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While most Digital Audio Workstations, or DAWs, provide youwith loads of great stock plugins, compressors included, you might be lookingfor some new ones that have a slightly different sound to them.

Or maybe the compressors you already have lack certainsettings which you would like to use…

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. Size 1.36 MB Modern Compressor is acompressor featuring gate and side-chain functions. Power On/Off button Gate On/Off button Gain Reduction meter include Post-gate control (-96 to -30 dB) Gate time control Threshold control (0 to 48 dB) Attack time control (1 ms to 50 ms) Release time control (60, 125, 250, 500ms, 1. Download free VST plugins without having to spend a dime or waste time trawling the internet. SimpleSide is a volume automation plugin by Armando Montanez. It features an edible curve that changes volume over a tempo-synced period. Use it to simulate sidechain compression or create complex LFO effects. Perfect Sidechain Ducking Ducking, or sidechain compression, is one of the defining effects of modern music. From classic house to modern EDM, tracks by Daft Punk, Noisia and Eric Prydz ooze that pumping, ducking effect. So, whether you’re producing pumping house or broken beats, Duck delivers in seconds. However, the best multiband compressor plugin is not magic, my friend, they are extremely useful if you plan on doing your own mastering, or tightening up your vocals, guitars, or other tracks in your mixes. Quick answer: iZotope Neutron and the FabFilter Pro-MB are two of the best options out there now n the realm of multiband compression.

Well, I’ve put together a list of the best free compression plugins available which should definitely add some flavor to your mixes.

Note: I also wrote a post about the best compressor plugins in general, not just free ones. So, make sure to check it out as well!

Let’s get straight to it…

MJUC Jr. by Klanghelm (Windows, Mac)

With just two basic controls, “Compression” and “Make Up”, the MJUC JR. makes controlling the dynamics of the song extremely easy.

Also, there’s the three-position timing switch which not only controls the attack and release of the unit, but also the slew rate of the transformers and the timing of the other parts of the circuitry, that are directly influencing the generated harmonics (saturation).

I use this one the most when mixing really simple stuff like acoustic guitar plus vocals.

As far as simplicity goes, the MJUC Jr. just can’t be beat, and it’s one of my favorite compression plugins of all time.

Learn more about the MJUC Jr. here.

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MCompressor by MeldaProduction (Windows, Mac)

MCompressor isn’t just a simple compression plugin with a couple features, since it allows you to fully customize the shape of the graph which gives you the opportunity to be really creative.

With such a high number of controls and features, it ends up being one of the more versatile compressors out there, especially when comparing it to the majority of free ones.

MCompressor comes with the smart randomization feature whichcan instantly generate new settings.

It can handle mono, stereo and even 8-channel surroundprocessing which really comes in handy when mixing for films or movies.

Features

  • Smart randomization
  • Multiparameters
  • Mono, Stereo and up to 8 channels surroundprocessing
  • Automatic gain comp

Learn more about the M-Compressor here.

Looking for free guitar VST plugins? Here are the 15 best ones.

ReaComp by Cockos (Windows Only)

Cockos, the creators of the Reaper DAW, have a couple free plugins that you can download to use with any DAW you want, and they are fantastic…

And, or course, they do have their own free compressionplugin.

This is a very simple to use yet powerful plugin and it should be a great addition to your arsenal.

The interface isn’t anything to brag about, but it gets the job done perfectly!

When comparing it to most other compressors, I’d say that there is a bit of a steeper learning curve to it.

Features

  • Soft knee support
  • Sidechain filters, sidechain inputs
  • Feedback compression mode
  • Program dependent auto-release mode
  • Variable RMS size

Learn more about the ReaComp here.

If you’re looking for the best free VST plugins in the world, I have a list of 225 of them.

DC1A by Klanghelm

The DC1A is one of my favorite compressor plugins, just slightly behind the MJUC Jr. and the TDR Kotelnikov.

It is, essentially, a stripped-down version of the DC8C, which is a premium compressor by Klanghelm, but with just two controls.

What makes this such an appealing compressor is that it only features two controls; Input and Output.

The input controls the level of the incoming signal and the output simple lets you choose the resulting volume.

Basically, all you have to do is increase the input and let the algorithm do the rest!

Additionally, thanks to the “DEEP” control, the DC1A is excellent at dealing with bass-heavy audio, since it activates a high-pass filter, and it comes with some extra features, like parallel compression and dual-mono processing, which lets you compress the left and right channels independently.

Just like all other Klanghelm plugins, you can click on the “OUT” or “GR” buttons under the metering section to view the compression that is being applied as well as the output level.

If you are a beginner and need an easy-to-use compressor for your tracks, don’t hesitate to try out the DC1A.

Learn more about the DC1A by Klanghelm here.

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Molot by Vladg/sound (Windows, Mac)

On their website they call Molot the “compressor withcharacter”…

This is because it adds a lot of coloring to the sound, which most of you might not want that much, since it will change the way the source originally sounded.

Not only that, but it’s pretty complicated to use properly…

So, if you’re looking for a simple and transparent soundingcompression plugin, Molot is not for you.

However, if you want one that adds a lot of character to your track and that allows for deep customization, like parallel compression, definitely check it out.

Learn more about Molot Here.

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Rough Rider 3 by Audio Damage (Windows, Mac)

Rough Rider is a modern compressor with a bit of “vintage” style bite to it and a uniquely warm sound.

This compression plugin was designed to mainly be used onthe tracks that can add some punch to your music;

E.g. The rhythmic tracks, such as drums, but also bass, synth bass, guitar, and more.

In addition to the typical compressor controls, Rough Rider 3 also features a Mix controls for Parallel compression as well as a High-Pass Filter.

Rough Rider is one of the most used free compression plugins out there, and for good reason; it sounds fantastic and it can add some serious punch to your music.

I especially liked it for the same reason I like the MJUC Jr., and that reason in SIMPLICITY!

I don’t want to have to deal with loads of knobs and parameters, since this usually results in option anxiety and wasting too much time.

I want my compressors simple, to the point, and effective, and Rough Rider definitely fits the bill.

Learn more about Rough Rider 3 here.

OTT By Xfer Records (Windows, Mac)

Xfer Records OTT is a free multiband upwards/downwardscompressor used by many dubstep and electro producers.

It’s a very popular plugin in dubstep and electro productions for the simple fact that it has an aggressive-style of compression.

This means that if you need a compressor that really glues everything together, and I mean “duct tape around your head” type of gluing, then give it a shot!

Now, I wouldn’t recommend it for bus compression, since you want to go gentle there, but if the song needs that sort of compression, then by all means!

Additionally, it’s fairly simple to use and it’s also pretty light on the CPU.

You can download it here.

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DCAM FreeComp By FXpansion (Windows, Mac)

DCAM is modelled around a classic console bus compressordesign and is intended to be used to “glue” mixes and subgroups together whileenhancing punch and definition.

It can also tame peaks and create pumping compression on individual tracks; however, it’s one of those compressors that can certainly be used on the master bus to give your song that last punch and sonic glue it needs.

Note: You must register with their site and get avalid serial to use it, even though it’s free… yes, really!

It’s still worth doing it, so try it out!

Learn more about the DCAM FreeComp here.

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AC-1 by Audiocation Audio Akademie (Windows Only)

Note: The Website is in German, but the download link is easy to find; However, you can always use the browser’s built-in translation tool to navigate the site in the language you desire.

The AC-1 compressor plugin allows for both subtle compression and a extremely hard and punchy one.

It comes with all the regular compression settings like; attack, release, ratio, knee, etc. which makes it really simple and easy to use; Again, no unnecessary controls to slow you down.

Just try it out for yourself and tell me what you think.

You can download it here.

SAFE Compressor By Semantic Audio (Windows, Mac, Linux)

The whole point behind the SAFE plugins by Semantic Audio is to provide the user with an easier way to control the plugins by using semantic terms such as “warm, bright”, etc. to make the whole process more intuitive.

You just type the word in and it adjusts the settings automatically.

This can be useful, especially to beginners, but once you know how to dial in compression like most producers do, you won’t really have a need to use the semantic terms.

But I think that it can be a good plugin for beginners to start figuring out how to use compression in their mixes.

On their website you will not only find a compressionplugin, but also an overdrive, EQ and reverb.

Give it a try!

You can download it here.

FR COMP 87 By eaReckon (Windows, Mac)

If you’re looking for a VERY simple compression plugin, thenlook no further…

FRComp 87 only has two knobs; Threshold and Make up.

It also allows you to choose between fast, medium and slowattack and release.

And the last feature it provides is a Limiter…

And that’s it, believe it or not!

If simplicity is your thing, then here you go!

You can download it here.

Looking for free Delay VSTs? Here’s a post I wrote about the best ones.

Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Kotelnikov

Contrary to most compressor plugins in existence, this one doesn’t try to emulate any existing hardware compressors, quite the opposite in fact.

Named in honor of Vladimir Kotelnikov, who was a pioneer of digital sampling techniques, this plugin is purely digital and uses complex algorithms to provide the best control possible over the dynamics with minimum added color, which is something you may or may not like.

You have access to two different versions of the plugin; the free one and the “Gentlemen’s Edition” which costs $44.

What sets Kotelnikov apart from most other compressors, is its “Frequency Dependent Ratio”, which allows you to set a different compression ratio depending on the frequency (not available in the free version).

A similar feature is the “Low Freq Relax” that allows you to configure a high-pass filter for the side chain, which makes the compressor react less to those lower frequencies such as kick and bass, and this one can be found both on the free and premium versions of the plugin.

In other words, when using the “Low Freq Relax” feature, you are effective lowering the threshold on the lower frequencies.

Another feature are the Ying and Yang controls, which add harmonics to the lower and higher frequencies respectively.

Lastly, when processing stereo channels, you also have the option to only process the Sum or Difference channels, otherwise known as the Middle or Side, and you can even use two instances of this plugin to compress the Mid and Side independently.

This plugin clearly does a hell of a lot of things, but it does them right, and for only $44, or even free, I honestly can’t complain.

Find out more here: TDR Kotelnikov.

Conclusion

Any of these plugins should make a great addition to yourarsenal, just remember that some of the ones on this list are extremely simplewhile some others are actually quite complicated to use and are packed in features.

Depending on your needs you should choose one or the other…

Still, since they are all free, I’d recommend you to try outas many as possible.

I hope this was useful!

Have a great day!

Multiband compressor plugins are about as prized as they are misunderstood.

Those that know them, love ’em. Those that don’t know much about how they work, believe they have magical powers (and hence would be as useful as you’d feel it might be to the uninitiated… depending on whether or not you believe in magic or snake oil marketing).

However, the best multiband compressor plugin is not magic, my friend, they are extremely useful if you plan on doing your own mastering, or tightening up your vocals, guitars, or other tracks in your mixes.

Quick answer: iZotope Neutron and the FabFilter Pro-MB are two of the best options out there now n the realm of multiband compression.

If you want something that’s not as expensive, take a look at Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor.

Let’s take a closer look 🙂

Table of Contents

  • Multiband Compressor Plugin Buying Guide

Find more great guides here:

Multiband Compressor Plugin Buying Guide

What is a Multiband Compressor?

A multiband compressor is simply an advanced compressor that gives you the ability to compress different parts of the audio frequency spectrum…

Think of it like a cross between your typical equalizer and compressor, where instead of attenuating or amplified different frequency bands in your audio signal, you’re applying and adjusting compression settings instead.

(See this Wiki article on multiband compression for more info.)

Moving forward, this gives you more control over the different aspects of the sound than standard compressors.

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Best free vst plugins for mixing drums. For example, in mastering a mix, you may want to reduce the attack transient of a guitar track which occupies a certain portion of the frequency spectrum, while letting the punch of a kick drum get through in another part of the spectrum.

When it comes to mixing, one of the many applications of multiband compressor is in vocals. You can use it for smoothing out the vocal performance of a singer with a wide frequency range. This way you don’t lose any of the “information” from completely cutting out lower end.

You can also read on the typical compression settings used for vocals.

Features to Look for in a Multiband Compressor Plug-in

There are only a few essential features you will need to pay attention to…

At the very least you want a multiband compressor that lets you compress four different bands. This gives you a good range of frequencies to work with, which should be suitable for vocal processing and other tasks.

A ‘solo’ function is helpful for pinpointing problem areas, as well as for hearing what the compressor is doing to a specific frequency range. What solo will do is allow you to listen in on a specific frequency band alone, to the exclusion of everything else.

The ability to solo individual bands will also help you hear how the transients are affected by the attack and release settings.

Choosing a Multiband Compressor Plug-in

The ability to target specific frequency ranges is a good thing to have in your mixing or mastering chain…

… and a good multiband compressor will certainly supply that.

Most designs limit you to certain frequency bands, which might be sufficient for most basic tasks. In order to hone in on problem areas however, the ability to pinpoint exact frequency ranges is essential.

For vocal processing, you don’t necessarily want the ‘pumping’ or ‘breathing’ that many compressor circuits typically provide. For this specific task, you want a compressor that can be as transparent as possible.

Finally, choose a multiband compressor that gives you control over as many parameters as possible. Even if you don’t know how to use them all right now…

…the added control will come in handy as you gain familiarity with multiband compressors.

With that said, let’s look in the top multiband compressors you can consider.

Best Multiband Compressors – Plugin Overview

iZotope Neutron 2

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The iZotope Neutron 2 is a very attractive an all-in-one mixing tool that packs together a variety of mix processors in a very user-friendly package. In addition to two compressors and a limiter, it also comes with an EQ, an exciter, a gate, and a transient shaper. Many of the processors can be operated in single-band or multi-band mode.

Specs and useful features
  • Proprietary spectral-shaping for fine-tuning of tracks
  • Tonal balance control helps in analysis and optimization
  • Seamless integration with Ozone 8
  • Visual mixer provides control over individual tracks
  • Masking meter identifies frequency collisions and prevents track masking
  • Mix tap allows integration of third-party plug-ins
  • Redesigned interface for better workflow
User impressions

One thing that most users of the iZotope Neutron 2 always mention is how readily it lends itself to a new way of mixing. With its wealth of features and innovative user interface, it seems to attract a fair share of “tweakers” that really like to get deep into the nitty-gritty of a mix.

Many users also appreciate the ability to get tracks in the ballpark by way of the Track Assistant feature. Even though most users ultimately end up fine-tuning the parameters, getting workable settings for the compressors and equalizer help speed up the process considerably.

Bottom-line

For a little more than the price of a single plug-in, the iZotope Neutron 2 is an impressive tool box. Some may argue whether or not this is the best multiband compressor plugin as it’s actually a set of plugins than simply. However, based on what your requirements are in the studi, it requires a worthy look. It’s more than just a vocal mix tool, Neutron 2 can pretty much handle most any compression-related task.

Demonstration

FabFilter Pro-MB

The FabFilter Pro-MB is a multiband compressor/expander for experts, but it follows in line with the company’s modern design aesthete. Also like all the other FabFilter plug-ins, you can get precise control over all the parameters, yet it remains very easy to use. You could even create new bands at any of the frequencies you wish, so you aren’t limited by traditional preset crossover systems.

Specs and useful features
  • Six processing bands can be placed anywhere in the spectrum
  • Bands snap together for use as a traditional crossover system
  • Dynamic phase processing ensures zero latency, reduces phasing, and eliminates artifacts
  • Linear phase processing eliminates artifacts when changing crossover frequencies
  • Allows different types of dynamics processing
  • Fully customizable per band
  • Variable stereo linking
  • Mid- or side-only processing
  • External side chain input
  • Triggering on a separate frequency range
User impressions

For many users, the main selling point of the FabFilter Pro-MB is how it allows for in-depth tone shaping with no coloration or artifacts. One reviewer uses it exclusively for vocal and acoustic guitar tracks, citing the convenience of having a dynamic EQ along with the compressor.

Another user did wish that the display could be zoomed in horizontally. We’re inclined to agree, as this could make it easier to hone in on a specific frequency range.

Bottom-line

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The FabFilter Pro-MB is an excellent multiband compressor that delivers a superb array of features. As with all FabFilter plug-ins, the user interface is absolutely top-notch, and the sound quality is impeccable. The mark of a good plug-in is how easy it is to use even with a wealth of features. In that regard, the Pro-MB qualifies as one of the best multiband compressors around.

Demonstration

Waves Audio Linear Phase Multiband Compressor

The Waves Audio Linear Phase Multiband Compressor is a musical and transparent multiband compressor that gives you control over your levels without adversely affecting the sound. It’s quite effective at processing vocal tracks, it’s also fully capable of handling entire mixes. With a host of features that include adaptive thresholds and automatic makeup gain, the Linear Phase Multiband Compressor delivers consistently outstanding results.

Specs and useful features
  • Controls levels without squashing sound
  • Five user-definable bands
  • Linear-phase crossovers for each band
  • Adaptive threshold, automatic makeup gain, and finite response filters
  • Suitable for mastering as well as other precision applications
User impressions

The Waves Audio Linear Phase Multiband Compressor has quite a number of fans due to its excellent sound and straightforward user interface. It’s simple enough for quick level matching, and it’s also capable of the most demanding mastering tasks.

This a combination of power and simplicity, and makes it attractive to a broad range of users. Like all multiband compressors however, many users advise using it sparingly in order to avoid introducing unwanted artifacts.

Bottom-line

The Waves Audio Linear Phase Multiband Compressor is a pretty impressive plug-in that won’t mess with the phase of your audio or add any coloration. Used just a touch on your vocal tracks, it can make them sound more present and more ‘alive’. The price is actually pretty amazing for what you get. For other plug-ins of similar quality, you could easily spend a lot more.

Demonstration

Softube Drawmer 1973

Softube Drawmer 1973 might be familiar to those that have worked in a big studio in the early 1970s. Like the name suggests, it’s based on the original Drawmer 1973 hardware compression unit. The software plug-in brings all the warm analog response of the venerated unit to the 21st century. However, a host of new features have been added to the Ivor Drawmer-approved design, which means more control and better definition, with the same unmistakable Drawmer sound.

Specs and useful features
  • Three-band FET compression
  • Precise control over dynamics
  • Mid-side mode and side chaining
  • Drawmer-approved design
User impressions

Mix engineers that have used the Softube Drawmer 1973 on vocals like that it is able to remove the sharper consonant from vocal tracks without any loss in clarity or detail. Many have used it to great effect on lead as well as background vocals, attesting to its versatility.

Bottom-line

The Softube Drawmer 1973 is an excellent example of what can be achieved by modeling a great sounding vintage piece of equipment and adding modern features and functionality. It’s ideally suited to treating individual tracks, even though it could just as easily be a mainstay of your mastering chain.

No matter how much–or how little–familiarity you have with multiband compressors, you will most likely find use for the Softube Drawmer 1973.

Demonstration

Waves Audio C6 Multiband Compressor

The Waves Audio C6 Multiband Compressor is an updated version of the company’s C4, which for many years was the standard in multiband compressor plug-ins. All the features of the C4 are still present, and have been augmented with two additional floating bands and a sidechain, among other features. Suitable for studio, live, and post-production, the C6 is a flexible and versatile multiband compressor that lets you precisely target troublesome frequencies.

Specs and useful features
  • Internal and external sidechain per band
  • Individual band listen mode
  • Four crossover bands
  • Two additional floating bands
  • Dynamic EQ, compression, and expansion
User impressions

Most users of the Waves Audio C6 Multiband Compressor are unanimous in their appreciation of the plug-in. It’s equally capable of sweetening vocals as it is of pumping up drum tracks, so the C6 is frequently praised for its ability to consistently deliver great sound.

Some users have reported satisfactory results when using the C6 live as well. They cite its ability to help lead vocalists cut through the mix, one user even reported using it in his vocal tracks exclusively.

Bottom-line

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The Waves Audio C6 Multiband Compressor is a professional is the professional’s choice. From taming wayward peaks to making a vocal track sound more consistent across the singer’s frequency range, this one is pretty hard to beat for the price.

Demonstration

Final Thoughts – Which to Get?

The iZotope Neutron 2 and the FabFilter Pro-MB are pretty much neck-and-neck when it comes to sound quality, features, and versatility. Both pack a wealth of features in innovative and cutting-edge user interfaces, and both could easily handle all your vocal compression, mixing, and even mastering tasks. You certainly can’t go wrong with either one, so your choice will basically boil down to which mode of working you prefer.

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The Softube Drawmer 1973 is a great multiband compressor in its own right. Although Neutron 2 and the Pro-MB are more than capable of delivering “vintage”-style sound and performance, this is something that the Drawmer 1973 does especially well.

If you’re looking of the cheapest that you can find without compromising on performance, the Waves Linear Phase Multiband Compressor would the one to get.