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Producers and mixers will be happy to know that it won’t take up much CPU at all. It also gives you sidechain support as well as mono and stereo versions. So if you’re not sure which compression plugin to go with, the McDSP 6030 has pretty much all your bases covered in one bundle.

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Huge assortment of compression types
• Unique modular format

Cons

• Ratios don’t level out from unit to unit
• You won’t find a numeric dB read out on the output knob

7. Sonible smart:comp

AI plug-ins have gotten more and more popular recently, and for a good reason. Both beginner and advanced music producers can take advantage of all these plug-ins have to offer. One great example of a spectral compressor that benefits from AI technology is the Sonible smart:comp. Most of the compressor plug-ins in this arena will give you sticker shock, but this option is surprisingly affordable.

The smart:comp gives you a user-friendly interface and won’t overwhelm your CPU. You can choose from nine distinct AI processing types to meet all your compression goals. Especially if you’re a beginner, you’ll appreciate the spectral graph feature, which shows the compression in real-time. This will help you see how exactly the compression is affecting the audio.

You’ll get all the compression controls you would expect along with a sidechaining feature. If your goal is colored compression, you’ll have to look elsewhere. But this is an awesome option if you’re in the market for a compressor with AI technology and crystal clear sounds.

Pros

• Great value
• User-friendly design that’s perfect for beginners
• Awesome AI Algorithms

Cons

• Doesn’t have a lot of presets

8. Boz Digital Labs Manic Compressor

Boz Digital Labs has outdone themselves with the Manic Compressor. There’s tons of options to help shape your sound in a number of different ways. You’ll find six different compression types, which you can switch between seamlessly without changing the settings. This will help you to mix efficiently while maintaining your perspective.

The Manic Compressor features authentic parallel compression so that you can achieve a modern compressed tone. You’ll also have access to two EQ sections along with several Drive options to further shape your compressed signal. One cool feature is the three-position Beef switch, which gives you the ability to adjust how the compressor responds to the input signal. This lets you dial-in either a fatter or thinner sound.

You’ll also find a few additional parameters like the Tone Signal Application and the Mid-Side panner to give you additional control over your sound.

Pros

• Tone shaping and sidechaining capabilities are built in
• Impressive parallel compression
• Six different compression types

Cons

• EQ is not super precise
• Other parts of the plugin don’t offer parallel compression

9. Waves CLA Classic Compressors

Waves collaborated with Chris Lord-Alge, a top mixing engineer in the rock industry, to give you access to some of the best sounding compressors in music history. CLA Classic Compressors includes the CLA-76 Blacky, CLA-76 Bluey, CLA-2A, and CLA-3A. These all get their inspiration from classic hardware pieces that are still utilized in professional studios worldwide.

The CLA-2A is modeled after the LA-2A optical compressor. It gives you incredibly smooth and transparent compression that works ideally with vocals or bass. The CLA-3A emulates the classic LA-3A solid state compressor, which was popular in the 70s. In addition to its transparent compression curve and speedy response time, it gives your signal some harmonic distortion. This is a perfect compressor plug-in for bass, electric guitars, and vocals.

Finally, the CLA-76 gets its inspiration from the 1176, an A line level limiting amplifier from the 60s. You can choose between the distinctive Blacky and Bluey versions. Both options offer modeled pre-amp distortion, fast attack times, and an awesome All-In mode if you want to take your compression to the extreme. They both work with almost any instrument you can think of, but they are particularly suited for drums.

If you want to have a selection of classic compressors at your fingertips without going over budget, the CLA Classic Compressors bundle is an impressive option.

Pros

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• Can be used with all types of instruments
• Authentic vintage analog compression
• Access to four distinct compressors

Cons

• “Analog” hiss might get on your nerves
• Lacks transparency

Compressing On

Compression is an indispensable tool for modern music mixers and producers. There is no shortage of compressor plug-ins out there with a wide range of features and functionalities to meet your every compression need. With options ranging from standard to multi-band to analog to digital, all your bases are covered.

There’s no such thing as too many compressors, so add a few of these to your collection to expand your mixing horizons.