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The versatile effect is used for narrowing dynamic range, manipulating amplitude envelopes, peak limiting, and more.
Compressors are also well known for having distinct characteristics depending on the circuitry (or in the digital world, the programming,) of the particular model. This raises the question – which compressor works best for you?
Up next in our “Best of Free VST” series, we searched for five of the best free compression VST / AU plugins out there. All the plugins listed have versions compatible with both Mac and Windows and are relatively up-to-date with current operating systems. Some are available directly from Splice’s Plugins catalog.
Be sure to check out the Splice project at the bottom of this article for a demo of the five plugins along with a download of our free custom presets!
Download the free plugin here: SAFE Compressor. SAFE Reverb is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and later as well as Windows and Linux. DCAM FreeComp by FXpansion. FXpansion’s DCAM FreeComp is a circuit-modelled compressor that can deliver some extra punch to a track.
1. Rough Rider by Audio Damage
- 9+ Best FREE Compressor VST / AU Plugins There are many free VST compressors, but in this post, I gathered some of the best and most popular free compressor plugins that can be downloaded for free in VST or AU plugin formats for both Windows and Mac based digital audio workstations.
- Download the Best Free VST-Mac Audio Plugins. Synths, Reverbs, Compressors.and much more. Just click and download. Download the Best Free VST-Mac Audio Plugins. Synths, Reverbs, Compressors.and much more. Just click and download. Compressor Distortion; 173K Views Rating: 4.1 /5 (177 votes).
As you might guess from the name, Audio Damage’s Rough Rider is a compressor best suited for aggressive pumping rather than subtle attenuation. The compressor has a warm, vintage sound that can add desirable harmonic content to a drum buss or lead guitar. If you’re going for transparency, look elsewhere, but for compression that leaves its mark Rough Rider will do the job.
Download the free plugin here: Rough Rider
Rough Rider is compatible with Mac OS X 10.8 and later versions as well as Windows 8 and later versions.
2. MJUCjr by Klanghelm
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Klanghelm’s MJUCjr is a compressor that gets a lot of mileage out of minimal controls. A single “Compress” dial manages the ratio and threshold of the compression, while the three-position “Time Constraints” switch simultaneously controls the attack and release times.
Its digital emulation of tube compression provides some colorful saturation, and the compressor can handle smooth attenuation as well as more aggressive pumping. MJUCjr certainly isn’t a compressor intended to be deliberately fine-tuned, but some experimentation can create surprisingly pleasing results (and save the headache of adjusting a dozen parameters).
Download the free plugin here: MJUCjr
MJUCjr is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and later versions as well as Windows 7 and later versions.
3. SAFE Compressor by Semantic Audio
The SAFE Compressor is a relatively transparent compressor that excels in subtlety in comparison to the biting Rough Rider or tube-emulating MJUCjr. It has all your standard compressor parameters (threshold, ratio, knee, attack, release, and gain) alongside a simple graphic display that offers a visual reference for your compression curve.
What makes the SAFE Compressor unique is how the user can upload and download custom presets made by other users via Semantic Audio’s server. This nifty feature allows for the SAFE Compressor to have an unlimited number of presets that can be experimented with endlessly.
Download the free plugin here: SAFE Compressor
SAFE Reverb is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and later as well as Windows and Linux.
4. DCAM FreeComp by FXpansion
FXpansion’s DCAM FreeComp is a circuit-modelled compressor that can deliver some extra punch to a track. Its ratio dial locks at 3 positions, delivering options of gentle attenuation, moderate compression, and near-limiting aggression.
The UI has a classic look featuring an analog-inspired meter that can toggle between output metering and gain reduction metering. Use DCAM FreeComp modestly to tame peaks and glue tracks together, or crank up the settings for some energetic pumping and envelope shaping.
Download the free plugin here: DCAM FreeComp
DCAM FreeComp is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5.8 and later versions as well as Windows 7 and later versions.
5. OTT by Xfer Records
Xfer Records bring the same quality and edge found in Serum (their flagship wavetable synthesizer) to the OTT compressor. This compressor remains minimalistic in its controls while featuring unique functionalities such as upwards and downwards compression as well as multiband capabilities.
OTT shines brightest in genres such as dubstep or electro where it can be used for aggressive envelope manipulation or limiting at higher Depth settings. Used properly, the OTT compressor can rival many commercial compressors in the market.
Download the free plugin here: OTT
OTT is compatible with Mac OS X as well as Windows.
Download the demo project:
The project below showcases the five compressor plugins with custom presets from Splice. The project first plays an uncompressed drum groove and then loops with a different compressor plugin applied to each repeat.
Download our custom presets for all 5 free compressors.
October 26, 2018
If you want a better mix, knowing how to use compressors is key. Not every compressor does the same thing. Compressors have personalities!
In fact, you should have several compressors and get to know what each one brings to your mix.
Compressors give you more loudness without clipping. They smooth out peaks and give more punch.
So here are 7 free VST compressors plugins for you:
- Rough Rider
- OTT
- DCAM Free Comp
- TAN
- SAFE Compressor
- FR COMP 87
- MCompressor
Grab them for either Mac or PC and install them on any DAW.
Add them to your toolkit today and compress your way to success:
1. Rough Rider
By Audio Damage
Audio Damage’s Rough Rider is a modern compressor with a vintage flavour.
Rough Rider is the best for adding pump to rhythmic tracks. It’s not designed for transparency but gives great high impact bite. Drive it to get some extra crunch and warmth.
Adjust the Ratio, Attack, Release times, and Sensitivity and Makeup gain knobs to find your perfect ride.
Download Rough Rider for free here.
2. OTT
By Xfer Records
OTT is a multiband upwards/downwards compressor made by Xfer Records.
It’s an aggressive-style of compression very popular in dubstep and electro productions.
Tweak the knobs to adjust the Depth, Time, In Gain and Out Gain. Play with Highs, Mids and Lows. Adjust the percentages of upwards and downwards compression to your taste.
Download OTT for free here.
3. DCAM Free Comp
By FXpansion
FXpansion’s DCAM Free Comp is modelled after classic console bus compressors.
What does it do best? It glues together subgroups in your mix. Gluing gives you more punch and definition while also taming your peaks. Nice!
Change the settings for a more extreme creative effect.
Download DCAM Free Comp here.
4. TAN
By Acustica Audio
Acustica’s TAN compressor was modelled from classic analog VCA compressors.
It’s a versatile compressor that gives you a wide range of adjustments.
The TAN compressor has a unique ShMod knob. It allows you to fine-tune the shape of the attack. For all of you precision freaks out there!
Download TAN for free here.
5. SAFE Compressor
By Semantica Audio
The SAFE compressor is part of a unique project. Semantica Audio has one mission: “control your audio effect plug-ins using terms that normal human beings can understand!”
Just type a term into SAFE’s text box (warm, bright, etc.) and the plugin will look for a setting to match it. Add your own words for a particular setting you like.
A dream right?
Download the SAFE Compressor for free here.
6. FR COMP 87
By eaReckon
Instead of giving you a limited demo version of their ANALOG87 series, eaReckon made a fully functional free FR COMP 87.
What this plugin does best? Simplicity. The FR COMP 87 has two knobs: threshold and makeup. Choose from three speeds—fast, medium and slow. Or turn on the limiter switch if you need it. Sometimes simple is just better.
Download FR COMP 87 for free here.
7. MCompressor
By MeldaProduction
MCompressor is a feature-packed, smart compressor.
Fully customize the shape of your graph. Use the smart randomization feature to instantly generate new settings. Use side-chaining to better mix your kick and bass. Even map your MCompressor onto a MIDI controller!
The MCompressor can handle mono, stereo and even 8 channel surround processing—great if you’re mixing for video, film or movies!
Download MCompressor for free here.
Be a Comp Champ
Stock up on these compressors and build a killer virtual effects rack.
Testing lots of compressors and finding the perfect ones for each mixing situation is key.
So download this list, try them out and keep your favorites close.
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Make the art of compression part of every DAW session.
Get all of the LANDR-approved free VST plugin collection: