The 18 Best Compressor Plugins for Music Producers & Engineers

Alongside EQ, every producer should learn how to use compression. Using just a combination of these two effects alone, can make an incredible difference to your sound – creating louder, punchier, cleaner and more in-your-face mixes, as well as adding subtle glueing & cohesion to your music's different elements.

It's particularly useful on tracks like Kick & Bass, which can make them sound like one element rather than two separate ones. This aids in the creation of a more coherent and blended production.

Of course you don't need every compressor on this list, in fact you only really need a few you know inside and out. This article serves as a reference to discover which compression plugins are better suited to your style. All of them have free trials, so you can test them all out and see which is best suited to your workflow.

And on top of all that, we spent a lot of time to include different price points, and different uses, so there should be a compressor plugin for everyone on this list.

What is The Best Compressor Plugin?

Here is the complete list of the best compressor plugins available (2023):

1. Denise Audio Dragon Fire
2. Fabfilter Pro-C 2
3. Waves SSL EV2
4. Xfer OTT (free pick)
5. Waves SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor
6. Softube FET Compressor
7. Arturia Tube STA
8. Caelum Audio Schlap
9. Tube-Tech by Softube
10. UAD LA-2A
11. Sonible smart:comp
12. Summit TLA-100A
13. Baby Audio IHNY2
14. United Plugins Royal Compressor
15. EL8 Distressor
16. Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor
17. T-Racks Quad Comp
18. Sonible smart:comp

1. Denise Audio Dragon Fire (Best Compressor Plugin)

Denise Audio's Dragon Fire has stolen the spot of best compressor plugin in 2023, from FabFilter Pro-C2, and rightly so.

It's a 3 in 1 compressor that has a compression module and 2 EQ modules – one for before compression, and one for after.

Dragon Fire is an absolute, powerhouse when it comes to clean or dirty compression.

You can use it for clean, clinical mixing, but also for creative mixing, injecting warm, analog style SSL compression settings, LA-2A settings and a number of analog style compressors.

Alongside all that, the Dragon Fire is a multiband compressor, that uses clever push pull technology.

• Push – is an EQ style graph, that pushes more of the selected frequency band into the compressor. You can also use it to tame certain parts of the frequency spectrum.
• Pull – is a percentage slider that adds an inverse EQ to your push settings, which tames the added gain and makes your compression sound natural.

The multiband section of Dragon Fire can also be used for its other modes.

So you can add individual saturation to frequency ranges, using the Drive option, or you can change the Curve setting, to change the compressor curve response between Opto or VCA (DBX – LA-2A)

RMS also allows you to change the behaviour of your compressor from SSL like reaction, to Tube-based compression. Giving it either more transparent or punchy compression or somewhere in-between.

Great for mastering, vocals, drums or adding cohesion – you won't be disappointed with Dragon Fire.

How Does Denise Audio Dragon Fire Sound?

Dragon Fire sounds amazing on all kinds of audio signals. The drive setting adds so much punch and grit to drums, bass guitar and more. And the different compressor types make this compressor the most versatile plugin we've used.

You can get an analog or digital sound out Dragon Fire, and it actually models old hardware compressors that are sought after.

Here are some sound examples of Denise Audio's Dragon Fire compressor:

2. Fabfilter Pro-C 2 (Best Transparent Compressor)

FabFilter Pro-C 2 is one of the best compressor VST plugins of 2023 due to its sheer popularity, sound quality and vast features.

The original Pro-C (its predecessor) was one of the most popular, highly acclaimed compression plugins at the time. With the new addition, the FabFilter has continued to dominate the compression plugin market, with the C 2.

Like with most FabFilter plugins, the C 2 is a multifaceted compression plugin that's extremely precise and clean. And, with so many compressor plugins on the market adding colour to sound, it's difficult to find a digital compressor as precise and clean as the Pro-C.

It has little to no sonic characteristics, and is one of the most versatile compressors for mixing & tweaking sounds. You can use the Pro C on absolutely anything!

We've used it for mastering, vocals, bass, glue compression, drums, acoustic guitar, piano and a whole lot more.

Fabfilter's Pro C 2 gives astounding results every time, and the flexibility, accuracy and sound of this compressor plugin is beyond anything we've seen on the market.

The Fabfilter Pro-C 2 features a wide array of options including:

• 8 different compression styles for all your mixing needs.
• An incredible UI that has animated level & knee displays, with exceptionally accurate peak & loudness metering.
• Side-chain EQ, with high pass & low pass filters – allowing you to dial the sound of your sidechain even further.
• Intelligent auto gain
• Exceptionally accurate auto release
• Smooth lookahead of up to 20ms.
• Gain reduction knob

Considering the sheer amount of possibilities you gain with this plugin, the Pro-C is the best value for money compressor plugin available. It will do almost everything you need it to & is a must have for any music production or audio finatic.

How Does FabFilter Pro C2 Sound?

FabFilter Pro C2 works best for a clean, digital mixing and mastering tool. It's fantastic when you want to thicken up a sound, but don't want to add any colour to it. It sounds extremely transparent, and does the job it's supposed to do – precise, clean compression that sounds incredible.

Here are some sound examples of FabFilter Pro C2:

Drums

3. Waves SSL EV2 Channel Strip (Best Channel Strip Compressor Plugin)

Waves SSL EV2 is a phenomenal channel strip plugin that models the classic SSL 4000E.

It includes a compressor, mic pre-amp, EQ, filtering, and stereo control.

The SSL EV2 is absolutely incredible for getting crunchy, driven signals with punch, and is one of our favourite compressors to use on drums.

It's exceptionally good for parallel processing, and the pre-amp, linked with great compression settings can make any kit smack through a mix.

On top of the the SSL EV2 gives you access to all the rich, warm, analog colour of the original SSL 4000E, and models the two EQ types that original units were shipped with.

Solid State Logic originally made two different channel strips, one containing a brown knob, and the other a black knob. The circuitry of these EQ's have been modelled with pinpoint precision, and are fantastic to use to add different flavours to your compression.

You also get all the analog charm of the original compressor unit, having been fully licensed by SSL themselves! It's more of a dynamics processor though, offering compression, expansion, limiting and gating.

How Does SSL EV2 Sound?

The SSL EV2 is for you if you're looking for crunchy, driven compression that will add thickness, and vintage colour to your sound. It sounds fantastic especially on drums, and can breathe life into dull, flat signals.

Here are some sound examples of the SSL EV2:

4. Xfer OTT (Best Free Compressor Plugin)

So what if you don't have enough to splash out on a new, shiny compressor?

Say hello to the best free compressor – OTT…

Xfer OTT is the staple of EDM, but it's not the only thing it can be used for. It's an extremely versatile multi-band compressor that can be used to spice up your music production sessions.

The OTT stands for: “over the top” compression, and that's exactly what this little beast does.

It's best suited to be used on sounds that you want to bring out in a mix. We like to call it the caffeine of music production – if you drink too much, you've ruined it, and now you're jittering all over the place & it feels like the walls are breathing

BUT, if you use a small amount it gives you that perfect edge & lift you need to stay alert.

We like to use the OTT as a tone-shaping tool. It's incredible for bringing out the mid – high range frequencies of a sound

You don't want to miss out on this valuable tool for mixing by Xfer records. After all… it's free! What is there to lose?

Features:

• Low, Mid & High compression bands, with individual gain controls.
• Upwards & Downwards compression modes.
• Depth knob for dialling in the perfect amount of compressor action.
• In & out gain control.

How Does OTT Sound?

OTT provides an over-compressed sound, that can either be squashed or expanded, making things incredibly exciting and loud in the process. Our favourite thing to do with OTT is apply it after reverb at around a mix of 30%. It makes atmospheres sound out of this world.

Here are some sound examples of OTT in action:

5. Sonible smart:comp (Best AI Compression Plugin)

Smart:comp, by Sonible is an AI assisted audio tool for compression.

It's a unique digital compressor that uses spectral compression technology to analyse the input of your audio in real time. With over 2000 frequency bands to do so, smart:comp is the best spectro-dynamic compressor on the market.

But what does all that wizard talk mean?

To put it simply, smart:comp only applies compression where it is really needed. This means, that when putting it to use on a mix or master, you're not going to experience horribly squashed or un-dynamic tracks.

It ensures a consistent tonal and dynamic balance throughout.

And, that's not just where smart:comp shines. It also has the speed and precision that's missing from many of the other AI assisted compressor plugins available in 2020.

None of them come close to the smart:comp's ability to get a good compression setting that sounds great.

The smart:comp features:

• AI assisted compression that gets it right
• Over 2000 frequency bands for accuracy
• Frequency dependent ducking side chain mode
• All the usual compression controls you'd expect (attack and release etc)
• Spectral ducking

If you're looking for a compressor that saves you time & is perfect for mixing & mastering, then the smart:comp is a great choice.

How Does smart:comp Sound?

Sonible's smart:comp is scarily good at compression, and suggesting the right settings for your sound source. The AI compression engine is extremely accurate, and the compressor adds a lot of character to sounds. It adds a really nice tone to things, without altering the EQ.

Here are some smart:comp sound examples:

Drums

6. Waves SSL 4000 G Mastering Compressor (Best Mastering Compressor)

Waves are the best for analog emulations of original, vintage compression units, at a cheap price. They're not 100% accurate, but they're damn near the mark.

The SSL 4000 G Bus compressor is the ultimate glue compressors for your mix or master bus. And, like with anything Waves, it has been re-modelled with stunning accuracy.

As you can probably already tell, this is a re-model of the legendary Solid State Logic bus compressor, which was used widely by audio engineers and mixing & mastering professionals everywhere.

The re-creation brings you all the charm, charisma & warmth of the original, but with some added extras, and they are an exceptionally welcome addition to the original unit.

Wave's SSL bus compressor comes with the addition of side chain, filtering, mixing & headroom controls.

It's known for its power, cohesion and drive & we think you'll adore the sound of the SLL 4000 G bus compressor.

Just take a listen to how it works!

The Waves SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor features:

• All the charm & charisma of the original unit
• Warm compression that can give drive to any audio source
• State of the art bus compression
• Side chain abilities, filtering, mix & headroom controls
• A simple, navigable interface that looks gorgeous
• Dry wet knob for parallel processing
• Threshold & ratio controls
• Attack and release knobs, featuring an incredible auto release option
• Make-up gain

If you're looking for the best digital emulations of analog gear, for a low price, then you should invest in Waves… simple as.

How Does Waves SSL 4000G Sound?

Waves SSL mastering compressor is fantastic for providing a little bit of glue to your final mixes, masters and works really well for adding thickness, punch & warmth to groups/busses. It provides a beautiful warm, analog sound, and adds a nice character.

Here's some sound examples of the SSL 4000G:

7. Softube FET Compressor (Best FET Compressor)

The Softube FET Compressor is the software giant's answer to the digital version of an absolute, world renowned classic – the Universal Audio 1176.

Originally released in 1968 as a hardware unit, the 1176 became an instant favourite of producers and mix & master engineers.

The distinctive lightning fast attack and release times & wide range of compression options from light to completely smashed, made it one of the best compressors of all time.

And this bad boy only used to be available as an expensive hardware unit, until Softube changed that with their above par 1176 emulation.

The Softube FET Compressor not only sounds just like the original hardware, but adds on it, offering more features to play around with.

One of the best things to use the Softube FET compressor on, is drums. Due to the rapid attack and release & the aggressive, tasty distortion obtained using this compressor, drums sound every bit of gnarly, gritty & punchy.

You can also choose to absolutely smash the signal (great for parallel processing drums) or use light, transparent compression that retains the beautiful dynamics of your mix.

But drums aren't just where the FET compressor shines…

The Softube FET is an incredibly versatile compression plugin and we've used the 1176 emulation on Bass, Acoustic Guitars, Pianos & more to bring out bite & edge, or to round off unwanted transients in our music production sessions.

It's also great at nipping fast transients in the bud, and can also be used on vocal compression to catch large dynamic changes quickly.

The Softube FET Compressor features:

• Beautiful input and output stage distortion
• Rapidly quick attack and release times (like the original)
• The classic all buttons in compression mode, which enables all ratios for compression.
• Ratio from 1:1 – 20:1 and an ‘All' mode which smashes sounds so explosively.
• Sidechain options with low pass and high pass filters.
• A separate parallel compression knob.
• Lookahead in case the original attack time isn't enough.
• Gain reduction.

How Does Softube FET Compressor Sound?

8. Arturia Tube-STA (Best Analog Compressor – Valve)

We already featured this Arturia beast in our 50 best vst plugins of 2023 list, but we thought it deserved another mention here, because it is simply extraordinary.

If you don't know who Arturia are already, they are among the best software (and hardware) companies for creating emulations of legendary hardware units. And, with the Tube-STA, they pulled out all the stops.

The Arturia Tube-STA is a stunning recreation of the Stalwart, valve-driven classic hardware compressor that was used in early broadcast & recording studios.

(which also has similarities to the well respected classic fairchild 670 compressor)

It's a vacuum tube compressor that has been used widely on vocals and bass since 1950, which Arturia have bought into the digital world.

The Arturia Tube-STA is a versatile, well rounded audio compression plugin, but where it operates best is vocals & bass. It's classic sound is well know for its intimacy, air and subtle saturation that can warm up any signal.

It has the ability to transform weak sub range frequencies into phat, harmonically rich bass tones. And, it's incredibly simple to use, with a clean UI and a couple knobs to turn, it's easy to get the right sound using the Tube-STA.

(it's also extremely quick)

A great thing about the Tube-STA is the value for money. Digital emulations of hardware units that get it right (like Arturia have done), usually cost an arm and a leg.

But, Arturia have made access to this compressor in the digital environment pretty cheap! It's a lower-ranged price compressor that pulls out all the stops.

If you're looking for a compressor that can give your mix & masters that magic vintage feel & warmth that you just can't get from anything else, then the Tube-STA is for you.

The Tube-STA Features:

• Original tube electronic path of the hardware unit
• Original Single, Double & Triple modes
• Original recovery parameter
• External sidechain source
• 5 creative detection modes, including mid side processing
• Dry/wet mix knob used for parallel compression
• Gain reduction & input
• A/B comparison setting
• A comprehensive list of presets

How Does Tube-STA Sound?

Arturia Tube STA compressor is a warm-sounding, vintage tube compressor. It's fantastic for boomy vocals, and adding thickness + punch to vocals. The original was used for radio broadcast, and it gives a very similar, boomy, clear sound to what you'd hear on Radio One for instance.

Drums

9. Caelum Audio Schlap (Most Affordable Compressor Plugin)

Schlap is a fantastic analog-sounding compressor for those of you on a budget.

It's one of the best value for money virtual analogue compressors that you'll find, and has an incredible aggressive quality.

It's a compressor modelled on the dbx160 VCA compressor/limiter, and packs a punch.

Based on RMS values instead of peak, it stands out from the rest of the plugins on this list, because it provides a slow response compression, that allows transients to cut through the compression.

This makes it a great choice for drums, bass, guitar, and anything you want to, well… “Schlap”.

Great as a parallel aggressor, and for adding punch, thickness. Also fantastic on vocals that aren't too peak-y. Smoothes them out, and pushes them front and centre of a mix.

How Does Schlap Sound?

Bass

10. Tube Tech Collection (Best Tube Compressor)

Softube Tube Tech collection is a virtual emulation of the modern classic compressor – the Tube-Tech CL 1B (which is worth £4000 btw). The collection includes both the original CL 1B and the MkII version.

The CL 1B is an all tube optical mono compressor that delivers an excessively smooth & musical compression. It's an incredible emulation that preserves the clarity of your audio source, even at the highest settings (which most compressors don't do).

Primarily it's a vocal compressor, that does absolute wonders to any vocal recording. However, with it's smooth, warm opto gain reduction it is a surprisingly flexible compressor.

If you're looking for more opto compression options, check this guide on opto compressors.

Due to this, it has become widely used across a number of genres as the go to compressor. It's been used of rock, pop and all the way to EDM. You can use the CL 1B on almost anything.

The Softube Tube Tech compressor is incredible at clear & smooth, musical compression which preserves the quality of your audio at the highest settings. This means it's great for dialling in on a mix or master, without causing any unwanted muddiness or distortion.

One of the best things about the Tube Tech, is the ease of use. When putting settings on compressors, it can often be difficult to hear what the compression does. With the CL 1B emulation you don't have this problem.

Designed so you can hear the action immediately, you won't sit there wondering whether the change you made has added anything or not – it's clear and audible.

The CL 1B is most popular among big Hip Hop & Rap stars and is how many of them get their vocal performances to sound so great.

The Softube Tube Tech features:

• A ground-breaking emulation of a modern classic, which side by side would be difficult to tell apart.
• Improved sound; a total remodel from the ground up
• New features including: sidechain, low-cut filters & parallel processing
• Spectacular UI & high resolution graphics
• Easy to use interface that will get your desired sound
• Characterful, but flexible compression

If you're looking for a compressor with clarity & precision for anything from vocals to an EDM master, the the CL B is an incredible pick up.

How Does The Tube Tech Collection Sound?

The Tube Tech CL 1B sounds extremely punchy, and warm. It will add an almost transient shaping effect, bringing out the peaks of your audio. It's also a tube compressor, so it's great on vocals, and adds a lot of warm, in-your-face character to them.

Here are some sound examples of the CL 1B compressor:

11. UAD LA-2A (Best LA2A Compressor Emulation)

UAD are the absolute kings of software compressor plugins that model their hardware counterparts. They continually produce some of the best audio compression plugins on the market &, in 2020, that statement still holds true.

If there were enough UAD compressor plugins to put on this list, then we'd list them all. But unfortunately, with UAD comes a huge price tag. Not only do you have to buy the plugin, but you also have to invest in UAD audio hardware to run it.

Using UAD plugins without hardware is difficult. There aren't many options available to do so, but if you're willing to invest, these units are well worth their money.

To use UAD plugins, you need to invest in one of their audio interfaces, and the Apollo is a cheap starting point to do so.

UAD hardware units & plugins have been used commercially in recording studios everywhere since their birth & rise in popularity.

(they've been around since 1958)

The UAD LA-2A is a complete re-model of the highly acclaimed Teletronix la 2a.

It's an optical compressor with a tube amplifier that sounds great.

Having been created in 2001, the digital compressor of this hardware classic has set the standard in analog emulation.

The LA-2A has been consistently improved on throughout the years, so that means you're getting 19 years worth of improvements when investing in this plugin.

One of the best things about owning the digital version of this compressor, is that you don't just get access to a single plugin, but you are actually able to track & mix with the three historic compressor plugins of the Teletronix LA-2A.

Each version has the distinctive sonic attributes of the real thing & adds all the colour and warmth you'd expect to hear.

The UAD LA-2A features:

• Smooth, warm optical compression you'd expect to hear in real vintage units.
• Three historic versions of the revamped LA-2A, with distinctive sonic attributes.
• An option to record in real time along with the Apollo interfaces.
• Presets from the likes of Ross Hogarth, Darrell Thorp & Vance Powell.
• A simple, clear, easy-to-use interface that gets incredible audio compression results, fast.
• All the classic features from the hardware unit.

If you're looking for that vintage sound, UAD offer some of the best compressor plugins around. Although the price is high, if you're serious about audio, then you'll know the investment is worth it.

How Does The UAD LA-2A Sound?

The LA-2A sounds like the original hardware unit (or as close as you can get digitally).

It's surprisingly close to the original, and has 3 different options, and each compression setting has its own characteristics:

• The original LA 2 – provides a more dynamic sound, with gentle compression that adds a bit of colour to your sound.
• The Silver LA 2A – provides a punchy, thick, and transient heavy sound that cuts through a mix. The silver has a much faster attack time, giving it the ability to work with transients better.
• The Grey LA 2A – provides a thick, squashed sound, that dials back on the transients. The grey has a slower attack time and is better for slower compression

Here are some sound examples of the LA-2A:

Drums, Vocals, Guitar

12. Summit TLA-100A

Summit Audio TLA-100A is another incredible replication of the classic LA-2A, and is the next best thing when comparing it to UAD's beautiful, analog emulation.

If you're looking for a vintage replication that you don't need to spend a tonne on to get it to work, then Summit Audio have got your back.

The classic compressor offers gentle, natural sounding compression, that won't destroy your transients. It preserves the clarity & presence of your orginal audio source, offering transparent gain reduction.

Summit Audio have done an impeccable job of not only getting it to sound like the original, but adding some much needed, welcome additions to the compressor such as the parallel inject control.

Using the parallel inject control, you have the ability to set compression levels higher than what you'd be able to achieve with the original unit. Allowing you to squash and drive sounds more heavily through it.

This will give your sound a certain thickness & when mixed in properly will retain dynamic range, while giving the sound extra clarity & bite.

The TLA-100A is also tremendously easy to use, with it's beautiful, simple UI. It's one of those plugins, that no matter how much you mess around with it, it's almost impossible to return a bad sound from it.

It has that warm, analog feel &, when driven, gives an incredible distortive sound, which can be perfectly blended using the saturation knob – a new addition from the original hardware compressor.

Features:

• Fast & slow, attack and release settings.
• Low cut filter control.
• Metering controls.
• Saturation & parallel inject for beautifully warm sounds.
• Gain & gain reduction control.

How Does Summit TLA-100A Sound?

The TLA-100A adds a brilliant presence to vocals, and provides awesome vintage character, giving upfront transients, and an in-your-face sound. It also works fantastically on drums, beefing them up, giving punch and thickness.

Here are some sound examples of the TLA-100A:

Drums, Vocals, Guitar

13. Baby Audio's IHNY2

Compatibility: Win7, Win8, Win10, Win11 Apple Silicon, 10.7+, VST, VST3, AU, AAX, 64-bit
Price: $69.00

IHY2 is an exceptional tool that can instill warmth, richness, and personality to any recorded sound or blend. I have observed its effectiveness to be especially notable when applied to percussive, low-end, and vocal elements, but its capabilities are applicable throughout the entire frequency spectrum. The layout of the program is user-friendly and straightforward, allowing for effortless experimentation with distortion and saturation levels that flawlessly complement the mix.

IHY2 boasts an exceptional feature that enhances sound by adding depth and dimension. With the Width and Depth controls, users can create a dynamic spatial effect that animates the mix. The functionality of IHY2 maximizes when used with other plugins, such as reverb and delay, elevating the audio experience. Additionally, IHY2 is equally commendable for being affordable.

The IHY2 from Baby Audio is a wallet-friendly choice that engineers and producers can opt for to infuse some analog warmth in their mixes. Despite its reasonable cost, the plugin boasts of exceptional sound quality and can compete with pricier plugins easily. In my opinion, the IHY2 is an outstanding choice to introduce a unique personality and warmth to any mix.

Producers and engineers at any stage can rely on it as a dependable choice for its affordability, user-friendliness and exceptional sound quality.

14. United Plugins Royal Compressor

Compatibility: Win8, Win10, Win11 Apple Silicon, 10.10+, VST, VST3, AU, AAX, NKS, 64-bit
Price: $154.00

The Royal Compressor from United Plugins is a software program that mimics the characteristics of vintage analog compressors. It boasts an uncomplicated and user-friendly design suitable for all levels of expertise.

The Royal Compressor has a plethora of features that make it a versatile tool. It boasts a multitude of controls for adjusting the attack and release times, ratio, threshold, and makeup gain, which permit you to modify the sound to your liking. Its wide range of applications includes vocals, drums, guitars, and other instruments.

The Royal Compressor boasts excellent sound quality as one of its prominent advantages. It replicates the inviting, opulent sound of vintage analog compressors that injects richness and texture into your recordings. Additionally, the Royal Compressor comes equipped with a saturation control feature that enables you to incorporate harmonic distortion into the signal, augmenting its richness and depth.

The Royal Compressor has been my go-to dynamic controller and warm-toned recording tool. It has reliably delivered results by smoothing out vocal recordings while adding weight and depth to bass and drum tracks.

If you're searching for a compressor plugin that can enhance your recordings with warmth and personality, the United Plugins Royal Compressor is a versatile and top-notch option that shouldn't be overlooked.

15. EL8 Distressor

Compatibility: Win10, Win11 Apple Silicon, 10.15+, VST, VST3, AU, AAX, 64-bit
Price: $299.00

An emulation of the coveted Empirical Labs Distressor hardware compressor, the UAD EL8 Distressor software packs a punch with its adaptability and potency. Its prevalence in the professional music realm is owing to its capacity to manage dynamics, impart uniqueness, and mould the timbre of separate tracks and mixes.

The EL8 Distressor boasts a gamut of features and controls that make it stand out. It provides diverse compression modes – Opto, Electro, and British – each with its own unique personality and response. Not to mention, it comes equipped with numerous extra controls like Ratio, Attack, and Release, granting users flexibility to modify the sound in an array of ways.

The EL8 Distressor offers a significant advantage in terms of sound quality. It has been engineered to reproduce the rich, forceful sound of the primary hardware, allowing for more dimension and personality in your audio recordings. While it can specifically enhance drums, bass, and vocal tracks, it has the versatility to elevate any audio source with vibrant tonality and individuality.

Based on my personal usage of the EL8 Distressor, it is safe to say that this compressor has tremendous capabilities and is adaptable to a variety of tasks. Its proficiency is especially evident in the marked improvement of sound clarity in drums, imparting a punchier sound. Similarly, it is instrumental in managing vocals, deftly controlling dynamics and adding warmth to the mix.

If you're in search of a compressor plugin that can enhance your recordings with richness and versatility, the UAD EL8 Distressor could be just what you need. As a renowned emulation of a vintage hardware, the plugin has gained a reputation among industry experts as a reliable and effective tool for producers and engineers alike. The Distressor is definitely worth considering for anyone looking to add complexity and depth to their sound.

16. Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

Compatibility: Win8, Win10, Win11 Apple Silicon, 10.11+ No VST, VST3, AU, AAX, 64-bit
Price: $149.00

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor emulates a hardware compressor intended solely for mastering purposes. Professionals in the music industry utilize this dynamic and effective tool to manipulate sound by regulating dynamics, incorporating warmth, and molding the overall mix.

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor boasts a distinctive selection of functions and dials that set it apart. With three compressor sections, each equipped with a specific set of controls for sound customization, the possibilities are endless. Moreover, adjustable features like the Drive, Wet/Dry Mix, and Sidechain Filter provide users with even more sound-shaping capabilities.

The high-quality sound of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is a significant advantage. It is crafted to imitate the warm, rich sound of the initial hardware, which can provide depth and personality to your mixes. It's highly effective when applied to full mixes, as it can add warmth and cohesiveness by fusing individual components together.

My time spent with the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor was undoubtedly enlightening. Its remarkable ability to cope with an extensive variety of mastering duties proved why its potency and versatility are unmatched. Above all, I was impressed with its aptitude for generating warmth and depth in sound quality, and its deft handling of dynamics and ability to add a certain oomph to tracks.

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is a top contender for anyone seeking a compressor plugin with the capability to imbue mixes with character and dimension. It is an emulation of a time-honored piece of equipment, providing exceptional quality and trusted versatility utilized by numerous mastering engineers of note.

17. T-RackS Quad Comp

Compatibility: Win7, Win8, Win10, Win11 Apple Silicon, 10.10+ No VST, VST3, AU, AAX, 64-bit
Price: $99.00

The T-Racks Quad Comp plugin operates differently than typical audio compression software. It dissects the signal into distinct frequency bands and compresses each individually, granting the user more precise control over the dynamic range of targeted frequencies. This capability is especially valuable in mastering scenarios.

With its multi-band mechanism, this product provides a unique advantage in terms of flexibility. Independently compressing specific frequency ranges is made possible through this particular feature. Its exceptional solution is highly efficient in addressing the needs of situations wherein some frequencies require more or less compression than others.

Additionally, the Quad Comp is filled with opportunities for more control. The Crossover Frequency, Threshold, and Makeup Gain options give room for crafting the perfect sound in a multitude of ways.

The T-Racks Quad Comp holds a unique advantage of providing exceptional auditory excellence. Its construction emulates the mellow and grandiose sound of vintage compressors, and its intricate design grants precise control over the dynamics of various frequency ranges. This feature enhances the depth and substance of your recordings, particularly when utilized for mastering purposes.

During my experience with the T-Racks Quad Comp, I discovered its ability to adapt to any situation and enhance my recordings with heightened warmth and regulated dynamics. With its multi-band configuration, I was able to target compression adjustments to specific frequency ranges, making it an invaluable asset during mastering. This allowed me to have precise control over the dynamic nature of the mix, which ultimately contributed to its overall success.

When searching for a high-quality multi-band compressor, the T-Racks Quad Comp plugin is definitely an option to consider. It provides exceptional control over the dynamics of each frequency range.

18. Sonible smart:comp

Compatibility: Win7, Win8, Win10, Win11 Apple Silicon, 10.10+ No VST, VST3, AU, AAX, 64-bit
Price: $99.00

The Sonible smart:comp is a highly innovative software that incorporates artificial intelligence to optimize compression parameters for your audio. With its versatile features, it can cater to different needs such as dynamic adjustments and giving a distinct personality to your recorded tracks.

The Sonible smart:comp is highly praised for its intelligence. Its array of advanced algorithms perform a thorough analysis of the audio, which then determines the most effective compression settings automatically. This feature effectively streamlines the process of configuring the compressor and guarantees a uniform, polished result. The time and energy saved with this exceptional feature makes it a highly useful tool for obtaining that coveted professional sound.

The Sonible smart:comp has a variety of options that provide flexibility, making it an advantageous tool. You can personalize the compression behavior to meet your requirements by exploring its various modes and settings. You have the ability to select from distinct attack and release options, tweak the ratio and threshold, and activate a sidechain input that will activate the compressor when receiving an external signal.

From my own firsthand usage of the Sonible smart:comp, I discovered that it was an immensely beneficial and user-friendly instrument for managing dynamics and molding the quality of my recordings. The auto mode proved to be especially handy, conserving valuable time by configuring the compressor for me and allowing me to prioritize other aspects of the blend.

The Sonible smart:comp is a compressor plugin that can save time and effort by offering intelligent compression settings. Its flexibility and advanced algorithms make it a worthwhile tool for recording and mixing engineers seeking a powerful solution. Consider it as it may benefit your workflow.

Final Thoughts

To round up here is our list of the 12 best audio compressor plugins available in 2023:

1. Denise Audio Dragon Fire
2. Fabfilter Pro-C 2
3. Waves SSL EV2
4. Xfer OTT (free pick)
5. Waves SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor
6. Softube FET Compressor
7. Arturia Tube STA
8. Caelum Audio Schlap
9. Tube-Tech by Softube
10. UAD LA-2A
11. Sonible smart:comp
12. Summit TLA-100A
13. Baby Audio IHNY2
14. United Plugins Royal Compressor
15. EL8 Distressor
16. Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor
17. T-Racks Quad Comp
18. Sonible smart:comp

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