Best Compressors 2024 - MixbusTv Plugin Awards

[@mixbustv]

Mixwave: mixwave.com/ McDSP Deals: shorturl.at/MCwvX Softube Deals: tinyurl.com/2p9mfark UAD Deals: tinyurl.com/m9akv9f3 Kiive: tinyurl.com/mrrfkpdm MIX BETTER: www.mixbustv.com/ CHECK THIS OUT ➡➡ shorturl.at/5GavJ

[@willisbrindley]

David roasted my mix when I was still wrapping up my learning apprenticeship phase, delivered precise and clear feedback. Can't believe he's still doing it, can't recommend enough if you're an engineer/producer and feel stuck ears fried in your mix. It's honestly a steal, he must do it because he loves it because business is clearly good based on his studio

[@MorbusBeats]

It can be harsh, I've tried it once I was a newbie, not with David but another producer. I got absolutely roasted LOL

[@mixbustv]

Thank you!

[@willisbrindley]

@@mixbustv No thank YOU it was exactly what the doctor ordered 👨🏻‍⚕

[@willisbrindley]

@@MorbusBeats Definitely a bitter medicine LOL

[@escapegulag4317]

Harsh facts arent exactly roasting but yeah you need someone else to judge your mix.

[@Rhuggins]

Favorites plugs for comp (this year): Unfairchild MDWDRC (george massenburgs plugin) Spectra 610 Complimiter

[@Moroboshi1980]

george massenburg's plugins are incredible

[@owlmuso]

I love these "Best of..." compilations from David. I always learn something

[@starstreetstudios9932]

I'm still impressed by Sonnox Oxford Dynamics. Oldies but Goodies.

[@imtheplugreally]

i check this channel like twice a day for these award videos lol.

[@Dysjoint]

Tb Tech Cenosoix is awesome, love the visual feedback, and it's very tweakable. Apart from that, having the PA bundle covers all the flavours.

[@angelocherymusic]

The WEIGHT that MD4 dxp mode gives a mix WOW!!!

[@ardierr.2525]

Dmg trackcomp2, tdr molot ge, kazrog true dynamics, tone project unisum, fabfilter pro mb/pro c2, uad fairchild /175b/176

[@pluginhoarder]

I made the mistake of buying a CL1B as my first piece of gear. I’ve come to love it but took me years of struggling with the sweet spot. Great list my guy!

[@Rhuggins]

Nice. I personally find that the U2A from Neold nails the LA2A sound better than Opal. Especially when aging is at 40%, it’s almost identical to the Universal Audio la2A reissue

[@buenjyofficial]

Tube-Tech SMC 2B is my absolute favourite. The "Tubeness" and smoothness just gives me that final polish i really love! Great list! got my interested in the Kive CL1B since i feel the same about all the other cl1b emulations that i know

[@AironExTv]

Neat. Since my focus is rather narrow on dialogue and fx, rarely music, I only have three comps I use a lot. Pro-C2 - versatility and pretty easy to dial in. Workhorse with lots of easy to access options. UAD 1176 - lots of fun. I use the Purple MC77 for more colour but these just work beautifully at gripping material. Kiive Audio KC-1 . It's smooth and very pleasant, even as it holds on tight to my dialogue. In fact I picked up the Tubetizer as an added colouring for the cleaner comps, because it's so fast and easy to use. Really digging Kiive recently. Many, many others are in my plugin collection. Not picked up Arouser yet. I might have overcome the black friday addiction finally. Probably.

[@h-dawg6462]

that mixwave plug looks great. thanks for the tip! mostly use ozone dynamics, and the simple but effective drum leveler by sound radix. also experimenting with AA's elray recently too. enjoying your award videos dave 👍

[@mixbustv]

Thank you!

[@django3108]

Great review My personal favorites UTA Unfairchild HCL Varis Tone Projects Unisum DMG TrackComp2 TDR Molot GE HM: TDR Kotelnikov GE

[@sabothawk]

I love the selection -- thanks for the vid! The MD4 looks especially interesting -- I totally agree with you that the LA series are one-trick ponies (and the compression is almost always too brute-force for my needs), yet I still have a stack of LA emulations I use simply as preamps: one of the unsung features I look for in any compressor plugin is the coloring created by the modelled amplification circuits, and the LA series design lets me turn the threshold up so high that it never compresses, making them crazy-useful saturators! Thanks for making that point about multi-band compression -- just because a compressor has three (or more!) bands, there's no rule that says we have to use all of them! -- Happy Mixing :)

[@Rolanoid]

It's not just you. I also keep forgetting I have the Kazrog True Dynamics. I was really impressed when I first heard it and really must make more use of it. Thanks for the reminder about this one.

[@duncanmaclennan9624]

Big 2nd Mixwave Level & TC MD4. One of my new favourite compressors is Devious Machines x6. It’s got a unique aggressive digital sound I find works great on edm - I use it more often as single band but it’s also my favourite multiband.

[@michail_777]

Bus EXCITER-104/Pre 1973/Comp VCA-65/Delay TAPE-201 from Arturia. Also almost everything from Sonible.And as of late, MStereoProcessor is simply the best plugin for stereo. I use all of the above in every project I do.

[@escapegulag4317]

Melda Audio never miss

[@BillGraper]

Hi, David. I wanted to ask if it's possible for you to do a full review of the THR MB-Control compressor? I have it, but I don't see any good videos from others. I don't know why, but it looks like they aren't worried about pushing this out to the public. I've done some tinkering, but I would love to see someone else use it, and listen to their results. 🙂

[@ArielNora]

Loving these thank you David, grabbing a few of these!

[@asmarosyoussef]

My top 3 that i use all the time: Pulsar 1178 U-he Presswerk Tone Projects Unisum for 2bus Honorable mention : my stock Ableton or PT compressors for different purposes.

[@1loveMusic2003]

Pulsar 1178 with Saturation. It's amazing, you would love it. Wish it had the slow attack setting you added to the Stam 1178.

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Compressors I use the most: UAD Manley Variable Mu, Distressor, Fairchild 670. SSL G3 and Bus Compressor 2, sometimes the LMC+, X-Valvecomp and Native Vocalstrip 2. Melda compressor for easy sidechain ducking Pulsar Audio Mu, 1178, Smasher Tokyo Dawn Records: Kotelnikov, Molot.

[@escapegulag4317]

UAD is absolutely killing it. They tend to colour stuff very well with their compressors but it can go overboard fast.

[@PharaohLawLess1]

My favorite plugin compressors are Softube Blue Tone and Acustica Audio Erin and Leapwing DynOne3 and Opal (La2a emulation)

[@SoundKilterStudio]

Excellent list man. And I keep forgetting about the damn OPAL plugin!!! Im about to go buy it. I LOVE opto's on bass...when they work! Which sucks because I rarely mix songs where the opto's I have work. And I it really sounds like the Opal will open the possibility of using it for bass. Great video man.

[@mixbustv]

Thank you!

[@southhour5241]

I use pro-C2 obviously and a compressor called "Pajsoil v4" which is lovely and criminally underrated. Pajsoil is fantastic on vocals and instruments.

[@queenpurple8433]

It’s a small world after all ❤️

[@rexhialiaj3075]

Sonible and Uad Distressor +Rvox .. for vocals

[@nukenoly8751]

Console 1 is all you need really. Love awards season 😊

[@user-is9pl4np7v]

Bring on the reverb plugin awards 🏆 🥹

[@indyawichofficial1346]

Aside recent additions or fresh stuff mentioned here, I found those known making it throughout the test of time: Cytomic Glue PSP FET / Old Timer Klanghelm MJUC / DC8C Free comps : Molot, Molotok, Tls 1295 Lea, all Tokyo Dawn stuff, Stillwell Rocket (donation ware). Despite the obvious side effects, my general rule is - the more plug in compressors in the competition, the better ! : )))

[@RockstarRecStudio]

Kiive nad Mixwave, wow I'm definitely getting those

[@fremadethis]

I recently started liking the UAD 176 a lot for bass.

[@compucorder64]

Cool. I need to check out those others. Because for me too, it's UAD 1176LN, UVI Opal, Kiive Tube KC1. I also like the Overloud GEM LA but in the LA3 mode for electric guitar. DMG Track Comp 2 is my goto swiss army knife comp. But I also use a Distressor plugin, but the UAD one here. Must try comparing it to the Arouser. Softube VCA Comp (a DBX 160VU style comp) gets use too. Some others I like are drum bus, or even mix bus: UTA Unfairchild and the new Native UAD SSL 4000 G and API 2500. Then there's mastering comps, I like the Brainworx Amek 200 (SPL True Iron & Elysia Alpha get used too).

[@guitaristfirst9697]

For me the best compressors of 2024 and really the discovery it's Purafied Audio Vu Compressor (LA-2A) and Led Compressor (Distressor). They're surprisingly close to analog and have their own sound. Best among all compressors that i ever had. Real top of 2024 compressors. Almost on every channel especially on drum bus in series or on vocals and they do their magic to all synths in couple with Native Instruments Driver before them (Synth Comes Alive). The other one that i always use Overloud Gem 670 still the best fairchild emulation.

[@wcarballeira]

Ready for this 👀 great awards

[@МаксимГранатов-з6н]

What about best mastering compressors?

[@mixbustv]

Unisum and DS1 cover everything in the box. My compression in mastering is all analog

[@МаксимГранатов-з6н]

@@mixbustv Great, but what about best mastering saturation? I see on a channel video only from 2023)

[@Arcessitor]

Still love Arousor for EDM drums. I also love Presswerk on synthesized bass and leads, I find it makes the transients pull out in a very pleasant, round way. (though I prefer mb expanding for E-Bass transients).

[@rrs731]

That Mixwave! I had no idea they have a sta plugin

[@FTmusic84]

Great video and great explanations. Reverb / Delay award next? Eq? :)

[@Cefshah]

Excellent content, as usual!! 🙂💙💙💙

[@crizfms]

I know his has nothing to do with the compressors here, but I’m looking at the uad sales. Getting the 1176 and looking at getting another compressor, I am between the dbx 160 or the Fairchild. I have the waves version of them, would you say going with the uad one is worth it enough? And if so which one would you go with out of the two as more versatile? Dbx 160 or Fairchild

[@mixbustv]

1176 is more versatile than both of them. I used the Waves version for a long time, it's actually great, but so are the UAD. You won't notice a dramatic difference between the two. If you don't have any 670 plugin I'd get the UAD then (or even if you have the Waves, UAD is much better)

[@crizfms]

@ you would go Fairchild uad over dbx 160 uad?

[@skbass4842]

Tone projects Unisum is my favorite 😊 or presswerk by uhe

[@keithferris9574]

How dou you feel about the Neold compressors, like the U-17?

[@johnharveyiii3459]

Kazrog True Dynamic is a stand out Gem at a amazing price. 3 compressors in one.

[@psybursonic]

My favorites are: Chandler Germanium Comp Pulsar 1178 TDR Nova GE El Rey 2 Unisum Kush Silika

[@emilybeats6556]

Awesome video!

[@alessandrosummer]

Cool video! Just a question: why don't you particularly like the Blue Stripe of the 1176 in the plugin version? I personally love it on aggressive vocals, but of course I don't have the hardware to compare

[@mixbustv]

I'm not a fan of the saturation it has, sounds a bit fizzy to me, especially when pushed

[@alessandrosummer]

@@mixbustv I hear you, I usually compensate with darker types of saturation afterwards

[@WisdomHouseCreative]

Great video! Question: a while back you posted a photo of the HRK Tape Emulators (500 series). Did you ever review them? Or were they not worth the time. Thanks!

[@mixbustv]

They're great, I just don't have any more slots. I actually had to temporarily take out my 512c to put the Pandora which is 3 slots. I'm trying to figure out if I'm gonna get another rack and how big

[@WisdomHouseCreative]

@mixbustv Thanks for the reply. I'm in a similar (though smaller) boat as you. I have 12u rack space in my desk. Everything is full, and of course, I just bought another 2u stereo compressor. Whoops!

[@sancessounds]

Where do you get the TC Electronics compressor? I can't find the plugin anywhere, I feel so turn around by this lol.

[@mixbustv]

yeah they don't make it easy www.tcelectronic.com/buy.html

[@jenstornell]

You don't happen to have a good suggestion for a compressor, beginner friendly, without ilok, low price and maybe AI to help with "inspiration" which works on vocals as well? I try to cut anything technical if possible, to just focus on the music.

[@mixbustv]

Yes, hire a mix engineer 😄 Sorry it was too good not to. No I don't sorry

[@ianmcgranaghan9888]

Was hoping you would include the new MHB Green by Kazrog. Love the Kazrog Presto 41 in true dynamics.

[@mixbustv]

It came out after this video was filmed. I'm not sure I would have included it because I need time with things before judging but it is indeed an amazing plugin so far

[@simon_dupp]

Do you have a favourite for 33609 style compression? Not so fond of the Aturia one…

[@mixbustv]

Kiive, surpisingly good

[@KeenanCrow]

It’s pronounced “stay level” but yes it rules

[@ptrrcm2383]

I know your choice of multiband - it's great, but a polite question if you have time for a few words of answer - why Tube-Tube-Tech SMC 2B over PSP Old Timer MB? Respect!

[@mixbustv]

Oh the old timer is absolutely fantastic, they are equally good. TBH the reason is because I use this a bit more often than the OT

[@ptrrcm2383]

@@mixbustv Thanks a lot for your answer, I don't want to waste your time but do you think it's possible to set up the OT MB to sound similar to the Tube-Tube-Tech SMC 2B? Respect!

[@chinomaidenproduciendo8878]

and mc dsp?

[@jazzbeats23]

Thoughts on the Magic Death Eye from DDMF?

[@jazzbeats23]

nvm, I see in your Capitol Records Mastering review you mention that you didn't like the MDE

[@simon_dupp]

Off-Topic but i can’t really chose between Revoice and VocAlign Pro. With the new ARA implementation I feel like vocalign now has the edge, eventhough Revoice has some nice features VocAlign doesn’t have. Since I know you have and use both, could you comment on these two and what you prefer atm?

[@mixbustv]

I have both but Vocalign if you have to pick one

[@KRISPCREAM]

OTT gang

[@ILOVEDRAGO]

Pro C2-gang here!

[@Mia1Goth]

Xfer OTT best compressor

[@ollykramer3673]

Any chances you're gonna get a CL1b?

[@sebastiansebastian3124]

Vertigo VSC-2

[@grungefire]

Softube TLA-110A and MW Level are both leveller's. How do they differ from each other?

[@mixbustv]

Different flavors, different attack and release timing and curves, different GR transfer curve, different options...

[@grungefire]

@ if I were to consider just one, which one would you recommend for a singer songwriter type of music?

[@GregorPQ]

Did you try the Kush stuff?

[@rexhialiaj3075]

They have the best plugins interface 🫡

[@mbpublishing9195]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@wcarballeira]

Cab I find Eli Ariousor from Empirical Labs is othe side other than Empirical Labs web?

[@mixbustv]

I think they only sell direct

[@ajayrajkumar3505]

Demos would of been nice bro

[@mixbustv]

There are dedicated videos for 90% of these plugins on the channel already

[@Comprendre.vst3]

You should try attack modification on me :)

[@TheReal_E.IRIZARRY]

WITF, David. LoL Did you forget about Wavegrove HCL Varis & HCL Islander? What about PA/brainworx's bx_glue?

[@mixbustv]

I didn't forget anything.

[@andrewrice9383]

I’ve noticed what they used for compression on some of the songs that I liked, the blue stripe was used on Jamiroquai’s vocals on Cloud 9. The TLA 100 was also used on that mix in another spot. Elysia alpha on the mix bus. The Way I Are by Timbaland they used a hardware CL1b on his vocals with very extreme settings. Fabfilter MB was going pretty nuts on The Hills by The Weeknd. 1176AE on Taylor’s vocals on Willow by Taylor Swift. API 2500 on the mix bus. All very different

[@pulpe7187]

Pour moi , (free) Kotelnikov et TLS 1295 LEA (free), rvox, bus comp ik multimédia, the glue, unisum, mjuc klangelhm . summit TLA 100 A, tub tech cl1b softube "mk1 préfère". Comp diode arturia , compssta arturia.

[@McDSPTV]

🐔🐔🐔

[@paulmisty8998]

You say it yourself - it's obvious! You say "the blue stripe as a plugin is LESS useful than the LN". But you say that it's MORE useful as a hardware. Yes, because the blue face has more saturation. And that' what sucks in the plugin.

[@risingphoenix1484]

I must be in the minority... I don't like plugin compressors.... to my ear they don't sound as good as hardware compressors

[@mixbustv]

I'm pretty sure you're not in the minority 😄

[@paulmisty8998]

Guys, use machine learning profiles. Whoever uses algorithmic plugins for mojo/saturation in 2024 is way behind the sonic possibilities we have for ITB 'analog' sound. All algorithmic compressors sound the same. If I need to tweak the dynamics I can use SmartComp or something clean, doesn't matter. If I want to add that analog mojo (what we are all seeking), I use machine learning profiles. Simple as that. Don't buy any new algo plugins, it's useless. They all sound the same. And lame.

[@duncanmaclennan9624]

Are you talking about nam / json files? What are some of your favourite?

[@paulmisty8998]

@@duncanmaclennan9624 Yes. Culture Vulture, UA 176, Neve Pre, Manley VariMu, Pultec EQ, CL-1B. These are the ones that I use.

[@andrewrice9383]

@@duncanmaclennan9624 he might be talking about plug-ins such as lvl-01 by tone empire which is a machine learning compressor plugin.

[@bontempo1271]

They don't all sound the same, some plugs have got very close to hardware. There are levels to it. There's like regular digital compression algos which all sound similar and that's where you can use any. But some developments go beyond and manage to capture the hardware sound. Add to that, third party libraries for Nebula. Yes, AI will get us there and beyond, but the current machine learning profiles are limited, and just combining mojo captures with compressors is not the same as a compressor creating the distortion on it's own.

[@paulmisty8998]

@@bontempo1271 zero clue what I'm talking about. These profiles will bist any so called "high quality" algo plugins easily. Nebula and Aqua sucks, for a couple of different reasons. The difference is so big it's not even on the same league.

[@eliobascetta7841]

Congratulations, you are really great at explaining a vst. Since you mentioned the TLA-100 A, do you think that the compact Summit Grand Channel is still one of the best compromises for home recording without big demands? I'm a bit undecided between the Summit and Softube's American Class A!...Thank you and congratulations again.

[@mixbustv]

I like Class A but nowhere near as much as the summit stuff

[@eliobascetta7841]

@@mixbustv So you consider the Summit modules above class A? THANK YOU very much