BEST FREE VST COMPRESSORS
Vocal Compressor. Capturing that perfect vocal take is difficult, but knowing how to process vocals can be even trickier. The first step in the chain is often compression, but with so many different types of compressors to choose from which is the perfect solution for your vocals?
FREE VST COMPRESSOR PLUGINS
Below you will find a list of free compressors with links to the respective download sites. If you scroll down further you will find descriptions of the listed compressor vst plugins.
The vst plugins mentioned may be working either on PC or Mac or on both and a few are 32-bit only. However, by the use of a bit bridge and / or a plugin-adaptor (like jBridge, 32 lives, DDMF Bridgewize or Blue Cat’s Patchwork) you should be able to use these vst plugins in almost any DAW. In Klangheim Studio we use Cubase in combination with jBridge and that works like a charm without any hickups. You can read more about bit bridging in our article About Bit Bridging
MCompressor by Melda Production
DC1A by Klanghelm
MJUC Jr. by Klanghelm
Molot by VladG
Tan by Acustica Audio
TDR Kotelnikov by Tokyo Dawn Records
RoughRider3 by Audio Damage
ReaComp by Cockos
SAFE Compressor by Semantic Audio
Leveling Tool by AdHd Audio Tools
jsCompShaper by JS Audio
FRComp87 by eaReckon
GComp by GVST
LA Thrillseeker by Variety of Sound (Windows)
We have collected for you the top 15 VST plugins Sampler according to PluginBoutique. VST list navigation: Serato Sample Palindrome Phalanx Slicex CMI V Regroover Essential Cataract Polygon Structure 2 Regroover Pro Rhythmiq Robotizer Drop-X Direct Wave ReCycle 1. Serato Sample by Serato The Fastest Way to Sample A powerful and intuitive new sampler plugin. Search results showing audio plugins for all operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android), tagged as Simple VST Host. The results are sorted by date added (newest first). Plugin Boutique is a familiar name among producers, but their synth plugin may not get the attention that it deserves. The best thing about the Carbon Electra is it’s simple operation. The Carbon Electra. https://auditomg.netlify.app/simple-vst-plugin.html.
Density mkiii by Variety of Sound (high quality buss and mastering compressor) (Windows)
Thrillseeker VBL by Variety of Sound (Vari-Mu compressor – this is primarily a saturation tool but it also has a simple compressor that works very well on bass) (Windows)
Nasty VCS by Variety of Sound (channelstrip with opto style compressor) (Windows)
Older vst compressor plugins – but good:
Compressive Pro by Martin Eastwood (Windows)
FL4TT3RY 2 by platinumears (Windows)
Side Chain Compressor by slim slow slider (Windows)
Sidechain Compressor by Christian Budde (Windows)
dlm Sixtyfive by de la Mancha (Windows)
Kjaerhus Compressor by Kjaerhus (Windows)
Blockfish by Digital Fishphones
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MCompressor by Melda Production (Windows and Mac)
MCompressor is a very nice and very versatile vst compressor plugin. It has a good graphic user interface (GUI) that gives you good visual feedback about what you are doing both in terms of how you are compressing (soft knee, linear, or hard knee) and how much gain reduction you are employing.
You have full control over attack, release, ratio and threshold and you can target either the audio peaks or the average loudness (RMS) of the incoming signal – or set up the MCompressor to target the audio signal somewhere in between these two.
MCompressor also has a sidechain and a highpass and lowpass filter which makes it extraordinarily flexible. It comes with the Melda Free Bundle that includes quite a few other nice vst plugins. Highly recommended.
Download link: MCompressor
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DCA1 by Klanghelm (Windows and Mac)
The DC1A compressor from Klanghelm is a simple yet powerfull free VST compressor plugin. If you are a beginner this could be a good compressor to learn by since it is very easy to tweak plus you are forced to use your ears and not rely on numbers.
The DC1A is resembling an OPTO compressor. Its attack and release timings are program dependant although you have the choice between a faster response (which is the default mode) and a slower response with the ”relaxed” mode engaged. It has a fixed threshold and the more you gain the input the more compression you will get.
Use the output knob to match the compressed level to the uncompressed. This way you will not be fooled by differences in loudness between the unprocessed and the processed audio.
The DC1A can add a nice saturation effect to the audio. The saturation is stronger with higher gain reduction. You will have less saturation when the ”relaxed” mode is enabled. If you use it for just a few db of gain reduction in ”relaxed” mode it will work in a much more transparent way.
On stereo tracks you can compress the left and right side separately by enabling the ”dual mono” mode and Klanghelm has also given us an internal sidechain high pass filter which comes in handy when you want to keep the low end more intact (for instance on the drum bus). Finally you have the option of using negative compression ratios.
So, even though the DC1A looks simple at a first glance it is quite surprisingly versatile and can work well on many different types of audio material from drums and percussion to vocals, guitars, and keyboards. It is a very good sounding free VST compressor and should you want even more flexibility you should check out its ”big brother”, the DC8A, which is a high quality compressor with a lot of tweakability for just a little more than 20 US Dollars.
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MJUC jr by Klanghelm (Vari-Mu compressor) (Windows and Mac)
Yet another simple but powerful vst compressor plugin by Klanghelm. MJUC jr is a scaled down version of the amazing MJUC compressor plugin by Klanghelm. However, the MJUC jr still gives you a little of the flavour that you will find plenty of in its bigger sibling. Both plugins are emulations of the Vari-Mu compressors type and thus they add quite a bit of tube coloration / saturation.
With just a few controls – compress, make up gain, and a choice between three time constants (fast, slow, and auto) – the plugin is very easy to operate and you may be surprised about how much you can get out of this scaled down version. If you need more control and would enjoy playing with a lot of extra parameters you can buy the full version for very little money.
Download link: MJUC jr
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TDR Kotelnikov by Tokyo Dawn Records (Windows and Mac)
TDR Kotelnikov is a free VST compressor designed primarily for mastering purposes. It can function in a very transparent way and will definitely also find it’s use as a channel compressor or a group bus compressor.
The developers have added control features that you will not find on many compressors such as separate control over peak and RMS release values and a way to balance the importance and influence of each of these release times on the processing (through the peak crest knob and of course through the peak release knob and the RMS release knob).
You can also control the stereo sensitivity and chose whether the compressor should work on the full stereo audio or on the mid (”sum”) alone or the ”side” (”diff”) alone. If you want to dial in both mid and side compression and control these individually then you can simply use two instances of TDR Kotelnikov.
TDR Kotelnikov offers an internal sidechain function which gives you the option of relaxing the way the compressor responds to low end frequencies. There is also a mix option for parallel compression.
Timingwise the TDR Kotelnikov is capable of very fast settings. The attack time can be as low as 0.02 milliseconds and the release time can be as fast as 10 milliseconds for the peak release and 20 milliseconds for the RMS release. Of course you can choose slower settings as well since the attack time is fully adjustable up to 250 milliseconds and the release time likewise fully adjustable up to 2 seconds. All in all a very versatile tool for transparent compression.
TDR Kotelnikov is a fabulous free VST compressor plugin and it is amazing that you can get this quality for free. For mastering it is one of the best free vst compressors around. Highly recommended.
Should you want even more options there is a ”Gentleman’s Edition” at a very affordable price.
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Thrillseeker LA by Variety of Sound (Windows only)
This is definitely one of my favorite free VST compressors and probably the one free VST compressor that I use the most. The Thrillseeker LA is a very versatile compressor. In many ways it works like an OPTO compressor but although some people on the internet describe it as a free version of the LA-2A it is much more flexible than that.
Yes, indeed, the Thrillseeker LA can work very much like an LA-2A but you have many extra options on this Variety of Sound plugin. First of all you have faster attack times (both attack and release times are dependant on the incoming audio material – just as is the case with the LA-2A – but you can tweak and control the timing to some extend with the attack and release knobs).
This means that it is possible to tweak the Thrillseeker LA to work very much like a dbx 160 when it comes to timing – or a Tubetech CL-1B as well as a Fairchild or an LA-2A compresor.
A good one which supports SysEx messages. Direct MIDI in / out connection between your synth and the MIDI interface. Audio cables from the synth to soundcard or mixer in order to hear the sound. Don’t buy anything which is less than 50€. Sub 37 editor librarian and vst plugin. No MIDI Thru connections or MIDI in only / MIDI out only connections.
Variety of Sound has also given us control over the total harmonic distortion (THD) with the interstage section. Once you have found the right amount of compression and adjusted the attack and release to your liking you can turn on the interstage section and add 2 order harmonics. If you want to go further than that you can use the slider to add even more THD and obtain thicker saturation effects.
Finally you have the ability to colour the saturation effect to your needs and even switch on a transformer circuit simulation to fatten up the sound even more.
Thrillseeker LA has internal and external sidechain options and in the top left corner you will find a little knob that calibrates the plugin to a conservative (and advisable) mix level of -18 db.
In other words Thrillseeker LA can work as a clean compressor or as a more vintage sounding unit. It can work with much faster attack times than an LA-2A and it has its own little colour tool box in the interstage section.
You can use it as a channel compressor or indeed as a bus compressor. And last but not least: it sounds amazingly good. It proves that free plugins can sound as good as commercial plugins – and be more innovative than most of them! That is just one good reason to dive into free VST compressors and other free VST plugins. Highly recommended.
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SAFE Compressor by Semantic Audio (Windows and Mac)
The SAFE Compressor is special in the sense that it allows you to type in more intuitive or descriptive terms or words into the plugins textbox – such as for instance bright, warm, punchy etc. – and if the word or term is on the developers server the compressor will be set to parameters that can bring forward the wanted and described effect.
You can save your own suggestions for semantic terms that represent a compression effect and it can then be shared with other users via the server. In other words SAFE Compressor is a unique intuitive compressor that may be of special interest to beginners.
Download link: SAFE Compressor
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FRComp87 by eaReckon (Windows and Mac)
FRComp87 is a delightfully simple vst compressor plugin. It only has a few controls: threshold, makeup gain, and three timings (fast, medium, and slow). Finally, you can switch in a limiter to tame peaks after the compression. Because of the simplicity FRComp is very fast to use and may be just the right starting point if you are a beginner when it comes to compression.
Download link: FRComp87
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dlm Sixtyfive by de la Mancha (Windows)
The developer de la Mancha has created a really good free VST compressor plugin inspired by the dbx 165 A compressor. However, de la Mancha’s Sixtyfive gives you several extra options compared to the hardware which inspired his work.
If you are looking for a dbx-style compressor plugin Sixtyfive is a good choice. It sounds very good and adds a little, nice coloration and character to the audio material you run through it.
De la Mancha has given you extra features like a dry/wet knob which makes it easy to dial in ”New York” or parallel compression. While the fastest attack on the original hardware is 1 millisecond de la Mancha lets you dial in even faster timings. Like the dbx 165 A de la Mancha’s Sixtyfive also has an auto attack and release button which activates a program dependant attack and release response. It also features a peak stop option for hard limiting on the final output.
Sixtyfive is a soft knee compressor. You can tweak it to give you smooth, musical compression or to work in much more agressive ways. So if you need a vintage style VCA compressor plugin with extra features you need look no further.
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GComp by GVST (Windows and Mac)
With the GComp vst compressor plugin you have full control over attack, release, threshold, hard knee or soft knee or anything in between as well as dialing in the balance between how the compressor should react to audio peaks versus RMS (the average loudness of the program material). On top of that it also includes a limiter.
You can adjust the input and output volume and GComp gives you a good visual feedback of what is going on and how much compression you are applying.
GComp has a sibling called GComp2 with a few different parameters that you could check out as well.
Download link: GComp
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.
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 Free mic modeler vst plugin.
- User-friendly interface
- Huge assortment of compression types
- Unique modular format
Cons
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- 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
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- 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
- 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
Best Free Vst Vocal Compressor Software
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.
Best Compressor Vst
There’s no such thing as too many compressors, so add a few of these to your collection to expand your mixing horizons.