Best Compression Vst Free
Compression and EQ are the two most essential tools in mixing.
Familiarity with compression (and the different types of compressor) is the best way to understand how dynamics can be tamed to perfection and with this collection of free VST compressors you’ll have plenty to work with. Best Free Compressor VSTs In 2020.
- Best Free VST plugins for Drums. 31) MT Power DrumKit 2. With a pre-programmed groove library and many top-notch snare sounds under its belt, the MT Power DrumKit 2 ensures that the snare cuts right through the mix and thus stakes its claim as the one of the best free VST plugins. 32) StudioLinked Drum Pro.
- Get a free VST compressor. Check out 7 of the best free vst compression plugins for your DAW. Use these awesome mixing tools to improve your tracks.
- Free www.productionmusiclive.com In this article, we've listed eight of the best free VST plugins for vocal mixing. These include reverbs for vocal space creation, compressors for mixing glue, vocal doublers, and autotune – ensuring all those sweet notes hit the spot.
- In this article, we've listed eight of the best free VST plugins for vocal mixing. These include reverbs for vocal space creation, compressors for mixing glue, vocal doublers, and autotune – ensuring all those.
You’ll probably apply them on every single track in your session before the mix is complete.
With such a key part of the music production process, you need to have tools you can rely on.
But choosing the right compressor plugin isn’t easy. There are thousands of compressor VSTs out there, and not all of them work well for every task.
Even so, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. You’ll always get the right tool for the job if you know what a compressor does, the different compressor types and where they work best.
In this guide I’ll go through each style of compressor, recommend a smart choice for every budget and show the best ways to use them in your mix or master.
What is a compressor?
A compressor is an audio processor that’s used in mixing to reduce the dynamic range of audio signals. Dynamic range means the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of a sound.
You’ll need to reduce the dynamic range of most signals you record so that both the loud and quiet moments are equally audible in the mix.
Check out our detailed guide to compressors if you need a more in-depth overview to get you up to speed.
The concept seems simple, but there are different ways to implement compression that have different sounds and uses in a mix.
Most of them come from the days of analog hardware. Those classic sounds are still in high demand today.
Plugin manufacturers have developed digital equivalents to bring those timeless tones to your DAW.
Let’s get started.
FET compressor plugins
FET compression is one of the most essential compressor sounds in music.
FET compression is one of the most essential compressor sounds in music.
It stands for “field effect transistor” and it’s the mechanism used in the all-time classic UREI 1176 compressor.
The 1176 has a long and illustrious history and is still used by virtually every professional studio to this day.
FET compression can be fast and aggressive while staying transparent enough to create extreme shifts in dynamics.
It has a pleasing vintage character with satisfying bloom and saturation when pushed.
FET compression is great on percussion, vocals and anywhere you need fast and aggressive yet stylish gain reduction.
Free plugin: Analog Obsession FETISH
Analog Obsession FETISH is an excellent free software 1176-style compressor.
Many independent developers are turning to new methods of distributing their software. Analog Obsesion dev Tunca has moved their entire plugin library to Patreon.
The plugins are still free, but consider getting a subscription if you use them often.
Cheap plugin: Plugin Alliance Lindell 7X-500
At just $29 USD (at the time of this writing) Plugin Alliance’s digital recreation of the popular Lindell 7X-500 series module is a charmingly inexpensive way to get started with FET compression.
This handy FET compressor packs all the snappy attack and analog warmth of the hardware and sounds great anywhere you might use an 1176.
Pro plugin: UAD 1176 Collection
UAD wrote the book on emulating the 1176 in software. Their take on its legacy is still widely respected as the best in the business.
The expanded 1176 collection includes several rare revisions of the original circuit modelled to perfection.
Optical compressor plugins
Optical compressors use photosensitive light cells to control the compression.
It’s one of the earliest methods of controlling gain reduction that’s often found in classic early units.
Optical compression has a particularly musical sounding action due to the physical properties of the photocell.
Optical compression has a particularly musical sounding action due to the physical properties of the photocell.
It’s a little slower and gentler than FET compression with a pleasing feel that works well on many different sources.
The legendary Teletronix LA-2A is an optical compressor with a tube makeup gain stage.
It’s probably the most well known optical compressor and many engineers all-time favorite for vocals.
Here are some great options based on the optical sound of the LA-2A
Free plugin: ADHD Levelling Tool
ADHD Levelling tool is a handy freeware compressor that will bring LA-2A style optical compression into your sessions without breaking the bank.
With additional controls for attack release and threshold, Levelling Tool isn’t exactly a direct clone, but the sonic inspiration is clear.
Cheap Plugin: Waves CLA-2A
Waves CLA-2A has been on the scene for a while now, but it’s still a great option for the smooth optical sound of the LA-2A in your DAW.
Waves plugins are often available on extremely deep discounts from sales and offers.
It’s worth waiting for one to come around if you want to get your hands on the CLA-2A without spending a fortune.
Pro Plugin: Softube CL1B
Softube CL1B is based on Danish manufacturer Tube Tech’s tube-driven take on the optical LA-2A design.
Softube’s recreation is spot on and this pro compressor plugin offers all the weight, heft and tube warmth of the original.
Tube compressor plugins
Best Compression Vst Free Download
There are lots of tube compressors out there, but like the LA-2A, not all of them create their gain reduction effect using the tubes themselves.
Creating compression with vacuum tube circuitry alone is possible, but it’s considered much more difficult and expensive than other methods.
That’s why true tube compressors (sometimes called “delta-mu” compressors) are large, bulky and expensive.
The tubes and transformers required to make these processors work are impractical for all but the most serious setups.
But all that iron and tubey goodness results in an incredibly powerful sound.
The most well known all-tube compressor is the vintage Fairchild 670. These classics are so rare and expensive (authentic units have sold for over $100K) that most producers will never even see one, let alone hear it on their tracks.
Luckily, plugin manufacturers have been creating digital recreations of the Fairchild and other beefy sounding tube comps since the dawn of digital.
Creating compression with vacuum tube circuitry alone is possible, but it’s considered much more difficult and expensive than other methods.
Tube compressors sound fantastic in many situations, especially any time you want to enhance the source material with pleasing colouration and saturation.
Free plugin: Klanghelm MJUC jr.
Klanghelm produces a suite of excellent analog modelling plugins for free. MJUC jr. is no exception.
MJUC jr. is the little brother of the highly regarded MJUC delta-mu style compressor. This completely free plugin will get you the tube driven compression tones of the larger version with ease.
It’s hard to imagine that a mixing tool this useful and musical could be available completely free…
Cheap plugin: Arturia TUBE-STA
This stylish delta-mu style compressor has the vibey look—and sound—of the legendary Gates STA-Level hardware unit that dates back to 1956.
This near mythical vintage comp commands the typical high prices of old school tube compressors and is famous for its ability to utterly squash the signal without unpleasant artifacts.
Arturia’s fantastic take on it gives you all the tube texture of the original.
Pro Plugin: UAD Fairchild Collection
UAD produces some of the most highly regarded digital replicas of analog gear.
With the Fairchild collection, they’ve gone all out, modelling each and every component down to its most idiosyncratic elements.
This is as close as you can get to a real Fairchild in your DAW—and that’s a wonderful thing.
VCA compressor plugins
VCA compressors came on the scene in the 70s with the introduction of integrated circuits (ICs) that could perform gain reduction cheaply and with more predictable results than earlier methods.
This technology gave rise to classic units like the DBX 160 and SSL Bus Compressor.
The SSL Bus Compressor in particular has become a secret weapon on the mix bus for many producers.
It offers a clear and classy sound that enhances punch and impact while providing the “glue” factor that makes a mix sound cohesive and integrated.
Free plugin: Ableton Glue Compressor
I’m cheating a bit here since this is a built-in DAW plugin. But if you’re an Ableton Live Suite user you already have access to an excellent VCA style compressor modelled on the SSL bus comp.
Glue compressor works great for providing that subtle sonic adhesive that holds individual busses and entire mixes together.
Cheap plugin: Cytomic The Glue
Cytomic’s The Glue is another great take on the SSL Bus compressor design.
It’s a lightweight plugin that will give you that classic VCA gain reduction without choking your CPU.
Pro plugin: SSL Native Bus Compressor
If you’re searching for the classic SSL sound, why not go straight to the source?
SSL’s suite of native plugins includes an excellent take on their classic VCA bus compressor design that can give you all the glue, punch and flavor of the original.
Digital Compressor plugins
The sound of analog hardware has an enduring appeal for most engineers.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t excellent compressors out there with completely digital DNA.
Digital compressors are perfect whenever you want ultra-transparent compression that doesn’t affect the basic sound of the source material.
In fact, the lack of limitations in the digital domain gives developers the freedom to create some ultra high performance compressor plugins.
Digital compressors are perfect whenever you want ultra-transparent compression that doesn’t affect the basic sound of the source material.
Free Plugin: TDR Kotelnikov
TDR Kotelnikov is a legend of the free plugin scene.
This well-designed VST shows off the power of high-fidelity digital compression with a classy sound and deep control.
Cheap plugin: Klanghelm DC8C
Klanghelm DC8C is a chameleon of a compressor plugin that can cover a huge range of different sounds.
With extremely detailed control over nearly every possible aspect of the sound, the sheer flexibility of this compressor makes it a top pick to showcase the power of digital.
Pro plugin: Fabfilter Pro C-2
Fabfilter Pro C-2 is the undisputed king of advanced compression.
This top quality compressor plugin sounds gorgeous and features a user interface that makes even advanced compression features simple to use.
Deep dynamics control
Compressors are extremely important in music production, no matter what genre or style of music you mix or master.
Today there are more plugin compressors available than ever before. Having so many options is great, but sorting through them is a challenge.
Now that you know some different types of compression and what they’re good for, get back to your DAW and squash some signals.
Let’s get your vocals under control with the best vocal compressor plugin software.
As each compressor plugin software is different, and there are myriads out there to choose from, we’ll keep it simple, and take a look at 5 of best best choices out there…
All of which were researched and recommended by the best.
Best Free Compression Vst
Quick answer: Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B is the favorite, but if you’re looking for something less costly, take a look at the FabFilter Pro-C2 as perhaps the most popular option out there.
However, picking off a couple isn’t good enough, compressors differ based on character and style.
So let’s take a closer look 🙂
Find more great gear here:
EQ Plugins for Vocals, Top Waves Audio Plugins, Tape Emulation Plugins,Vocal Microphones
Vocal Compression Guide
What is a Compressor?
Compressors are a bit of a controversial plugin in some ways, as to many it is mystery how it works… and even more of a mystery as to what it can do for them.
This is especially true when it comes to vocal compression.
But as simply put as possible, a compressor compresses dynamic range. So that means that above a set volume (threshold), the compressor will limit the amount of volume increase going out the back end (output) compared to what is coming in the front end (Input).
Given that basic function (compressing and audio signal’s dynamic range), you can imagine the vistas of creative potential open to producers. Imaginative engineers realized you could use them creatively to re-shape the transient shape of sounds. Presto! Compression algorithms became secret sauce.
Hence many fancy named compression techniques, such as of side-chaining, parallel compression, etc., are now used. But not just in a technical way, but as if the compressor was itself a musical instrument.
However, we are on the topic of vocal compressor plugins. So, keeping that in mind, there are a few features that every good compressor should have. Let’s find out.
Features to look for & How to choose
If you follow forum discussions, you will find a lot of opinions about the various types of processors out there. Each producer has their favorite because, given time and experience, one compressor can be somewhat like another.
All compressors will should have these:
- Threshold – which determines the level your audio signal must be before the compressor can reduce its volume.
- Ratio – determines the level of compression that will be applied to the audio signal once the loudness threshold is reached.
- Attack – how fast or slow the compressor will be activated to reduce loudness.
- Release – how fast or slow the compressor will be deactivated to return the audio signal to is original level.
- Knee – smooths out the ratio so that there isn’t a sudden change in dynamics.
- Make-Up Gain – used to “make-up” the amount of gain that has been lost from all that amplitude attenuation.
- Output – allows you to increase or decrease the sound coming out of the compressor to a desired level.
For a more detailed explanation of each, read thisreal funny exposition of audio compression in music production.
Beside these featured listed, a compressor may function slightly differently, or offer some additional features that make them useful for whatever purpose you want to use it for… in this case, mixing and recording vocals.
Character and Vanilla
There are “Character” units, and “Vanilla” units. Like the name suggests, a good character compressor will add some depth and personality to your vocals. A vanilla compressor will get the job done without you know it was even in the room, like a good butler.
Other than that, another thing to look for in a compressor is versatility. That and the ability to get the results you want reasonably quickly.
Sometimes those things will conflict a bit. That is why we choose a plugin which fits our needs the best.
Best Compressor VST Plugins for Vocals
Softube Tube-Tech CL-1B
Price & Demos @ Plugin Boutique
Softube is a great name in overdrive DSP and this FET emulation has many, many fans. This one is of an optical unit. A high-ticket opto unit that many love for its “musicality,” but may be out of some user’s budget.
Feature wise it’s a lot like the popular CLA-76 from Waves that we mention below, but the source unit has a unique behavior that made them a top choice. The optical method is prone to being softer and gentler to vocals, while still being able to lay down the law when necessary.
It is all about the secret DSP sauce of how nothing is really linear. Add 2db of Gain and suddenly your sound is different. Changing one knob is like changing five knobs on a “clean” compressor. Over time you can get a sense of what is going on. Until then…
You tend to start out wiggling the vaguely labelled knobs and suddenly something great appears in the murk. This is character processing at its best, and if the unit sounds good then you can’t beat it.
The only downside to nitpick at is that if you’re a control freak you can also find it frustrating, since you can’t so much “control” this unit but rather “guide” it like an air traffic controller guiding a Boeing 747 onto land.
That said, it’s good to give up some control, especially if you know there were some experts at the wheel behind this thing, and the results are often solid.
If this is the path for you then close your doors to the world and make this the only device you use for everything. Just like they did back in 1965. It is part of your “sound.”
Demonstration
Waves CLA-76
Price & Demos @ Waves Audio
Waves have been around for a very long time and for much of it as the top name in the game. Their plugins used to be really expensive. Nowadays if you catch them on sale they are cheap as chips. And general pretty good value for that.
The CLA-76 comes in two guises (blue & black) and both are emulations of versions of a classic 60’s Compressor/Limiter. People still pay big coin for hardware versions of these things for “modern” recordings.
Feature wise, these units don’t have a lot on offer. Input, Output, speed the Ratio Curve operates, and then a section of Ratio pre-sets. Sounds dull, I know, but in-practice they can be great.
CLA-76 has a pretty fast Attack, meaning there isn’t too much time between a loud transient arriving and the compression goblins leaping into action. Great for drums as you can really flatten them to add thickness, edge and size.
And for vocals? Depends on who you are. Some like the CLA-76 for vocals for that very same reason. Merciless attack times, the ability to really crunch those pop vocals. Others don’t. But some producers, like Chris Lord-Alge, swear by them for the “the sound.”
Another thing to watch out for is that these units add saturation which changes the “weight” of the sound with wee bits of distortion overtones (and some undertones too). This means the units respond very nicely to being hit hard.
Demonstration
Softube FET Compressor
Price & Demos @ Plugin Boutique
More Softube, more emulation. Everyone loves a bit of bounty hunter scum. Or so it would seem with another 1176 emulation. This one looks more like a 70’s Hi Fi than the original though.
Price-wise, when it’s not on sale, it costs more than the Waves unit mentioned. So it’s a good idea to take a look to see if you’re lucky.
However, FET has more features. Softube added some more modern features (along with improving the flow of the knobs) so you can parallel process and alter what parts of the signal trigger the processing goblins. This is doable with some effort in your DAW with the CLA-76, but far easier in the FET.
Top free synth vst 2018. Again, some people love it on vocals, as it can really rough them up add some punch where needed. Many think the parameter additions make this a better bet there. Just keep in mind that some have noticed that the FET can slide into distortion if you aren’t paying attention.
This is a character effect (processor to be accurate). So be aware that, while you can use it on everything, including vocals, you may find that you’d want to slap this bad boy onto different things in different places.
Demonstration
Softube Summit Audio TLA-100 Compressor
Price & Demos @ Plugin Boutique
Another minimalistic blast from the past. The Summit Audio units got popular in the 80’s, particularly for vocals.
The reason this style of unit works so well for vocals is that it tends to be kind. Besides the Tube-Tech, the other compressors so far have tended to be rough and rowdy (which has its charm) but the TLA-100 is smoother and less noticeable as it goes about its work.
“Smooth”, “controlled”, and “softening” are common adjectives applied to the TLA-100. Softube added a few extra features including a separate saturation section so you can control how tubular it all gets.
The Parallel options seems slightly unusual as that effect is normally used with more brutal compressors but we won’t complain that it is there.
This compressor isn’t a jack of all trades. But if you want a character unit to supplement your core compression, or you want to choose one unit to live with then this could be it. I may just suggest that it could see you struggle with less controlled singers like Rappers.
If you ever feel the need to lay down the law in your vocal mix, refer to the other units mentioned. But for singer-songwriter tracks, this is great.
Demonstration
FabFilter Pro-C2 Compressor
Price & Demos @ Plugin Boutique
This fellow is the real odd one out here. Not because it’s the best or the worst, but because it’s not a character unit. Pro-C2 is all about modern, practical, versatility, and clean.
This is the modern jack of all trades, cover every piece of ground, device that many of us bedroom boys love. Why buy and learn 78 devices when you can get one?
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It is also simply the go-to plugin for all your compressing duties on every track, not just vocals. So it is well worth it.
You get a lot of modes targeted at most of the common things you will want to do with a compressor. For instance, its vocal mode helps you to bring vocals to the front of the mix. A nice little addition to a plugin.
Analog, Classic & Optical style modes are also on the list. But honestly, it is doubted that they can really compete with the dedicated units mentioned above. Think of it as leaning a bit that way.
Upside? This is the only unit here to offer control over the Knee of the compression critters. Boggling if you don’t get it but super useful if you do. Especially when it comes to vocal mixing.
Also, if you ever needed to learn how to use a compressor for mixing vocals, you’ll probably find about as many engineers on Youtube showing you how to mix vocals via the FabFilter Pro-C2 than any other one mentioned. You probably think of it as the ‘Fruity Loops’ of compressors.
Also, rather than being stuck in an old-hardware frame of mind the interface is visually informative and very adjustable to suit your task or preferences. You can even pop it full screen on an unreasonable large Retina display!
Demonstration
Waves Audio V-Comp
Price & Demos @ Waves Audio
Waves V-Comp rides on the vintage Neve’2254’s classic sound with its super-responsive dynamics processor.
It has all the typical compressor controls and its interface is intuitive and easy to use. The V-Comp also features a De-Esser switch which functions like a high-frequency side-chain to smoothen harsh high frequencies in the mix. This is a nifty feature that can be turned on and off with a single switch. Also included is a limiter that can be used independently.
While some user reviews do not seem convinced of the V-Comp’s emulation of the actual 2254 machine, many are satisfied with its silky smooth compression. V-Comp lends a unique ‘analog-ish’ color to the entire mix, which we believe to be a commendable feat in itself.
Its vintage-style squashing of the transients is also convincing. There is a bit of warmth in the processed signal which can be further shaped by the De-Esser and the limiter functions.
Needless to say, the V-Comp is a good option for those who want the most out of their buck, especially if you’re going for an easy-to-use plugin that fits most styles of sound.
Waves CLA-2A
Price & Demos @ Waves Audio
The CLA-2A is modeled after the legendary Teletronix LA-2A, a tube-based compressor from the 1960s. The Teletronix LA-2A is prized for its electro-luminescent optical attenuator. The Waves CLA-2A emulates this frequency-dependent action for smooth gain reduction.
Producers love the multi-stage release and the CLA-2A’s quick response, both of which add character to the mix. It seems that most producers use the CLA-2A for leveling purposes, particularly for bass sounds. But it has also proven itself as a competent vocal compressor as well.
Included when buying the CLA-2A are presets made by Grammy-winning mix engineer Chris-Lord-Alge, a side-chain frequency filter, and a limiter mode.
The CLA-2A does not have a lot of tricks, but its historic sound and simplicity makes up most of its charm. It has more than you would ever expect from a product of its price point.
Waves CLA-3A
Price & Demos @ Waves Audio
Based on the original 1969 solid-state compressor, the Waves CLA-3A boasts a transparent compression curve. This ensures a fast response from attack to release, a perfect tool for high-tempo music.
Moreover, it packs a subtle harmonic distortion for some added spice. This works best for bass, as it brings out a unique kink from the sound. Nonetheless, the CLA-3A infuses this edge to your vocals without ruining the signal.
Like the CLA-2A, it uses an optical attenuator for gain reduction. The algorithms behind the compression are program dependent. This means that it is hard to say how a particular setting would change the quality of the sound. This unwieldiness is expected out of any ‘vintage-style’ compressor and is what makes it fun to use.
The CLA-3A’s interface is fairly simple. It has a Peak Reduction knob for controlling the desired compression, and a Gain knob for adjusting the levels after compression.
Overall, the CLA-3A can be used for a wide variety of applications. But its magic is most potent on bass, vocals, and guitars.
Waves Renaissance Vox
Price & Demos @ Waves Audio
None other than Drake’s producer Noah “40” Shebib has praised this plugin as “one of the most important plugins ever made.” These high words of praise are only equaled by the Waves Renaissance Vox’s packed features.
What the R-Vox lacks in visual appeal, it makes up for in its ‘under the hood’ bag of tricks. It deploys an entire array of expansion, compression, and limiting gadgetry, most of which happens by way automation.
But despite the complex tech behind R-Vox’s processing chain, users are only given three controllable parameters, which are expander and compressor thresholds and output attenuation. Needless to say, producers who want more control over the attack and release times may find the Renaissance Vox too wild of a beast to tame.
Nevertheless, this plugin’s ‘plug-and-play’ philosophy helps producers focus on other mixing aspects by automating the gritty details. And it does this to excellent effect. An instance of R-Vox instantly puts your signal into the front and center of the mix. It adds weight to any signal, which can help for weak-sounding vocals to stand out.
Another added bonus is its relatively small CPU footprint. You can chuck in multiple instances of the plugin without putting a strain on your machine.
Final Thoughts
What to do?
The Tube-Tech CL 1B unit is the favorite by far. But being a high-ticket item, you may want to consider the other four units mentioned if you’re on a tighter budget.
Then, you can decide if you want to commit to a path, like owning one unit that you use for everything, or having a couple that fits diverging tastes. In the latter case you won’t have one unit that you have to “fight with” to submit to every path that comes across your DAW.
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If you’re thinking a character unit, then it really comes down to what appeals to you mostly. Namely:
Waves CLA-76, Softube FET and Summit Audio TLA-100.
Waves CLA-76 and Softube FET may suit people who mix harder and louder (as most of us have to these days), and whose vocalists need more discipline. Submitting to the Summit Audio TLA-100 could be perfect for the folksier amongst us.
But if dollars are the deciding factor, then check if Waves is having one of their many sales right now go grab it!
But for the vanilla producer/engineer, the FabFilter Pro-C2 has so many possibilities. Not only in the “I can’t believe it’s not butter” processing, but in dramatic or effect processing that makes it hard to pass by.
If you want just one compressor and don’t mind the vanilla, FabFilter Pro-C2 is the one ring to rule them all.
The Tube-Tech CL1B, when powered up with the Collection Upgrade, proves itself to be a very competent product. While definitely among the most expensive in the list, its versatility and its added features make it worth every buck.
But one cannot also ignore the CLA-2A and CLA-3A, as these are also very powerful compressors. What makes them interesting are their unique vintage features. If you’re looking for something that would help you develop your personal sound, these two products might suit you the best.
Of course, one could never go wrong with the Renaissance Vox. While also learning more towards the pricier side, the simplicity and the sheer power of this plugin makes it an awesome choice for newbies and vets alike.
Best Free Vst Vocal Compression
On the other end of the spectrum is the FabFilter Pro-C2 which is as simple and vanilla as you can get. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense compressor that does its job, the FabFilter is an ax that will never fail you when you need it the most.