10 great analogue-style compressor VST plug-ins

Compress to impress

There’s currently a bewildering choice of vintage compressor models in duplicate, triplicate and more to cover any situation. For this round-up we’ve chosen a broad but select range of classics from a variety of developers.

Analogue-style compressors such as these are really more about results and ‘flavour’ than specs and features, so we’ll try and highlight which models are suitable for which tasks.

Check out the demos and full reviews (where available) to find out more.

NEXT: Cytomic The Glue

Cytomic The Glue

Based on the ‘80s SSL console centre section buss compressor, this has many more parameters and takes in sonic fashion changes since that time.

Read Cytomic The Glue review

PSPaudioware oldTimer ME

This borrows from the developer’s favourite vintage circuitry designs to create its characteristic warmth. Just as at home mastering as in a tracking session.

Read PSPaudioware oldTimer ME review

Universal Audio dbx 160

An official virtual replica of the original classic VCA-based compressor. A staple on drums, its idiosyncratic non-linearities have been faithfully copied here.

Find out more about Universal Audio dbx 160

Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B

Models Tube-Tech’s tasty hardware valve compressor. The original is known for its natural control over vocals and acoustic instruments.

Read Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B review

Native Instruments VC 2A

The VC 2A is a reproduction of the LA2A, a valve opto-electrical levelling amplifier that’s brilliant at smoothing out vocals and acoustic instruments.

Read Native Instruments VC 2A review

IK Multimedia Black 76

An emulation of the Urei 1176, which is ever-popular because of its all-round performance. Its fast attack and release times make it a favourite for drums.

Read IK Multimedia Black 76 review

IK Multimedia Model 670

Based on the Fairchild 670, a mastering compressor with an attractive musical character. Great as a warm, invisible levelling amplifier on vocals and more.

Find out more aboutIK Multimedia Model 670

Waves PIE

Veteran engineer/producer Eddie Kramer has put his name to this emulation of the Pye solid-state buss compressor. Like others, it’s not just handy on the mix buss.

Read Waves PIE review

Solid State Logic Duende Bus Compressor

SSL ruled the hardware buss compressor world at the turn of the century. This aims to do the same for software.

Find out more about Solid State Logic Duende Bus Compressor

Softube FET Compressor

The 1176 is probably the most copied of all vintage compressors, and for good reason. Softube take the concept and run with it, adding new features.

Find out more about Softube FET Compressor