Good ol’ RVox. The G Master Buss Compressor transformed mixes. Pushing the output gain to distortion often sounds very good. For a more aggressive sound, bring down the attack and use a faster release time. This plugin is typically used for master bus compression, but also shines when your goal is to tighten up drums or piano. For all of you precision freaks out there! Perfect for compressing vocals, but also useful on instrument channels and the master bus. Compressors are used to control the dynamic range of the audio. Personally I find myself going with the “Modern” compression mode most of the time. ... It’s got a very useful Saturation control for adding some analog drive to the sound, and buttons for cutting lows and adding air. It is very useful, especially on the mix bus where you may not want the compressor to react to the bass too much. It’s a versatile compressor that gives you a wide range of adjustments. The Mid/Side section can give you a mono mix to work on and then enhances your stereo field. I like to set the attack time to '3' or '10' and release time to 'Auto' on a mix. These types of plugins are usually the best choice for mastering, although there are times when you may want to insert a secondary compressor for multiband compression or for “color” (see tips #6 and #7 below). The Alpha has the best … On the mix bus, this compressor shapes the music quite aggressively even with just 2dB of gain reduction. Mix bus compression is the act of mixing through a compressor on the master output, although the term is commonly used today also to refer to sub-mixing sets of instruments on an auxiliary bus as well, such as drums. Compressors. Transient heavy material may not suit this compressor well due to slower attack times than a VCA or FET, but if your mix needs warmth, punch, and overall dynamic control, the CL 2A is your ticket. The CL 2A is another example of a classic mono compressor turned stereo. If your mix needs overall volume leveling or light compression, however, this unit is great. Acustica’s TAN compressor was modelled from classic analog VCA compressors. Here are some popular choices for mix-bus applications. It isn't modeled after any specific outboard gear but rather incorporates some proven dynamic shaping approaches from the past, combined in a seamless fashion with some much more modern concepts in audio processing – the best of both worlds. FET compressor designs are less commonly used over the master bus, but the aggressive character of devices like the Universal Audio 2–1176 can be ideal for some mixes. We all like a punchy mix that sounds cohesive, and mix-bus compressors have achieved this for many engineers. Simply upload a finished mix: We'll master your song and send back a 1-2 minute sample at no cost. See price @ FabFilter Pro-C 2 / Sweetwater As of this article, the FabFilter Pro-C 2 is the latest version of the compressor plug-in that comes with the much-celebrated FabFilter suite. The RMS meters will help you too, and it’s nice to have precise input and ouput gain faders in the master section too. Make use of these facilities! It makes modeling more detailed and precise. This legendary unit has provided glue and punch for many mix and mastering engineers alike. The XStudioToolz Stereo Buss Compressor can be used on the Master Buss and also on sub-groups (Drum Groups etc). Its optical design makes it a great choice for smoothing out the overall dynamic of a mix while retaining clarity. Depending on the software, it’s also called the master bus or stereo bus. As with EQ’s, a mastering engineer would require a stereo or dual mono compressor. The SSL Buss compressor is arguably the best compressor on a mix buss. This compressor sports two different types of circuits to help shape your sound. For mix-bus compression, the 1176 can be a great choice. The TAN compressor has a unique ShMod knob. While the above method of master bus compression is effective, it also presents potential problems. The limiter mode has a higher threshold and higher ratio (still, it’s not like a modern brickwall limiter at all) but still with a smooth knee. This versatile compressor plugin is super fast and injects a ton of color. This compressor is known for bringing clarity and warmth to your mix, achieving this through the use of tubes to perform the gain reduction. It offers a clear and classy sound that enhances punch and impact while providing the “glue” factor that makes a mix sound cohesive and integrated. Mix bus compression should come with a warning label. The wet/dry knob is your friend. | 3 Secrets You Need to Know…, Better Because of its transparency even at high ratios, this unit could provide the perfect glue for a mix you may not want to color as heavily. Considered to be a classic bus compressor, the API 2500 is a VCA style compressor with many features that allow it to fit whatever kind of mix you may be working on. Ideal for finalizing mixes in-the-box but can be used for taming individual tracks in a mix. There are three ratio choices; 2:1, 4:1 and 10:1. TDR Kotelnikov is the best freeware mastering compressor. Transient heavy material will sound punchy and be caught by the 2500 easily. With so many forms, it is easy to integrate this unit into any studio. Waves RVox. The CL 1B achieved its fame using a smooth, musical type of compression with an optical circuit and a tube output stage. It’s the channel that all of the audio from a session flows into. I absolutely recommend reading it. It works the best with the type of material I usually work with. Waves - SSL G-Master Buss Compressor (Best Master Buss Compressor) - $249 I can’t think of a more iconic and popular master buss compressor than the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor. Typical uses for the 1176 are drum compression or limiting because of its quick attack and release times. Use the bypass switches on the threshold faders to hear the difference between processed and unprocessed signals. The feed forward mode aims to be transparent and the feedback mode gives a vintage vibe with a musical response. The color of this compressor is part of the sound of the 4000 console, giving your mix an expensive analog character as well as the glue it has become a classic for. Ozone offers great facilities for working with the gain. You don’t want to kill your transients. This technology gave rise to classic units like the DBX 160 and SSL Bus Compressor. This is enough to give me a nice boost in overall volume without changing the character of the mix much. 9 Best Vocal Compressor Plugin VST Software – Mixing the Perfect Vocals Let’s get your vocals under control with the best vocal compressor plugin software. - … I typically find the sweet spot at around 1dB of gain reduction. I typically do only 1-2 dB of both high and low-level compression on the mix bus. Two examples are the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor and the API 2500 Compressor. If your mix has many quick transients, the 2-1176’s attack and release can tame your mix while also giving color through the FET circuit. The VCA design allows for versatility of genre and transient levels and transparency when required. 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. There are four different compressor modes to try that model different analog workflows. Once upon a time in the 80s, there was a recording console called the SSL 9000 G. While it was an incredible console all around, it has a feature – the Master Buss Compressor. The problem is that you’ll need two of them because of their mono design. Now free from the master section of the original console, this legendary VCA unit comes in a 1U rack unit, 500 series, and SSL X-Rack module. Many engineers love them for their predictability and repeatability. 4. 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. Great mixes aren’t built on the master bus. The most unique feature of this unit is its Stereo Field Editor section. The plug-ins allow you to semantically annotate your sounds in the mix, whilst giving you access to a wealth of semantically meaningful presets. As each compressor plugin software is different, and there are myriads out there to choose from, we’ll keep it simple, and take a look at 5 of best best choices out there… Learn to use the sidechain filtering options. ), 4 Advanced Mastering Techniques to Try in 2021. Described as clean and transparent, the Focusrite RED 3 can function as a dual mono or stereo linked compressor making it useful for individual track or bus operations. This helps to make better decisions and not cloud your judgment by volume differences. On the mix bus, this compressor will treat your mixes with the glue you want without adding any character to them. The Waves SSL G-Master Bus Compressor is a classic plugin, modeled after a classic compressor. Multiband Compression. This SSL bus compressor clone has been around for a long time but I find it still holds up nicely. AUDIO Compressor / Video Preview While most Digital Audio Workstations, or DAWs, provide you with loads of great stock plugins, compressors included, you might be looking for some new ones that have a … Dangerous Music’s Compressor has gained popularity for transparency even when pushed to its limits. Slate Digital accomplished a faithful recreation of this legendary compressor with their FG-Stress plugin. If you need a way to add the glue and polish to your mixes, check out the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor. Master Buss Processor: Mastering Compressor / Limiter / SFE “The MBP is a remarkable piece of analog hardware. Price £1,195 With its classic style, performance and bang-for-buck, it re-levels the playing field for units of this kind.” Best Beatles: Chandler Limited Opto 500. If you’re an iZotope blog regular, you’ve probably read a lot of mastering tips and tricks for EQs, compressors, limiters, imagers, and every other processor around.But what about choosing an order for these things? Sporting two channels of compression, limiting, and a stereo field editor, this unit looks to be a multifaceted tool for improving upon your sound. 5. Mix bus compression is the act of adding compression to your entire mix. In this guide I’ll go through each style of compressor, recommend a smart choice for every budget and show the best ways to use them in your mix or master . ... LDC2 has an analog-sounding compressor and an expander that features exchangeable optical circuits as well as a solid-state preamplifier. It allows you to fine-tune the shape of the attack. 3. Waves teamed up with SSL to create the 4000 series which contains EQs, channel strips, and this compressor. SSL G-Master Buss Compressor SSL G-Master Buss Compressor. The mix bus is another name for the output of your DAW. The UREI 1176 has long been considered a classic FET style compressor, providing punch and color for decades. With all of these unique features and transparency in mind, this compressor would be a solid candidate for mix-bus application. And in general, the more processing you send a mix through, the smaller it will sound. On top of the ability to stereo link from 50-100% and select “Old” feedback compression or “New” feed-forward compression, the 2500 has a unique “Thrust” feature used to shape the low end of your mix. There’s no need for three EQs, several saturators, and a few compressors. This circuit allows for control over the stereo width among certain frequency bands giving you more tone shaping control for your mix. Your email address will not be published. This plugin is typically used for master bus compression, but also shines when your goal is to tighten up drums or piano. That includes fast attack time, light … Other features include an auto release and ratios from 1.5:1 all the way up to 10:1 making this a great bus compressor for all styles. It uses the same high quality algorithms used in circuit simulators, but optimised to run fast, and features a gorgeous fully scalable user interface. If you’re looking for dynamic control with clean, versatile compression, the RED 3 could be the missing piece in your chain. The single knob limiter features Neve’s Adaptive Release technology which can react to sharp transients and slow transients simultaneously, allowing for even more dynamic control with simple operation. I have never used the hardware version, so I don't know how accurate the Waves model is to the hardware. This unit is found in many mastering studios throughout the world because of its ability to add the final glue that many mixes benefit from. This is a single plug-in that houses FG Comp, a master bus compressor, and FG Level, which offers a new type of maximisation called Intelligent Transient Preservation (ITP), a sort of smart saturation process. It can be used an either a dual mono compressor, but the linkable channels make it a solid choice for the mix bus. Dedicated Home Studio (plug-ins): FabFilter Pro-C or TDR Kotelnikov GE. Even if you rely exclusively on plug-ins, passing your entire mix through high-quality analog gear can really give it a classic studio sheen. The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor is quite old also (if I am not mistaken, the SSL series were the first analog … An outstanding achievement and the best mastering compressor for electronic dance I’ve ever heard. Privacy policy. The MPressor is more of a drum-buss comp. Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Limited Edition $ 3,799.00. or $159 /month for ... Tegeler Audio Crème RC Bus Compressor/Mastering Equalizer ... You guys provided me the absolute best deals in ordering all the equipment to power my brand new recording studio. The fixed value, single slider compressor that’s been around longer than some of the people using it. Download TAN for free here. Liked it? Step 1: Master bus compression is an often-misunderstood technique, so let's look at how to use it effectively. The UREI 1176 has long been considered a classic FET style compressor, providing punch and color for decades. Rupert Neve’s name holds a lot weight in the audio industry. In fact, many pros don’t use master bus processing at all. Often very simple units a buss compressors job is to 'glue' all the elements of a track together and make mixes sound bigger with more punch and character without loosing clarity. One of the best places to put outboard gear is on your mix bus. The Portico II MBP (Master Buss Processor) continues this tradition of quality in this multi-feature VCA compressor. You can really enhance and polish your mixes by running through a compressor … Open the extended panel (top right corner of the compression module) and learn to make use of the M/S features! Just like Neve consoles, The Portico II MBP (Master Buss Processor) is the best bet for the big recording studios. DCAM is modelled after a classic console bus compressor design and is intended to be used to “glue” mixes and subgroups together while enhancing punch and definition. The setting I often like to use on the mix bus is “Slow” attack, fastest release, max 3 dB of gain reduction and dry/wet knob set to around 20-30%. Like the SSL 4000 G Bus, the Vertigo VSC-2 is a VCA (voltage controlled amplifier) compressor, but instead of providing crisp compression, it adds an … ... but it’s a transparent compressor that is just at home on a master buss as it is on a track group. Developed by the audio experts at Tokyo Dawn Labs, this plugin delivers transparent dynamic range compression suitable for use on the master bus. Bettermaker Darthlimiter Analog Mastering Limiter - Limited Edition . Now that we have a better idea about what a compressor does and how we may use it lets take a look at some of the best compressor plugins for Pro Tools out there: Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor. Features: Analogue Modelled Buss Compressor. The original version of this popular compressor was found strapped across the main stereo output of SSL’s classic 80s-era analog consoles, the 40000G series. While signal chain composition isn’t discussed much, it’s an integral step in mastering. There is nothing wrong with it, it … Valley People Dyna-Mite Slam (pictured above). There are tons of compressors available, but they are not all created equally. It’s a versatile compressor that gives you a wide range of adjustments. The Glue is an analog modeled compressor plug-in based on The classic 80's British big console buss compressor with some handy additional features. The VSC-2 is a VCA compressor that mellows out most sounds and provides an unmatched level of rich tonality. The RED 3 also features a single knob limiter to help control the sharpest of transients, auto release times, and key inputs selectable via a button on the front panel. Mix-bus compression has been used in countless recordings. (And which ones are best suited to the task at hand.) For all of you precision freaks out there! The jumper options are explained in the manual so make sure to have a look at that. PRO Mastering Chain | Tested! Compressing the entire master output of your mixing desk or DAW is an age-old trick of mixing engineers to achieve a more compact and lively sound. The thing with the Fairchild 670 is that this compressor is exactly what we all want to hear. You’ll always get the right tool for the job if you know what a compressor does, the different compressor types and where they work best. Using its built in high pass filter, you can make sure that your low end isn’t triggering the gain reduction. You can go in very hard with this compressor and then dial it back with the mix knob. This is a welcome addition to Warm Audio’s catalogue. The CL 2A gives us two channels of that same sound. Remember to work with the makeup gain to keep your levels in check. We load Native Instruments' Solid Bus Comp - a plugin emulation of the classic SSL G-Series Buss Compressor - as an insert on our track. In addition to selectable attack and release times, it also features a program-dependent release setting that’s great for adding punch to drums. The compressor and limiter in concert provide clean, transparent, musical and precise dynamics control along with lots of other features that let … The Solid State Logic G console is a famous unit that has inspired many plugins. Best Analog Mix Buss Compressor I am considering getting one outboard compressor for the mix buss (and possibly for tracking too). The G-Series Bus Compressor is a VCA-based stereo unit from the UK’s Oxfordshire-based Solid State Logic, derived from the circuits found in their legendary 4000 G-series console.The SSL excels at one thing only: stylish-as-hell bus compression, either on sub-mixes or the master bus itself. The SSL Buss compressor definitely has ‘a sound’, and as I mentioned earlier, it’s a popular choice for mix buss duties, however, if mix you’re delivered is lacking in cohesion, I wouldn’t hesitate to use the UAD SSL G-Buss Compressor instead of, or in addition to another mastering-grade compressor. The analog button turns on and off the analog modeling, giving you some subtle options in how clean and warm the audio sounds. This mastering compressor is ubiquitous in top studios worldwide. This compressor does not have a mix knob so be careful with the fast attack settings. TDR Kotelnikov is a must-have compressor VST plugin for … Good ol’ RVox. Attack settings of 10 or 30ms are the safest. Because of its optical style compression, the TCL-2 will does not beat the competition of VCA and FET circuits in attack speed. Interestingly, it's one of the few master bus compressors we've found to be useful with complex, full-on material like extreme metal, as it can control these mixes without simply overreacting. “What are the best compression VST plugins out there in 2021?” Compression is an absolutely essential part of mixing. You don’t want your compressed end result sounding any quieter or louder than your unprocessed signal. When you use the unit to limit, the effect and color become much more apparent, but even when pushed, the signal will not suffer from artifacts as result of the effect. This multi-feature VCA compressor. SSL Master Bus Compressor . Similar to the Manley Variable Mu, the ratios that are set will actually increase as the amount of signal going into the circuit goes up. For mix-bus compression, the 1176 can be a great choice. Now, this biggest challenge is not limitation, but rather figuring out just which EQs are worth your time! Business Bureau. The output/monitoring section of the plugin has options for soloing the Mid and Side components of the material, as well as checking how your mix sounds in mono. The results are sorted by date added (newest first). Opposed to many other compressor styles, the ratios in the Vari-Mu go up slightly as the amount of gain reduction applied increases. Be super careful with that in the mix bus context though. UAD SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor. If your mix needs some color, the tube output stage can give the warmth tubes are known for, but if you are looking for a more transparent response, the solid state has you covered. In the right hands it can give your music the power it needs to thrive in this musically competitive world, and in the wrong, inexperienced hands it can destroy everything. 6. Waves SSL G-Master Bus Compressor. The Mid/Side option on this compressor is great to have. VCA compressors can be found on SSL channel strips, API compressors, and gear from Rupert Neve Designs. Level up and support Resoundsound on Patreon. The fixed value, single slider compressor that’s been around longer than some of the people using it. I’ll be the first to admit there is a lot of good competition out there in the category of SSL style bus compressors. This makes it easier to do before/after comparisons. Dissatisfied with these approaches, Slate Digital put their heads together to devise an alternative: FG-X. The SSL Bus Compressor in particular has become a secret weapon on the mix bus for many producers. There are three modes that allow for low end rolloff and high end boost to give the appropriate amount of punch to your mix through reduction of low end sensitivity. The tube output stage makes for a warm, punchy sounding mix. To that end, I decided to do a deep comparison of some of the most interesting and most heralded plugins for the mix bus and mastering purposes. The EQ Roundup How EQ Changes Phase | 1 FREE Mastering SECRET You Need to Know! Best 12 Free Compressor VST/AU Plugins for Punchy Mixes! (What’s the Difference? Bus Compression. 5. The M/S functionality and the powerful sidechaining together bump up this compressor to a new level. It allows you to fine-tune the shape of the attack. On high ratios, this compressor can sound somewhat similar to the “All buttons in” mode of the famous UA 1176 compressor. U73b has two operating modes: compressor and limiter. You can also just hit it around 1 dB with dry/wet knob set to 100%. It has been modeled just like the analog compressor, with each unit modeled separately to replicate both the sound and the behavior of the original hardware. The manual goes to a lot of detail about the unit. A VCA style compressor, this unit has sports fast attack and release times useful for transient laden material. Top 3 FREE Mastering MULTIBAND Compression Plugins | Ultimate Guide! In terms of attack and release, the VCA design will allow for very quick times. The best 5 free compressor plug-ins! Equally, you could use it to clamp down or widen the stereo field. - … "Best Master Bus Compressor: 9. This compressor is a classic for a reason and will tighten up your mix with some API color as an added bonus. Often low-frequency content, like kick drums and basses, will trigger the compressor(s) and pull down the gain of everything happening at the same time, even if they might not need compressing. The results are sorted by date added (newest first). The G-Series is known for bus compression that makes a mix sound huge and punchy. Get a Free Mastered Sample for Your Song >. Semantic Audio Plug-ins are cross-platform DAW audio effects. The 670 will add its famed color to your mix without squashing your dynamics, leaving it with a smooth sound full of tube character. The SSL Master Buss Compressor is prized by top engineers. Search results showing audio plugins for all operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android), tagged as Mastering Buss Compressor. Like other tube compressors, the attack time on the 670 is not going to yield the fastest response to quick transients, often leaving it off of the list for hard transient taming, yet its ability to glue mixes together remains among the best. Analog compression is tough to nail in a plugin, and the release phase of most plugin compressors is usually where it becomes obvious you’re not working with the real thing. 5 Reasons to CHANGE Your Mastering Approach, Mastering Sauce! For me, a hard knee compressor seems to work best - 3:1 (i´m mixing acoustic music a lot, with real drums and real players), though - I didn´t have much luck with a VariMu comp or other soft knee comps on the 2-bus. Enter the 2-1176, a stereo version of the classic compressor. ... release setting is the best bet. SSL Master Buss Compressor. You quite often see them on the master bus, on groups of instruments, on guitars, basses, drums, even vocals. All tube, heavy, and a little pricey…just what we all want to hear right? I am not going to lie — to this day it is still one of the best compressors, particularly for vocals, ever made. The Manley Vari-Mu compressor is a shining example of what real tubes can do to your mix-bus. Applying this technique to your own mixes can be challenging. Subtlety is key. Not a first choice for extreme compression effects, but a linked pair is ideal for group and mix buss compression. Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor Mastering-grade Compressor/Limiter with Optical and Discrete Compressor Sections, Sidechain Filter, and Transformer Switching Matrix $8,962.00. I like to keep it on but then fine tune the gain manually. 5. Be gentle. Best Compressor Plugins for Pro Tools. If you have the CPU, it’s recommended to switch on the oversampling mode in the plugin’s settings. The master section has a “Gain Match” option to further help you match the level of your processed signal to the unprocessed one. Because of its versatility in tone shaping and high quality design, your mix-bus can benefit from the TCL-2’s abilities. It’s very grabby, very musical, and it makes things punch. It also shows off features such as Auto Attack/Release, True Stereo Dual Detector, and Smart Dynamics Dual Slope Detection (an auto limiter designed to prevent pumping due to peaks). The problem is that you’ll need two of them because of their mono design. Acustica’s TAN compressor was modelled from classic analog VCA compressors. I am not going to lie — to this day it is still one of the best compressors, particularly for vocals, ever made. The SAFE Compressor is a relatively transparent compressor that excels in subtlety in comparison to the biting Rough Rider or tube-emulating MJUCjr. When engaged, the compressor section can be used in both feed-forward and feed-back modes to provide a transparent modern response (feed-forward), or a smoother, more musical vintage response (feed-back). It's like the discovery of atomic energy. While VCA’s are often viewed as fairly transparent, the 2500 definitely adds a color that gives mixes the API sound. Oh, and it's worth a try on instruments, too - we like what it can do on a drums bus, for instance. The SSL G-Master Buss Compressor plugin, which accurately models the response of the analog circuitry found in the legendary console of the same name, is an excellent choice for mix buss compression. Typical uses for the 1176 are drum compression or limiting because of its quick attack and release times. Because of the different modes and a VCA design, the Portico II can be used with many genres and varying levels of sharp transients. It’s based on the center compressor of the SL 4000 G console and aims to recreate the sound of the original unit’s IC input and twin VCA gain-reduction amplifier design. The bell filter is especially nice to have for making the compressor react more on certain frequencies. This may not be the piece of gear you choose to glue together mixes that are lighter on transients, but the punch and color of the 2-1176 can add life, clarity, and a cohesive sound to the right mix. You can use it to get the center of your mix really tight without having to worry about the compressor reacting to/affecting the material on the sides of the stereo image. Last Updated on January 1, 2021. Some of the most popular compressor units like the classic SSL Bus compressor or the DBX 160 have demonstrated the qualities of VCA to producers and engineers. The Winter NAMM Show was the only one of the traditional industry gatherings that narrowly escaped the virus this year (it’s been cancelled for 2021, though).At the show, WesAudio unveiled its vision of a modern VCA bus compressor. It can easily turn a dull, unbalanced mix into a professional-sounding masterpiece. The MBP’s two compressor sections allow virtually limitless possibilities in dynamics for either dual mono or stereo sources, with controls for ratio, threshold, attack, release, blend, side chain HPF, limit and make up gain. Experience the clarity that professional mastering will bring out in your music. If you’re looking for a bit more color, a strong alternative to the SSL 4000 G Bus is the Vertigo VSC-2 ($299). With all of these unique features, the Dangerous Music Compressor makes sure your mix remains at the highest quality the entire time it is in use. Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor. Both of the compressors can be set to operate in feed-forward or feedback modes for different types of compressor reaction.