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  1. Tech
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5 free creative compressor plugins

News
By Computer Music ( Computer Music ) published 16 September 2016

You don't have to spend a fortune to get high quality compression into your tracks, as this little lot definitively prove…

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Free for all

Free for all

Compression is one of the cornerstones of modern music production, and the computer-based musician is positively spoilt for choice when it comes to plugins that deliver it. From staggeringly authentic emulations of classic hardware units to all-new devices that could never exist in the non-virtual world, if you've got the readies, there's a compressor out there for you, no matter what kind of sound you're after.

But what if money's an issue? The music production newbie doesn't want to shell out a fortune on compressors before they even know how to make the most of them, while the experienced producer is always on the look-out for new toys, even when funds are tight.

The good news is that there are a host of generous developers out there bringing us genuinely professional quality plugins for absolutely nowt! Here are just five of them - download them all and prepare to be amazed…

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
Audio Damage Rough Rider

Audio Damage Rough Rider

This scrumptious plugin has been around for a few years, but it’s still one of the best freeware compressors for aggressive drum bus pumping and “atom-bomb squish”.

There’s no dry/wet mix parameter per se, but you can automate the Active (bypass) switch to blend it in.

Download Audio Damage Rough Rider.

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
Vladg/Sound Molot

Vladg/Sound Molot

This vibe-laden dynamics device combines M/S compression, saturation, mid-scooping EQ, sidechaining and peak limiting, providing coloured compression and warmth.

It’s not the most intuitive or easy-to-use compressor out there, so be prepared to read the manual.

Download Vladg/Sound Molot.

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Klanghelm DC1A

Klanghelm DC1A

This free, cut-down version of the developer’s commercial DC8C compressor is a must-have tool for assertive levelling and creative squashing.

There are only two knobs (Input and Output), but you can dial in program-dependent compression and saturation in a flash, and choose from four compression styles.

Download Klanghelm DC1A.

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
MeldaProduction MCompressor

MeldaProduction MCompressor

Designed to cover all of your compression needs, MCompressor is one of the many stars of their MFreeEffectsBundle.

This all-rounder also gives you customisable gain reduction curves, razor-sharp visualisation, sidechain high- and low-pass filtering, intelligent gain compensation, output limiting and more.

Download MeldaProduction MCompressor.

Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
Klanghelm MJUC jr

Klanghelm MJUC jr

Based on classic ‘variable-mu’ compressors, this cost-free squasher eschews complexity in favour of analogue vibe and charm.

There’s only basic Compress and Make-Up controls to tweak, and three preset attack/release settings (Slow, Fast and Auto), so you’ll be slamming vocals and pumping drum busses in no time.

Download Klanghelm MJUC jr.

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
Computer Music
Computer Music
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Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.

Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects… image
Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects…
…with the latest issue of Computer Music magazine
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Read more
API
Our pick of the very best VCA compressor software emulation plugins for any music project
Plugins Future owns
Our resident platinum award-winning mixer and producer shares 10 of his go-to plugins
Compressor settings
The ultimate compression cheat sheet – go-to settings to help you make better music
crushstation plugin
Eventide is giving away a killer $99 distortion plugin for free
Tokyo Dawn Records Nova
Fantastic (free) plugins and how to use them: TDR Nova
Plugins
Our go-to plugins for adding flavour to our sounds
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