SOLID BUS COMP is the powerful compressor for finishing off mixes and adding that unmistakable high-end sound to your track. Available separately or as a part of the SOLID MIX SERIES bundle, this professional studio effect now runs as a stand-alone plug-in with an updated clean and simple interface, making first-rate results a reality for everyone. Try placing the Minimal System Group Ultimate Mastering Bundle Stereo Buss Compressor over the main output early on in the mixing process using around 1-3dB of gain reduction. Buss compressors are often used on signal that display a variation of frequencies and transients such as drum kits and backing vocals. The SSL Native 'Complete Bundle' includes: X-EQ2, ChannelStrip, (Updated) Bus Compressor, FlexVerb, Drumstrip, VocalStrip, X-Saturator, X-Comp, X-ValveComp and X-Phase, and is available on monthly subscription via Gobbler.If you would prefer to own them outright, SSL Native plug-ins as can be purchased individually or as the 'Complete Bundle' from the SSL Web Store.
Illustration: Script & Seal
The versatile effect is used for narrowing dynamic range, manipulating amplitude envelopes, peak limiting, and more.
Compressors are also well known for having distinct characteristics depending on the circuitry (or in the digital world, the programming,) of the particular model. This raises the question – which compressor works best for you?
Up next in our “Best of Free VST” series, we searched for five of the best free compression VST / AU plugins out there. All the plugins listed have versions compatible with both Mac and Windows and are relatively up-to-date with current operating systems. Some are available directly from Splice’s Plugins catalog.
Be sure to check out the Splice project at the bottom of this article for a demo of the five plugins along with a download of our free custom presets!
1. Rough Rider by Audio Damage
As you might guess from the name, Audio Damage’s Rough Rider is a compressor best suited for aggressive pumping rather than subtle attenuation. The compressor has a warm, vintage sound that can add desirable harmonic content to a drum buss or lead guitar. If you’re going for transparency, look elsewhere, but for compression that leaves its mark Rough Rider will do the job.
Download the free plugin here: Rough Rider
Rough Rider is compatible with Mac OS X 10.8 and later versions as well as Windows 8 and later versions.
2. MJUCjr by Klanghelm
Klanghelm’s MJUCjr is a compressor that gets a lot of mileage out of minimal controls. A single “Compress” dial manages the ratio and threshold of the compression, while the three-position “Time Constraints” switch simultaneously controls the attack and release times.
Its digital emulation of tube compression provides some colorful saturation, and the compressor can handle smooth attenuation as well as more aggressive pumping. MJUCjr certainly isn’t a compressor intended to be deliberately fine-tuned, but some experimentation can create surprisingly pleasing results (and save the headache of adjusting a dozen parameters).
Download the free plugin here: MJUCjr
MJUCjr is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and later versions as well as Windows 7 and later versions.
3. SAFE Compressor by Semantic Audio
The SAFE Compressor is a relatively transparent compressor that excels in subtlety in comparison to the biting Rough Rider or tube-emulating MJUCjr. It has all your standard compressor parameters (threshold, ratio, knee, attack, release, and gain) alongside a simple graphic display that offers a visual reference for your compression curve.
What makes the SAFE Compressor unique is how the user can upload and download custom presets made by other users via Semantic Audio’s server. This nifty feature allows for the SAFE Compressor to have an unlimited number of presets that can be experimented with endlessly.
Download the free plugin here: SAFE Compressor
SAFE Reverb is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and later as well as Windows and Linux.
4. DCAM FreeComp by FXpansion
FXpansion’s DCAM FreeComp is a circuit-modelled compressor that can deliver some extra punch to a track. Its ratio dial locks at 3 positions, delivering options of gentle attenuation, moderate compression, and near-limiting aggression.
The UI has a classic look featuring an analog-inspired meter that can toggle between output metering and gain reduction metering. Use DCAM FreeComp modestly to tame peaks and glue tracks together, or crank up the settings for some energetic pumping and envelope shaping.
Download the free plugin here: DCAM FreeComp
DCAM FreeComp is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5.8 and later versions as well as Windows 7 and later versions.
Solid Bus Comp Vst Download For Mac
5. OTT by Xfer Records
Xfer Records bring the same quality and edge found in Serum (their flagship wavetable synthesizer) to the OTT compressor. This compressor remains minimalistic in its controls while featuring unique functionalities such as upwards and downwards compression as well as multiband capabilities.
OTT shines brightest in genres such as dubstep or electro where it can be used for aggressive envelope manipulation or limiting at higher Depth settings. Used properly, the OTT compressor can rival many commercial compressors in the market.
Download the free plugin here: OTT
OTT is compatible with Mac OS X as well as Windows.
Download the demo project:
The project below showcases the five compressor plugins with custom presets from Splice. The project first plays an uncompressed drum groove and then loops with a different compressor plugin applied to each repeat.
Download our custom presets for all 5 free compressors.
October 26, 2018
SUPERIOR IMPACT
- Provides renowned 'audio glue' compression
- Added sidechain input and dry/wet control
- Great on stereo sum, drum groups, single tracks
MUSICAL GLUE
COME TOGETHER
DOWNLOAD FREE DEMO
MIX GLUE
Featuring a transparent and neutral sound with a tight bottom end, it’s also incredibly simple to use, with an optional auto-release setting and A/B comparison functionality. It also features a Dry/Wet control for parallel compression, and a sidechain input.
IN THE MIX
Each SOLID MIX effect has its own unique character and specific advantages, and all three are available as a specially-priced bundle:- SOLID EQ: Two models in one, with switchable curve shapes. A precise 6-band equalizer for all kinds of jobs, from subtle shading to aggressive shaping.
Find out more - SOLID DYNAMICS: A clean, musical dynamics section, combining a stereo compressor, expander and gate in one single effects unit. Works best on single channels.
Find out more - SOLID MIX SERIES: Three studio effects add professional sound and powerful tone shaping to any mix. All run as stand-alone plug-ins in any DAW.
Find out more
AT A GLANCE
| Product type | KOMPLETE Effect |
| For use with | Any host / DAW as a stand-alone plug-in |
| Effect category | Studio compressor |
| User manual | Download Manual |
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 (latest Service Pack), Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 2 GB RAM
An Internet connection and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 2.1 or higher are required to download and activate this product. Once installed and activated, the product can be used offline.
Supported interfaces:
Windows (64-bit only): VST, AAX
Mac OS X (64-bit only): VST, AU, AAX