The 5 Best Compressor VST Plugins for Music Production
The compressor is an essential tool in music production. From controlling the dynamics of a track to adding character and punch to a mix, both plugin and hardware compressors are indispensable for achieving a professional sound and are one of the key elements for any audio mix. In this article, from GuitarRec – Online Recording Studio, we have selected the 5 best paid VST, AAX, and AU compressor plugins that every producer should consider. Each of the plugins we have chosen has a specific focus (and emulation); we also explore free alternatives and similar options so you can find the perfect compressor for your workflow and production style.
What is an Audio Compressor and What is it Used For?
An audio compressor controls the dynamics of a signal, reducing the difference between the highest and lowest volume levels. This allows tracks to sound more consistent and balanced. Additionally, compressors can be used creatively, adding character, warmth, or “punch” to elements of a mix.
In mixing, compressors are essential for providing cohesion to the elements of a track, while in mastering, they help achieve a professional final sound. They are also commonly used during recording sessions to add some color and control peaks when recording instruments in a studio. Applications include vocal compression, transient control in drums, bass enhancement, and much more. Ultimately, compression plugins are indispensable for equipping your home studio computer.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Compression Plugin
When selecting your compression plugin arsenal, consider the following aspects:
- Sound quality: A good compressor should maintain signal fidelity while performing its task.
- Versatility: The ability to work with different types of tracks, utilities, and settings.
- Intuitive interface: A user-friendly interface makes configuring the plugin easier.
- Compatibility: Ensure the plugin works well with your DAW and operating system (AAX, VST, AU formats).
- Developer company: Before investing, ensure the company provides good support and updates.
- Value for money: Investing in a plugin should be justified by its quality and utility.
Main Parameters of a Compressor:
Below, we explain the parameters that allow you to control most compressors on the market, whether in paid versions or free plugins. Not all compressors include every parameter.
- Threshold: Defines the level at which the compressor starts acting.
- Ratio: Determines how much gain reduction occurs once the signal exceeds the threshold. For example, a 4:1 ratio means that for every 4 dB the signal exceeds the threshold, only 1 dB is output.
- Attack: Controls the time it takes for the compressor to begin acting after the signal exceeds the threshold. A fast attack is ideal for sounds with strong transients, like drums.
- Release: Defines how long the compressor takes to stop acting once the signal falls below the threshold. A slower release is useful for maintaining smooth compression.
- Make-up Gain: Compensates for the level reduction applied, restoring the overall output volume of the compressor.
Practical Example:
Mastering the world of audio compression takes years of practice. For example, if we apply a compressor with a low threshold and a high ratio, we will significantly reduce the peaks of a signal. This is useful for controlling the dynamics of a vocal with abrupt volume changes. With a long attack, we allow the initial hits or peaks to pass through uncompressed, making the track more percussive.
The 5 Best Compression Plugins
Here is our selection of the 5 best paid compressor plugins, with their features, advantages, and common uses. We also provide free alternatives and other similar options that deliver comparable performance and results. Our goal is to highlight a list of compression plugins that should be in the toolkit of any online music producer or studio professional. Choosing the brand and model will depend on your personal preferences and the style you are aiming for. Let’s dive into the selection:
FabFilter Pro-C 2
This compressor is known for its versatility and sound quality. It offers eight different compression styles, including modes for vocals, buses, and mastering. Unlike hardware emulations, its graphical interface provides a clear visual representation of how compression affects the signal, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals. FabFilter is one of the leading plugin developers in the market (their Pro-Q 3 and now Pro-Q 4 are among the best equalizer plugins), and the Pro-C 2 is a perfect compression tool for any track or instrument.
Pros:
- Highly versatile with multiple compression modes.
- Real-time visual analysis.
- Transparent and clean sound, ideal for corrective tasks.
Common Uses:
- Precise dynamic control for vocals and solo tracks.
- Bus applications for balancing full mixes.
Paid Alternatives:
DMG Audio Compassion, Sonible smart:comp 2
Free Alternative:
MCompressor (MeldaProduction)
Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor
This VCA-type compression plugin emulates the iconic bus compressor built into the master bus of SSL consoles. It is known for its ability to add cohesion and punch to a mix. Its distinctive character makes it a fundamental tool in the arsenal of many producers and mixers. This, or one of its other emulations, is a must-have in your compressor arsenal for your home studio.
Pros:
- Cohesion and punch in mixes.
- Excellent for processing buses and full tracks.
- Intuitive design with classic settings.
Common uses:
- Application on the master bus to unify the mix.
- On drum tracks for a compact and powerful sound.
Alternatives:
- Brainworx Townhouse Buss Compressor
- UAD SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor
- Cytomic The Glue
Free alternatives:
Universal Audio UAD 1176LN
This plugin recreates the famous FET 1176 compressor, known for its speed and aggressive character. Ideal for individual tracks such as vocals, guitars, and drums, its warm and musical sound has made it one of the best VST compressors and an industry standard. Its sound, with a powerful punch and fast transient response, is a staple for vocals, snare drums, guitars, and almost any audio track.
Pros:
- Ultra-fast attack time.
- Great tonal character.
- Ideal for creative and enhancement applications.
Common uses:
- Aggressive compression on drums.
- Enhancing presence and aggressive compression on vocals.
- When you press all four ratio buttons simultaneously on a 1176, it activates what is commonly called “British Mode” or “All-Buttons-In Mode.” The Universal Audio version allows this for greater punch and extreme compression.
Alternatives:
Analog Obsession FETish, Universal Audio UAD 1176, Softube FET Compressor, IK Multimedia Black 76 Limiting Amplifier
Free alternatives:
You might be interested: Check out our article on the best studio headphones for music production.
Waves CLA-2A
This optical-type plugin is an emulation of the legendary Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier, a classic compressor designed by Jim Lawrence in the 1960s. It is known for its smoothness and musicality, making it ideal for vocal and bass tracks. The compression is applied naturally and transparently, with an extremely simple and effective interface. It is a standard in mixing, especially for vocals, bass, and kick drums. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most classic compressors ever created, and any track or bus it is inserted into will not only improve dynamically but also benefit from its characteristic warm, analog sound.
Pros:
- Warm and musical sound.
- Ideal for smooth and natural applications.
- Easy to use with instant results (only has one compression control/threshold and a output volume control).
Common uses:
- Enhancing bass frequencies in bass and kick drums.
- Smoothing and dynamic control in vocals.
Alternatives:
- UAD Teletronix LA-2A Collection, IK Multimedia T-RackS Opto Compressor, Opto 3A (Black Rooster Audio), VC 2A (Native Instruments)
Free alternative:
DC1A (Klanghelm Audio Plugins)
iZotope Ozone Dynamics (Ozone 10)
The Ozone plugin suite includes Dynamics, an advanced multiband compressor. Part of the iZotope Ozone 10 mastering suite, this multiband-type plugin offers advanced dynamic control. It allows compression of specific frequency bands, making it ideal for mixing and mastering tasks that require extreme precision. Its intelligent interface helps users make detailed adjustments easily. Ozone plugins are used in almost every mastering studio, making them an essential tool for achieving a professional sound.
Pros:
- Precise band control.
- Modern interface and visual analysis.
- Ideal for professional mastering.
Common uses:
- Selective compression in low or high frequencies in mastering.
- Control of specific frequencies in an isolated track or bus of several common elements (e.g., compressing the lows more in a guitar bus while leaving the highs freer from compression).
Alternatives:
FabFilter Pro-MB, Waves C6 Multiband Compressor
Free alternatives:
OTT (Xfer Records) – not for mastering but offers multiband compression and distortion to saturate a track or bus.
Other Best VST Compressors
Although we have already highlighted several essential compression plugins, there are others that, due to their quality and recognition, also deserve a place on any top-tier list:
- Tube-Tech CL 1B: Inspired by the LA-2A, it combines optical warmth with greater control and versatility. (Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B, Plugin Alliance bx_opto, Waves CLA-2A)
- Empirical Labs Distressor: Famous for its ability to provide aggressive compression and musical saturation. (UAD EL8 Distressor, Slate Digital FG-Stress, Kush Audio UBK-1)
- Fairchild 670: A classic tube compressor, ideal for mastering and mix buses, offering a warm, rich sound. (UAD Fairchild Collection, Waves PuigChild, IK Multimedia T-RackS Vintage Tube Compressor)
- LA-3A: Combines LA-2A’s optical technology with transistors, delivering a punchier and more transparent character. (UAD Teletronix LA-3A, Waves CLA-3A, Black Rooster VLA-3A)
- Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor: Renowned for its versatility and its ability to handle mixing and mastering with extreme precision. (Plugin Alliance Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, Acustica Audio Ultramarine, Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors)
- API 2500: A legendary bus compressor that adds punch and analog character to full mixes. (Waves API 2500, UAD API 2500, PSP Audioware BussPressor)
- Vari-Mu (Manley Vari-Mu): A tube compressor known for its smooth and musical compression, ideal for mastering. (UAD Manley Vari-Mu, Plugin Alliance AMEK Mastering Compressor, Acustica Audio Coral)
We hope this tutorial helps you make your mixes and productions sound increasingly professional. Check out our other articles on plugins and home studio gear in our home studio equipment section. Enjoy!
