Compressor Vst Plugin For Bass Synth
This compression plugin was designed to mainly be used on the tracks that can add some punch to your music; E.g. The rhythmic tracks, such as drums, but also bass, synth bass, guitar, and more. In addition to the typical compressor controls, Rough Rider 3 also features a Mix controls for Parallel compression as well as a High-Pass Filter. FireFly is a modern-style bus compressor with flexible options to optimize your track’s transients and stereo image. In addition, it features a sidechain filter for compressing tracks with loud kick and bass parts, and an analog mode that introduces non-linear colouration for warmth as well as adaptive noise generation for character and perceived loudness. Jul 26, 2020 “What are the best compression VST plugins out there in 2020?” Compression is an absolutely essential part of mixing. To put it simply, compression automatically levels out the peaks of your track, making the waveform more even and with less “spikes” in volume. FREE VST PLUGINS. Dexed FM SYNTHS VST. BUSTERse size 30 MB / 31 MB / 15 MB BUSTERse is a classic console compressor with extra filter and transient. Works great on anything from Drums, Bass, Synths, Vocals, Percussion, Guitars and Acoustic Instruments to the entire Mix and also great for Mastering Audio. Bounce is £7.95 GBP / $9 USD until January 10th, 2021. It comes in VST, AU and AAX plugin formats for Windows and Mac. More information: BeatSkillz.
Even though a relatively simple instrument, the bass certainly has a major part to play in the feel and vibe of your mix.
That’s why many engineers and producers like a dedicated compressor that will translate the groove and punch of a bassline in a mix well…
… so in this guide, we’ll take a look at a few choises, and see which of them is the best compressor plugin for bass.
Quick answer: Softube Tube-Tech CL-1B Compressor is the top choice among engineers. The punch and clarity that it imparts is simply magic to the ears…
Otherwise, Waves Audio C4 offers great value for the money…
While Waves Audio Bass Rider is the cheapest bass dedicated compressor plugin to get.
Let’s take a closer look 🙂
Table of Contents
- Bass Compressor Plugin Buying Guide
Find more great guides here:
Bass Compressor Buying Guide
What is a Compressor?
A compressor is a hardware or software device that applies compresses to the dynamic range of an audio signal.
They do this by reducing the higher volume sections of the audio and increasing the low volume section. The process is typically done automatically via threshold, ratio, and makeup gain controls.
To understand more about how a compressor works, take a look at our post on audio compressors.
Features to Look for in a Bass Compressor
The most important features of a compressor are their controls.
Compressors typically come with threshold and ratio controls. With these you can set the level where the compression begins to take effect, and the rate at which the compressor ceases to affect the signal.
These controls are pretty much essential for most compression applications, particularly for bass, where control over the punchiness of the sound is crucial.
Control over the attack is also an important feature for bass compressors. In most cases, you will want a small portion of the initial transient to pass through unscathed, in order to provide definition to your bass part. Without an attack control, you pretty much have to make do with how much of the initial transient the compressor circuit allows through.
Ideally, you will also want control over the release parameter. This has a considerable effect over how the individual note fades out, which is crucial for tempo-sensitive musical applications. By being able to control the rate at which the note fades out, you will be better able to shape your bass track in a more rhythmically logical manner.
You can read more about how to properly use a compressor with bass.
Choosing a Compressor Plugin for Bass
Besides knowing what controls you need in a compressor, there’s another good thing to take into consideration when choosing a good bass compressor: sound.
Although transparency is often a desirable quality to have in a compressor, this isn’t necessarily the most essential characteristic in a bass compressor.
In rock or hip-hop music, bass and other tracks are often processed quite aggressively in order to give them sufficient ‘vibe’ and ‘attitude.’
For these purposes, you might be better served by a compressor that imparts a bit of coloration or harmonic distortion to the sound.
With that said let’s take at a few bass compressors for mixing.
Best Compressor Plugin for Bass – VST, AU, and AAX
Softube Tube-Tech CL-1B Compressor
Among compressor plug-ins, the Softube Tube-Tech CL-1B Compressor stands in a class all its own.
It’s modeled after the legendary hardware compressor of the same name, the software version does a great job of making bass tracks–or most any other program material for that matter–stand out in the mix. And it does at the fraction of the cost of the original opto hardware model.
It’s warm, punchy, and solid, the sound that the CL-1B imparts is made even better by the addition of features such as sidechain low-cut filters and parallel blend control.
Specs and useful features
- Upgraded version of popular CL-1B plug-in
- Improved sound via Softube’s latest signal processing technology
- New features such as sidechain low-cut filters and parallel blend control
- High-resolution graphics
- Bundled with legacy CL-1B for backward compatibility
User impressions
The CL-1B seems to appeal to users that appreciate warm, natural compression as opposed to ultra-squashed sonic treatment. Although it does offer plenty of squishiness when pushed to the extremes, most users favor the warm and transparent quality that it imparts on bass, drums, and vocal tracks. The CL-1B is especially effective at preserving the punch and clarity of bass tracks, even as it adds its own distinctive character.
Pretty much a compressor plug-in that can handle most any task, the CL-1B nevertheless garnered some criticism for its small GUI, the odd behavior of the controls when adjusted via the mouse wheel, and the absence of dry/wet and bypass controls.
Bottom-line
The Softube Tube-Tech CL-1B Compressor is one of those plug-ins that just seem to sound great no matter how you set them. Especially effective at bass, it can also easily handle pretty much any compression-related task in the studio.
Of course, versatility and great sound come at a premium, and the CL-1B has a price tag to match. Nevertheless, if you are intent on getting an almost-perfect replication of the hardware Tube-Tech CL-1B compressor, the CL-1B is the best way to get it.
Demonstration
Waves Audio C4
The Waves Audio C4 is a fully-featured multiband dynamics processor that, based on a lot of users, works amazingly well on bass tracks, and could easily handle 90% of other compression needs.
It has control over four parametric bands, along with the ability to expand up and expand down, limit, and compress each of them.
The plug-in also comes with both dynamic and standard EQs, so you’d have the ability to do some precision sculpting with your bass sound.
Specs and useful features
- Multiband compressor plug-in
- Control over four parametric bands
- Precise sculpting of frequency and dynamic response
- Control over different frequencies of the sound
- Dynamic mix shaping via frequency-based compression and expansion
- ARC auto release control
User impressions
Waves Audio C4 is another compressor plug-in that can handle most any duty in a studio setting. Most users apply it quite liberally to bass and drum tracks, although many have used it to great effect on the master buss as well. For devoted users of the C4, its ability to retain punch and bottom end are among its biggest strengths. The plug-in is especially favored for its ability to make a bass track sit better in a master mix without affecting any other track.
Any complaints? Sure. A common one is about the noise that it can introduce in certain settings. However, this is often dealt with by careful adjustment of the four parametric bands.
Bottom-line
The Waves Audio C4 is quite a capable unit that can do more than compress bass tracks. While some plug-ins might be simpler to use for bass and low end instruments, there is no denying the benefits that it can impart to any production.
Demonstration
Waves Audio Bass Rider
Simplicity is key to the appeal of the Waves Bass Rider, which manages to preserve the original character of bass like no other compressor plug-in can.
With its ability to rides bass levels automatically, the Bass Rider is perfectly suited for those times when you just need your bass to poke out more, but you don’t want to kill its dynamics with a compressor.
Specs and useful features
- Automatic level riding
- Optimized for bass
- Retains the bass’ natural character
- Dedicated studio and live components
User impressions
The Bass Rider seems to appeal mainly to “set-and-forget” users, but even those with more fully-featured compressors can’t help but be swayed by its undeniable simplicity and great sound. The plug-in is especially favored by users that want to have their bass be more present in a mix without necessarily affecting its natural dynamic range.
Of course, some users do wish that they had more control over the character of the sound, but using the Bass Rider in conjunction with another compressor plug-in usually does the trick.
Bottom-line
The Bass Rider is a fairly limited plug-in that surprisingly works well for a varied array of applications. If you have a frequent need to have your bass more forward in the mix but you don’t necessarily want a compressor, the Bass Rider might be all the help you’re looking for.
Demonstration
Waves Audio CLA-3A
The Waves Audio CLA-3A has quite a formidable heritage, being based on the classic Teletronix LA-2A compressor from the 1970s. Like its predecessor, the CLA-3A promises to deliver the kind of character and subtle harmonic distortion that you’d expect from the vintage unit. Despite that, it can also be as transparent as you need it to be, which is good.
With its fast response and sidechain frequency filter, the CLA-3A could be just the perfect sonic sauce to spice up the bass tracks in your mix.
Specs and useful features
- Based on the classic Teletronix LA-2A solid-state hardware compressor
- Compressor and limiter modes
- Ideally suited to bass and electric guitar
- Sidechain frequency filter
- Zero latency
User impressions
A few words seem to sum up the user experiences of the Waves Audio CLA-3A: “simple”, “punchy”, and “in-your-face”. It seems to be an especially popular plug-in among bottom-end merchants, used to great effect in treating bass and even booming 808 kick drums. Many users in fact use it on drums as well as bass, citing its ability to beef up tracks without a lot of fuss and bother.
One thing that many users make note of is the inability to fine tune attack and release times. Although this might be an issue for some, the CLA-3A just sounds so good that most users don’t seem to mind.
Bottom-line
Like the Teletronix LA-2A that inspired its design, the Waves Audio CLA-3A is a transparent-yet-punchy compressor that sounds good on most everything, especially bass and drums. If you want a reasonably-priced compressor that can make most any track push its way to the front of a mix, the CLA-3A could be just the thing.
Demonstration
Waves Audio CLA-76
The legendary UREI 1176 serves as the inspiration for the Waves Audio CLA-76, which offers the distinctive limiting characteristics of its noted predecessor in a convenient plug-in form.
The attack can be set as short as 50 microseconds, providing all the punch you need to make your bass tracks stand out.
The Waves Audio CLA-76 also comes with a unique “ALL” control that lets you replicate the explosive character of the UREI 1176 with all its ratio buttons pushed in.
Specs and useful features
- Based on the UREI 1176 Class-A line level limiting amplifier from the 1960s
- Extremely fast attack
- Exclusive ALL control
- Zero latency
- Pre-amp distortion modeling
User impressions
The CLA -76 seems to attract users that appreciate the warmth and punchiness that analog tape effortlessly imparts to recordings. More than a few have mentioned the startling similarity between tracks processed by the CLA -76 and tracks flown in from 2-inch tape, citing the smooth and dynamic frequency response.
Interestingly enough, some users also appreciate the aggressive quality that the CLA -76 can impart. A versatile plug-in that can get as aggressive as you need–and yet that can be quite transparent as well–the CLA -76 seems to appeal to a wide variety of users.
Bottom-line
Fast attack and a colorful character…these are what the Waves Audio CLA-76 provides in spades. If you are able to catch it on sale, don’t even think: just go and grab it! If you are into vintage character and aggressive rock-style push and presence in your bass, the CLA -76 is a must-have.
Final thoughts – Which to Get?
For mixing applications, the best compressor plugin for bass in this lineup would have to be Softube Tube-Tech CL-1B Compressor. The punch and clarity that it imparts is simply magic to the ears, and it can provide enough squish for any but the most determined audio mangler or dancefloor groove merchant. The price might be enough to give some people reason to consider other options, but if warmth and punchiness are your sonic goals, this one definitely delivers in buckets.
That being said, the Waves Audio CLA-76 and the Waves Audio CLA-3A pose seriously stiff competition to the CL 1B. Modeled after two legendary pieces of hardware, the CLA-3A and the CLA -76 both provide enough character and attitude for even the most discriminating users. For much less cash than the CL-1B alone, you could easily afford to pick up both plug-ins and have all your compression needs covered.
Apart from the Softube CL 1B, which really does belong in its own price range, every other plug-in here provides exceptional value. But special mention must be made of the Waves Audio C4 which does way more than your average compressor plug-in. A multiband processor that wouldn’t be out of place in your master buss, the C4 wins out over all the rest as far as value is concerned.
Last Updated on December 15, 2020 by
While most Digital Audio Workstations, or DAWs, provide youwith loads of great stock plugins, compressors included, you might be lookingfor some new ones that have a slightly different sound to them.
Or maybe the compressors you already have lack certainsettings which you would like to use…
Well, I’ve put together a list of the best free compression plugins available which should definitely add some flavor to your mixes.
Note: I also wrote a post about the best compressor plugins in general, not just free ones. So, make sure to check it out as well!
Let’s get straight to it…
MJUC Jr. by Klanghelm (Windows, Mac)
With just two basic controls, “Compression” and “Make Up”, the MJUC JR. makes controlling the dynamics of the song extremely easy.
Also, there’s the three-position timing switch which not only controls the attack and release of the unit, but also the slew rate of the transformers and the timing of the other parts of the circuitry, that are directly influencing the generated harmonics (saturation).
I use this one the most when mixing really simple stuff like acoustic guitar plus vocals.
As far as simplicity goes, the MJUC Jr. just can’t be beat, and it’s one of my favorite compression plugins of all time.
Learn more about the MJUC Jr. here.
Interested in free Synth vst plugins? Here’s an entire post on that topic.
MCompressor by MeldaProduction (Windows, Mac)
MCompressor isn’t just a simple compression plugin with a couple features, since it allows you to fully customize the shape of the graph which gives you the opportunity to be really creative.
With such a high number of controls and features, it ends up being one of the more versatile compressors out there, especially when comparing it to the majority of free ones.
MCompressor comes with the smart randomization feature whichcan instantly generate new settings.
It can handle mono, stereo and even 8-channel surroundprocessing which really comes in handy when mixing for films or movies.
Features
- Smart randomization
- Multiparameters
- Mono, Stereo and up to 8 channels surroundprocessing
- Automatic gain comp
Learn more about the M-Compressor here.
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ReaComp by Cockos (Windows Only)
Cockos, the creators of the Reaper DAW, have a couple free plugins that you can download to use with any DAW you want, and they are fantastic…
And, or course, they do have their own free compressionplugin.
This is a very simple to use yet powerful plugin and it should be a great addition to your arsenal.
The interface isn’t anything to brag about, but it gets the job done perfectly!
When comparing it to most other compressors, I’d say that there is a bit of a steeper learning curve to it.
Features
- Soft knee support
- Sidechain filters, sidechain inputs
- Feedback compression mode
- Program dependent auto-release mode
- Variable RMS size
Learn more about the ReaComp here.
If you’re looking for the best free VST plugins in the world, I have a list of 225 of them.
DC1A by Klanghelm
The DC1A is one of my favorite compressor plugins, just slightly behind the MJUC Jr. and the TDR Kotelnikov.
It is, essentially, a stripped-down version of the DC8C, which is a premium compressor by Klanghelm, but with just two controls.
What makes this such an appealing compressor is that it only features two controls; Input and Output.
The input controls the level of the incoming signal and the output simple lets you choose the resulting volume.
Basically, all you have to do is increase the input and let the algorithm do the rest!
Additionally, thanks to the “DEEP” control, the DC1A is excellent at dealing with bass-heavy audio, since it activates a high-pass filter, and it comes with some extra features, like parallel compression and dual-mono processing, which lets you compress the left and right channels independently.
Just like all other Klanghelm plugins, you can click on the “OUT” or “GR” buttons under the metering section to view the compression that is being applied as well as the output level.
If you are a beginner and need an easy-to-use compressor for your tracks, don’t hesitate to try out the DC1A.
Learn more about the DC1A by Klanghelm here.
Interested in free reverb VST plugins? Here’s a post about the 15 best ones.
Molot by Vladg/sound (Windows, Mac)
On their website they call Molot the “compressor withcharacter”…
This is because it adds a lot of coloring to the sound, which most of you might not want that much, since it will change the way the source originally sounded.
Not only that, but it’s pretty complicated to use properly…
So, if you’re looking for a simple and transparent soundingcompression plugin, Molot is not for you.
However, if you want one that adds a lot of character to your track and that allows for deep customization, like parallel compression, definitely check it out.
Learn more about Molot Here.
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Rough Rider 3 by Audio Damage (Windows, Mac)
Rough Rider is a modern compressor with a bit of “vintage” style bite to it and a uniquely warm sound.
This compression plugin was designed to mainly be used onthe tracks that can add some punch to your music;
E.g. The rhythmic tracks, such as drums, but also bass, synth bass, guitar, and more.
In addition to the typical compressor controls, Rough Rider 3 also features a Mix controls for Parallel compression as well as a High-Pass Filter.
Rough Rider is one of the most used free compression plugins out there, and for good reason; it sounds fantastic and it can add some serious punch to your music.
I especially liked it for the same reason I like the MJUC Jr., and that reason in SIMPLICITY!
I don’t want to have to deal with loads of knobs and parameters, since this usually results in option anxiety and wasting too much time.
I want my compressors simple, to the point, and effective, and Rough Rider definitely fits the bill.
Learn more about Rough Rider 3 here.
OTT By Xfer Records (Windows, Mac)
Xfer Records OTT is a free multiband upwards/downwardscompressor used by many dubstep and electro producers.
It’s a very popular plugin in dubstep and electro productions for the simple fact that it has an aggressive-style of compression.
This means that if you need a compressor that really glues everything together, and I mean “duct tape around your head” type of gluing, then give it a shot!
Now, I wouldn’t recommend it for bus compression, since you want to go gentle there, but if the song needs that sort of compression, then by all means!
/how-to-add-vst-plugins-to-studio-one-4-artist.html. Additionally, it’s fairly simple to use and it’s also pretty light on the CPU.
You can download it here.
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DCAM FreeComp By FXpansion (Windows, Mac)
DCAM is modelled around a classic console bus compressordesign and is intended to be used to “glue” mixes and subgroups together whileenhancing punch and definition.
It can also tame peaks and create pumping compression on individual tracks; however, it’s one of those compressors that can certainly be used on the master bus to give your song that last punch and sonic glue it needs.
Note: You must register with their site and get avalid serial to use it, even though it’s free… yes, really!
It’s still worth doing it, so try it out!
Learn more about the DCAM FreeComp here.
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AC-1 by Audiocation Audio Akademie (Windows Only)
Note: The Website is in German, but the download link is easy to find; However, you can always use the browser’s built-in translation tool to navigate the site in the language you desire.
The AC-1 compressor plugin allows for both subtle compression and a extremely hard and punchy one.
It comes with all the regular compression settings like; attack, release, ratio, knee, etc. which makes it really simple and easy to use; Again, no unnecessary controls to slow you down.
Just try it out for yourself and tell me what you think.
You can download it here.
SAFE Compressor By Semantic Audio (Windows, Mac, Linux)
The whole point behind the SAFE plugins by Semantic Audio is to provide the user with an easier way to control the plugins by using semantic terms such as “warm, bright”, etc. to make the whole process more intuitive.
You just type the word in and it adjusts the settings automatically.
This can be useful, especially to beginners, but once you know how to dial in compression like most producers do, you won’t really have a need to use the semantic terms.
But I think that it can be a good plugin for beginners to start figuring out how to use compression in their mixes.
On their website you will not only find a compressionplugin, but also an overdrive, EQ and reverb.
Give it a try!
You can download it here.
FR COMP 87 By eaReckon (Windows, Mac)
If you’re looking for a VERY simple compression plugin, thenlook no further…
FRComp 87 only has two knobs; Threshold and Make up.
It also allows you to choose between fast, medium and slowattack and release.
And the last feature it provides is a Limiter…
And that’s it, believe it or not!
If simplicity is your thing, then here you go!
You can download it here.
Looking for free Delay VSTs? Here’s a post I wrote about the best ones.
Compressor Vst Plugin For Bass Synthesizer
Tokyo Dawn Labs TDR Kotelnikov
Contrary to most compressor plugins in existence, this one doesn’t try to emulate any existing hardware compressors, quite the opposite in fact.
Named in honor of Vladimir Kotelnikov, who was a pioneer of digital sampling techniques, this plugin is purely digital and uses complex algorithms to provide the best control possible over the dynamics with minimum added color, which is something you may or may not like.
You have access to two different versions of the plugin; the free one and the “Gentlemen’s Edition” which costs $44.
What sets Kotelnikov apart from most other compressors, is its “Frequency Dependent Ratio”, which allows you to set a different compression ratio depending on the frequency (not available in the free version).
A similar feature is the “Low Freq Relax” that allows you to configure a high-pass filter for the side chain, which makes the compressor react less to those lower frequencies such as kick and bass, and this one can be found both on the free and premium versions of the plugin.
In other words, when using the “Low Freq Relax” feature, you are effective lowering the threshold on the lower frequencies.
Another feature are the Ying and Yang controls, which add harmonics to the lower and higher frequencies respectively.
Lastly, when processing stereo channels, you also have the option to only process the Sum or Difference channels, otherwise known as the Middle or Side, and you can even use two instances of this plugin to compress the Mid and Side independently.
This plugin clearly does a hell of a lot of things, but it does them right, and for only $44, or even free, I honestly can’t complain.
Find out more here: TDR Kotelnikov.
Conclusion
Any of these plugins should make a great addition to yourarsenal, just remember that some of the ones on this list are extremely simplewhile some others are actually quite complicated to use and are packed in features.
Depending on your needs you should choose one or the other…
Compressor Vst Plugin For Bass Synthesis
Still, since they are all free, I’d recommend you to try outas many as possible.
I hope this was useful!
Have a great day!