Best compressor plugins VST

In addition to the equalizer, a compressor is considered one of the key tools in every mix engineer’s arsenal.

Compressors are designed to control the dynamic range of audio signals, which helps create a more consistent and balanced mix. Moreover, compressors are able to influence the attack and decay of sound events, making them more expressive or, conversely, less noticeable, depending on the specified parameters.

Over the last fifty years, compression has become an integral part of professional audio production, and you can hardly find a track in which it does not play some role. There is no doubt that the market is saturated with various compressor plugins, and choosing the right one for you can be a daunting task.

Various types of compression

Before we dive into this topic, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of compression so you can find the right plugins for your needs. I believe that having a variety of tools is much more useful than spending money on plugins that can lead to the same results.

Let’s take a look at the different types of compressors before looking at their corresponding plugins.

FET compression

FET compression is an important compression style that is suitable for almost any genre of music. The abbreviation FET stands for “Field Effect Transistor”. This type of transistor is widely used, for example, in the legendary 1176 compressor, which we will talk about later.

The advantage of FET compression is its ability to work quickly and energetically while maintaining clarity and allowing for significant reduction in signal level without losing any of its liveliness. When activated, the FET compressor can achieve a nice richness, making it an excellent choice for processing drums or vocals, especially if you need to control the saturation of transients in the material.

Optical compression

An optical compressor uses a light-sensitive element to adjust the level of compression. This method of controlling compression levels was used in early compressor designs as it was one of the first ways engineers tried to figure out how to build compressors.

Thanks to the physical properties of photocells, optical compressors have a particularly musical sound. Compared with traditional FET compressor, optical compressor runs smoother and slower.

Tube Compression

There are a number of compressors that include tubes in their design, however, not all of them use these tubes to adjust the compression level. While some compressors incorporate tubes into their design for other purposes, there are others where the tubes serve solely to create a compression effect. Due to the complexity and lack of high quality vacuum tubes, these devices often have a very high cost.

Tube compressors, also known as delta-mu compressors, pack an impressive amount of power. One of the most famous representatives of this category is the Fairchild 670. If you are looking to add warmth and character to your sound, then tube compressors can be an excellent choice. They are effective in a variety of situations and can be useful even on the master bus.

VCA compression

In the 1970s, engineers began work on VCA compressors, introducing an innovative use of integrated circuits to control compression levels. This period was distinguished by the high reliability of integrated circuits and more affordable prices compared to tube analogues.

Among the most famous VCA compressors created at this time are the SSL Bus Compressor and the DBX160.

VCA compressors are ideal when you need to enhance the attack and expression of your sound. They also help create a cohesive sound signature that unifies the different elements of a mix and helps them sound harmonious.

Digital compression

Ask any sound engineer and they will confirm their affinity for the warm sound of analogue equipment. But this does not mean that they deny the value of digital compressors that use digital components.

Digital compressors can be very useful when you need to perform extremely transparent compression. Sometimes you want to preserve the original character of the sound, but reduce the dynamic range. In such cases, digital compression is the best choice.

Moreover, digital compressors provide a much greater degree of flexibility. There are high-performance digital plug-ins on the market that can handle even the toughest applications.

1. Amped Studio Compressor

Amped Studio Compressor is a powerful audio processing tool that gives musicians and audio engineers the ability to improve the quality of their audio recordings. This compressor combines high performance and an intuitive interface, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.

Key Features of Amped Studio Compressor:

• Lots of Settings. Compressor provides a wide range of customization options such as compression level, attack, release, and more. This allows you to fine-tune the sound of your audio material;
• Visual Display. The Compressor interface includes a graphical display of compression, making the setup process more visual and understandable;
• Presets. For the convenience of users, Amped Studio Compressor comes with a variety of presets that can be easily applied to your audio material and further customized as you wish;
• Efficiency. This compressor has high performance and low latency, allowing you to operate it in real time without any lag;
• Multi-format support. Amped Studio Compressor is compatible with a wide range of audio formats, making it a versatile audio processing tool.

2. Audio Damage Rough Rider 2

According to the authoritative web resource MusicRadar, the first version of the Audio Damage Rough Rider VST compressor was recognized as one of the leading tools for processing aggressive drums and other sound elements in the mix that require strong compression. It cannot be said that the opinion of the staff of the MusicRadar resource is categorical, but, of course, this compressor has outstanding characteristics. In 2017, Audio Damage introduced the second version of this plugin – Rough Rider 2.

The Rough Rider 2 is a modern compressor with a hint of vintage character and a pleasant, warm sound. Although it lacks versatility, this compressor is ideal for processing rhythmic elements in a mix, such as bass, drums, and even guitar.

3. Vladg/Sound Molot

Powerful compressor based on the interface of a Soviet voltmeter released in 1956. Very pleasant, despite the pronounced coloration of the sound, it adds warmth and power to the audio signal, which makes it a universal tool for processing various audio materials.

Working with the Vladg/Sound Molot plugin requires a deep understanding of compression and experience using compressors. Interaction with this plugin is far from intuitive: there are no ready-made presets or convenient functionality. There are only manual controls and parameters here. However, once you understand it, you will get high-quality results that will make your efforts worth it.

4. Klanghelm DC1A

Klanghelm DC1A is a free version of the famous Klanghelm DC8C VST compressor. Although free, the DC1A is a powerful volume leveling and creative compression tool that’s easy and efficient to use.

The interface is simple and intuitive: only two controls (input and output) and a compression mode switch. Despite their minimalism, these elements are functionally sufficient and allow you to easily customize the desired effects.

5. MeldaProduction MCompressor

MeldaProduction’s MCompressor is a high-end, all-in-one compressor included in the free MFreeFXBundle, which contains essential studio tools.

Among the features of this compressor you will find work with Mid/Side information, an intelligent gain compensation system, a built-in limiter, support for the Sidechain function and many other useful functions.

6. Klanghelm MJUC jr

This plugin is built using classic “VARIABLE MU” style tube compressors and is great for processing vocals and drums.

The developers have made efforts to make using this plugin as easy as possible. The “Compress” and “Make-Up” controls allow you to easily control the level of compression, and the “TIME CONSTANTS” switch allows you to adjust the attack and decay time parameters of the signal.

7. TDR Kotelnikov

This full-range compressor is flexible and was created by the developers at Tokyo Dawn Records, who specifically decided not to copy existing compressors, but instead developed a plugin based on their own audio processing algorithms.

This VST compressor is great for working with stereo buses and sends. It applies subtle effects to the source signal with little distortion, and offers an intuitive interface that will appeal to both beginners and experienced musicians.

8. FXpansion DCAM FreeComp

This full-range compressor is flexible and was created by the developers at Tokyo Dawn Records, who specifically decided not to copy existing compressors, but instead developed a plugin based on their own audio processing algorithms.

This VST compressor is great for working with stereo buses and sends. It applies subtle effects to the source signal with little distortion, and offers an intuitive interface that will appeal to both beginners and experienced musicians.

9. Acustica Tan Free

Acustica Tan Free is based on the internally developed CORE engine, which emulates the operation of an analog VCA compressor. The plugin is a universal tool with wide sound shaping capabilities.

A distinctive feature of the VST compressor is the special ShMod regulator. The developers call the ShMod knob an attack shape control, which allows you to more precisely tune the behavior of the compressor when working with different signals.

10. GVST GMulti

This free multi-channel VST compressor has the ability to convert the incoming audio signal into 3 fully customizable frequency bands. This tool allows the sound engineer to work with each range separately, as well as compare the original and processed signal on all channels.

11. Xfer Records OTT

Xfer Records OTT is a multi-channel compressor with volume up and down function. This compressor is highly refined and ideal for electronic music.

The user has full control over compression level, gain, attack time and release time. All parameters of operating frequency ranges are displayed on the visualizer, which simplifies sound adjustment.

12. jsAudio jsCompShaper

jsCompShaper is a tool that combines the functions of a compressor and waveshaper, and you can switch between these modes at any time. This plugin also offers the ability to use sidechain filtering, adjust compression based on frequency, and apply parallel processing. Additionally, it supports oversampling for higher audio quality.

13. Cockos ReaPlugs ReaComp

One of the key selling points of Cockos Reaper digital studio is its impressive range of stock plugins. For those who want to use these plugins outside of Reaper, the developers have provided a free set of VST instruments called ReaPlugs, which includes the excellent ReaComp compressor.

ReaComp is highly customizable, easy to use, and supports oversampling and RMS measurement. Add to this transparent signal processing and low processing requirements on your computer, and you have one of the best VST compressors for the Windows operating system.

14. SSL G Master Buss Compressor

People often turn to high-end stereo compressors to give their mixes a unique character and enhance their internal cohesion. The right master bus compressor can give your piece of music a unique sound color.

One of the most outstanding examples of a master bus compressor is the master section of the SSL 4000 G console. And lucky for us, SSL and Waves have joined forces to create the Waves SSL G Master Buss Compressor, a stellar emulation of the original. The Waves SSL 4000 G Master Buss Compressor recreates a unique vintage color scheme that stands apart even when compared to the original.

Waves even added analog noise modeling to add even more character and warmth! Even if you don’t use it on the master bus, this plugin can be used to enhance the sound of drums and percussion. All in all, if you’re looking for a compressor to add a little finishing and cohesion to your mixes, the SSL G Master Buss Compressor from Waves is a great choice!

15. Fabfilter Pro C2

If you’re looking for a compressor that can handle it all, we highly recommend checking out the FabFilter Pro C2. This compressor offers eight unique compression styles, plus full mid-range control, improved lookahead mode with gain reduction, 4x oversampling, and adjustable stereo linking, allowing you to affect both sides of the mix or each side independently.

If you need to add some extra flavor to your mixes, the Pro C2’s eight compression modes are perfect for the job. Additionally, the second version adds five new modes, including Bus, Mastering, Vocal, Pumping and Punch, which can automatically adjust their settings to the sound you’re working on.

If you master your own tracks, you’ll definitely appreciate the Pro C2’s metering system. FabFilter Pro has always been renowned for its beautiful graphical interface, and with this version increasing the accuracy and size of the measurement section, as well as adapting to the EBU R128 loudness standard, this compressor reaches new heights.

In our opinion, FabFilter Pro C2 is one of the best VST compressor plugins for those looking for maximum functionality in one package.

16. UAD 1176 Collection of classic limiters

The original 1176 equipment was created many decades ago by Bill Putnam. Over time, it has evolved into one of the most iconic compressors of all time, known for its aggressive performance. UAD’s virtual emulation of this unique compressor has been a huge hit, providing three different versions of the 1176 with different features.

Revision A, also known as Bluestripe, is based on the original design created by Putnam. This version of the 1176 is renowned for its slamming abilities, making it an excellent choice for processing percussion instruments. If you need to highlight vocals or highlight reverb tails in a drum room, the Revision A is ideal.

There is also a Revision E version, which is a low-noise 1176 emulation. If you are looking for a quieter, more transparent gain reduction, the Revision E is a great choice.

Finally, UAD has released the AE (Anniversary Edition) model, which provides a lower compression ratio for the most subtle gain processing available.

I personally use the 1176 in almost every mix I make and highly recommend adding these killer plugins to your arsenal ASAP!

17. Softube Tube-Tech CL1B

The Tube-Tech CL1B is an emulation of the famous Tube-Tech compressor that provides a rich, smooth compression style reminiscent of the LA-2a. When I want a warm, nuanced or musical sound, I often turn to the Tube-Tech CL1B.

One of the great things about this compressor plugin is how easy it is to set up and doesn’t require much effort to achieve the desired sound that I have in mind. There are just a few regulators to take care of.

In a matter of seconds, I can set the threshold, adjust the ratio, and adjust the attack and release times depending on the transparency of the compression I want.

Many consider the Softube Tube-Tech CL1B to be one of the best compressor plugins for vocal processing. One reason for this is that, with the right settings, it comes close to an automatic volume control. The plugin gently handles louder sections of the audio signal as they occur, but with the correct release timing, quieter sections sound without the unwanted artifacts associated with some other compressors.

Another benefit of this plugin is that it has a dry/wet control that allows you to set up parallel compression effects, giving you more creative options.

18. UAD Fairchild 660/670

When it comes to classic or legendary compressors, people usually think of the Fairchild 660 or 670 compressors. These monsters of tube technology are priced at around $50,000 apiece, making them virtually unaffordable for the average studio owner.

However, many engineers claim that the same sweet, silky warmth sounding on the recordings of the Beatles and Pink Floyd can be associated with these compressors.

Luckily, UAD has released one of the most accurate emulations of this plugin, so you can now bring your tracks to the same smooth, classic tube style as the original units. With tube-driven level control and a dedicated tube amp and transformer section, you can get that unique analog tone that simply can’t be found anywhere else.

Of course, to make this plugin even more advanced, UAD has added exclusive features such as headroom control, Sidechain filters, and Wet/Dry adjustment for parallel mixing.

19. Soundtoys – Devil-Loc Deluxe

Devil-Loc Deluxe from Soundtoys is a vintage style plugin with a modern twist. It uniquely emulates Shure’s Level-Loc hardware unit from the 1960s, which was originally developed to limit dynamic range in public address systems.

However, the original unit had only three controls: a bypass switch, a distance selector, and an input level control. Soundtoys decided to give Level-Loc a modern twist and updated its functionality. In the Devil-Loc Deluxe plugin you will find a Crush control (affects the level of compression), a Crunch control (creates aggressive saturation), Release settings (with the ability to choose a slow or fast release) and a Darkness control (shapes the tone of the signal).

At the end of the signal chain there’s a Mix control that lets you add chaos before you gradually realize you’ve overdone it and need a little of the original dry signal to right your sins.

As the name suggests, Devil-Loc Deluxe is not for fine and gentle compression effects. It’s ideal for adding grit and character to drums, bass, vocals, or any other group of sound elements that need extra dynamics and character.

20. iZotope Neutron 4 Compressor

Sometimes you really need a reliable digital compressor that can reduce the dynamic range of your signal without adding extra color or character. The beauty of this compressor is its ability to be as clear and surgically precise as you need it to be. However, if you want to add some color after adjusting the compression, you can always switch to vintage mode.

It should be noted that iZotope Neutron 4 Compressor is an extremely powerful plugin and its capabilities are difficult to describe in just a few paragraphs. As you may have noticed from its interface, it is capable of many different operations. If you’re new to mixing or music production, the learning curve can be quite steep. However, if you want a compressor that can be used in almost any context, then this compressor is a great choice.

One of the aspects that I particularly like about this plugin is its multi-band compression capabilities. For example, sometimes I need to work with a bass guitar that has too much dynamic range in the low midrange, between 100 and 200 Hz. With iZotope’s multi-band compression, I can easily control this range without affecting anything else. This feature is not always available in standard compressor plugins, and is one of the reasons why this compressor stands out among others.

21. Waves – DBX160 Compressor

Sometimes you really need a reliable digital compressor that can reduce the dynamic range of your signal without adding extra color or character. The beauty of this compressor is its ability to be as clear and surgically precise as you need it to be. However, if you want to add some color after adjusting the compression, you can always switch to vintage mode.

It should be noted that iZotope Neutron 4 Compressor is an extremely powerful plugin and its capabilities are difficult to describe in just a few paragraphs. As you may have noticed from its interface, it is capable of many different operations. If you’re new to mixing or music production, the learning curve can be quite steep. However, if you want a compressor that can be used in almost any context, then this compressor is a great choice.

One of the aspects that I particularly like about this plugin is its multi-band compression capabilities. For example, sometimes I need to work with a bass guitar that has too much dynamic range in the low midrange, between 100 and 200 Hz. With iZotope’s multi-band compression, I can easily control this range without affecting anything else. This feature is not always available in standard compressor plugins, and is one of the reasons why this compressor stands out among others.