KVR Audio

VELLTONE MUSIC · Post by **VELLTONE MUSIC** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 3:13 pm

I adore the color,saturation and character,which comes from compressors i simply call 'Dirty Compressors'.
To name few of my favorite i use every day - LA2A Grey,VSC2 Vertigo,u17,SSL 9000J console,so on.
Basically every dynamic processor with saturation,transformer or whatever inside ,that gives me that dirty feeling is something i am bit of addicted to.
If you are addict too,share please which are your favorite dirty compressors.
There is huge amount of quality free comps as well,which i haven't even check so free plugins are in game as well.
Cheers.

kidslow · Post by **kidslow** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 5:53 pm

The dirtiest compressor I have is the one in Plogue Chipcrusher. You can disable the DAC and Cabinet and just use the compressor.

whassup · Post by **whassup** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 6:20 pm

I like characterful compressors, too.

Klanghelm. His compressors are great and even the freeware ones he offers give a lot of mileage.
Airwindows Consolidated. Sorry, they look bad as they don't have any GUIs. Quite some gems in the overwhelmingly great portfolio.
If you're on Windows then it has to be Variety Of Sound. Nice GUIs, great sound, lotsa character.
These give you dozens of great compressors (mostly free or dirt cheap) to check out.
This is only the tip of the iceberg.

VELLTONE MUSIC · Post by **VELLTONE MUSIC** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 7:17 pm

yeah i downloaded like 20 free and never even tested,but will...some day

I am a simple peasant and i like to try what people say it's nice

Some i have r irreplaceable for my mix as character - la2a grey or la2a tube for pads,nothing can beat the character they add.
Imo compression and saturation r crucial for pro sound.

kidslow · Post by **kidslow** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 7:50 pm

Setup a template in your DAW and then run through a series of shootouts. I find it to be a very productive exercise. Once you have a template, any new compressor is easily plugged in. I use Melda MNotepad and MCompare to keep notes inside the DAW and to manage the comparison workflow. Basically I listen & fiddle knobs, and do A-B-C-D tests on a variety of material. Letimix CMT is also useful to visualize information.

It's nice to ditch all the ones that are gathering dust when you realize they are nothing special ... and inspiring with the ones that shine. Time for a holiday tournament.

legendCNCD · Post by **legendCNCD** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 7:57 pm

TDR MolotGE. A swiss pocket knife or such

multree · Post by **multree** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 8:05 pm

Vulf Compressor comes to mind and so does Faraday Limiter.
Also The Herd from Safari or the Level-Or (Owl and Sun Bear can be dirty as well).
The Green Kazrog one can be really dirty as well - one of the TrueDynamics ones as well.

hey212 · Post by **hey212** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 8:26 pm

Audiopunks Spectra 610

pekbro · Post by **pekbro** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 8:29 pm

After glancing quickly at my plugin library to take stock, I decided to stop at 20 and not list anything...

billinder33 · Post by **billinder33** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 1:44 am

TB Impress has 3 saturation modes with settings for odd and even harmonics, and the ability to determine how many stages (tubes) are in the compressor (up to 5). Plus a bunch of other adjustments for detector styles and sidechain response.

It basically allows you to create any type of compressor you want, including devices that sound all varieties of vintage, colored, dirty, modern, etc. No scratched up faceplates or rusty screws though.

funky lime · Post by **funky lime** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 1:57 am

When I want colorful compression, I mostly reach for Klanghelm MJUC or IK Comprexxor, though TDR Molot GE is a recent acquisition that I'm learning to enjoy. Also, VoS FerricTDS mkIII just moved onto my drum bus and refuses to leave.

VELLTONE MUSIC · Post by **VELLTONE MUSIC** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 9:44 am

i have over 150 plugins only within plugin boutique and probably not gonna remember i have some of them,if somebody do not mention it somewhere

Few color compressors could interact and help each other.
Not an expert with fx chains ,but i kind of love to use lite touch of two or three compressors in a chain with eg,saturator,transformer before,after or in between compressors to add extra character.
Not a big fan of squashing compression,maybe edm styles benefit from such.
All depends in the context - it is pointless to choose only one element - compressor or saturator or eq ...
Every piece in the chain can be useful,if add something other can't.
Sometimes console emuslations do perfect job and no need for anything else.
To my taste prefer for bass or even kick to use some touch of a clipper as fx,then to apply color comp,but that's my taste - harder bass section and soft mid/treble.
It's science to build right chain,but once it's done...it's really dope.
Cheers

El°HYM · Post by **El°HYM** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 10:07 am

If you having 300 plugins in your boutique account and are looking for a dirty compressor, me really hopes that this one is already among them.

https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/ ... Compressor

Rickskii · Post by **Rickskii** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 10:24 am

El°HYM wrote: Tue Dec 23, 2025 10:07 am If you having 300 plugins in your boutique account and are looking for a dirty compressor, me really hopes that this one is already among them.

https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/ ... Compressor

That is my choice too. Amazing comp. Just not silicone native which is a shame. I contacted the dev a few years ago and they had no plans to update at that time.

El°HYM · Post by **El°HYM** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 10:28 am

Yepp, unfortunately didnt get any updates for years now, which is a shame. Still a great comp though!

Dirty (Color) Compressors