5 free creative compressor plugins
![Free for all](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/297f9fb4e0b0086598994635fc9a26a9-320-80.jpg)
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…
![Audio Damage Rough Rider](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/35649e892590550db83d881ea35e1b4c-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Vladg/Sound Molot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6a0d3ea9c485fc38554561ca95842b85-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Klanghelm DC1A](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d30635cb2e487c8d4d6c899cb3604b41-320-80.jpg)
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.
![MeldaProduction MCompressor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e05b75a516bb624106e5acf83b595523-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Klanghelm MJUC jr](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8a05e6ca31c52b9a82ad32a2d1e4bb45-320-80.jpg)
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.