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Deft Compressor

Dynamics (Compressor / Limiter) by Voxengo
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Deft Compressor
What is it?
Format(s)
Effect(s)    
Operating System Availability
Operating System Latest Version
 1.13 
 1.13 
License & Installation Method
Voucher / Code for redemption on other website
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Deft Compressor

Deft Compressor is an audio signal compressor plug-in.

The characteristic feature of this compressor is its ability to produce "slim" and "slick" sounding compression, with intelligibility enhancement effect. Such result is achieved by the compressor's timing function that closely resembles the S-curve on both attack and release stages. The S-curve timing function also helps the compressor to sound "warm" and "clean" at most settings.

While at high attack settings Deft Compressor can be used to emphasize audio transients, it can also be used to "smash" the audio signal if you use attack settings as low as 0.1 millisecond.

Deft Compressor also features a so-called "vintage" compression mode which produces compression sound reminiscent of analog valve compressors: it produces a warm, gently saturated sound with the ability to overdrive the output signal.

Deft Compressor is perfectly usable for compressing vocals, drums, guitars and other instruments, both technically and creatively. Beside that, it can be used to compress mix groups and full mixes.

Features:

  • S-curve timing function.
  • "Vintage" compression mode.
  • Multi-channel processing.
  • Internal channel routing.
  • Channel grouping.
  • Up to 8x oversampling.
  • 64-bit floating point processing.
  • Preset manager.
  • Undo/redo history.
  • A/B comparisons.
  • Contextual hint messages.
  • Zero processing latency.
User Reviews Average user rating of 5.00 from 1 review Add A Review
Deft Compressor

Reviewed By vanielik [all]
April 2nd, 2020
Version reviewed: 1.6 on Windows

Because of the March special offers...I did some comparison tests of Plugin Compressors.

I compared several 1176 and LA2 style compressors with acoustic guitar and vocals.
I downloaded demos from Waves, DMG Audio, Klanghelm, IK Multimedia, mcdsp etc..
And ofc I also used my usual "go to" compressors: Fabfilter Pro C2 and Voxengo Marquis.

For some reason I pulled out my "old" Voxengo Deft Compressor that I had not used for a while.
It turned out that its a real winner.

For the Guitar I liked Punch settings around 80%
It gives a very warm/ smooth compression that can add a hint of crunch at fast attack release settings.
that sounded more vintage to me than most of the "vintage looking" emulation comps that I tested.

Here is a setting that I used on a light strum acoustic guitar:
Threshold -20 (around - 6dB reduction at peaks)
Ratio 2:1
Attack 2ms (for a smooth sound) and around 4-5 ms if you want a lil more pick attack coming through
Release 50ms gives a nice fast response, that can add some crunch on higher ratio settings
Punch 80
Feedback on

That was a perfect setting for my acoustic strumming.
It balances some levels and adds a very smooth/ natural comression.
If I wanted a little more 1176 feel... I raised the Ratio until it started to add a tiny bit of "crunch". 4:1 worked well for me.

If you want a more sparkling/ treble crunchy compressor sound - just put Punch to values around 50%

IMHO the Deft Compressor is very underrated among the vintage style compressors.
Prolly because its GUI doesnt look like some old tube compressor.
Its an extremely versatile, never bad sounding compressor.
Its my new number one on acoustic guitar.
Also worked very well on a violin and on vocals - with 100% Punch (S curve) settings.

Not to mention the very good/precise Voxengo meters for in/out, key in, key filters, sidechain, flexible routings (including M/S).
It's beast - and I love it :)

Dont be fooled by its look! Trust your ears!

Read Review

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