Nine Compressors spanning the history of pro-audio.
The Best Bus Compressor tool available on the market. The SSL G Bus Compressor is the best bus compressor plugin available, hands down. I compared it carefully for several days, against: Logic's compressors, FabFilter C-2, Vertigo VS, DC1A3, RoughRider, NI Solid Bus, and others. The SSL G blows the competition away. SSL G-Master Bus Compressor 1. Introduction The unique sound of Solid State Logic’s 4000 Series analogue mixing consoles is sought after worldwide. Engineers of pop and rock music, broadcast transmissions and television post-production value the SSL 4000’s flexible dynamics chain as much as the trademark SSL “punchy” sound. The revered sound of the SSL console Channelstrip and Bus Compressor Precision Mix and Mastering Tools: X-EQ2, X-Comp, X-Valvecomp, X-Saturator, Vocalstrip2, Drumstrip, X-Phase, FlexVerb Free Updates Presets from top engineers and producers Select Plan. ANNUAL Billed Monthly.
Filthy and distorted to invisible and clean; tubes, optos, FETs, transistors and VCAs.
The tool you need for every session. Have a listen: download the demo.
Features
- Revision A and D of the classic 76 FET compressor
- British (G-Bus) and American (2k5) VCA bus compressors
- 2A Opto compressor with lush valve output stage
- Zener Comp/Limiter
- 160 early VCA comp for drums
- British E-channel console compressor
- Mini Compassion!
- Realtime SPICE simulation of hardware units
- Common hardware mods like Sidechain filter and Response
- Zero-latency
- Quick, simple, ergonomic interface
- Windows VST, VST3 and AAX as 32+64bit, RTAS 32bit
- Mac VST, VST3, AU and AAX as 32+64bit, RTAS 32bit
Sound
- Authentic end-to-end models with distortion and all
- Digital compressor with variable curves based on Compassion
- Classic compression sounds of the last 50 years
- Controls to calibrate the plugin to match and replace hardware
Vision
- Simple, streamlined interface
- Mac Retina and Windows HiDPI support
- Autolisten for configuring filters
- Freely resizable
- The sound of the past meets an interface for the future
Windows System Requirements
- Vista / Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10
- 32bit or 64bit
- ProTools 7 or newer. (RTAS and AAX Native)
- A host that supports VST or VST3, such as:
- Steinberg Cubase
- Steinberg Nuendo
- Steinberg Wavelab
- Sony ACID Pro
- Ableton Live
- Cockos Reaper
- Magix Sequoia
- Magix Samplitude
- AudioMulch
Mac OS System Requirements
- OS X 10.7 or newer, including Catalina (10.15)
- Intel Mac
- ProTools 7 or newer. (RTAS and AAX Native)
- A host that supports VST, AU or VST3, such as:
- Apple Logic (32bit or 64bit)
- Apple Garageband
- Steinberg Cubase
- Steinberg Nuendo
- Ableton Live
Specifically not supported (might work, but I can't test/support these platforms): Windows 95/98/XP, OS X 10.0,10.1,10.2,10.3,10.4,10.5,10.6
2.01 -> 2.02
- Fix potential crash when using different plugin formats in the same project.
- Autogain improvement.
2.00 -> 2.01
- Fix potential crash when double-clicking to enter value as text.
- Fix potential crash when closing window whilst resuming playback.
- Fix potential crash when switching models.
- Output level compensation for 2A model for sessions and presets saved with v1.02 or previous.
- Fix startup GR on 160 model.
- GR meter zoom state stored with preset/session.
- Fix MIDI learn in VST3 version.
- Jumpstart 2A gain reduction on calling resume, to prevent gain jump on starting transport in AU version.
1.05 -> 2.00
- Added global resizing
- Added global oversampling
- Added four new hardware models!
1.04 -> 1.05
- Improved HiDPI support
- Fix 2A model output phase
- Support VST2 getEffectName for some rare hosts
1.03 -> 1.04
- Fix AU validation in old not-really-supported versions of Logic
- Reaper key entry improvements
- HiDPI support in Cubase and Studio One on Windows
- Improvements with discrete parameters drag/mousewheel
- New LA2A output stage with more accurate implementation of brightness (works correctly with oversampling)
- Markers draw improved
1.02 -> 1.03
- New and improved 76D model. More accurate, lower CPU usage. Existing 76D instances will reload using the older model; reselect the 76D model to update
- Oversampled output stage for 2A model
- Fix denormals in side chain EQ
- Fix setting current AB bank on loading a preset
- Warn user if 76D or 2A data files are missing.
- Mac build now requires 10.7 or later
- Improve menu position when opening a menu would cause it to appear offscreen
- AAX Mac window focus improved
- Fix potential crash when file saving fails
- Fix crash when closing UI with text box open
- Fix crash with text entry on touchbar MacBook Pro
- Fix potential crash when closing UI
- Prevent Cubase/Nuendo right-click menu from appearing when right-clicking on a clutter bar button that accepts right-clicks
- Support for mono->stereo AU
- Installer searches for existing VST plugins folder for 64-bit plugins on Windows if run for first time
- Correctly sign Windows installers with Codesigning cert
- Improve text and layout for Windows installers
- Improve install descriptions and logo for Mac installers
1.01 -> 1.02
- Fix GR metering in mono instances
- Fix 'manual' sidechain listen mode
- Fix very obscure crash loading in Logic X
- Make slider behaviour smoother
- Remove spurious DC bias in 76D mode (resolves issues with excessive distortion)
- Report correct version number in Cubase VST2
- Fix ProTools crash when selecting Ext sidechain but none is routed
- Jumpstart resource loading to prevent weirdness in ProTools
- Alt-mousewheel on snap-to sliders will cycle through values.
- Extend E-Channel release time, and mark hardware ranges.
- Flatten low-end response for 76D (assume higher input impedance on interface)
- Jumpstart 2A GR to minimise pops when switching models
- Manual edits
- Improve 2A attack behaviour
- Support VST3 GR meter in Studio One
1.00 -> 1.01
- Add Q-Bias to 76 to allow calibrating aggression!
- Rework 76 to avoid breakup
- Rework 76 to implement proper hardware stereo linkage (prevents distortion on wide signals)
- Prevent DC noise when adjusting 76 threshold
- Fix issue with 2A compression
- Fix linked GR metering
- Added Sidechain filter for E-Channel
- Fix vertical alignment of some text labels
- Q-Bias/2A text in manual
- Keep UI working when automating to empty Model settings
- Redraw the red bars OVER the sliders
- Stop grabbing keys in Logic X
- Fix recall of A/B bank as displayed on UI
- Persist GR zoom across UI open/close
TrackComp
TrackComp is a compressor designed for musicians, producers and mix engineers.
It has comparatively low CPU usage, zero latency, a streamlined workflow and features a collection of analogue and digital compressors.
The units included are:
- DMG (Digital compressor)
- E-channel (British console channel compressor)
- G-bus (British console bus compressor)
- 76D (Revision D FET compressor)
- 2A (1960s valve and opto compressor)
- 76A (Revision A FET compressor)
- 160 (Very early VCA compressor)
- Zener (Zener diode-bridge compressor)
- 2k5 (American VCA stereo bus compressor)
The phrase 'SPICE simulation' commonly refers to using physics to predict the behaviour of a circuit, using a particular mathematical strategy. It is a method for circuit simulation that forms the foundation of the tools that electronic engineers use for design.
Our approach has been to optimise SPICE for real-time usage; typically a simulation takes between ten and a hundred times as long to execute as the audio it is processing. We are very proud to have optimised implementations that typically run at <1% CPU core usage on modern processors.
Typically hardware modelling relies on the expertise of the designer to match the unit. SPICE instead creates a mathematical description of the unit from the circuitry itself, yielding a result as accurate as physics. This means we can capture all behaviours of the hardware.
In cases where the hardware had stepped controls, we have implemented these exactly, but in some cases also allow you to pick between switch settings to increase functionality.
Compressors are one of the most used audio processors you will ever use in your mix (the other one being EQ).
Despite the fact that they are used almost religiously on virtually every song you hear nowadays, they have historically proven to be enigmatic to the general music production community.
With this article, I will not only list what I believe to be the “Best 5 Free VST Compressors”, but will also describe afew different compressor types and suggested uses for them. We’ll start with the different compressor types and end with the “best of” list.
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Types of Compressors
VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier)
The VCA compressor offers several advantages that the others on this list don’t. For starters, hardware VCA compressors don’t require the pricey discrete components needed by other compressors and are normally more affordable as a result. They are quite flexible and able to adapt to various kinds of use case scenarios such as gluing a mix bus together or suppressing transients. The best use for them is with percussive elements because of their fast attack and release.
In addition, VCA compressors are transparent and won’t add color to the sound of the audio signal, but can tend to sound thin. Adjust the release time to smooth out the signal a bit. So for those times when you need to compress, but want to retain the integrity of your audio, this is the compressor you reach for.
Use a VCA compressor to tame peaks on your drum bus and other percussive elements on individual tracks in your mix. Use a longer release time to smooth out the signal if it becomes too harsh. Notable compressors in this category are the SSL G-Series Console Bus Compressor and the DBX 160.
FET (Field Effect Transistor)
FET compressors are well known for adding a distinct character to the sound. If you’re looking for subtlety, this isn’t the compressor you want to use. Because they don’t have a dedicated threshold knob, the compression amount is controlled by the input level. You can then adjust the output knob until the desired sound is achieved. This compressor loves to be driven and will add a rich and warm type of distortion to louder signals passing through it. For this reason, it’s not ideal for use on your mix bus, for mastering or when a transparent signal is desired.
It also boasts lightning-fast attack and release times which make it ideal for parallel compression, adding punch, or pushing a lead vocal track right to the front of the mix.
Use FET compressor to add punch to drums, vocals and just about any other track that needs a little extra snap to it. Try turning the compressor off by deselecting all of the ratio buttons and insert it on a bus (or even the master chain) to add only the character of it. The most famous FET compressor is most definitely the iconic UREI 1176 Limiting Amplifier.
We haven’t been able to find a good free 1176 compressor plugin, though Minimal System Groups’ Punch Compressor is a pretty good 1176 emulator and will only set you back the price of a cappuccino (well depending on where you live). Check it out below:
Adobe acrobat xi pro manual. Punch Compressor is only available for Windows 32-bit VST. For a more complete solution compatible with mac and windows 32 and 64 bit, check out Comp FET 76 by Arturia, though this will set you back more than a coffee.
Opto (Optical Compressor)
The Opto compressor is slow acting and smooth in contrast to the two previous compressors and offers a more musical type of gain reduction. It is slow, 10 milliseconds attack and seemingly 2-stage release makes it more suitable for use on signals without sudden transient spikes such as strings, guitar and bass. If you want to compress anything naturally and musically, this is the compressor for the task. Newer emulations of optical compressors may have faster response times and with careful adjustments can even be used on drums.
Although optical compressors are very transparent, they do add pumping to low end signals. However, you could use a high pass side chain filter to control this. Optical compressors are more “RMS” style as they work throughout a mix to even out the average levels in a track or complete song.
Use an optical compressor on the mix bus and/or instrument bus to even out the dynamics of an entire song without affecting transients. The most notable compressor in this category is the legendary Teletronix LA-2A.
Now for the best 5 compressor freebies:
Molot by Vladg Sound
Want some serious character to your mix?
Look no further than the Molot compressor. This offers a tube powered type of compression that adds a lot of color to everything and has a massive sound with lots of very useful controls for getting your signal just right.
If you’re a beginner then this isn’t the plugin for you as it can be difficult to dial in the sound you want.
I love the GUI and it comes in 2 flavors: English and Russian. Only the names display differently in the 2 versions, besides that, everything else is exactly the same.
Here is a video from Point Blank showing how to tame this beast:
Molot Compressor is available for Windows 32/64-bit VST & Mac OS X 32/64-bit VST/AU.
TDR Kotelnikov by Tokyo Dawn
This is a fantastic digital wideband dynamics compressor with loads of useful ground-breaking features.
Tokyo Dawn has stated that this model is the original and is not an emulation of any classic hardware design. Kotelnikov uses 64-bit floating point internal processing gives it a transparent high quality sound.
It has individual release control for peak and RMS signals as well as a unique “DELTA” button which allows you to hear the difference between the input and output.
The ultra-fast, compression makes Kotelnikov quite suitable for mastering but can be equally as usable on the mix bus. Check out the demonstration video below:
TDR Kotelnikovis available for Windows 32/64-bit VST and Mac OS X 32/64-bit VST/AU/AAX.
Density MK III by Variety Of Sound
Density MK III is a character compressor with a VCA color knob on the GUI that allows you to dial in the desired amount of saturation.
It has been out for some time now and has gained lots of recognition for its flexibility and feature set. Different compression settings can be set for both of its 2 channels or the channels can be linked together.
There is an internal/external SC filter option which is optimized to better decouple the subsonic frequencies below 90Hz, a limiter mode, M/S, stereo and mono compression. Turning the “TIMING” knob to P5 or P6 introduces low-end program dependent release time behavior.
The only drawback I could find is that it’s only available in 32-bit for Windows users and doesn’t have support for Mac OS. If you are skeptical about using 32-bit plugins on your system (assuming you’re running a 64-bit system), this is definitely one you might want to reconsider.
MJUC jr. by Klanghelm
MJUC jr. is a variable-tube compressor capable of smooth leveling, but also heavy pumping effects.
It has a three-position timing switch to control not only the attack and release times but also the timing of other parts of the circuitry that affect the saturation of the resulting signal.
The GUI is very simple with only 2 knobs, 1 for the amount of compression and the other to adjust the make-up gain.
Solid Bus Comp Mac Torrent 2017
MJUC jr.is available for Windows 32/64-bit VST and Mac OS X 32/64-bit VST/RTAS/AAX/AU.
Rough Rider 2 by Audio Damage
Described by Audio Damage as a “modern compressor with a bit of ‘vintage’ style bite and a uniquely warm sound”, Rough Rider is not a subtle compressor.
Its suggested use is on your drum bus, synth bass, clean guitar and backing vocals. But honestly, I think it’s best served being used to add punch to drums, but that’s not to say that it’s unusable in any other scenario, it’s just personal preference.
![Comp Comp](https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--dAa0Z6Q4--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1523472883/z7ckpplkdcmoo2auumgx.jpg)
Solid Bus Comp Mac Torrent Online
At any rate, when you instantiate Rough Rider on any channel in your mix, you will immediately hear a difference.
Rough Rider is available for Windows 32/64-bit VST and Mac OS X 32/64-bit VST/AU.
Solid Bus Comp Mac Torrent 2017
And that’s it folks! The plugins listed here are great if you’re not looking to break the bank, but if you do have some extra change, we highly recommend heading over to plugin boutique and checking some of the alternatives.