Hi!
I'm looking for a new compressor. So far, the Arousor seems very appealing, and I get great results with it. I also love that I can dial in various famous compressor usages with a relatively simple interface, and that you got the attack mod and saturation amount controls.

However, they use ilok cloud and I change my workplace almost every day from home to studio. Then I need to activate that cloud every time I want to use the demo.... which is annoying for me as a potential customer. And also, what if the internet goes down here for a few days? Fuck the legit customer, of course!

But I also like to use legit versions of all plugins that I really like to use!

So, any recommendations?


Please also no waves plugins!

 

Vertigo VSC-2 - $149
“The Mercedes of VCA Compressors” - VINTAGE KING (No dongle required)
www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/vertigo_vsc-2.html

Mäag Audio MAGNUM-K - $39
Mäag Audio Magnum-KDual Compressor with AIR BAND (No dongle required)
www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/maag_magnum-k.html

elysia alpha compressor - $39,99
The ultimate mastering grade compressor (No dongle required)
www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/elysia_alpha_compressor.html

At Plugin Alliance, we know that time and efficiency are the two most precious commodities in the audio professional’s environment. We have incorporated this philosophy into our licensing system, allowing users to easily activate their plugins by simply signing into their account to conveniently authorize a machine or USB stick. Read more: www.plugin-alliance.com/en/installation-manager.html

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Last edited: Nov 13, 2021

These are my favourites:
FabFilter Pro-C 2. Clean and reliable, with lots of features. Even with the most "intelligent" algorithms there's still lots of things to tweak. Good on pretty much any material. Perfect for vocals, because of sidechain EQ. You'll have to saturate separately after it tho.
u-He Presswerk. Another very tweakable compressor, this time with character. Capable of separate mid-side processing. You can select a different mode with different interface if the amount of settings is overwhelming.
Klevgrand Korvpressor 2. This one has less options to tweak, if you're into that stuff, but still gives you a reasonable amount of control. The one algorithm it features is highly program-dependent and very versatile.
TDR Kotelnikov. Dual-stage release and frequency-dependent ratio. Also configurable saturation.
AudioDamage RoughRider 3. Fairly aggressive, but very steady. Also it's free.

 

https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_townhouse_buss_compressor.html

 

How about Tokyo Dawn Labs Kotelnikov, both editions [free and GE], Molotek and Molot when you want flavour, and Klanghelm DC8C and MJUC when you want flavour/colour. Klanghelm also has nice sounding free versions of both you can try before buy.

I use Kotelnikov free [for tracks] and GE [for mastering - before the limiter] extensively, and sometimes even free DC1A or MJUC jr. on tracks.

Cytomic the Glue also gets used extensively, especially on buses and for mastering, before the limiter.

I don't need anything else, although I do try different compressors from time to time e.g. PSP and Voxengo compressors are all great, Overloud, Black Rooster, and Fuse Labs. That's all. You don't need anything else IMHO, especially not Waves, Brainworx or Slate Digital.

Cheers!

 

Last edited: Nov 13, 2021

shadow hills mastering compressor - $299
https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/shadow_hills_mastering_compressor.html

purple audio mc77 - $39.99
https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/purple_audio_mc_77.html

 

I agree on everything but Brainworx. They make some of the best plugin emulations imo (that's of course besides UA). I own their 2098EQ, AMEK9099, Focusrite SC, SSL4000G, Purple MC77, Opticom XLA3 and now waiting for a sale for townhouse comp. Plugin Alliance are great!

 

Klanghelm DC8C https://klanghelm.com/contents/products/DC8C.html

 

When it comes to versatility I'd have a look at Voxengo Deft and Marquis.

 

the klanghelm MJUC sounds so good

https://klanghelm.com/contents/products/MJUC.html

 

Disadvantage cannot be tested beforehand.

Do you offer demo versions?
No. At least for now. Because it takes time to create demos and it takes time to maintain them. I want to focus on the actual product, spend my time on supporting that. Keep in mind, I offer my plugins at extremely affordable prices. One reason I can keep Klanghelm prices low is by refraining from putting my time into demo versions.
Source: https://klanghelm.com/contents/faq.html

 

You're aware that ilok/waves are the most understood and flexible options actually? Just wait until you discover the non-ilok plugins can be only activated on 2 computers maximum, and you can't use a USB flash drive to move the same license between multiple computers.

Your best bet would be indie developers with no copy protection, or at least plugins with no limit on the number of activations. Honestly, these days the freeware options have gotten so good there isn't as much point in getting premium plugins as 5-10 years ago. Have you checked out Analog Obsession plugins?

 

sister site can help with that

 

Fabfilter Pro-C for me, super versatile and have a lot of algorythms to choose when it comes to compression behaviour. The only thing I think could be better is the "auto gain" function that seems to always make sounds louder than it should.

 

https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-c-2-compressor-plug-in

 

most of them already mentioned above and all of them are good compressors.

I'm with @No Avenger Voxengo Deft! it packs a lot of punch! and you even get additional punch control for more punch. So punchy it is almost a crime.

another one is this : https://thehouseofkush.com/products/deflector

hard to get good sound with it, but it feels wild like a Distressor when you push it hard, so just parallel dat bic

 

Reaper JS General Dynamics - it's free btw

 

Yes, General Dynamics is great, but hard to use.
I must confess that I myself never understood what the difference is between input attack/release and gain attack/release....


I've been recommended DMG Trackcomp many times here on the forum. And since I'm in the process of clearing out my plugin list and want to have as few plugins as possible in my folders for the future, I'm currently testing Trackcomp. Interim conclusion: Incredible! Good usability, a very good sound, and covers enough emulations to work as a goto comp.

 

Last edited: Nov 14, 2021

... and is a real CPU hog. MJUC needs ~10x as much as Deft.