Best Compressor Plugins – PluginBoutique Best Compressor Plugins 2012

Best Compressor Plugins – Plugin Boutique Top 10 Compressor Plugins 2012. 

We’ve asked our Plugin Boutique users to list their best compressor plugins in our annual survey. Here’s a list of the best compressor plugins for 2012 drawn from our survey results!  View video for each of our user voted best compressor plugins in the player below. Find out more about them and where you can buy them in the text descriptions.

1. Ableton Live Compressor

Ableton Live’s native compression plugin was voted by users as the best of compressor plugins. Compressor includes all of the features expected in a standard compression plugin, as well as some features specific to Ableton Live’s version.

2. Logic Pro Compressor

Our user poll resulted in Logic Pro’s native compressor plugin being voted as the second best of compressor plugins. Compressor includes all of the features expected in a standard compression plugin, as well as some features specific to Logic Pro’s version.

3. Image Line – Maximus

Image line Maximus was our 3rd rated best of compressor plugins.  Maximus will deliver transparent peak limiting and volume maximization without coloration of the processed sound. However, Maximus is much more than a pristine quality Mastering Maximizer, it’s also a Compressor, Limiter, Noise Gate, Expander, Ducker and De-esser. Maximus excels equally well as a final mastering plugin or as a per-track effect.

4. FabFilter Pro-C

FabFilter Pro-C was voted our non-DAW specific best of compressor plugins.  Pro-C is a high quality compressor plug-in with various beautiful program dependent compression styles. Professionals will be delighted with the high quality sound, while the innovative interface makes compression easy to grasp for everyone.

Best Compressor Plugins – Plugin Boutique Top 10 Compressor Plugins 2012. 

5. Waves API2500

The API 2500 is a versatile dynamics processor that lets you shape the punch and tone of mixes with absolute accuracy. Its dual channel design lets the 2500 also function as two separate mono channels via a single compression setting. Using auto-makeup gain, you can adjust Threshold or Ratio while automatically maintaining a constant output level. With both “feed back” and “feed forward” compression types, the API 2500 boasts a wide range of incredibly musical parameters which have made it a favorite of engineers the world over.

6. PSP Vintage Warmer

PSP VintageWarmer2 (plug-in AudioUnit, VST, RTAS for Mac OSX (Universal Binary); VST and RTAS for Windows; VST, RTAS and MAS for Mac OS Classic) is a high-quality digital simulation of an analog-style, a single- or multi-band compressor/limiter. It combines rich, warm analog processing with a straightforward user interface, and comes with a comprehensive library of presets. The plug-in processor is highly flexible and can be used for both softknee compression and brick-wall limiting. This makes it an essential tool for mixing and mastering engineers. Careful attention has been paid to PSP Vintage Warmer’s overload characteristics with the processor being capable of generating saturation effects typical of analog tape recorders. PSP Vintage Warmer also incorporates professional VU and PPM metering together with accurate overload indicators thereby assuring professional quality results.

7. UAD 1176

The reputation of the hardware 1176LN Limiting Amplifier is well known throughout the audio industry. Originally designed and built by Universal Audio founding father Bill Putnam Sr. in the 1960’s, the 1176LN was the first to use a Field Effect Transistor (FET) as a voltage-controlled variable resistor. That innovation was the key to the product’s unique character. An in-depth analysis of the 1176LN’s “personality” in 2001 allowed UA to meticulously reproduce the ultra-fast attack and unique sonic characteristics of the original hardware as a UAD Powered Plug-In. This 1176 plug-in is now considered a “UAD Classic” and is bundled with every new UAD-2 product.

8. Izotope Alloy

Alloy 2 gives you futuristic tools, fast results and most importantly, fantastic sound. Bring character and life to every element of your mix with Alloy 2. Far more than just a traditional channel strip, Alloy 2 is a modern twist on classic mixing. The basics have been re-imagined with forward-thinking features and time-saving flexibility. Innovative sound sculpting tools are ripe with potential for delivering your distinctive sound. And best of all, Alloy 2 allows you to focus on mixing without distraction, neatly packaging the mixing essentials in a self-contained and completely configurable plug-in that puts everything you need at your fingertips.

Best Compressor Plugins – Plugin Boutique Top 10 Compressor Plugins 2012. 

9. Izotope Ozone

iZotope’s complete mastering system in a single integrated plug-in includes eight essential mastering tools:  Maximizer, Equalizer, Multiband Dynamics, Multiband Stereo Imaging, Post Equalizer, Multiband Harmonic Exciter, Reverb, and Dithering.  The process of mastering ranges from correcting mistakes made in the mix to preparing a recording for target listening environments. Like a final coat of polish, mastering makes the difference between a good-sounding mix and a professional-sounding master. With Ozone 5, we’ve delivered the biggest update ever to our critically-acclaimed software mastering system, making it easier than ever for anyone to master their audio simply and efficiently.

10. Brainworx Vertigo VSC2

The VSC-2 is Vertigo’s first plugin release, made in close cooperation with Brainworx, and based upon Vertigo’s “Big Impact Design”. The VSC-2 plugin captures all the fine nuances of this 6,000$ flagship VCA compressor.