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.

Download free Sidechain VST,VSTi,AU,RTAS music software plugins & Instruments. ATKSideChainCompressor is a stereo side-chain compressor plugin. Windows/VST “ReaComp is a free VST Compressor. So you’ve developed a thirst for sidechain compression, but which plugin should you use to create the perfect pump? Your first stop should be your DAW’s stock compressors, as they’re easy to route due to tight integration, and usually CPU-light, so things run smoother when sidechaining multiple tracks. The Opto Tube compressor has a built-in Hi-pass filter sidechain with a range of 0 to 250 Hz Compatibility Brighton Opto Tube compressor is compatible with Windows 7 or higher for PC and Mac OS 10.9 or higher for Mac. RDGAudio has announced the release of SideChainer, a free sidechain compressor VST plugin for Windows. As highlighted on RDGAudio’s website, SideChainer is a completely free plugin that can be loaded in all major/popular DAW’s. It comes with 14 different pre-made sidechain types & shapes and 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 time sync with the host.

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:

1. Rough Rider
2. OTT
3. DCAM Free Comp
4. TAN
5. SAFE Compressor
6. FR COMP 87
7. 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

Free Sidechain Compression Vst Download

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.

Free Sidechain Compressor Vst

Make the art of compression part of every DAW session.

Get all of the LANDR-approved free VST plugin collection:

In this edition of bpb Freeware Studio, we will be covering the best freeware sidechain compressors in VST/AU plugin format for Windows and Mac. Most current DAWs do come with a native sidechain compressor, but just in case your DAW doesn’t have one, here’s a list of the best freeware alternatives.

Follow the links for more info & screenshots:

• Compressive Pro by Martin Eastwood (Windows)
• Density mkII by Variety Of Sound (Windows)
• DualComp by Teragon Audio (Mac, Windows)
• FL4TT3RY 2 by platinumears (Windows)
• MCompressor by MeldaProduction (Mac, Windows)
• Molot by vladg/sound (Mac, Windows)
• ReaComp by Cockos (Windows)
• Side Chain Compressor by slim slow slider (Windows)
• Sidechain Compressor by Christian Budde (Windows)

Free Sidechain Compression Vst Plugins

All of the plugins listed above offer similar functionality, so my suggestion is to test them all out and make sure to use the one which performs best in your setup. My favorite choice is ReaComp, closely followed by Christian Budde’s Sidechain Compressor.

On the other hand, when I just need a quick sidechain compressor setup, I usually go for slim slow slider’s Side Chain Compressor plugin. The GUI clearly indicates how much compression is happening, and extremely easy to get satisfactory results with it.

Mac users will have to pick between DualComp and Mcompressor, both of which are actually pretty good choices for sidechain compression.

Many thanks to bpb reader Jackie for suggesting Density mkII and MCompressor and psilas for suggesting Molot!

Make some great mixes with these freeware sidechain compressors and please don’t forget to share this article on your favorite forums and social networks (you can do that easily by using the buttons below). Support BPB and help us grow!