SAFE plugins by Semantica Audio is a series of free VST plugins, including overdrive, compression, reverb and EQ. The interface contains a graph that shows the threshold settings, allowing you to visualise the levels of your compression effect. SAFE plugins come with many searchable presets, such as warm, bright, fuzzy etc.

  1. BEST FREE VST COMPRESSORS. FREE VST COMPRESSOR PLUGINS. Below you will find a list of free compressors with links to the respective download sites. If you scroll down further you will find descriptions of the listed compressor vst plugins. The vst plugins mentioned may be working either on PC or Mac or on both and a few are 32-bit only.
  2. Audio Damage has released RoughRider3, a freeware compressor effect in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats for digital audio workstation software on PC, Mac, and Linux. Also available on iOS as an AUv3 plugin and standalone app. RoughRider3 is a plugin designed specifically for heavy-duty dynamic range compression. It is a character compressor thatRead More.
Free

Hello Composers! Mike here, with a quick guide on the Best Compressor VST Plugins. =)

Dynamic Range Compression, or “Compression” for short, is probably the most fundamental effect in music production. Smooth out the rough edges by compressing the peaks, or go hard with ultra high compression for a gritty squashed sound.

Compressors balance out the audio by reducing the peaks. This means you can also increase the average loudness level by boosting the output after compressing the sound.

It also means you can avoid softer notes on for example vocals to be lost in the mix. Overall, the compressor is used on almost every mixing track/group in music production.

But which Compressor VST Plugins should you choose? Well, here is my complete list of recommendations for you (in no particular order):

Best Compressor VST Plugins (Top List)

PS. Get these Free Bonuses Today

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.

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. Free pitch finder vst.

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

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.

Free Vst Drum Kit

Download DCAM Free Comp here.

4. TAN

By Acustica Audio

Drum pro vst

Free Vst Drum Downloads

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?

Drum Pro Vst

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

Free Drum Compressor Vst

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.

Make the art of compression part of every DAW session.

Best Drum Vst

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