Compressors, whether hardware or software, really have something for everyone.
As for plugins, some provide a modern sound, while others specialize in vintage analog simulation. Some are very easy to use, with a minimal number of controls, while others require a long learning and experimentation time.
Similarly, there are many compression techniques, but not all plugins allow you to apply all of them. Hence the usefulness of having several on hand…
Of course, many are paid.
However, it is possible to find a number of free but professional-quality plugins.
Here is a list of my favorite compression plugins, in the same spirit as my other lists of free plugins.
Happy discovering and happy downloading! 🙂
1. MCompressor
Developer: MeldaProduction
Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX
MeldaProduction offers a series of very nice plugins for free under the name “MFreeEffectsBundle”.
Among them, you will find MCompressor, a practical and high-quality tool — a bit of a “go-to” compressor.
In addition to the classic controls one might expect from a compressor, it has several interesting features. For example, the ability to compress in Mid/Side mode. Or, the option to draw your own compressor response curve, which encourages experimentation.
Quite handy for beginners looking to learn the basics of compression, it is a simple yet solid plugin that you can use without any issues in all your mixes.
► Click here to download MCompressor
2. ReaComp
Developer: Cockos (the creators of DAW Reaper)
Format: VST (32 and 64 bits)
Okay, I admit it – the interface is absolutely horrible.
Even worse than that.
But that doesn’t stop it from being a very good general-purpose plugin: like most plugins released by Cockos (and included by default in Reaper), it is completely configurable and therefore particularly versatile.
Softknee, sidechain, automatic release, parallel compression… it’s all there!
Despite its imperfect design, it is a very good compressor that will satisfy both beginners in mixing and professionals.
► Click here to download ReaComp
3. ThrillseekerLA mkII
Developer: Variety of Sound
Formats: VST (32 and 64 bits, Windows only)
In case you didn’t know, I am a big fan of Variety of Sound, which produces excellent plugins unfortunately only available in VST format for Windows.
As its name suggests, it is inspired by the famous vintage analog compressor LA-2A, with however many more controls and a sound that is quite different in the end. Great for vocal tracks and for piano, for example.
Now available in 64-bit version, the plugin has been simplified compared to the first version. But beyond the attack or release settings, you can easily adjust the level of coloration of the plugin via the “Interstage” and “Tube” options, for example.
An excellent VST with a warm, decidedly vintage and organic sound.
► Click here to download ThrillseekerLA mkII
4. DC1A
Developer: Klanghelm
Formats: VST, VST3, AU, RTAS, AAX
If you don’t count the buttons at the bottom, Klanghelm’s DC1A has only two controls: Input and Output.
Can we really talk about a professional tool with so few settings?
Well yes, completely.
The DC1A will indeed offer you a fairly wide range of sounds, from the most subtle compression to saturated “pumping” effects.
Very nice on drums, in particular – but I recommend you test it a bit on everything: you will be surprised!
And once you start touching those few buttons at the bottom, you will have access to even more sound options: dual mono compression instead of stereo, internal sidechain, soft compression in “relaxed” mode…
5. MJUC jr.
Developer: Klanghelm
Formats: VST, VST3, AU, RTAS, AAX
Another plugin from the Klanghelm editor.
Little brother of the more complex MJUC (which is really a must-have, and very inexpensive), this plugin is inspired by the famous Variable-Mu compressors from Manley Labs®.
The central slider allows you to adjust the responsiveness of the compression while simultaneously affecting other parameters of the analog simulation, thus influencing the generation of harmonics.
Very colorful, MJUC jr. is really a must: it is very easy to use, and you will get a very natural and pleasant sound every time.
Don’t hesitate to take it easy, however: the gain reduction indicator is a bit slow to react, while the compression is felt quickly.
Personally, I love it :)!
► Click here to download MJUC jr.
6. Tan 2
Developer: Acustica Audio
Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX
If you have a powerful enough computer (because the brand’s plugins use a lot of CPU resources, although this one is far from the worst), I recommend you take a look at Tan 2 from Acustica Audio.
It is a fairly classic free compressor, which I would first recommend testing on busses (like drum busses).
You will find the usual attack, release settings, etc., as well as a gain reduction indicator, but also an internal and external sidechain, a dry/wet adjustment, and a stereo link option (to compress in dual mono instead of stereo).
Different versions of the compressor are integrated, allowing you to access certain sound variations and adjust the amount of anti-aliasing according to your preferences (and your computer’s performance).
One note: to install the plugin, you will first need to install the Acustica plugin manager, which responds to a
► Click here to download Aquarius (and Tan 2)
7. Molot
Developer: Vladg
Formats: VST, AU
If there is one plugin on this list that is reserved for advanced users, it is definitely this one.
Beyond the numerous settings, it is quite difficult to master and it is easy to destabilize your mix if you push it in the wrong direction.
In terms of sound, Molot has a very vintage character, heavily colored, which will delight those trying to add an analog feel to their productions. However, if you were looking for a transparent and clean effect, this is not the right candidate! 😉
A must-try if you are well-versed in compression.
► Click here to download Molot
8. Molotok
Developer: Tokyo Dawn Records
Formats: VST and VST3 (32 and 64 bits), AU, AAX
If the name of this plugin reminds you of the Molot seen just before, that’s normal: it is in a way a new version of the plugin.
That said, it is a bit different, both in terms of algorithms and the controls available — so I thought it was interesting to mention both plugins.
Although Molotok is not a strict emulation of a vintage compressor, it is an effect with a lot of character that can work well on vocals, guitars, or drums. And if you want to go even further, you can purchase the “full” version Molot GE (which I actually tested in an article here).
An excellent plugin from a very reliable publisher, although I believe I have a preference for the Molot mentioned a bit earlier.
► Click here to download Molotok
9. Density mkIII
Developer: Variety of Sound
Formats: VST (32 and 64 bits, Windows only)
Significantly less colored than its counterpart from the same brand presented above, the Density mkIII from Variety of Sound was primarily designed for buss compression or mastering. That is, when you compress a set of tracks to add a bit of “sound glue”.
In general, I recommend staying below 2 or 3 dB of gain reduction (GR). That is where it will be most effective. It is not a compressor specialized in extreme settings.
Note that you can use it in Mid/Side configuration to compress the center and sides of your audio image differently, which is quite rare in free plugins!
► Click here to download Density mkIII
10. TDR Kotelnikov
Developer: Tokyo Dawn Labs
Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX
Again, a plugin rather reserved for advanced users, as it features a few more controls than “classic” compressors. For example, there are two “release” settings, one related to peak levels and the other to RMS levels.
Very transparent, it will be perfect for use during mastering or for buss compression. You can indeed compress the dynamic range of your tracks heavily without distorting the sound.
If you want to go further, there is also a paid version (TDR Kotelnikov GE) with even more features such as distortion control of the compressor or the ability to use it in sidechain.
► Click here to download TDR Kotelnikov
11. Rough Rider 3
Developer: Audio Damage
Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX
Rough Rider is a compressor offered by the very reputable brand Audio Damage and has a rather warm and distinct character. The sound is quite modern, but it is inspired by the operation of vintage effects.
Notably effective on drum tracks, I recommend pushing it a bit and mixing it in parallel with an uncompressed track to enjoy it more subtly.
Note that the new version includes some additional features compared to the older ones, such as internal/external sidechain or the dry/wet adjustment (specifically for parallel compression).
► Click here to download Rough Rider
12. Hammer
Developer: Vidar Audio
Formats: VST3, AU, AAX
A small plugin that is rather unknown, but which can do the job well on drum busses, for example.
It works somewhat like the famous 1176, as you need to raise the input gain setting (“Input”) to increase the amount of compression — and compensate with the output gain setting (“Output”).
All in all, this Hammer from Vidar Audio is a nice compressor that offers a number of interesting features: knee adjustment, sidechain, parallel compression, linking channels for stereo or dual mono compression, peak or RMS compression, drive button to manage saturation… you can really do quite a lot!
► Click here to download Hammer
13. SN01-G
Developer: Sender Spike
Formats: VST (32 & 64 bits)
This plugin is available in two forms: either without a graphical interface (SN01) or with a graphical interface (SN01-G). Therefore, I recommend the version with a graphical interface, as I find it more convenient to handle.
The SN01-G is a free compressor inspired by two types of VCA bus compressors, one of English origin and the other of American origin.
It allows you to switch between a feed-forward circuit topology and a feedback topology for two different compression colors.
You can of course adjust the usual parameters like attack, release, threshold, but you can also adjust the knee or activate the “push” mode for more pronounced compression.
A very good plugin, very light to install & for the CPU.
► Click here to download SN01-G
14. (and 15, 16, 17, 18) The Analog Obsession Compressors
Developer: Analog Obsession
Formats: VST3, AU (and AAX for some plugins)
I was going to write a paragraph for each of the free plugins from the brand, but there are so many that I preferred to consolidate everything under a single subtitle.
Indeed, Analog Obsession is an extremely prolific free plugin developer, and the quality of the tools has significantly improved in recent years.
It should be noted that, even though it is free, the developer is supported by many people via a Patreon.
In short, among the myriad of plugins available, there are many compressors that I invite you to test, particularly:
- YALA Compressor Amplifier and Varimoon, if you are looking for Vari-Mu type compressors;
- BUSTERse and Specomp, if you are looking for SSL type VCA compressors;
- LALA, if you are looking for an Opto type LA2A compressor.
► Click here to get all these plugins from the official site
More free stuff?
Are you looking for other types of effects? Check out this list of multiband compression plugins or all my other lists of free VST plugins… 😉