20+ Best Compressor Plugins to Have & Use in 2024

Whether you’re mixing, mastering, or just tweaking individual tracks, the right compressor can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll explore the top compressor VSTs available in 2024, featuring industry favorites like the SSL bus compressor, UAD Distressor plugin, and FabFilter compressor.

Whether you need a versatile multiband compressor, a classic analog compressor, or powerful FET compressors, we’ve got you covered. Discover how tools like the Pro-MB FabFilter, Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor, and various bus compressors from SSL can improve your mixing and mastering projects.

From the renowned Softube plugins to essential bus compressor SSL models, find the perfect compression solution to achieve a polished, professional sound in your tracks.

Let’s start with…

SSL LMC+

The SSL LMC+ captures the essence of SSL’s classic Listen Mic Compressor, originally designed for talkback mic signals but quickly appreciated for its unique, aggressive sonic character. This modern adaptation offers the same crisp dynamic processing and is ideal for breathing life into drums or adding a piercing presence to vocals.

• Best Usage: Drum bus track for energetic, punchy sound.
• Recommended Settings: Apply a slight overdrive to enhance the beat’s presence in the mix.
• Main Features: Crisp dynamic processing, ideal for drums and vocals.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: SSL LMC+ Compressor

SSL Native X-ValveComp

The SSL Native X-ValveComp is a tube-driven compressor that brings the warmth and depth of analog hardware to your digital production environment. This plugin is great for subtle dynamic processing and tonal coloration, whether on individual tracks or the entire mix.

• Best Usage: Bass tracks to add weight and warmth without overwhelming the mix.
• Recommended Settings: Moderate threshold and ratio to preserve bass clarity.
• Main Features: Tube-driven warmth, subtle dynamic processing.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: SSL Native X-ValveComp

Weiss Compressor/Limiter

Based on the legendary Weiss DS1-MK3, the Weiss Compressor/Limiter plugin offers mastering-grade precision and transparency. It’s perfect for delicate dynamic adjustments in the mastering process without compromising the character of the original.

• Best Usage: Mastering to gently control dynamics while maintaining the mix clarity.
• Recommended Settings: Gentle compression settings to preserve mix detail.
• Main Features: Precision and transparency, ideal for mastering.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Weiss Compressor/Limiter

FabFilter Pro-C2

The FabFilter Pro-C2 is a studio favorite for many producers and engineers for its intuitive operation, oversampling, and many other useful features. Its clear, graphical user interface makes setting parameters a breeze and offers real-time visual feedback.

• Best Usage: Sidechain compression for bass tracks to make room for kick drums.
• Recommended Settings: Experiment with the sidechain function to slightly compress the bass when the kick drum plays.
• Main Features: Intuitive GUI, real-time visual feedback, and sidechain capabilities.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Fabfilter Pro-C2

UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection

The UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection brings an accurate recreation of the iconic 1176LN limiter directly to your DAW. Known for its fast attack, musical compression, and ability to add character to almost any signal, this compressor is a must-have for engineers seeking the classic sound.

• Best Usage: Snare drums for more punch and presence.
• Recommended Settings: Fast attack and release for additional clarity and crispness.
• Main Features: Fast attack, musical compression, character enhancement.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection

UAD Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection

The Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection offers a faithful recreation of the legendary LA-2A compressor, known for its smooth, musical compression. This plugin is ideal for vocals and instruments where natural and unnoticeable compression is desired.

• Best Usage: Vocals to achieve consistent volume without sacrificing dynamics.
• Recommended Settings: Gentle compression to make vocals stand out.
• Main Features: Smooth, musical compression.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: UAD Teletronix LA-2A

Native Instruments Vintage Compressors

Native Instruments Vintage Compressors is a collection that recreates three legendary compressors: the DBX 160, the Teletronix LA-2A, and the UREI 1176. Each plugin brings the distinctive character and specific characteristics of the original hardware to your productions, ideal for adding warmth, character, and the right amount of compression.

• Best Usage: Drum bus compression with the VC 76 for punch and presence.
• Recommended Settings: FET-based compression for an energetic sound.
• Main Features: Warmth, character, versatility.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Waves CLA Classic Compressors

The Waves CLA Classic Compressors Bundle contains four compressors hand-picked by Chris Lord-Alge, known for their distinctive sound shaping. This collection is perfect for adding color and character to your mix, with options ranging from subtle to heavily sculpted sounds.

• Best Usage: Bass tracks with the CLA-2A for weight and smoothness.
• Recommended Settings: Gentle compression for clarity and presence.
• Main Features: Color, character, variety.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Buy at Waves: CLA Classic Compressors Bundle

UAD API 2500 Bus Compressor

The API 2500 Bus Compressor by Universal Audio is a staple in many studios for its ability to shape the punch and tone of your mix. It’s versatile enough to handle both individual tracks and entire mixes with ease.

• Best Usage: Mix bus for punchy and cohesive sound.
• Recommended Settings: Moderate threshold and ratio for mixed glue.
• Main Features: Punch, tone shaping.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: API 2500 Bus Compressor

The Tube-Tech CL 1B Mk II by Softube is revered for its smooth, musical compression. It’s perfect for vocals, bass, and other instruments where warmth and natural dynamics are essential.

• Best Usage: Vocals for smooth and musical compression.
• Recommended Settings: Slow attack and release for natural dynamics.
• Main Features: Smooth compression, warmth.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Tube-Tech CL 1B Mk II

FabFilter Pro-MB

The FabFilter Pro-MB is a versatile multiband compressor that allows for detailed control over different frequency ranges. Its intuitive interface and powerful features make it a go-to for mastering and complex dynamic processing.

• Best Usage: Mastering for precise multiband compression.
• Recommended Settings: Customize each band for balanced dynamics.
• Main Features: Multiband compression, intuitive interface.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Fabfilter Pro-MB

U-he Presswerk Compressor

Presswerk by U-he is a versatile compressor plugin that offers a wide range of compression types and characteristics. It combines the warmth of analog hardware with the flexibility of digital processing, making it suitable for both subtle and aggressive compression.

• Best Usage: Various tracks needing different compression characteristics.
• Recommended Settings: Experiment with settings for desired warmth and character.
• Main Features: Versatility, warmth, digital flexibility.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: U-he Presswerk

Pulsar 1178 by Pulsar Audio

The Pulsar 1178 by Pulsar Audio is a recreation of the classic 1178 compressor, known for its fast attack and aggressive compression. It’s ideal for adding energy and character to drums and other percussive elements.

• Best Usage: Drums for fast and aggressive compression.
• Recommended Settings: Fast attack and high ratio for punch.
• Main Features: Fast attack, aggressive compression.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Buy Pulsar 1178

Royal Compressor

The Royal Compressor by United Plugins is inspired by vintage British hardware, delivering a warm, rich sound ideal for vocals, bass, and drums. Its intuitive interface and smooth operation make it a favorite for adding analog warmth and character.

• Best Usage: Vocals for vintage warmth and richness.
• Recommended Settings: Moderate compression with a slow attack for natural sound.
• Main Features: Vintage British sound, intuitive interface.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Royal Compressor

UAD Empirical Labs® EL8 Distressor

The Empirical Labs® EL8 Distressor by Universal Audio is known for its versatility and ability to add character to any track. It offers a range of compression styles, from subtle to aggressive, making it suitable for drums, vocals, and more.

• Best Usage: Drums for punchy and aggressive sound.
• Recommended Settings: High ratio and fast attack for impactful compression.
• Main Features: Versatility with a wide range of compression styles.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Distressor

Fuse Compressor

The Fuse Compressor by Minimal Audio offers precise control over your dynamics with a clean and modern interface. It’s perfect for adding clarity and punch to your tracks without coloring the sound.

• Best Usage: Electronic music for precise dynamic control.
• Recommended Settings: Light to moderate compression for clarity and punch.
• Main Features: Precision, modern interface.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Fuse Compressor

Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A by Brainworx is a high-end compressor known for its dual-stage compression and rich, detailed sound. It’s perfect for mastering, adding depth and character to the final mix.

• Best Usage: Mastering for dual-stage compression and depth.
• Recommended Settings: Gentle compression with both optical and discrete stages.
• Main Features: Dual-stage compression, rich sound.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Class A

sonible smart:comp 2

The smart:comp2 by sonible uses AI to provide intelligent compression settings, adapting to the material you’re working with. It’s great for users who want quick, effective compression without extensive tweaking.

• Best Usage: General mixing for intelligent and adaptive compression.
• Recommended Settings: Use AI suggestions as a starting point.
• Main Features: AI-powered compression, adaptive settings.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: smart:comp2

Baby Audio Parallel Aggressor

The Parallel Aggressor by Baby Audio is designed to simplify parallel compression, offering an easy-to-use interface that splits the signal into three layers for blending dry, compressed, and extra-saturated signals.

• Best Usage: Adding punch and presence to drums and vocals.
• Recommended Settings: Blend layers to taste for desired effect.
• Main Features: Parallel compression, saturation blending.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Parallel Aggressor

Devious Machines Multiband X6

The Multiband X6 by Devious Machines offers six bands of dynamic processing, allowing for detailed control over different frequency ranges. It’s perfect for both mixing and mastering applications.

• Best Usage: Detailed dynamic control in mixing and mastering.
• Recommended Settings: Customize each band for precise control.
• Main Features: Six-band dynamic processing.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Multiband X6

Softube OPTO Compressor

The OPTO Compressor by Softube emulates the smooth, musical compression of classic optical compressors. It’s ideal for adding warmth and character to vocals, bass, and other instruments.

• Best Usage: Vocals and bass for smooth, musical compression.
• Recommended Settings: Moderate compression for warmth and character.
• Main Features: Optical compression, smooth and musical.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: Softube OPTO Compressor

Softube FET Compressor MK II

The FET Compressor MK II by Softube is a powerful tool for adding punch and aggression to your tracks. It emulates the classic 1176-style compression, making it great for drums, guitars, and more.

• Best Usage: Drums and guitars for punch and aggression.
• Recommended Settings: Fast attack and release for impactful compression.
• Main Features: Punchy and aggressive compression.
• Formats & Compatibility: VST2/VST3, AU, AAX, compatible with most DAWs.

Available at Plugin Boutique: FET Compressor MK II

Tips for Choosing a Compressor Plugin

1. Determine the Purpose: Consider what you’ll use the compressor for (e.g., vocals, drums, mastering). Each plugin has its strengths in different areas.
2. Test Before You Buy: Many manufacturers offer free demo versions. Install a trial version to get a feel for its functionality and features.
3. Evaluate the User Interface: An intuitive interface can significantly improve your workflow. Choose plugins that are easy to use and don’t overload your computer.
4. Compare with Your DAW’s Tools: Sometimes, your DAW’s stock plugins may suffice. Ensure you understand how a compressor works before purchasing additional plugins.
5. Look for Professional Features: Some plugins offer advanced features like multiband compression or unique sound characteristics essential for professional mixing and mastering. Invest in plugins that you can use long-term and integrate into your workflow.

In Conclusion

These compressor plugins represent some of the best tools available for processing dynamics in music production and mixing in 2024. Whether you need subtle dynamic control, creative sound shaping, or mastering precision, these plugins offer the right features to meet your needs.

By familiarizing yourself with their capabilities and experimenting with different settings, you can achieve professional-quality results in your audio projects.

Also, check out my list of the Best Free Compressor VST Plugins