{"id":3637,"date":"2018-10-26T12:00:43","date_gmt":"2018-10-26T16:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/?p=3637"},"modified":"2025-10-08T11:51:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T15:51:58","slug":"the-5-best-free-vst-compressor-plugins-with-free-presets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/the-5-best-free-vst-compressor-plugins-with-free-presets\/","title":{"rendered":"The 5 best free VST \/ AU compressor plugins (with free presets)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Illustration: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scriptandseal.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Script &amp; Seal<\/a><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compression is an indispensable tool for the music producer, found across individual tracks, mix buses, and mastering chains.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The versatile effect is used for narrowing dynamic range, manipulating amplitude envelopes, peak limiting, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compressors are also well known for having distinct characteristics depending on the circuitry (or in the digital world, the programming,) of the particular model. This raises the question &#8211; which compressor works best for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Up next in our <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/tag\/5-best-free-vsts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>&#8220;Best of Free VST&#8221; series,<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;we searched for five of the best free compression VST \/ AU plugins out there. All the plugins listed have versions compatible with both Mac and Windows and are relatively up-to-date with current operating systems. Some are available directly from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plugins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Splice\u2019s Plugins catalog.<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to check out the <strong>Splice project<\/strong> at the bottom of this article for a demo of the five plugins along with a <strong>download of our free custom presets<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Rough Rider by Audio Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1588\" height=\"466\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-rough-rider-vst-768x207_2x.png\" alt=\"5-best-free-compressors-rough-rider\" class=\"wp-image-5194 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-rough-rider-vst-768x207_2x.png 1588w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-rough-rider-vst-768x207_2x-400x117.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-rough-rider-vst-768x207_2x-1024x300.png 1024w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-rough-rider-vst-768x207_2x-355x104.png 355w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-rough-rider-vst-768x207_2x-768x225.png 768w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-rough-rider-vst-768x207_2x-1536x451.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1588px) 100vw, 1588px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1588px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1588\/466;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>As you might guess from the name, Audio Damage\u2019s Rough Rider is a compressor best suited for aggressive pumping rather than subtle attenuation. The compressor has a warm, vintage sound that can add desirable harmonic content to a drum buss or lead guitar. If you\u2019re going for transparency, look elsewhere, but for compression that leaves its mark Rough Rider will do the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rough Rider is compatible with Mac OS X 10.8 and later versions as well as Windows 8 and later versions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <a href=\"http:\/\/klanghelm.com\/contents\/products\/MJUCjr\/MJUCjr.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>MJUCjr<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;by&nbsp;Klanghelm<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1588\" height=\"680\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-klanghelm-vst-768x314_2x.png\" alt=\"5-best-free-compressors-klanghelm\" class=\"wp-image-5195 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-klanghelm-vst-768x314_2x.png 1588w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-klanghelm-vst-768x314_2x-400x171.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-klanghelm-vst-768x314_2x-1024x438.png 1024w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-klanghelm-vst-768x314_2x-355x152.png 355w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-klanghelm-vst-768x314_2x-768x329.png 768w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-klanghelm-vst-768x314_2x-1536x658.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1588px) 100vw, 1588px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1588px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1588\/680;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Klanghelm\u2019s MJUCjr is a compressor that gets a lot of mileage out of minimal controls. A single \u201cCompress\u201d dial manages the ratio and threshold of the compression, while the three-position \u201cTime Constraints\u201d switch simultaneously controls the attack and release times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its digital emulation of tube compression provides some colorful saturation, and the compressor can handle smooth attenuation as well as more aggressive pumping. MJUCjr certainly isn\u2019t a compressor intended to be deliberately fine-tuned, but some experimentation can create surprisingly pleasing results (and save the headache of adjusting a dozen parameters).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Download the free plugin here:&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/klanghelm.com\/contents\/products\/MJUCjr\/MJUCjr.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>MJUCjr<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MJUCjr is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and later versions as well as Windows 7 and later versions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.semanticaudio.co.uk\/projects\/download\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>SAFE Compressor<\/strong><\/a> by Semantic Audio<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1588\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-semantic-audio-vst-768x357_2x.png\" alt=\"5-best-free-compressors-semantic-audio\" class=\"wp-image-5197 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-semantic-audio-vst-768x357_2x.png 1588w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-semantic-audio-vst-768x357_2x-400x193.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-semantic-audio-vst-768x357_2x-1024x494.png 1024w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-semantic-audio-vst-768x357_2x-355x171.png 355w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-semantic-audio-vst-768x357_2x-768x370.png 768w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-semantic-audio-vst-768x357_2x-1536x741.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1588px) 100vw, 1588px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1588px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1588\/766;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The SAFE Compressor is a relatively transparent compressor that excels in subtlety in comparison to the biting Rough Rider or tube-emulating MJUCjr. It has all your standard compressor parameters (threshold, ratio, knee, attack, release, and gain) alongside a simple graphic display that offers a visual reference for your compression curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes the SAFE Compressor unique is how the user can upload and download custom presets made by other users via Semantic Audio\u2019s server. This nifty feature allows for the SAFE Compressor to have an unlimited number of presets that can be experimented with endlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Download the free plugin here: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.semanticaudio.co.uk\/projects\/download\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>SAFE&nbsp;Compressor<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SAFE Reverb is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and later as well as Windows and Linux.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. DCAM FreeComp by FXpansion<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1526\" height=\"1050\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-dcam-vst-737x500_2x.png\" alt=\"5-best-free-compressors-dcam\" class=\"wp-image-5198 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-dcam-vst-737x500_2x.png 1526w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-dcam-vst-737x500_2x-400x275.png 400w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-dcam-vst-737x500_2x-1024x705.png 1024w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-dcam-vst-737x500_2x-355x244.png 355w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-dcam-vst-737x500_2x-768x528.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1526px) 100vw, 1526px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1526px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1526\/1050;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>FXpansion\u2019s DCAM FreeComp is a circuit-modelled compressor that can deliver some extra punch to a track. Its ratio dial locks at 3 positions, delivering options of gentle attenuation, moderate compression, and near-limiting aggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UI has a classic look featuring an analog-inspired meter that can toggle between output metering and gain reduction metering. Use DCAM FreeComp modestly to tame peaks and glue tracks together, or crank up the settings for some energetic pumping and envelope shaping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DCAM FreeComp is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5.8 and later versions as well as Windows 7 and later versions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plugins\/3788-ott-vst-au-by-xfer-records\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>OTT<\/strong><\/a> by Xfer Records<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"744\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-xfer-ott-vst_2x-744x1024.png\" alt=\"5-best-free-compressors-ott\" class=\"wp-image-5199 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-xfer-ott-vst_2x-744x1024.png 744w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-xfer-ott-vst_2x-291x400.png 291w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-xfer-ott-vst_2x-185x255.png 185w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-xfer-ott-vst_2x-768x1057.png 768w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-xfer-ott-vst_2x-1116x1536.png 1116w, https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/best-free-compressor-xfer-ott-vst_2x.png 1180w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 744px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 744\/1024;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Xfer Records bring the same quality and edge found in <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plugins\/39137242-serum-2-au-by-xfer-records\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Serum<\/strong><\/a> (their flagship wavetable synthesizer) to the OTT compressor. This compressor remains minimalistic in its controls while featuring unique functionalities such as upwards and downwards compression as well as multiband capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OTT shines brightest in genres such as <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-dubstep-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dubstep<\/a> or electro where it can be used for aggressive envelope manipulation or limiting at higher Depth settings. Used properly, the OTT compressor can rival many commercial compressors in the market. Download the free plugin here:<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plugins\/3788-ott-vst-au-by-xfer-records\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">OTT<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get free presets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Download our <a href=\"http:\/\/on.splice.com\/2s3rnfj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">custom presets for all five free compressors here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Explore Splice INSTRUMENT, our virtual instrument plugin that puts an ever-growing catalog of free and premium sounds at your fingertips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/instrument\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Download for free<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Great sounding compressors don&#8217;t have to be expensive &#8211; in this article, we introduce 5 great free compressor plugins.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":5171,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1696,1702,1659],"tags":[619,333],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The 5 best free VST \/ AU compressor plugins (with free presets) - Blog | Splice<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Great sounding compressors don&#039;t have to be expensive. 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