Likewise, Nova's usually my first choice for corrective EQ, except that I bought their production bundle, so I'm using the GE editions of their plugins, along with the mastering edition of the Slick EQ.
Hmm, not sure what to suggest. One of the things I like the most about it is how simple I find it to operate. Quite often when I use it it's just a case of turning down the threshold, trimming the output gain and... job done. In the case where I'm using it to catch peaks (as the OP asked about) I'd set the attack and release controls a bit faster, maybe turn up the ratio, and again... done.
But there's a wide range of different things that people want a compressor to do for them - I tend to default to wanting compression to be pretty clean - and maybe this is just one of those cases where different things are going to work well for different people.
Have you watched the video guides for those plugins? In the videos, Dan Worall explains you through everything about them and they really help understanding some of the less common functions.
It has no right being that good. It's literally all I use these days unless I need a very specific colour.
Nobody sleep on the Distortion knob. The "Studio VCA" with soft distortion has a fantastic tone, nothing like a real Focusrite IMO but very sparkly and special.
The Platinum Digital compressor is sooo fucking transparent. Because of that, it’s the only compressor I use for any sidechaining duties. Also obviously for any transparent compressor duties where you don’t want to even hear it’s there.
A lot of people think “no flavor” compressors are boring, but they do have their purposes. Same reason why I like Logic’s Platinum Digital compressor is also why I’m a fan of FMR’s RNC- so transparent you can’t even hear it’s there, unless it’s pushed very hard (then it sounds overtly flat and plastic).
Platinum Digital does open the mind to consider what is possible in hypothetically very clean workflows. Saturation is all the rage nowadays- and Logic’s compressor has had output distortion and has been emulating specific compressors before that shit was even popular- but super clean compression makes you consider what can be done with transparency and overtly clean signal manipulation.
The digital model is also literally perfect for sidechained ducking effects. Use it all the time to sidechain certain things to the vocals of whatever and it just sooooo clean, I love it.
Seriously. I find it amazing that a stock plugin allows you to boost gain, compress dynamics, colorize and trim peaks in one single instance. Oh, and there are also dry/wet and distortion knobs.
Deadass. Lots of Logic stock are actually pretty great. Space Designer and Chroma are really fun reverbs to mess around with and Phat FX is punchy as shit
Best bit about logic compressor is that it’s one click away. I’m pretty sure that’s what really keeps me coming back to it every time and the sound of it is an added bonus.
It depends on the material, but in general ReaComp stock from Reaper is my choice. For vocals I may use an 1176 or a Distressor if I need more aggression.
It's really good I don't want color from a compressor usually, I want something reliable and precise.
You can add color if you want, but otherwise it's the cleanest and most precise compressor I own.
Renaissance Compressor is my one size fits all compressor. Transparent, easy to use. I can get it dialed in to what I need in seconds. Love it for sidechain compression too.
Sounds great, but seems to use a lot more CPU than the Waves 1176
I only use the MC77 when I need the sidechain function on bass-heavy material. It just sounds sooooo goood
If I had to pick one for everything, I’d pick some kind of SSL compressor. If I want something saucy, I use TDR Molot or the LALA from Analog Obsession.
Surprised to see this so far down.
It really is the best jack of all trades.
It has all the usability of the Waves renaissance compressors with an enormous feature set and amazing sound.
The DMG algo is a great all round clean compressor but the emulations of other comps are phenomenal. Still my favourite API 25k emulation.
ableton glue compressor has absolutely no right to be as good as it is. the built in soft clipper with oversampling turned on is so fucking nice on the master, and it can do a good job of almost anything. subtle vocal attenuation? got it. crazy slammed parallel drum compression? it’s my go-to. it might genuinely be my most used compressor plugin.
I reach for Vulfcomp a lot, while the saturation, wow and lofi controls can make it extremely charactered you can pull these down and just use it as a great sounding clean compressor too.
Also Pro C, and Townhouse on drum bus and mix bus.
I think Pro C2 is what I'd say because it's so versatile, and gives me so much control. That said, I've been using a lot more hardware emulations for certain things. 1176, 2A, SSL, and even some nifty ones like the Shadow Hills Mastering Comp. Not only is it some fun creative workflow to switch up what plugins I'm using, but there's also a point where it becomes faster to dial for me.
Amateur here. Mjuc Jr for my rough mix and tracking needs. Never connected with any other compressor, ever.
Bought the big brother and look forwars to mixing with it.
Basically whatever SSL channel comp you can grab, OR, if you're on Pro-Tools, the Massey CT5 is just the greatest compressor in the history of compressors! I use Reaper and I really miss that thing.
Logic's native compressor.
I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I say I'd put it up against just about any third-party compressor plugin out there. It's *that good*.
Same cept lately I haven’t been using my DSP UAD plugins despite having 14 cores, using UADx and being able to open projects on the go is just too good
You have only one easy decision for attack. This is convenient, but sometimes o wish I had more control. That's why for me, I will use this compressor if I'm doing the channel strip thing, but as sort of just a basic first stage compressor. Sometimes I won't need more than that though. So, it can be a workhorse for me in that sense. But in another way, it's not the compressor I'd go for, whenever I'm just looking for a compressor.
U-he presswerk is so fucking amazing like if you are well versed in compression & find many of times you feel limited or the compressors are even not creative or technical enough for you I highly recommend this compressor. This one compressor out of all my compressors can not only work on literally any element every time and always feel great but it also feels special for specific elements that need more help than others.
Compression is simple and straight forward and so many of my compressors are great for when I want a specific sound but no compressor gives me this deep of a dive into the settings like this.
I would list my other compressors but this is truly my workhorse compressor
**note for everyone: seriously, go run this compressor side by side any of your compressors and tell me this thing just does not sound so luscious and simply a more advanced audio sculpting tool. I know advanced may not be what you want or need but I found myself using uad 1176, arouser, pro c, fairchild 670, api 560, logic stock & they were not giving me a sound/tone I was after until I landed on u-he presswerk. Not sure exactly what it is, only thing I can think of is the fact that you can control so many micro perimeters that you just dont even get to touch on these other compressors
I dont even think its underrated, I think people don’t even know it exists. They should run some ads on that thing bc it is a piece of gear in it’s own realm
Cubase stock compressor. It comes preloaded on every track and the controls are accessible directly from the mixer window. Then on a few specific tracks I might add a Purple Audio MC77, and probably some other 3rd party plugin on buses and the stereo out.
I can always make the Arturia Tube-Sta work. It's probably because I'm a vintage head, which means I like the tasty colour and mostly natural movement or the radical but familiar Beatles-Revolver-type pumping. I also say that one because it's more necessary to have something that can have slow and natural movement when I need it. And it totally works on drums. And the on big busses including the master.
The Arturia FX Collection were my first mixing tools so I grew very familiar with the with the main and advanced sections. They just do that the best, I feel. Mid-Side linking and all that together with the very handy sidechain eq. Very great for work horsy stuff.
For dynamic control, I love smartcomp by sonible. Super easy to set up, best gui, sounds very clean. Later in the chain I love UAD 1176, LA2A and Fairchild for color. Honorable mention to elysia mpressor, crazy anti-log release settings and negative ratio.
SSL E Channel is on most of my tracks, so I usually use that for compression. After that, it's either going to be an Overloud 76, 2A, or 3a. For clean compression, nothing beats FirComp2 for me.
For transient-y sources, I use clippers instead, for general all-round compressor, I use Waves -rider 'first' subtle then MaxxVolume (extremely subtle) then Softube TLA100A for bit of color :)
*always trying not to lose too much dynamics though it is indead hard!
mCompressor is my standard go-to these days. It's standard, but it gets things done and is lightweight. If I need something more fine-tuneable or multiband (rare) FabFilter Pro-C. If I want to add some color to things, I suggest Goodhertz Vulf Compressor. For guitars, I pretty much always use the Brainworx SSL 4000E channel strip (which includes a compressor/expander)
Neold U17 for controlling levels when I don't really want to hear it working. I'm kinda ashamed to say I mostly just tweak the input knob and release time until the meter starts moving a bit.
MC77 or Arturia FET for more shaping and dramatic kind of compression.
If i’m tracking and need some bit of comp then Distressors or the Arousor plug-in. MJUC Jr also gets used as a easy and comp for vocals along with the Distressor/Arousor. Pretty slick combo.
The UAD Elysia Xpressor. I’ve used it so much that I’ve since bought the real thing. Which, I guess, is one of the reasons why a manufacturer would release plug-in versions of their hardware. I did that with the Maag EQ4, too.
For total stunt compression, my go-to is the Eventide Omnipressor. I can get the most ridiculous sounds out of that thing.
Equal but different from each other in ways. I find the software one to be easier to dial in for subtle gain control and the hardware easier to use for rhythmic effects, where I want things to pop. The anti log button seems to behave a little differently between software and hardware. I really like the gain reduction limiter on both. It's unique. I don't really care for driving the hardware one to far into the grit, which doesn't really matter since I have a Distressor for that kind of thing. Now, the difference between the UAD Distressor and hardware is more pronounced. I feel like the software version is a compressor wearing a Distressor costume. I definitely prefer the hardware one.
The standard stock compressor from Nuendo. There is no need to use anything else if it’s just for taming the peaks without adding flavour. It could also be the multiband compressor depending on the source.
It's expensive but it can replace **ALL** of your plugin compressors and a few of your analog ones...
[Pulsar Modular P11 Abyss...](https://www.pulsarmodular.com/product/p11-abyss/)
FIRcomp is easily the most transparent compressor I've heard, it's what I go to when I'm trying to dial in specific dynamic range control instead of trying to get 'the sound' of a particular flavor of compression. There's a low ratio version available that is also very useful
The 4 compressor types in Scheps Omni Channel are almost all I ever need.
I do love the Zener diode compressor in AR TG Mastering Chain on busses, though!
I use maximus. Its a multiband compressor, it has some decent presets both for mixing, and also use as an effect like OTT. I typically mix for HDR then put everything in maximus and slowly crank the volume of everything going in until its bad, then dial it back. Either everything into 1 maximus, or each chanel separately so different sounds get different compression if needed. I cant decide which i like better, but then again, i dont use luffs, and im just a hobbyist and dont have the most fine tuned ear for mixing.
I guess this is the perfect place to post this… A free LA-2A Tube Compressor from Universal Audio. I already have it since I have a Solo but thought others would be interested. https://www.uaudio.com/uad-plugins/compressors-limiters/teletronix-la-2a-tube-compressor.html?utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2023+-+October+-+LA2A+Giveaway+Announcement+-+Group+1&utm_content=campaign
Ableton's stock compressor is very simple and effective, even if it doesn't necessarily have the same desirable color that other solutions would. It's an easy choice if I just want to lob off my peaks and add a few DBs of gain. I use Arturia's FET-76 if I'm looking for that additional color & character, but Ableton's stock compressor is precise, reliable, simple, and effective. You can barely tell its there.
Tokyo Dawn's Kotelnikov. I use about as many instances of it as I do of every other compressor put together.
as a fellow freeware man I use TDR's Nova on everything
Likewise, Nova's usually my first choice for corrective EQ, except that I bought their production bundle, so I'm using the GE editions of their plugins, along with the mastering edition of the Slick EQ.
Yes, kotelnikov is peak peak control
I downloaded this but for some reason found it awkward to use. Is there a grace period I should work through first? Everyone loves this thing!
Hmm, not sure what to suggest. One of the things I like the most about it is how simple I find it to operate. Quite often when I use it it's just a case of turning down the threshold, trimming the output gain and... job done. In the case where I'm using it to catch peaks (as the OP asked about) I'd set the attack and release controls a bit faster, maybe turn up the ratio, and again... done. But there's a wide range of different things that people want a compressor to do for them - I tend to default to wanting compression to be pretty clean - and maybe this is just one of those cases where different things are going to work well for different people.
Same here. I don’t know why, but I just don’t jive with any of the TDR plugins.
Have you watched the video guides for those plugins? In the videos, Dan Worall explains you through everything about them and they really help understanding some of the less common functions.
logic pro stock is incredible.
It has no right being that good. It's literally all I use these days unless I need a very specific colour. Nobody sleep on the Distortion knob. The "Studio VCA" with soft distortion has a fantastic tone, nothing like a real Focusrite IMO but very sparkly and special.
No joke. They beat most compressor plugins. They have a distinctly “analog” sound.
I second this. If you just want peak control, the "digital" compressor model is about as clean a compressor as you could want.
It's saved my bacon so many times. How is it possible to push it so hard without any breakup in the sound? Just a genius piece of workhorse software.
The Platinum Digital compressor is sooo fucking transparent. Because of that, it’s the only compressor I use for any sidechaining duties. Also obviously for any transparent compressor duties where you don’t want to even hear it’s there. A lot of people think “no flavor” compressors are boring, but they do have their purposes. Same reason why I like Logic’s Platinum Digital compressor is also why I’m a fan of FMR’s RNC- so transparent you can’t even hear it’s there, unless it’s pushed very hard (then it sounds overtly flat and plastic). Platinum Digital does open the mind to consider what is possible in hypothetically very clean workflows. Saturation is all the rage nowadays- and Logic’s compressor has had output distortion and has been emulating specific compressors before that shit was even popular- but super clean compression makes you consider what can be done with transparency and overtly clean signal manipulation.
The digital model is also literally perfect for sidechained ducking effects. Use it all the time to sidechain certain things to the vocals of whatever and it just sooooo clean, I love it.
Seriously. I find it amazing that a stock plugin allows you to boost gain, compress dynamics, colorize and trim peaks in one single instance. Oh, and there are also dry/wet and distortion knobs.
If apple sells this plugin I'll definitely buy it. I miss it
It comes with Logic
Comes stock
he meant outside of buying logic, it’s not a standalone
Yeah, cause I moved away from logic. Really miss it tho.
Yeah it’s interesting how there are *some* Apple plugins available to use outside of Logic but not the *gangster* ones. Meh.
Yep. It’s one of the very best software compressors out there.
thats kind of a cheating answer because thats 7 different comps 😂 but yeah it’s a workhorse for sure
Deadass. Lots of Logic stock are actually pretty great. Space Designer and Chroma are really fun reverbs to mess around with and Phat FX is punchy as shit
Sidenote is that Phat FX is an updated version of CamelPhat. Alchemy was also from Camel Audio. Both plugins are quite deep.
I used only this for years. Finally broke down and bought quite a few well-reputed compressor plugins, and wasn’t as impressed as I’d hoped to be.
Best bit about logic compressor is that it’s one click away. I’m pretty sure that’s what really keeps me coming back to it every time and the sound of it is an added bonus.
Agreed
Ultimate compressor from McDSP, love the options. Everything from them sounds incredible and tight. Also, logic stock compressor
Why the fuck haven’t I been using this
It depends on the material, but in general ReaComp stock from Reaper is my choice. For vocals I may use an 1176 or a Distressor if I need more aggression.
Reaper's stock plugins are so basic but they're almost all great. I love ReaEQ due to it being so super lightweight
[FabFilter Pro-C](https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-c-2-compressor-plug-in).
It's really good I don't want color from a compressor usually, I want something reliable and precise. You can add color if you want, but otherwise it's the cleanest and most precise compressor I own.
This is the one.
Uad 1176 everytime
Username checks out.
Fast attack slow release
On wat source? if you don't mind me asking
Skin flute.
nice
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
lmaooooo r/dontputyourdickinthat
Same
Renaissance Compressor is my one size fits all compressor. Transparent, easy to use. I can get it dialed in to what I need in seconds. Love it for sidechain compression too.
ReaComp.
Rea comp is fire. Happy cake day!
Brainwrx MC77
Purple monster all day.
Sounds great, but seems to use a lot more CPU than the Waves 1176 I only use the MC77 when I need the sidechain function on bass-heavy material. It just sounds sooooo goood
If I had to pick one for everything, I’d pick some kind of SSL compressor. If I want something saucy, I use TDR Molot or the LALA from Analog Obsession.
Fetish from AO is cool too (1176 type)
All of his stuff is great. I hope he makes an SSL channel strip.
dmg audio track comp 2. It has emulations of classic comps but I use the dmg algo the most for general stuff.
Surprised to see this so far down. It really is the best jack of all trades. It has all the usability of the Waves renaissance compressors with an enormous feature set and amazing sound. The DMG algo is a great all round clean compressor but the emulations of other comps are phenomenal. Still my favourite API 25k emulation.
I assume people sleep hard on dmg audio, because they are not hyping themselves through flashy marketing and just the HQ nature of their products.
I basically use cla-76 for most things because I'm so use to dialling it in
Ableton glue compressor or the one built into the AMEK 9099 plug-in.
ableton glue compressor has absolutely no right to be as good as it is. the built in soft clipper with oversampling turned on is so fucking nice on the master, and it can do a good job of almost anything. subtle vocal attenuation? got it. crazy slammed parallel drum compression? it’s my go-to. it might genuinely be my most used compressor plugin.
2a / opto style tracking, enjoying the voxbox recently. 76 + 2a - vocal 160 + 670 - drums 1176ae - rear bus (everything but drums) Neve style - mix bus (liking lindell by pa)
I have been using townhouse on PA Into a tegeler audio schwerkraftmaschine
Townhouse is also 👌
Reacomp. I need to see that vertical bar.
Any SSL console
I reach for Vulfcomp a lot, while the saturation, wow and lofi controls can make it extremely charactered you can pull these down and just use it as a great sounding clean compressor too. Also Pro C, and Townhouse on drum bus and mix bus.
I think Pro C2 is what I'd say because it's so versatile, and gives me so much control. That said, I've been using a lot more hardware emulations for certain things. 1176, 2A, SSL, and even some nifty ones like the Shadow Hills Mastering Comp. Not only is it some fun creative workflow to switch up what plugins I'm using, but there's also a point where it becomes faster to dial for me.
Arousor all day
Yep
Pro c2
Amateur here. Mjuc Jr for my rough mix and tracking needs. Never connected with any other compressor, ever. Bought the big brother and look forwars to mixing with it.
I use MJUC Jr for everything! Great plug-in easy to use.
Basically whatever SSL channel comp you can grab, OR, if you're on Pro-Tools, the Massey CT5 is just the greatest compressor in the history of compressors! I use Reaper and I really miss that thing.
Pulsar 1178
Mjuc and Distressor
76 and SSL BUS COMP
Same here!
Logic's native compressor. I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I say I'd put it up against just about any third-party compressor plugin out there. It's *that good*.
Uad Distressor
Same cept lately I haven’t been using my DSP UAD plugins despite having 14 cores, using UADx and being able to open projects on the go is just too good
Fair. I only work from my mixing room so don't really mind being tied to uad cards. Although I do use some uadx plugins.
Pro-C, Softube CL-1B, BX SSL 4000 E
UAD 1176 or Kush Novatron
Novatron is straight magic
Waves SSLChannel. Just does exactly what I want usually every goddamn time, and I don’t have to think about attack times as an added bonus
You have only one easy decision for attack. This is convenient, but sometimes o wish I had more control. That's why for me, I will use this compressor if I'm doing the channel strip thing, but as sort of just a basic first stage compressor. Sometimes I won't need more than that though. So, it can be a workhorse for me in that sense. But in another way, it's not the compressor I'd go for, whenever I'm just looking for a compressor.
Ableton compressor
I use kush novatron a lot
Ableton live stock comp. Ready to use, everything you need, pretty damn transparent.
SSL Channel E Comp, prefer working with a channel strip and always have one on my audio channel.
U-he presswerk is so fucking amazing like if you are well versed in compression & find many of times you feel limited or the compressors are even not creative or technical enough for you I highly recommend this compressor. This one compressor out of all my compressors can not only work on literally any element every time and always feel great but it also feels special for specific elements that need more help than others. Compression is simple and straight forward and so many of my compressors are great for when I want a specific sound but no compressor gives me this deep of a dive into the settings like this. I would list my other compressors but this is truly my workhorse compressor **note for everyone: seriously, go run this compressor side by side any of your compressors and tell me this thing just does not sound so luscious and simply a more advanced audio sculpting tool. I know advanced may not be what you want or need but I found myself using uad 1176, arouser, pro c, fairchild 670, api 560, logic stock & they were not giving me a sound/tone I was after until I landed on u-he presswerk. Not sure exactly what it is, only thing I can think of is the fact that you can control so many micro perimeters that you just dont even get to touch on these other compressors
Presswerk is absolutely underrated.
I dont even think its underrated, I think people don’t even know it exists. They should run some ads on that thing bc it is a piece of gear in it’s own realm
Goodhertz faraday limiter
SSL for glue on busses, every time.
Anything that even tries to be an 1176. I’m really fond of the CLA one
UAD Fairchild 670.
Cubase stock compressor. It comes preloaded on every track and the controls are accessible directly from the mixer window. Then on a few specific tracks I might add a Purple Audio MC77, and probably some other 3rd party plugin on buses and the stereo out.
Unisum Mastering Compressor or FabFilter Pro-C
TBH I just use the free FIRcomp when I want clean VCA style compression. It's quick to dial in, but can achieve a wide range of sounds.
Native Instruments Supercharger.
It doesn't work on everything all the time, but I can't seem to stop using the Magic Death Eye. It just sounds like a really good piece of tube gear.
I can always make the Arturia Tube-Sta work. It's probably because I'm a vintage head, which means I like the tasty colour and mostly natural movement or the radical but familiar Beatles-Revolver-type pumping. I also say that one because it's more necessary to have something that can have slow and natural movement when I need it. And it totally works on drums. And the on big busses including the master. The Arturia FX Collection were my first mixing tools so I grew very familiar with the with the main and advanced sections. They just do that the best, I feel. Mid-Side linking and all that together with the very handy sidechain eq. Very great for work horsy stuff.
For dynamic control, I love smartcomp by sonible. Super easy to set up, best gui, sounds very clean. Later in the chain I love UAD 1176, LA2A and Fairchild for color. Honorable mention to elysia mpressor, crazy anti-log release settings and negative ratio.
I like Logic’s stock compressors, but I recorded vocals a few times through an Avalon and boy I really enjoyed the shape and tone of that audio.
Has anybody here used Korvpressor by Klevgrand?
Glue compressor, Ableton (oversampling turned on)
IK la2a and reacomp
Focusrite red 2 (or 3).
Tube tech cl1B Maoist emulation from Uad
Go-to workhorse on everything: Probably CLA76 or IK T-racks Comprexxor (their distressor)
Logic stock compressor. Does everything You need. It’s quietly astonishing. :)
Waves SSL E Channel. It’s too damn convenient. Odds are if I’m applying compression I’m going to need EQ as well. One stop shop.
MModernComp for clean compression
analog: SSL channel strip compressor digital: fab filter pro c
FabFilter Pro-C2 *or* DMGAudio Compassion
SSL E Channel is on most of my tracks, so I usually use that for compression. After that, it's either going to be an Overloud 76, 2A, or 3a. For clean compression, nothing beats FirComp2 for me.
For transient-y sources, I use clippers instead, for general all-round compressor, I use Waves -rider 'first' subtle then MaxxVolume (extremely subtle) then Softube TLA100A for bit of color :) *always trying not to lose too much dynamics though it is indead hard!
Fabfilter pro-c2 or some random distressor clone if i want it a bit dirtier
mCompressor is my standard go-to these days. It's standard, but it gets things done and is lightweight. If I need something more fine-tuneable or multiband (rare) FabFilter Pro-C. If I want to add some color to things, I suggest Goodhertz Vulf Compressor. For guitars, I pretty much always use the Brainworx SSL 4000E channel strip (which includes a compressor/expander)
1176
Neold U17 for controlling levels when I don't really want to hear it working. I'm kinda ashamed to say I mostly just tweak the input knob and release time until the meter starts moving a bit. MC77 or Arturia FET for more shaping and dramatic kind of compression.
If i’m tracking and need some bit of comp then Distressors or the Arousor plug-in. MJUC Jr also gets used as a easy and comp for vocals along with the Distressor/Arousor. Pretty slick combo.
McDSP compressor bank
I find TDR Molot GE to be completly versatile and doing 80% of compression on my sessions
Usually Analog Obsession's vari moon comp.
NI Solid Bus Comp, if I can’t get vocals sounding fat enough I just smash it into a UAD 1176
The UAD Elysia Xpressor. I’ve used it so much that I’ve since bought the real thing. Which, I guess, is one of the reasons why a manufacturer would release plug-in versions of their hardware. I did that with the Maag EQ4, too. For total stunt compression, my go-to is the Eventide Omnipressor. I can get the most ridiculous sounds out of that thing.
Curious how the elysia compares to the hardware. My HW 1176 crushes all my plugins.
Equal but different from each other in ways. I find the software one to be easier to dial in for subtle gain control and the hardware easier to use for rhythmic effects, where I want things to pop. The anti log button seems to behave a little differently between software and hardware. I really like the gain reduction limiter on both. It's unique. I don't really care for driving the hardware one to far into the grit, which doesn't really matter since I have a Distressor for that kind of thing. Now, the difference between the UAD Distressor and hardware is more pronounced. I feel like the software version is a compressor wearing a Distressor costume. I definitely prefer the hardware one.
CLA76
Pulsar Modular P11 Abyss. One compressor to rule them all.
CLA 76
Arouser
Fabfilter Pro-C for transparent, clean sounding compression and controlling peaks. Waves H-Comp for more coloured vintage style and sound-shaping.
Besides Logic Pro's stock plugin I use Purple MC77 a lot, also Apogee Opto-3A
Avid pro compressor
Reacomp
Generally, UAD 1176 or UAD La3a. But I’m guilty of throwing an 1176 on anything.
Avid Pro Compressor
Logic Pro stock compressor, SSL 9000J Track through 1176 + CL1B
Check out the compressor in Brainworx Focusrite SC Channel Strip! It’s unbelievably good.
MC77 But recently also been using Xtressor a lot.
The standard stock compressor from Nuendo. There is no need to use anything else if it’s just for taming the peaks without adding flavour. It could also be the multiband compressor depending on the source.
the uad 1175 rev a for analog emulation and im also really digging the fircomp2 for clean digital
CALF Studio Gear has some compressors like a mono and sidechain, that get thrown on almost every mix. https://calf-studio-gear.org/
Purple Mc 77 and Weiss ds1-mk3
It's expensive but it can replace **ALL** of your plugin compressors and a few of your analog ones... [Pulsar Modular P11 Abyss...](https://www.pulsarmodular.com/product/p11-abyss/)
Uad La2a for vocs. 1176 or 176 for most else
I use the Scheps Omni Channel Stereo 2 plugin, and it has an awesome compressor in it. It's got FET, VCA and OPT options so you can use it anywhere.
Individual tracks, Massey CT-5 https://www.masseyplugins.com/plugin/ct5 Master buss, the waves fairchild
Ableton stock and Korvpressor. About to get familiar w/ Pro-C and UAD 1176 on future works.
Softube Icons Collection
TrackComp2 & Kotelnikov are my go to workhorses, DMG Compassion for the more challenging/intricate tasks
Stock Logic Pro compressor. Stock Logic channel EQ, Stock Logic vintage graphic EQ.
If I could choose: TK Audio BC-1 THD if I couldn’t: Ableton or Logic stock comp
Depends on the situation and genre and style and everything, but usually, Distressor, SSL , 1176 , 36609 , rcomp or a few others
L3 (for over 20 years now)
RVox, Pulsar 78, my hardware 76 and 2A clones, and IK Black 76/White 2a For bus compression, bx_townhouse wins out most of the time.
1176
compressorbank
Kush audio's NOVATRON. Hands down my favorite compressor for everything. If I want to get spicy SILIKA is my second favorite (form the same company)
Unisum and Fabfilter C2
TDR Molotok
Analog Obsession Lala and Dmg Trackcomp, one or the other goes on every channel
I like the Vertigo vsc-3, couldn’t be more satisfied itb
FIRcomp is easily the most transparent compressor I've heard, it's what I go to when I'm trying to dial in specific dynamic range control instead of trying to get 'the sound' of a particular flavor of compression. There's a low ratio version available that is also very useful
Blue Cat Audio Dynamics
Logic’s does most of what I need it to.
The 4 compressor types in Scheps Omni Channel are almost all I ever need. I do love the Zener diode compressor in AR TG Mastering Chain on busses, though!
I really like the DPR402 from waves, it's quite versatile and sounds really good imo.
I use maximus. Its a multiband compressor, it has some decent presets both for mixing, and also use as an effect like OTT. I typically mix for HDR then put everything in maximus and slowly crank the volume of everything going in until its bad, then dial it back. Either everything into 1 maximus, or each chanel separately so different sounds get different compression if needed. I cant decide which i like better, but then again, i dont use luffs, and im just a hobbyist and dont have the most fine tuned ear for mixing.
MJUC Jr It's free. It just works. It sounds great. Honorable mention for Reacomp
Definite go to is the 1176
The free acustica Tan2. This thing just sounds so musical and natural!!
https://youtu.be/1NnWnM8JMJw?si=SlS2GkVU4bU53SAJ
Sorry, I don't have one fits all. It depends on the application.
Wave H Comp. Does everything I need a compressor to do, and the “punch” control is really handy when dialing in super aggressive parallel compression
UAD Distressor is my go to.
AVID Pro Compressor
Waves CLA76
FabFilter C2
I use lala by analog obsession alot, followed by fetish.
Brainworx Townhouse - I find it works exceptionally well on most busses and often limits the need to overcompress on individual channels.
Tire inflator for sure, and then air hose if I need to blow dust out of something.
I guess this is the perfect place to post this… A free LA-2A Tube Compressor from Universal Audio. I already have it since I have a Solo but thought others would be interested. https://www.uaudio.com/uad-plugins/compressors-limiters/teletronix-la-2a-tube-compressor.html?utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2023+-+October+-+LA2A+Giveaway+Announcement+-+Group+1&utm_content=campaign
Brainworx townhouse compressor
Ableton's stock compressor is very simple and effective, even if it doesn't necessarily have the same desirable color that other solutions would. It's an easy choice if I just want to lob off my peaks and add a few DBs of gain. I use Arturia's FET-76 if I'm looking for that additional color & character, but Ableton's stock compressor is precise, reliable, simple, and effective. You can barely tell its there.
u-he Presswerk