As for my last post concerning the most transparent Eqs for mastering,
I would like to compare several plugin compressors to find the cleanest that would suit me for mastering.
I'm looking for a plugin compressor that generates little distortion and artifact.
The compressor that delivers the most "transparent" compression.
Which one do you recommend?

I do not use UAD and Acustica.

Thank you

 

Klanghelm DC8C or TDR Feedback Compressor both highly versatile, excellent value and won't break the bank.

 

In this order, regarding transparency: Voxengo Polysquasher [+great oversampling], TDR Kotelnikov, and Klanghelm DC8C [+OS] which can get very characterful or transparent - it's up to you because it's very versatile. TDR Limiter 6 has a rather transparent compressor in its chain, too.

 

Hi!
I think you start from the wrong assumption ... if you want a transparent comp, you don't want a little distortion, but you want zero distortion. Any good digital comp is ok, like FabFilter Pro C2, Waves R Comp, stock comp!
But in mastering, you should look for more that compressor that returns you a tone suitable for the song you are working on!
Each song is different, personally I have never put a Pro C2 or R comp on the master, there are comp anyway clean but with characteristics much more suitable for working on the bus, for example API 2500 with its various options can work in the 90% of the songs, with the advantage that brings out something 'more' on low frequencies, especially when you open the sidechain ... but especially if you have a room and monitors that make you feel these things;););)

 

before I go to any compressor I first try the gain control because it's the most transparent way to tweak the levels.

 

Here some snapshots from my archive.

PD HarmonicAnalysis.

All set to threshold -18dB, ratio 4:1, attack 20ms, release 200ms.

In alphabetical order.

Spoiler: Acon Digital Dynamics

Spoiler: Boz ManicCompressor (Digital)

Spoiler: DMG Audio TrackComp (DMG)

Spoiler: FF Pro-C2 (Clean)

Spoiler: Sonoris Mastering Compressor

Spoiler: ToneBooters TB compressor v3 (Modern Punch)

Spoiler: Voxengo Deft (Punch 100)

 

Thank you for your answer
I understand what you mean and you're right, I should have specified "little or NO distortion" but I already have what I need as a character compressor in my mastering toolbox.
It is for this reason that I clearly specified "Transparent"

 

Last edited: Jun 21, 2020

SPL IRON,Vertigo VSC-2,bx_masterdesk?

 

If it's not bypassed, it's not transparent.

 

Again, I'm on time, look no further

 

@itisntreal and @dtmd , Thank you for your answer

I agree, the compressors and limiters work a little bit in the same way, but I'm not trying to overwrite my sounds and apply extreme compression which will kill my dynamics.
I use also limiter in my mastering chain, but with compression, I get something more subtle.
in this case and this reason, I am looking for a transparent compressor.

 

One of my favourites but it produces even more harmonics than FF's Pro-C2 - at a lower ratio. Especially if you switch on the Soft Clip, like in your pic.

 

@NoAvenger,
I did not know Voxengo Deft and Boz Digital.
I will take a closer look.
Regarding the Pro C2, I believe that the "Mastering" Style is even more transparent than the "Clean" mode.
Thanks for your help

 

Has anyone had a chance to try the "Tone Projects Unisum" or the Softube "Weiss Compressor" ?

 

Oops, sorry, yes, that's correct, no harmonics down to the noise floor.

 

The most transparent VST compressor I have tried is the uber expensive Algorithmix LP Split Comp. However, as good as it is I would not even consider paying $1500 for a VST plugin. If I am looking to level out audio as natural as possible, most of the time I will stick to DAW automation. Then, if necessary, I will add a comp. Regardless of what developers, and users may claim I always hear "something" when using digital ccompressors. A perfect example is the Weiss DS1 Mk3, my favorite to digital comp. It does add "something" to the sound. For this reason, I find myself taking an artistic approach rather than a corrective approach when it comes to the use of compressors.

 

I'm not a mastering engineer by any stretch of the imagination, but if I need some slight levelling dynamics for a quick clip/preview, whatever, I usually use the one in Ozone which is transparent enough for me in small doses.

 

@The Pirate
I find very interesting what you say and I agree with you.
During the mastering process, I have to find the right balance between technical listening and more artistic listening.

I did not know the Algorithmix compressor, and even if it is the best compressor in the world, 1490 € is not possible for me

However, I was lucky enough to use the Weiss compressor in Hardware, and it is just Magic.
I will try the plugin and if it is so close to the hardware, maybe for black friday !

Thank you