KVR Audio

JumpingJackFlash · Post by **JumpingJackFlash** » Sat May 06, 2006 8:17 pm

Generally, what do you consider to be the overall 'best' software compressor for mastering?

Based on such factors as sound, coloration, ease of use, number of useful pre-sets (as well as possibly factors like copy protection and price).
Let's say for sample-based acoustic music.

I think this will be really useful for newbies, so I want as many people as possible to vote!

Compressors marked with * are VST only. All others are available in any format (RTAS/VST/DX/AU), except Neodynium which has no DX version.
Prices are approximate only and may vary significantly between distributors.

If you prefer a compressor I haven't listed, then please list it!
Thanks.

Kingston · Post by **Kingston** » Sat May 06, 2006 8:23 pm

I haven't found one yet, having used all of the ones on the list extensively.

opia · Post by **opia** » Sat May 06, 2006 8:23 pm

blaster78 · Post by **blaster78** » Sat May 06, 2006 8:25 pm

the purple compressor is the only compressor used by real pros

sounddesigner · Post by **sounddesigner** » Sat May 06, 2006 8:27 pm

The best is whatever sounds good on the project at hand, but prior to this there is personal favorites of mines, and at the top is voxengo marquis and soniformer. then i like after that wavearts multidynamics 5 and uad fairchild.

griels · Post by **griels** » Sat May 06, 2006 8:27 pm

purple roxxors

coloured cows · Post by **coloured cows** » Sat May 06, 2006 8:31 pm

gotta be purple

sinkmusic · Post by **sinkmusic** » Sat May 06, 2006 8:33 pm

Finalmix suits my needs perfectly.
It is very good with high frequencies.

Henry Dink · Post by **Henry Dink** » Sat May 06, 2006 8:36 pm

Ah, a fascinating question, and one worthy of an indepth discussion. However, my time being short, I shall use this opportunity to discuss a plugin with a special place in my heart. The Purple Compressor made by the Buick company is by far my favourite mastering limiter. It was something of a surprise when they took their fine craftmanship beyond the realm of automotive engineering into the entirely new arena of Virtual Studio Technology plugins using the esteemed Synthesizer Editing application, and Buick does not disappoint. It also doubles as a pickup truck on weekends which is most agreeable.

Thankyou for listening and goodbye.

Glooper · Post by **Glooper** » Sat May 06, 2006 8:37 pm

I vote purple

Ocean Zen · Post by **Ocean Zen** » Sat May 06, 2006 9:03 pm

You know if you read about mastering they say, if it's a good mix itt may not be necesary to compressthe master EQ & Limiting are obvious but don't use compression as a rule - only if the mix needs it.

Check out Tritone's Colortone for some coloured compression and other analogue goodies.

coldmachine · Post by **coldmachine** » Sat May 06, 2006 9:10 pm

Sony Oxford by a long shot

Barf · Post by **Barf** » Sat May 06, 2006 9:30 pm

Are you guys serious about Purple or is it a Babya-style compressor?

Kingston · Post by **Kingston** » Sat May 06, 2006 9:31 pm

Take a wild guess.

Barf · Post by **Barf** » Sat May 06, 2006 9:37 pm

Kingston wrote:Take a wild guess.

Let me think...this things looks too awfull to be true yet it costs 399 British pounds

Hmmm...

KVR Audio

overall 'best' mastering compressor?

Generally, what do you consider to be the overall 'best' mastering compressor?