12 Best FREE Compressor Plugins For Clean Sound 2023

Today we’ll look at the best free compressor plugins for clean sound in 2023.

Compressors are among the most important tools in a music producer or audio engineer’s toolkit. They control the dynamic range of a sound, making the loud parts quieter and the quiet parts louder. This can help to bring out certain elements of a mix, such as vocals or drums while taming other elements that might be too loud or distracting.

While many high-end compressors are available on the market, they can be quite expensive, and not everyone has the budget to invest in them. Plenty of great free compressor plugins can help you achieve the same results without breaking the bank.

This article will look at the top 12 best free compressor plugins in 2023, with a bonus option at the end. We will explore each plugin’s different features and settings and provide tips on using them effectively in your mixes.

Whether you are a beginner just starting with music production or an experienced professional looking for new tools to add to your arsenal, these free compressor plugins will help you take your mixes to the next level.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore some of the best free compressor plugins available today!

12 Best FREE Compressor Plugins For Clean Sound 2023

1. Kiive Audio Xtressor Nuke

With Kiive Audio Xtressor Nuke, you can expect a free compressor plugin that packs a punch.

Kiive Audio Xtressor Nuke is a powerful compressor plugin available for free download. It is designed to provide various compression options, from subtle and transparent to aggressive and pumping. The plugin is based on an analog-style design, with a simple and intuitive interface that allows you to dial in the perfect sound for your mix.

One of the most significant features of this plugin is its advanced compression and saturation capabilities. The Xtressor Nuke plugin uses refined algorithms to provide users with a wide range of compression and saturation options. This allows users to achieve a unique tonality, which would be hard to achieve with conventional plugins.

• • The plugin’s extreme compression mode can add a heavy, saturated sound to your tracks, ideal for genres like electronic dance music (EDM) and hip-hop.
  • The mix control allows you to blend the compressed and uncompressed signals, giving you greater control over the overall sound and the level of compression applied.
  • A sidechain filter allows you to tailor the compression effect to specific frequencies, helping you to target problem areas and create a more balanced mix.
  • The built-in limiter helps prevent clipping and distortion, ensuring your tracks stay clean and clear even when heavily compressed.

The plugin also features multiple distortion modes allowing users to shape their sound uniquely. The distortion modes include Soft, Hard, and Nuke, which offer varying levels of distortion and saturation.

Furthermore, the Xtressor Nuke plugin has dual-band processing, giving users precise control over their audio tracks’ compression and saturation levels.

Overall, the Kiive Audio Xtressor Nuke plugin is a great compressor that offers a wide range of features and options for music producers and audio engineers.

Whether you’re looking to add extra punch to your tracks or need a versatile compressor for your mix, this plugin is worth checking out.

It is available in VST 3, AU, and AAX plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

2. Analog Obsession BUSTERse

Analog Obsession BUSTERse is a must-have free compressor plugin for analog enthusiasts.

Analog Obsession BUSTERse is a free compressor plugin that emulates the sound of classic analog compressors from the 1960s and 1970s. It is designed to provide a warm, vintage sound to help bring out your recordings’ character and personality.

The plugin uses tailored algorithms to provide users with a wide range of compression parameters, which can mimic great sounds of the past. This allows users to achieve a unique, characteristic sound that few plugins can equal. Its user-friendly interface also helps make it easy for beginners.

• • Analog Obsession BUSTERse emulates the sound of classic analog compressors from the 1960s and 70s, providing a warm and rich sound that is perfect for adding character and personality to your recordings.
  • Its ability to add subtle harmonic distortion can help to create a rich and textured sound, similar to the sound of vintage analog gear.
  • The switchable high-pass filter allows you to filter out unwanted low-frequency content, making it easier to prevent the compressor from reacting to the kick drum or bass.
  • Analog Obsession BUSTERse features a simple and intuitive interface with easy-to-use controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain, making it easy to dial in the perfect sound for your mix.

This is a nice compressor plugin that offers a range of features and options for music producers and audio engineers. Its vintage sound and ability to add subtle harmonic distortion make it a great choice for anyone looking to add warmth and character to their recordings.

The multiple distortion modes, including Soft, Medium, and Hard, offer varying levels of distortion and saturation. BUSTERse has vintage-style VU meters, giving users visual feedback on the audio levels. This feature lets users adjust the audio levels precisely, producing a more polished sound.

The switchable high-pass filter is also a welcome addition, making it easier to control the compressor and prevent it from reacting to low-frequency content. While there are certainly more expensive and feature-rich compressor plugins available, the Analog Obsession BUSTERse holds its own regarding sound quality and usability.

It is available in VST 3, AU, and AAX plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

3. BPB Dirty LA

BPB Dirty LA is the free compressor plugin that adds character and depth to your mixes.

The BPB Dirty LA plugin is a tool that compresses music tracks. Created by Bedroom Producers Blog, a popular music production blog, the Dirty LA plugin is a free-to-use plugin that promises to deliver excellent user results. It features a simple, easy-to-use interface with clear and minimalistic-style controls, showcasing a fresh and revamped look for a popular audio effect.

The plugin uses a hybrid distortion algorithm that combines analog-style saturation and digital clipping to provide users with a warm and rich sound. This algorithm is designed to replicate the sound of classic analog hardware, providing users with a known sound in modern packaging.

• • BPB Dirty LA emulates the classic compressors of the past, providing a smooth and transparent sound ideal for adding character and depth to your mixes.
  • The plugin can add subtle harmonic distortion to your tracks, which can help to add warmth and vintage character to your recordings.
  • BPB Dirty LA features a simple and easy-to-use interface with threshold, gain, and compression ratio controls. This makes it easy to dial in the perfect sound for your mix, even if you’re not an experienced audio engineer.
  • The plugin is lightweight, meaning it won’t take up too much processing power on your computer. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone on a budget or working with limited resources.

Whether you want to add subtle warmth and color to your tracks or create more pronounced compression effects, this plugin can help you achieve the desired sound. Its LA-3A emulation and harmonic distortion capabilities make it a great choice for anyone looking to add vintage characters to their recordings.

One of the standout features of BPB Dirty LA is its simplicity. The plugin’s interface is well laid out and easy to navigate, with all the key controls easily accessible. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to focus on making music rather than getting bogged down in technical details.

At the same time, the plugin offers enough depth and flexibility to satisfy more advanced users who want to experiment with different compression settings.

It is available in VST 3 and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

4. Vidar Audio HAMMER Compressor

Vidar Audio HAMMER Compressor delivers power and precision to your mixes.

This free and powerful compressor plugin is designed to deliver precision and control to your mixes. The plugin is based on the legendary Fairchild 670 compressor, renowned for its smooth and transparent sound. This versatile plugin can be used on various sources, including drums, vocals, bass, and guitars, and features all the relevant controls for shaping your sound.

The plugin’s intuitive interface makes it easy to dial in the perfect settings, and its responsive VCA design ensures that your tracks will sound punchy and dynamic.

• • Vidar Audio HAMMER Compressor is modeled after the legendary Fairchild 670 compressor, known for its smooth and transparent sound.
  • This plugin is a highly versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of compression tasks, from gentle leveling to aggressive pumping. This is crucial for uses that require a gentle correction in terms of dynamics or something bolder, involving a new sonority on its own for a drumkit, for instance.
  • HAMMER can be used on various sources, including vocals, drums, guitars, and full mixes, and it responds nicely in any of these situations.
  • Alas, HAMMER features a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it a great choice for beginners and professionals.

One of the great things about HAMMER is its ability to emulate the classic sound of the Fairchild 670 compressor. Audio professionals highly seek this vintage compressor for its ability to add warmth and character to recordings. HAMMER does an excellent job of replicating that sound in a digital format.

Additionally, the HAMMER Compressor features a gain reduction meter, allowing users to monitor the compression effect in real time. This plugin also provides a variable ratio control, ranging from 1:1 to 20:1, enabling users to adjust the level of compression applied to the signal.

It is available in VST 3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

5. Auburn Sounds Lens Free Edition

Revamp your sound: Auburn Sounds Lens Free Edition is a versatile free compressor plugin with unique sound-shaping capabilities.

This free compressor plugin offers a wide range of sound-shaping capabilities. It is a versatile tool that can enhance individual tracks’ dynamics, shape the character of drum and vocal mixes, or add color and warmth to full mixes.

One of the standout features of Auburn Sounds Lens Free Edition is its ability to perform frequency-dependent compression, also known as multiband compression. With its adjustable frequency bands, the plugin allows you to apply compression only to specific frequency ranges, giving you greater control over the shape and tone of your sound.

• • Lens Free Edition provides precise and customizable frequency-dependent compression that allows you to target specific frequency ranges, resulting in a more polished and professional sound.
  • The plugin also features unique harmonic distortion algorithms that can add a specific character to your sound, giving your tracks a more analog feel and personality.
  • With adjustable sidechain filtering, you can shape how the compressor reacts to the incoming signal, making it ideal for drum and vocal processing.
  • Lens Free Edition features a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for producers and engineers of all levels to navigate and use.

Auburn Sounds Lens Free Edition is a versatile compressor plugin that delivers professional-grade results, making it an excellent choice for seasoned producers and those new to audio processing. The plugin is designed to enhance the natural dynamics of your audio, making them stand out in any mix.

Another standout feature of Lens Free Edition is its unique harmonic distortion algorithm. This algorithm can add the special character you need to your sound, giving your tracks a more analog feel.

Additionally, it features adjustable sidechain filtering, allowing you to shape how the compressor reacts to the incoming signal. This feature is especially useful when processing drums and vocals, as it reduces the amount of compression applied to these elements while maintaining a consistent level across the mix.

It is available in VST 3, LV2, AAX, and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

6. Integraudio & Sixth Sample Cramit

Rev up your production with Integraudio & Sixth Sample Cramit.

Sixth Sample Cramit is a powerful and intuitive compressor plugin developed by Sixth Sample in partnership with Integraudio. Designed to enhance the quality of your tracks, Cramit offers precise control over compression, allowing you to achieve a polished and professional sound.

With its versatile and user-friendly interface, Cramit is an excellent choice for producers and audio engineers of all levels.

• • Cramit’s advanced compression algorithm provides precise control over the amount of compression applied to your samples or tracks, allowing you to achieve a polished and professional sound.
  • The Mix knob works ideally for parallel compression, allowing users to blend the processed and unprocessed signals and thus decide how your audio signal will behave.
  • Cramit’s adjustable attack and release settings make it easy to fine-tune your compression to suit the needs of your specific project independently of this instrument aimed at.
  • Cramit is compatible with a wide range of audio software and platforms, making it a flexible and versatile addition to any production setup.

Sixth Sample Cramit is a free compressor plugin for beginners and experienced audio professionals. Its precise control over compression, flexible attack, release settings, and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for those looking to enhance the quality of their samples and achieve a polished and professional sound.

Its processing features and easy-to-use interface make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced users.

It is available in VST 3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

7. Analog Obsession Varimoon

With Analog Obsession’s Varimoon, you can expect vintage opto-compression at your fingertips.

Analog Obsession Varimoon is a powerful vintage-style opto-compressor plugin that perfectly colors your audio productions. This plugin is modeled after the classic 600-style vari-mu compressors, standard choices in professional recording studios for decades. It is renowned for bringing out the best in vocals, acoustic guitars, and other instruments.

The Varimoon plugin is easy to use and features intuitive controls for adjusting the compression settings, including input gain, threshold, ratio, attack, and release. It also includes a makeup gain control for adjusting the overall output level and a bypass switch for comparing the compressed and uncompressed signals.

• • Analog Obsession Varimoon is designed to capture the authentic sound of the vari-mu compressor, known for its warm and musical character.
  • It also counts on Input and output level controls, which are the main tool for precise gain staging that will affect the entire track’s dynamics.
  • Varimoon is a lightweight plugin with minimal CPU resources, making it ideal for use in even the most demanding production environments.
  • This plugin is suitable for various applications, including vocals, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, and more, making it a valuable addition to any producer’s toolkit.

In conclusion, Analog Obsession Varimoon is a fantastic vintage-style opto-compressor plugin that delivers warm and musical compression to any audio source. This plugin covers whether you want to add character to your vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, or drums.

The attack and release time controls offer users precise control over the dynamic range of their audio tracks. At the same time, the mix knob allows for parallel compression, allowing users to blend the signals for a more natural sound.

It is available in VST 3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

8. TDR Molotok

TDR Molotok is a reliable dynamic processor that costs you nothing.

TDR Molotok is a powerful dynamic processor plugin (or a compressor, in other words) designed for precise and transparent control over the dynamics of your audio. Its intuitive interface and advanced algorithms make it a versatile tool for controlling your tracks’ level, loudness, and tonal balance.

This plugin features a variety of unique and innovative controls, including a spectral compression mode, a saturation stage, and a sidechain filter. These options allow you to tailor the character and tone of your compression to your specific needs and preferences, making it an excellent tool for various applications.

• • TDR Molotok’s spectral compression mode allows you to target specific frequency ranges for compression, allowing for precise and transparent control over the dynamics of your audio.
  • The plugin also features a saturation stage, which allows you to add subtle harmonic distortion to your audio, adding warmth and character to your tracks.
  • The sidechain filter allows you to sculpt the input signal before it hits the compressor, giving you even more control over the dynamic processing of your audio.
  • The plugin’s advanced metering options include a gain reduction meter, an RMS/Peak meter, and a level histogram, giving you all the visual feedback you need to make informed decisions about your compression settings.

Furthermore, this impressive compressor plugin provides users with advanced features and controls for precise and transparent dynamic processing. The plugin’s spectral compression mode is particularly noteworthy, as it allows you to target specific frequency ranges for compression, giving you unparalleled control over the dynamics of your audio.

The saturation stage is also a great addition to the plugin, as it allows you to add warmth and character to your tracks, making them sound more polished and professional. Additionally, the sidechain filter gives you even more control over the dynamic processing of your audio, making it easy to achieve the perfect balance between compression and transparency.

Another standout feature of TDR Molotok is its advanced metering options, including an RMS meter and a level histogram that looks like it was taken from studio hardware. These visual feedback tools give you all the information you need to make informed decisions about your compression settings, making it easier to achieve the desired effect.

It is available in VST 2, VST 3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

9. Analog Obsession Britpressor

If you’re looking for a classic British sound in a box, Analog Obsession Britpressor might be your best friend.

Analog Obsession’s Britpressor is a plugin modeled after the classic British sound of the 80s and 90s. This compressor plugin is designed to give users the iconic sound of classic British hardware compressors in a more convenient and cost-effective digital format.

Created by producer and engineer Tim Cant, these plugins aim to emulate the classic sound of vintage British analog hardware. The BritBundle is available to subscribers on Tim Cant’s Patreon page and is compatible with Windows and macOS systems.

• • The Britpressor emulates the sound of classic British hardware compressors from the 80s and 90s, giving users access to the iconic sound of that era in a convenient plugin format.
  • With a straightforward interface, the Britpressor is easy to use and perfect for beginners and experienced producers.
  • It offers a classic British console-style EQ with high and low-pass filters, three bands of EQ, and a drive control for adding warmth and saturation.
  • The Britpressor is designed to have low CPU usage, making it a great option for those working on less powerful machines or needing multiple instances of the plugin in a project.

Analog Obsession Britpressor is an excellent plugin that emulates the sound and behavior of classic British compressors. Its vintage-style interface and versatile features make it a perfect tool for adding character and warmth to your mixes. Whether you are working on drums, bass, vocals, or any other instrument, this plugin can help you achieve a professional and polished sound.

One of the standout features of Britpressor is its three different compression modes, including RMS, peak, and hybrid. Each mode has its unique sound and behavior, allowing you to dial in the perfect amount of compression for any source.

The plugin also features a sidechain filter, which lets you control the frequency range that triggers the compressor, giving you even more control over your mix.

It is available in VST 3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free as part of the BritBundle.

10. Analog Obsession DYNASAUR

Revive vintage vibes with Analog Obsession DYNASAUR.

Analog Obsession DYNASAUR is a compressor plugin that emulates the sound of the classic Dyna Comp compressor from the 1970s. Its straightforward interface and vintage character make it a great tool for adding warmth and punch to various sources, including guitars, drums, and vocals.

The DYNASAUR features simple controls for adjusting the input and output levels, compression ratio, and attack/release times. It also includes a mix knob for parallel compression and a sidechain filter for shaping the frequency response of the input signal.

• • The Analog Obsession DYNASAUR allows users to adjust the usual compression controls and toggle between vintage and modern modes. This makes it a versatile and powerful tool for various audio applications.
  • The plugin features an intuitive interface that is easy to use and understand, making it accessible to novice and experienced users. The controls are straightforward and logically placed, allowing quick adjustments.
  • The DYNASAUR offers an authentic analog sound and emulation, providing users a classic, warm tone reminiscent of vintage compressors. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of analog warmth and character to their digital audio productions.

Analog Obsession’s DYNASAUR is a powerful compressor plugin that offers a vintage sound reminiscent of classic hardware units. Its intuitive interface and advanced features make it a versatile tool that can enhance any mix or recording.

The plugin’s emulation of classic circuitry and selectable compression modes make it easy to achieve the sound of classic analog compressors.

Additionally, the DYNASAUR features an adjustable high-pass filter that can control the low end of a track, helping to tighten up the mix and prevent bass frequencies from muddying up the overall sound.

It is available in VST 3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

11. Analog Obsession SPEComp

Analog Obsession SPEComp merges vintage aspects with modern elements to create a versatile compressor plugin.

Analog Obsession’s SPEComp is a VCA-style compressor plugin designed to emulate the sound of the classic 1970s “British sound” consoles. This plugin features a simple yet effective interface that allows easy control over the compression settings, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced producers.

With its transparent and natural compression sound, SPEComp is ideal for various applications, from subtle leveling and dynamic control to more extreme “pumping” effects.

• • Analog Obsession’s SPEComp plugin offers versatile compression options that allow you to shape the sound to your liking. With the gain controls, you can control the input signal level and the final output.
  • The SPEComp plugin features a tube saturation circuit, which adds warmth and harmonic distortion to your audio signal, giving it a vintage analog sound. This feature can be turned on or off, allowing you to achieve the desired effect for your audio.
  • With the blend control, you can blend the compressed and uncompressed signals to create parallel compression, useful for highlighting subtle details in your audio.
  • The SPEComp plugin is straightforward and designed to make your workflow more efficient. The intuitive interface lets you easily control the plugin’s parameters, making achieving the desired sound easier.

Analog Obsession’s SPEComp is an impressive plugin that delivers vintage analog-style compression with modern-day flexibility. It offers a smooth, transparent compression sound that can be used on individual tracks or the mix bus.

Also, the SPEComp is incredibly CPU-efficient, making it ideal for use on large projects with multiple instances of the plugin. Its low CPU usage means you can use the plugin on multiple tracks without worrying about causing performance issues.

It is available in VST 3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

12. Audio Damage RoughRider 3

Unleash the full potential of compression with Audio Damage RoughRider 3.

This compressor plugin claims to be designed to bring the classic sound of vintage gear to your digital audio workstation, even though it boasts a modern interface. With its intuitive interface and powerful processing capabilities, RoughRider 3 can add punch and character to any audio signal.

The plugin features a range of controls that allow you to shape the sound to your liking, including input gain, threshold, attack, release, and ratio.

• • RoughRider 3 offers a variety of compression modes, including classic opto and VCA styles, as well as a modern RMS mode, allowing you to achieve the desired sound for your track.
  • The plugin also offers both sidechain and mix controls, allowing you to fine-tune the compression effect to your liking and blend it with your original signal.
  • Unique Sensitivity control is included for adding a gain boost effect to the compressed signal, all due to the amount of dBs you add to the signal.
  • With a modern-looking interface, this plugin makes it easy to adjust settings and dial in the perfect compression for your mix.

Audio Damage RoughRider 3 provides users various features and functionality to take their audio production to the next level. Its intuitive interface and unique features stand out from the competition as an excellent option for producers, engineers, and musicians.

It is a must-have plugin for any producer or engineer looking for a versatile and powerful compressor. Its unique features, intuitive interface, and exceptional sound quality make it a go-to tool for shaping the dynamics of any mix.

It is available in VST, VST 3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

Bonus:

ADHD Leveling Tool (Opto)

ADHD Leveling Tool offers smooth and transparent leveling.

The ADHD Leveling Tool (Opto) is a dynamic range compressor for mixing and mastering engineers. This plugin features a straightforward interface with only two main knobs and additional controls, making it easy to use even for beginners.

The Leveling Tool (Opto) is particularly effective for smoothing the dynamics of vocals, guitars, bass, and drums. Thanks to its emulation of vintage analog gear, it can also add warmth and character to a mix.

• • The ADHD Leveling Tool (Opto) plugin features an optical compressor that provides smooth and transparent compression, perfect for leveling out vocals, drums, or any other audio signal. 
  • It has separate input and output gain controls, allowing precise control over the output levels of your signal. This feature is particularly useful when using the plugin in a mix. You might need to adjust the input level to match the other elements in the mix or adjust the output level to achieve the desired overall loudness.
  • The plugin also features a sidechain input, which allows you to trigger the compressor based on a separate audio signal. This is useful when you want to compress one audio signal based on the level of another signal, such as using a kick drum to trigger the compression on a bass guitar.
  • The plugin’s user interface is straightforward, making it a great choice for beginners and professionals. The controls are laid out logically and intuitively, allowing you to dial in the perfect compression settings quickly. The interface also features a large VU meter, which provides visual feedback on the input and output levels.

ADHD Leveling Tool is a versatile and effective free compressor plugin that can help producers and mix engineers achieve a balanced mix quickly and easily. Its intuitive interface allows users to adjust the threshold, ratio, attack, and release parameters to achieve the desired effect, making it a great tool for beginners and experienced professionals.

One of the standout features of the ADHD Leveling Tool is its transparency. Unlike other compressors that can add a distinct coloration or character to the sound, the ADHD Leveling Tool aims to maintain the original sound of the source material while simply leveling out the volume. This makes it ideal for various genres and applications, from pop to rock to electronic music.

It is available in VST, VST 3, and AU plugin formats.

For more information on system requirements and instructions on using, you can check out the official website, where you can also download it for free.

Last Few Words

In conclusion, many different compressor plugins are available today, each with unique features, strengths, and weaknesses. By exploring options and experimenting with various settings and parameters, you can discover new creative possibilities and take your music to the next level.

Today’s article sought to deliver the top 12 best free compressor plugins available in 2023, which can greatly assist musical or audio needs. They all boast excellent quality and seldom present any malfunction or bad processing.

Among the best options, any of the Analog Obsession offerings are good, to begin with. These plugins are well-crafted, with special attention to detail to capture the best sonic profile. For instance, Britpressor excels at recreating classic British sounds from past decades brought by iconic vintage hardware. On the other hand, DYNASAUR boasts an elegant and futuristic interface design screen that may unite both modern and vintage worlds.

Other options, such as Audio Damage RoughRider 3, bring a modern look that includes known controls divided into sections to organize the workflow better. Options like TDR Molotok do the same, although with a somewhat archaic interface design attached to it.

Finally, testing is the best way to know which plugin works best. They are all free, so don’t be afraid to download them and see for yourself which can suit your production best.

See you next time!