Your go-to compressor in 2023?

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I am shamelessly cross posting to this thread because this thread may just be even more relevant than my original thread I posted in:

If one could only have a single compressor, and it was to be used for everything (vocals, guitar, synths,drums, orchestra, etc), and for every purpose limiter, bus compressor, side chaining, etc., and you could only choose between Retro Sta-level and U-he Presswerk, which would you choose, and why or why not? What are the pros or cons of each, and which, in the end, has the better quality sound? I’m trying to choose between these two for my Linux setup, where there are less options and choices, and compression is a weak area in my knowledge and understanding. I mean, I understand the basics, but I don’t know what is best for vocals, vs best for drums, etc. Thank you for your valuable knowledge in advance! :)

BTW, the reason I ask for a “single” compressor for “everything”, is that I don’t feel comfortable with compressors and their differences to know what type of compressor is better for each particular use case. One that works well for everything solves that problem, as well as solving the problem of there being lack of choices in Linux. :)
Vendor‑Dependent Copy Protection: Customers lose. Pirates win.:mad:
(Also: I'm Accused of lying about Linux—it boots, runs my pro audio workflow, stays stable, updates--though yearly dismissed as “niche”. Yet I'm the deluded one.)
:roll:

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As an added question, can they both be used as without coloring the audio if desired?
Vendor‑Dependent Copy Protection: Customers lose. Pirates win.:mad:
(Also: I'm Accused of lying about Linux—it boots, runs my pro audio workflow, stays stable, updates--though yearly dismissed as “niche”. Yet I'm the deluded one.)
:roll:

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swilow11 wrote: Sat May 10, 2025 9:37 pm
El°HYM wrote: Fri May 09, 2025 7:31 pm FIRCOMP2 in 2025. :?

https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2025/0 ... e-for-free
This is the way. Still not fully sure what everything does but it compresses and sounds good. Also using Toneboosters Compressor and MBC.
Certainly one of the cleanest and most versatile out there. Hoping it will work for a good time further.
You can be creative in any right place on Earth, and not only in the wealthiest cities. Bring the world feelings from everywhere, and not only feelings of capitalistic or jail environment.
― Aleksey Vaneev


https://linuxdaw.org

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audiojunkie wrote: Sun May 11, 2025 12:40 am I am shamelessly cross posting to this thread because this thread may just be even more relevant than my original thread I posted in:

If one could only have a single compressor, and it was to be used for everything (vocals, guitar, synths,drums, orchestra, etc), and for every purpose limiter, bus compressor, side chaining, etc., and you could only choose between Retro Sta-level and U-he Presswerk, which would you choose, and why or why not? What are the pros or cons of each, and which, in the end, has the better quality sound? I’m trying to choose between these two for my Linux setup, where there are less options and choices, and compression is a weak area in my knowledge and understanding. I mean, I understand the basics, but I don’t know what is best for vocals, vs best for drums, etc. Thank you for your valuable knowledge in advance! :)

BTW, the reason I ask for a “single” compressor for “everything”, is that I don’t feel comfortable with compressors and their differences to know what type of compressor is better for each particular use case. One that works well for everything solves that problem, as well as solving the problem of there being lack of choices in Linux. :)
Both of the compressors you mention will colour sound to some extent. Whether you notice this is a different matter entirely. I just take peoples word for it when they mention the sound of a compressor because they all generally sound the same to me or what they add is so minimal as to be irrelevant.

Honestly, I would suggest getting something like Toneboosters Compressor 4- nice visual feedback and can colour sound but is generally just neutral. Very affordable and well optimised.

Alternatively, we were mentioning Fircomp2 earlier. You can download a free Linux version https://jonvaudio.com/fircomp2/ Check it out.

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Actually all versions of FirComp2 are 'free' or PWYW now.
https://jonvaudio.gumroad.com/l/fircomp2
You can be creative in any right place on Earth, and not only in the wealthiest cities. Bring the world feelings from everywhere, and not only feelings of capitalistic or jail environment.
― Aleksey Vaneev


https://linuxdaw.org

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El°HYM wrote: Sun May 11, 2025 8:09 am Actually all versions of FirComp2 are 'free' or PWYW now.
https://jonvaudio.gumroad.com/l/fircomp2
abandoned?
Image

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Ploki wrote: Sun May 11, 2025 5:18 pm
El°HYM wrote: Sun May 11, 2025 8:09 am Actually all versions of FirComp2 are 'free' or PWYW now.
https://jonvaudio.gumroad.com/l/fircomp2
abandoned?
Seems like it, as the last update was in 2022 or something. He actually worked on Triaz in the meantime and also working on a new Limiter.
You can be creative in any right place on Earth, and not only in the wealthiest cities. Bring the world feelings from everywhere, and not only feelings of capitalistic or jail environment.
― Aleksey Vaneev


https://linuxdaw.org

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El°HYM wrote: Sun May 11, 2025 8:09 am Actually all versions of FirComp2 are 'free' or PWYW now.
https://jonvaudio.gumroad.com/l/fircomp2
Oh, right. Missed that. I think I paid $20 a year or so ago.

I guess if it's been abandoned, I'll move on to something else.

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db Smooth from Raising Jake Studios is somewhat similar to fircomp2 if anyone is seeking a supported commercial alternative. Great comp, I've had it since release...

https://www.raisingjakestudios.com/dyna ... ssors.html

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For Instruments and Vocals:

UADx (Native) 1176 and LA-2A.
Classics, absolute Magic, work on almost everything and simply great emulations.

For Synths and EDM processing:
OTT
The Medium is The Massage - Marshall McLuhan, 1967

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Kicks:
Sonic Academy SA76
IK-Multimedia Comprexxor
UAD Distressor

Bass:
Lindell Audio 254E
Voosteq EQ (compressor part)

Bus:
Arturia Diode 609
UAD SSL Bus Compressor


There is no one-for-all compressor.

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P11 Abyss is definitely my all in one compressor :)

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Kotelnikov
FL Studio 25 | AudioThing JULY - Deimos - U-he Filterscape - NI Kontour - Softube Model 80 - LUSH-2 - UAD Opal - WaveOSC

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99% of compression duties can be done with the DAW's built in compressor. ReaComp is great. Ableton's Compressor and Glue Compressor are great. When my music sounds bad, it's never a compressor's fault.

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Dont think the Ableton stock compressor is that great to be honest. The Glue is pretty fine and a good working horse to have. New Limiter is actually quite good too.

Need to check P11, as people seem to talk about it a lot recently.
You can be creative in any right place on Earth, and not only in the wealthiest cities. Bring the world feelings from everywhere, and not only feelings of capitalistic or jail environment.
― Aleksey Vaneev


https://linuxdaw.org

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