The 3 Best Compressor Plug Ins For You
Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor
There are several reasons why engineers choose to use a stereo compressor on their bus channels . When mixing with a compressor , engineers often look for more “ glue ” or coloring for their mixes .
One of the most legendary examples is the compressor in the master section of the SSL 4000 G console . Thanks to SSL and Waves , this emulation can bring you the tone of these boards for the vintage coloring and “ glue ” effect of this legendary console .
To improve its accuracy over the original , Waves added an analog hum modeled from the SSL 4000 G for even greater colorization capability .
This plugin is typically used for bus channel compression , but it also shines when your goal is to tighten up a drum or piano .
That ’ s why Waves SSL G-Master is on our list of the best compressor plugins . If you need a way to add color to your mixes , check out the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor .
FabFilter Pro C2
For those looking for a great do-anything compressor , the FabFilter Pro C2 has exactly what you need ( and more ).
This compressor manages to connect eight compression character styles , forward gain reduction , 4x oversampling , mid / side control , and one of the most incredible plug-ins of interface designs each channel independently or in conjunction as a stereo pair with Stereo Link control .
The compressor ’ s eight modes allow the Pro C2 to add some color to your mixes . Version 2 adds five new modes to give you access to custom responses tailored to what you ’ re working on : Vocal , Mastering , Bus , Punch , and Pumping .
Skilled engineers will appreciate the new measuring meter . These meters have increased in size and accuracy , and FabFilter has adjusted the Pro C2 to conform to the EBU R128 loudness standard . Combine that with 4x oversampling and GPU acceleration and you have one correct plugin .
All this functionality and versatility make this compressor an excellent choice for any engineer looking for many features in one package .
That ’ s why Fab Filter Pro C2 is on our list of the best compressor add-ons . Check out FabFilter Pro C2 for access to a great set of tools in a beautiful plugin .
Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A
AKARSH SHEKHAR
Among all the hardware compressors there are a few that stand out as studio legends . One of these legends is the Teletronix LA-2A . The LA-2A is an optical compressor with a tube output stage .
With slower attack and release times and backup air , the LA-2A became known for its warmth and character that can be heard on countless recordings .
Universal Audio , the current manufacturer of the re-released hardware , decided that rebuilding the legendary compressor wouldn ’ t be enough . As part of their UAD add-on , they took it upon themselves to import all the vowel sounds modeled on their Teletronix LA-2A .
As an optical compressor , many of the 2A ’ s common uses include instruments with fewer transitions and vocals . Bass and vocals have been commonly treated with this style of compression for both the softer gain reduction and , in the case of the LA-2A , the warmth of the tube output stage .
The add-on offers three variations of the compressor . The LA2 , like many 1950s compressors , has the slowest attack and release , while the gray and silver models feature medium-speed attack and release for a more typical response , similar to the older LA-2As that earned their legendary status .
Just like hardware , there isn ’ t a lot of control . Output gain and peak reduction controls are available , as well as the ability to change the metering and switch between limiting and compression . That ’ s why the Teletronix LA-2A is on our list of the best compressor plugins .
The Score Magazine highonscore . com
21