Audio signal compressors are vital tools in gelling your audio together and adding necessary touches of polish and sonic color. Typically, there is no one-size-fits-all compressor; different audio elements and contexts require distinct audio compressors.
Nowadays, you may harness the rich characteristics of classic hardware models using cheaper and high-quality software emulations. We’ll go through the best free and paid VST compressors, so you can add that sparkle to all aspects of your audio.
The Best Free VST Compressors
Free compressor plugins are perfectly capable of producing professional-grade sounds. To do so, verify you knowhow to use all compression parameters.
Klanghelm’s DC1A compressor boasts a very simple user interface ideal for those new to compression or those that prioritize a quick workflow. It imparts warm sonic coloration similar to analog compressors that can add energy to affected audio.
The degree of compression is controlled by the input dial (rather than the threshold) which also determines the amount of gain applied to the input signal. If you’re just getting started with audio production, give this compressor a try.
To help you choose the right compressor, make sure you learn aboutthe different types of audio compressors.
Molot is a great compressor but is not for beginners. Fortunately, you can change the user interface to (mostly) English. It can work very well when you need an added edge to your guitars, drums, or other instruments. It offers a wider range of parameters giving you control over more features, such as filters and processing modes.
Its interface has a unique charm, though it can be daunting when the measurements of the parameters are in Russian. Remember that the Limiter and Makeup controls are measured in decibels (dB), Attack and Release times are in milliseconds (ms), and the Filter and Mid Scoop dials are in hertz (Hz). Experiment and see if its character suits the style of your audio.
Try and use parallel compression with aggressive compression settings to draw out Molot’s full-bodied character.
3.TDR Kotelnikov
TDR Kotelnikov is one of the best free compressors you’ll find, and it specializes in the area of transparent compression and mastering. Unlike many compressors in this list, it ignores the quirks and colors of analog compressors to focus on the clean and precise sound that only digital compressors can deliver.
This makes it a great choice for intense gain reduction tasks where you want to maintain the natural tone of the original audio signal. This also extends to mastering contexts where you don’t want to impact the sonic qualities of the original audio while applying some compression.
4. Stock DAW Compressors
The capabilities of the stock compressors that come with your DAW should not be dismissed. The vintage compressor models in Logic Pro, for example, are emulations of classic hardware that provide desirable sonic coloration. If you are a Logic user, you may find it useful tolearn about each of Logic Pro’s stock compressorsto see what they offer.
Alternatively, you will find stock compressor models that compress your audio signal without altering your audio’s character. This gives you flexibility to add punch and excitement to instrumental parts where necessary, and compress transparently in other contexts like mastering.
The Best Paid VST Compressors
Before we cover the best paid compressor plugins, remember that it’s worth checking a developer’s websites to see when their plugins are on sale. In this manner, you can time your purchases wisely to save a lot of money.
Universal Audio (UA) has a reputation for making some of the finest emulations of renowned analog gear. The UAD 1176 brilliantly emulates the legendary 1176 compressor hardware (also made by UA).
This FET compressor is famous for its lightning-quick attack and release times, and comes with three units with distinct colors. It’s also known for its capability to apply high amounts of gain reduction while maintaining a degree of sonic clarity.
You may want tolearn to use parallel compression and serial compressionwith this compressor precisely for its quick attack times and the lush tonal qualities it imparts to your audio. If this 1176 emulation is just outside your budget’s reach,Waves' CLA–76is another great 1176 emulation whose periodic sales may offer a cheaper alternative to UA’s classic compressor.
6.Teletronix LA–2A Leveler Collection
Teletronix’s LA–2A is another remarkable piece of analog gear that UA emulates into software format. It represents the cutting edge for optical compressors and offers musical and rich compression perfect for vocals and boosting cohesion. you’re able to also consider theCLA–2A by Wavesfor a great-sounding yet cheaper alternative.
A classic serial combination you will want to try is the 1176 compressor placed before the LA-2A in your effect chain. This allows the 1176 to tame the peaks and transients (with an added dash of its tone) while the LA-2A offers more subtle, smooth, and cohesive compression. For other ways to add character to bland-sounding instruments, learn to usethe different types of audio distortion.
7.Waves SSL G Bus
Waves offers an incredible software emulation of the bus compressor in the famous SSL Bus Compressor. It’s worth mentioning that UA, SSL, Native Instruments, and other developers also offer emulations of this compressor that you may want to check out.
The reason it is so widely emulated is for its unparalleled ability to glue together entire mixes as well as improve the excitement and energy of affected audio.
8.FabFilter Pro-C
FabFilter’s Pro-C compressor is the only paid top-quality compressor to make this list that is not based on renowned analog gear. It offers a beautiful user interface (as FabFilter always delivers) and versatility with its eight modes of compression.
Whether you want to glue together your mix or apply aggressive compression to transient-heavy material, this compressor can deliver stellar results. Experiment with each mode to see which fits your audio needs best.
Get the Best Compressors for Your Audio
Compressors are both the glue that holds your audio together and the paint brushes that color and highlight the qualities of your audio. For simple and quick compression, use the DC1A. Go for stock compressors and Molot for a variety of sonic colors, and TDR Kotelnikov for highly transparent compression.
For significant compression upgrades, consider UAD’s Classic 1176 Limiter Collection. Combine the 1776 with UA’s Teletronix LA-2A optical compressor for an excellent, musical combination. Add in the Waves SSL G Bus and the versatile FabFilter Pro-C to glue your entire mix, and your audio will resonate like never before.
