are there really no good free vst compressors?

[jens]

Compressors apply gain reduction, what else do you expect?

No, they apply dynamic reduction - for gain reduction you have your channel faders (etc.).

But if a fader is JUST gain reduction, that must mean it can never be moved? Because surely it is not DYNAMIC. To assume the gain fader can replace the compressor for the same mixing process is absurd. Now that I think really hard, all gains are the same

you lost me there...

[Compyfox]

Wouldn't the correct meaning be:
"Dynamic reduction of incoming signal according to threshold and ratio"?


In very basic form, a compressor is a voltage controlled amplifier. It automatically (or dynamically) changes the incoming signal by a certain defined ammount (ratio) at a certain reached level (threshold) with specific set reaction times (attack/release) - it attenuates most of the time. The readout on the meter would then show "gain reduction", which is basically how much volume was reduced (dynamic/automatic), and what "gain" (boost) could be applied to get back to unity gain.

Gain would in this case equal Amplification



A "volume fader" (passive build) is a attenuator
A "gain knob" is either a "boost" or "trim" (attenuator) knob.

But they are non-dynamic or controlled automatically thanks to any circuit.



So... what is a compressor?

In my opinon, a device that automaticaly handles too hot incoming signal at a much more mathematical, faster and presice way than we could do with attenuator poties by hand (read: the fader).

[Tricky-Loops]

A compressor is a DYNAMIC processor, e. g. it makes gain-riding automatically. So an EQ would be a STATIC processor (except it's a Dynamic EQ).

[jens]

A "volume fader" (passive build) is a attenuator

Why do you mention this? Do you have any example of such "A "volume fader" (passive build)" as you are referring to?

I am asking because the way you are semi-correcting me makes it appear as if a standard "channel-fader" (as I called it) was a mere "attenuator" - so what example of a channel-fader that does not allow to boost the signal it controls can you give?

[Compyfox]

I go by basic analog circuity:
A variable resistor is mostly used as attenuator - at least in plain basic (non powered) design.

Modern console of course use an active circuit design where the "fader" is not just attenuating, but also boosting.


An example for such a "volume fader" would be old mixing consoles by ANTEC/Siemens. Especially one particular add-on for the REDD console (a fader board). This one was a pure passive/non powered design, had 4 coal resistors and were only "attenuating" the signal. Signal Boost was done on the input side of things.


Just one example that I can remember off the back of my head.

[IIRs]

Rough rider lives up to it's name. TOO rough. Have never been able to find a use for it.. Anyone else?

Tried on different percussion, always replaced with smth else. It has some strange character, probably good for certain material but i also have yet to find good use for it.

Xfer OTT does kinda similar thing but, imo, the results are more pleasing. If the OP doesn't hear what compressors do, he should definitely try OTT (also free)

Rough Rider is my "fix that badly tuned flappy kick drum" compressor. Not found any other use for it, except sometimes "fix that badly tuned flappy floor tom", which is really just the same use.

Its amazing how well it does that though: not managed to recreate the effect with any other comp so far. Default settings work well, except for make-up gain which is way too high: suddenly that weak slapping sound will start to punch you in the chest like its supposed to.

Don't use it on a good kick drum sound however: it will ruin it completely.

[skipscada]

Wouldn't the correct meaning be:
"Dynamic reduction of incoming signal according to threshold and ratio"?

Or, quoting Mike Senior's "Mixing Secrets": "[...] the only thing that really differentiates a fader from a compressor is that the latter can perform balance changes automatically."

[Jafo]

A few suggestions that are often overlooked.

The TbT plugs are fantastic, especially TLS 2095-LA and 3127-LEA. Their EULA is murky, but they're ok to use noncommercially. Especially great for squashing the fsck out of things while still retaining texture.

The Audiocation AC1 compressor might be worth a try. It's modeled on an 1176 and seems to do its job well (I like how it gives vocals a certain presence and bite, very British), but it never seems to get mentioned. (Can somebody please review it? If nothing else, I want validation for loving it )

Blockfish still gets heavy use after all these years.

[Jafo]

Or, quoting Mike Senior's "Mixing Secrets": "[...] the only thing that really differentiates a fader from a compressor is that the latter can perform balance changes automatically."

True for dynamics, but compressors color the sound, which is a rather significant difference. A lot of people use compressors just for their color.

[theodore_whitmore]

A few suggestions that are often overlooked.

The TbT plugs are fantastic, especially TLS 2095-LA and 3127-LEA. Their EULA is murky, but they're ok to use noncommercially. Especially great for squashing the fsck out of things while still retaining texture.

The Audiocation AC1 compressor might be worth a try. It's modeled on an 1176 and seems to do its job well (I like how it gives vocals a certain presence and bite, very British), but it never seems to get mentioned. (Can somebody please review it? If nothing else, I want validation for loving it )

Blockfish still gets heavy use after all these years.

Jafo, we need to talk about your ears.











You actually like that Audiocation compressor?











I worry for anyone who shares my tastes

It's a great compressor aint it? More versatile than The Rocket IMO. Clean and precise enough to be a really good track compressor if you don't push it hard. Bites really nicely when you do. Stays enough on the clean side even then that you can add another thin layer of the distortion du jour without totally destroying yr sound. The Antress 1176 copies are decent enough too. One trick grot boxes in comparison but it is a good trick.

Actually all the Antress freebie comps are worth checking out. When I downloaded them 5 years ago or whatever I guess I listened to those people who said they were cheapsh:t ripoff junk. More fool me. They've got a family sound to them, namely distortion, and they eschew subtlety but sometimes you just need a heavy hammer. I have no idea if the Deathcore bears any resemblance to a real Distressor but it does the rough stuff that in my head I would be paying the cash for.

+1 the 2095 LA. It's got a bit of a Fairchild character I guess. It can compress really firmly without getting edgy or aggressive and still leave some life in the transients. VOS Density or Molot can reach that sound in theory (and they can both do other things excellently) but in practice the 2095 kicks ass for keeping a drum buss in line.

[Andywanders]

There are quite a few here that haven't been mentioned...

http://freemusicsoftware.org/category/f ... compressor

[crimsonwarlock]

Endorphin is still my 'poor mans' replacement for VintageWarmer.

[Tricky-Loops]

Has anyone mentioned the free MCompressor by Meldaproduction? Is it good?? I've never used it because I mostly use ReaComp and the RedPhatt, but would MCompressor be worth to use?

[Compyfox]

If MCompressor would offer a variable feedback/feedforward mode, then I'd use it more. Else, it's a rock solid freebie.

[Tricky-Loops]

If MCompressor would offer a variable feedback/feedforward mode, then I'd use it more. Else, it's a rock solid freebie.

Do you mean for parallel compression? I've looked at MCompressor, and I wonder why there is no "Wet" control (like in ReaComp that can be used for parallel compression).

But OTOH the MCompressor has an adjustable shape and can be used for all kind of dynamic effects...