Nov 02, 2020 UAD SSL 400GBUS Compressor offers everything from dynamic and transparent control to aggressive textures with peak limiting. With its simple and intuitive UI, you can tune all you want in no time. It is also equipped with fixed Attack and Release controls as well as program-dependent Auto Release function to add the functional range. VST 4 FREE - Free Audio Plug-ins and Archives. Modern Apophis is a free SSL compressor clone plugin developed by Antress. Instruments Effects MIDI Hosts What's new Modern Apophis by Antress. It's an SSL type buss compressor. It sounds great and is amazing for the poor producers out there or anyone for that matter. Go here FXpansion - DCAM FreeComp and sign up for the free download. I also have matched the presets from the Waves SSL Compressor. LMC-1 is a faithful recreation of the Listen Mic Compressor from SSL’s legendary “E” Series console. The SSL Listen Mic Compressor was the secret weapon in many producers sonic arsenal of recording.

Let’s get your vocals under control with the best vocal compressor plugin software.

It's an SSL type buss compressor. It sounds great and is amazing for the poor producers out there or anyone for that matter. Go here FXpansion - DCAM FreeComp and sign up for the free download. I also have matched the presets from the Waves SSL Compressor and saved them for use with DCAM FreeComp inside of ProTools. I didn't match it based on. A free circuit-modelled compression plugin DCAM FreeComp is a free plugin for premium circuit-modelled compression in VST, AU or RTAS hosts. Featuring a realistic model of a classic console bus compressor design, it is intended to gel subgroups and entire mixes together while enhancing punch and definition. Waves ssl compressor free download. Multimedia tools downloads - Sound Effect Maker by DigitByte Studio and many more programs are available for instant and free download.

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.

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.

/free-jazz-drum-kit-vst.html. 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.

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?

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Compression is an integral part of getting a drum to sit well in a mix… it can make your mix, or it can destroy your mix completely.

And for this reason, many engineers are understandably fussy about the kind of compressors they wish to use.

And since this is a rather subjective matter, we’ve taken the time to research the most recommended and best compressors for drums to get you on the right track with your mixing … (no pun intended).

Quick answer: FabFilter’s Pro-C is the top choice for many in our research and experience.

Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors is also another favorite that many professionals stand by.

If you’re on a budget, Waves Audio Renaissance Compressor is the cheapest in this list, even at the original price (and a steal when it’s on sale)

Let’s take a closer look 🙂

Table of Contents

• Drum Compressor Plugin Buying Guide

Find more great guides here:

Drum Compressor Plug-In Buying Guide

Compressor Basics

A compressor is a hardware device or a software-emulated circuit that compresses the dynamic range of an audio signal.

By flattening out the peaks and boosting the low levels, compressors result in a smoother and more consistent signal.

When it comes to drums, compressors may also be used to a more punchy sound, and to make the individual elements of a drum kit stand out better in a mix.

You can read more about how a compressor works in our previous article, which goes into more juicy details.

Features to Look for in a Drum Compressor Plug-in

Good attack control is absolutely essential for drum compression.

This is obvious, as drums are one of the most transient heavy instruments out there.

While you may be able to do without user-adjustable attack or release controls for other applications, drum processing relies on these controls to let the initial transients pop out.

Another useful feature is a ‘knee’ control, which determines how abruptly the compressor circuitry clamps down on the signal. With a an adjustable knee control, you will be able to set your drums to cut through a mix with clarity and precision, or make it lay back into a mix if you wish.

Read more about how to use a compressor (and EQ) with drums to get good results.

Choosing The Best Drum Compressor

When choosing a compressor plug-in for drum processing, vibe and attitude are almost always the top priorities.

Save the transparent compressor for your vocal or piano tracks. With drums, you want a compressor that can punch and squash with the best of them, with coloration or pleasing harmonic distortion generally considered welcome bonuses.

With that said, let’s take a look at a few good options.

Best Compressors For Drums (Software Plugins VST/AU/AAX)

FabFilter Pro-C

As of this article, theFabFilter Pro-C 2is the latest version of the compressor plug-in that comes with the much-celebrated FabFilter suite. It’s quite innovative and forward-looking as the other plugins in the collection, and has a impressive amount of features and functionalities, with on of the best user interfaces out there.

Included in the features are eight different compression modes to intelligent auto-gain and auto-release, variable knee to external side-chain triggering, and quite a bit more. Let’s take a look…

Specs and useful features

• Eight compression styles, which of which are new to version 2: vocal, mastering, bus, punch and pumping
• Range setting for limiting the maximum gain change
• Animated level knee display
• Accurate peak/loudness metering
• Mix setting scales gain change from 0% to 200%
• Side-chain EQ with customizable HP and LP filters

User impressions

For users weaned on hardware compressors and vintage emulations in plug-in form, FabFilter’s Pro-C 2’s user interface could seem a bit intimidating. Although slick and ergonomically-designed (clearly designed with the modern laptop producer in mind), the ultra-modern look does seem to cause a fair bit of confusion among traditional users.

That being said, those familiar with the FabFilter line definitely appreciate the availability of so many features, and how easily they can be tweaked to do their bidding. It also helps that a detailed info box pops up when you mouse over the controls. This feature can be turned off after you have familiarized yourself with the various features of the plug-in.

Some feel that the real-time graphs are too large and too distracting. However, there is no denying that they are essential for helping new users learn the intricacies of the Pro-C.

Bottom-line

FabFilter Pro-C 2 boasts of an ultra-modern user interface that is about as far as you could get from the vintage emulations that dominate compressor market. If there is anything negative that could be said about the Pro-C, it is that it is easy to mess up your drum tracks if you aren’t careful. However, this could just as easily be a testament to the awesome power and immense tone-shaping capability of this supremely versatile plug-in.

Demonstration

Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors (VBC)

The Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors (VBC) is a set of plug-ins designed to emulate the characteristics of three vintage compressor circuits: the SSL 4000 G-Series Buss Compressor, the Focusrite Red 3 Compressor/Limiter, and the Fairchild 670.

All the idiosyncrasies of these legendary devices have been recreated in the VBC suite, giving you the rich, warm, and punchy tones that you have heard on classic recordings over the years.

Specs and useful features

• Three compressors modeled after classic hardware units: the SSL 4000 G-Series Buss Compressor, the
• Focusrite Red 3 Compressor/Limiter, and the Fairchild 670
• Accurate reproduction of saturation characteristics of the original hardware
• All compressors can be combined in the FG-Rack
• Mix and side-chain high-pass filter knobs

User impressions

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Users with a taste for the decidedly vintage have nothing but praise for the Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors. One user reported relegating his prized Neve 33609 to the closet after less than a minute of tinkering with the RED module!

For many users, the plug-ins impart an almost magical quality that goes beyond anything that could be explained via technical processes. Citing their ability to focus kick drums and make them tighter, some users feel that the VBC trio brings out subtle qualities that cannot be achieved via EQ, distortion, compression, or any combination thereof. One particularly ecstatic reviewer in fact claimed that simply adding the FG-Rack to the chain enhanced the sound perceptively.

Bottom-line

The VBC suite isn’t the most expensive option in this roundup, especially when you consider that you actually get three plug-ins for the money. But they are definitely classy. For the money, you get a pretty impressive array of compressors that could give your bland drums tracks a new lease on life.

Demonstration

Waves Audio Renaissance Compressor

The Waves Audio Renaissance Compressor is a now-classic compressor plugin that is still capable of producing great sounding tracks.

Many consider it highly effective at making drums stand out and be more present in the mix. It pumps and heaves with the best of them, yet eases back into near transparency if necessary.

A standard tool for drum compression tasks, the Renaissance Compressor is also an effective sound sweetener for guitar, bass, and even vocals.

Specs and useful features

• Vintage Opto and modern Electro modes
• Internal brickwall limiting
• Auto Release Control (ARC) for higher RMS levels
• Double precision bit resolution processing
• Up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution

User impressions

As one of the venerated classics of the Waves selection, the Renaissance Compressor has had its share of fans and detractors over the years. Remarkably enough for a plug-in of its age, the latter seem to be in the minority, as the Renaissance still finds its way to numerous tracks to this day.

Many users especially appreciate the Renaissance Compressor’s ability to squash drums and bass tracks in a very musical way. Transparent it may not be, but the special sauce that it slathers all over anything it touches makes for a pretty heady sonic brew.

Some users do feel that the user interface of the Renaissance is in dire need of an update. Nevertheless, those that are more concerned with sound than visual aesthetics generally agree that this is one versatile and reliable compressor that still punches well above its weight years after it was released.

Bottom-line

As the cheapest plug-in in this lineup, the Renaissance Compressor is even more of a no-brainer than the Waves API 2500. You probably won’t want this to be the only compressor plug-in in your arsenal, especially if you are doing more than processing just drum tracks. Nevertheless, there will undoubtedly be times when you have an itch for that distinctive “compression/sustainer”-type squish, and the Renaissance will be the only one that soothes it.

Demonstration

Waves Audio SSL G-Master Buss Compressor

The Waves SSL G-Channel is a combination compressor-EQ-filter plug-in that draws inspiration from the legendary SSL 4000 mixing console channel strip. It was modeled under license from Solid State Logic (a company that’s been dominating the pro audio world with their consoles since the 1970s), so you should expect it to deliver the same dynamic response and versatile tonal shaping qualities of the original hardware circuit.

With features such as pre-boost dip, pre-cut rise, and broad Q, the SSL G is a great buss compressor that can work wonders on any drum track.

Specs and useful features

• Modeled after the SSL G Series console strip
• Developed under license from Solid State Logic
• Ideally suited for adding punch to drums
• Distinctive EQ and dynamics
• G-Equalizer enhances any sound source

User impressions

It’s hard to find anyone that doesn’t like the Waves Audio SSL G-Master Buss Compressor. One of the rare negative comments have to do with the tendency of the sound to get “clicky” on percussive transients, but this is by no means a common consensus. For most users, the Waves SSL G is a quick way to add some polish to drum and bass tracks.

Some users have managed to bring out its more aggressive character on snare drum tracks, although it is generally used for more subtle applications. With its ability to enhance the midrange, the plug-in could get equal action as a drum, bass, electric guitar, and even piano compressor.

Bottom-line

The Waves Audio SSL G is a pretty reasonably-priced offering that works especially well for adding gritty midrange to most any audio material. Although you would probably want to augment it with other more transparent compressors, the unique character and reasonable approximation of the classic SSL channel strip makes it a worthy addition to your set of studio tools.

Demonstration

Softube FET Compressor

This plugin has gotten quite a bit of mentions in some of our other plugin guides, which is a testament to how good it is. The Softube FET Compressor, which is modeled after the iconic Urei 1176, is a versatile plug-in that can add loads of rich and natural distortion to anything you pumped through it.

The aggressive sounds seem to be its stock in trade, although it’s capable of easing back a touch when needed. Once you hear the characterful and explosive sound it imparts to drum tracks however, you will probably want to keep pushing it to the extreme.

Features such as Parallel Inject, sidechain filtering, and ultrafast attack settings make this an essential plug-in for drum compression duties.

Specs and useful features

• Modeled after the Urei/Universal Audio 1176
• Great sounding input and output stage distortion
• Extremely fast attack time
• Look-ahead mode for even faster attack time
• “All buttons in” mode
• Continuous ratio (can be set to fixed ratio)
• Parallel compression
• Detector low and high cut filters
• External side chain
• Stereo with synchronized gain reduction

User impressions

Many users that have experience with both the Urei 1176 and the Softube FET Compressor feel that the plug-in measures up quite well to its hardware counterpart. Glenn Rosenstein, a producer and engineer that has worked with Madonna and U2 among others said that the FET Compressor “just sounds right.”

Another avowed Urei 1176 user, Koen Heldens (Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, Timbaland) feels that the plug-in in “in a league of its own”.

For still other users, the FET Compressor sounds just as analog as the hardware unit that it is designed to emulate.

Bottom-line

The Softube FET Compressor isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s undoubtedly a formidable sonic tool that can stand proudly even among the most revered hardware compressors of old. Equally effective on the drum buss as it is on drum room mics and overheads, it has a way of making even the tamest drum tracks big, loud, and explosive. And with its Parallel Inject control and sidechain filter, it is a lot more versatile than any compressor plug-in typically used for drum processing duties.

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Demonstration

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Boz Digital Labs +10db Compressor

The Boz Digital Labs +10db Compressor is modeled after yet another iconic piece: the ADR F760X Compex compressor-limiter-expander. It aims at replicating the sound of dozens of classic tracks through the decades, so you’ll find that it oozes with vibe and character, making massive, stomping behemoths out of even the most anemic-sounding drum kits.

If you’re wondering just what kind of sonic magic the +10db can impart to your drum tracks, think of the bodacious, in-your-face quality of John Bonham’s drum sound, and you’d be halfway there.

Specs and useful features

• Modeled after the ADR F760X Compex compressor-limiter-expander
• Created in collaboration with producer/mixer David Bendeth
• New features added
• Same iconic sound as the original

User impressions

“Big”, “open”, and “punchy” are only some of the most favorable adjectives used when describing the sound produced by the +10db Compressor. Longtime users of the F760X Compex (after which the plug-in is modeled) are especially taken with how the software version is able to accurately reproduce the sound and dynamic response of the original.

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Other users feel that the enhancements that Boz Digital Labs has added make the plug-in even more versatile than the original. For these users, the ability to perform parallel compression right within the plug-in is essential for New York-style compression on drum tracks.

Free Ssl Compressor Plugin

Bottom-line

The Boz Digital Labs +10db Compressor is a very capable mid-priced compressor plug-in that can easily handle most compression tasks. Remarkably similar to the F760X Compex in tone and attitude, it is especially effective as an expander and gate for drums. Take a look at a few other options if you must, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself yearning for the distinctive flavor of the +10db!

Waves Audio API 2500

Three compression modes, three variable filter types, and an array of useful controls. That’s what you’d be getting in the Waves Audio API 2500. It’s versatile, but it’s surprisingly easy to use. You can get the rich analog character to shine through even at more moderate settings. And it’s versatile enough, like mentioned before, to be used on the master buss and as an insert for a whole plethora of instrument tracks.

Specs and useful features

• Modeled after the API 2500 stereo compressor
• Developed in association with API
• Switchable 3-position Thrust high-pass filter
• 3 variable link filter types
• 3 compression modes: soft, medium and hard knee
• 6 release settings: 5 fixed, 1 continuous

User impressions

The API 2500 has been around for a number of years now, and has its share of fans. Although most people use it as a buss compressor for gluing individual tracks together into a cohesive whole, there are those that swear by it for adding the finishing touch to drum tracks.

Fans of the API 2500 especially like the simple and straightforward interface and the general efficiency of the plug-in. When used for processing individual drum parts, it has the amazing ability to really make transients pop out with its fast attack.

Bottom-line

For what the Waves Audio API 2500 is going for these days, it is almost criminal not to have it in your studio toolbox. A great mix compressors that also works magic on drum tracks, this is one plug-in that truly shows off the best qualities of the hardware device that it is emulating.

Demonstration

Final thoughts – Which to Get?

With so many fine compressors all gathered in one place, it is quite hard to pick one that qualifies as “the best.”

Even so, the FabFilter Pro-C 2 simply has that combination of modern features, functionality, and great sound that make it a winner all around.

Of course, we would be remiss in not mentioning the other plugins in the lineup, all of which are excellent in their own right. The Slate Digital Virtual Buss Compressors are especially deserving of mention, if only for their ability to replicate the sound and response of vintage compressor circuitry so well.

The same goes for the Waves Audio API 2500, the Waves Audio SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, the +10db, and especially the Softube FET Compressor, all of which we would be proud to have in our ever-expanding plug-in collection.

We would even have to give props to the Waves Audio Renaissance Compressor, which still sounds great despite its age and somewhat lackluster graphics.

The bottom-line is that you can’t go too far wrong with any of these plug-ins. Choose your price point and take your pick, and get ready to inject new life into your drum tracks.