The Best Free Compressor Plugins for Music Production and Mixing

When TDR announced their new free plugin, Molotok, I was excited to see how it would sound. After beta testing it for many weeks, I am so happy to share it with you and recommend it! TDR have made another instant classic with this and I know you'll get amazing results with it. See below for free download links and more information.
0:00 - Intro
0:35 - How to download for free
1:40 - Why not use 10 free compressor plugins?
2:00 - Kotelnikov vs Molotok (Digital vs Analog Compression)
3:00 - Example (Harmonic distortion)
4:40 - Features
5:35 - Example (Cello)
8:10 - Example (Drum bus distorted compression)
9:25 - Example (before and after)
10:00 - Sidechain function
10:50 - Final thoughts
▶Download them here:
TDR Moltok: www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-molotok/
TDR Kotelnikov: www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-kotelni...
▶More Tutorials:
Understanding Compression Tutorial: • The RIGHT way to use C...
Sidechain Compression: • How To Sidechain in FL...
Saturation Explained: • Mixing With Saturation...
In this tutorial I am using Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro headphones
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[@inthemix]

When TDR announced their new free plugin, Molotok, I was excited to see how it would sound. After beta testing it for many weeks, I am so happy to share it with you and recommend it! TDR have made another instant classic with this and I know you'll get amazing results with it. See below for free download links and more information. 0:00 - Intro 0:35 - How to download for free 1:40 - Why not use 10 free compressor plugins? 2:00 - Kotelnikov vs Molotok (Digital vs Analog Compression) 3:00 - Example (Harmonic distortion) 4:40 - Features 5:35 - Example (Cello) 8:10 - Example (Drum bus distorted compression) 9:25 - Example (before and after) 10:00 - Sidechain function 10:50 - Final thoughts ▶Download them here: TDR Moltok: www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-molotok/ TDR Kotelnikov: www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-kotelnikov/

[@kamso3553]

you've been a huge part of my production journey. thanks for not holding back! i have a request to make: please could you make a video on how to use a vu meter. pretty please!!!!!!

[@inthemix]

@@kamso3553 Thank you for the kind words, I'm happy to have helped! That's a good idea, is there anything in particular that you find challenging about using a VU meter?

[@douzlstudbybbg7508]

kzbin.info/door/NyMNwnL8wIsmIwk1KtuyJw

[@jayjain3821]

MJUC Klanghelm Jr. is also a good free alternative. I will be glab if you check it out.

[@ZapDon777Tutorials]

Everybody gangsta until In The Mix starts putting two unskippable ads 😂. But no problem, you deserve it all!

[@matthewalkhoury7163]

I swear 60% of my knowledge in music production out of hundreds of sources comes from In The Mix, Thank you

[@CasioChaosTheory]

I concur! I'd say mine is maybe even higher - 75% even.

[@marrello1499]

yes this guy is giving premium info for free

[@bigpoppies6199]

Same here

[@kaybi49]

Very true

[@theeouapolal7262]

He's straight forward, no nonsense. Like he says on this video, "let's waste no time." He obviously plans and edits his productions, and REALLY wastes no time!

[@sgfdancecompany]

TDR are excelent tools for mixing and mastering, plus super responsive to the community

[@inthemix]

Honestly there are only a few developers who seem to care so much about the community! Youlean is another great example :)

[@sgfdancecompany]

​@@inthemix you are right!! and they deserve our support back

*mixing

[@akalyoung620]

i have a huge respect for them as am student and i cant afford all this expensive plugins but they changed the game for me.

[@douglasfreeman3229]

Good video. Nicely presented. Very clear. Well spoken and good enunciation. The lack of gimmicks, background noises (continuous music, sfx etc) and no hyper fast cutting make this a joy to watch. Nice for an "oldie" like me! Thank you, good sir.

[@yedawg7970]

these companies that are providing these free amazing plugins deserve so much more credit!! I've used/been using TDR Nova for more than a year before I got Ozone 9 but I totally slept on these compressors, after 5 minutes of watching I immediately downloaded them. superb video as always!

[@spcraftsman2656]

I love the fact that the interface of Kotelnikov is the simplest it can be without making it frustrating for more advanced users. It is like Harmless but easier to grasp.

[@marshwalker8322]

So many people making music production tutorials, you're easily the best I've found..

[@chadjeffery2672]

I was just on my way to watch your video about "Free Plugins" you mentioned in another video about compression for this exact reason. The timing of this video was eerie! Thanks for your tutorials!

[@BlaCkLaBeL2002]

All of their free plugins are so impressive! Awesome features, great sound, beautiful and useful interface... Gotta love Tokyo Dawn!

[@Krabin_]

One of my favorite channels because of how real, honest, and down to earth you are. Instead of begging for subscribers, you tell us to go make music and get familiar with what we have because it's way more fun and useful than trying to find the best (or every) plugin in existence. Instead of naming off all of the plugins you can find online, you give us a few SOLID recommendations that you're familiar with. Thanks

[@jayjain3821]

Yes, I tried it instantly after it's release. Very nice character and tone. Really like it. Thanks for sharing, stay safe and healthy !!

[@KAMO99]

I was looking for a free alternative plugin to a compresor/saturator. Thanks for showing these AWESOME plugins

[@anthonyscott16]

Thanks for letting us know about these Michael. I appreciate it.

[@Walkerbjj]

Coincdentally, these are the 2 compressors I use. I really like them. Seeing that you use them make me feel even better about them. I never paid any attention to the side chain stuff you mentioned. I will begin to play around with that next. Your videos are extremely helpful

[@TheLastMoomin]

Love the TDR compressor, the drum smasher pre set is great for parallel bus compression. Big fan.

[@broccoli7645]

I was about to ask a video that explains what are the differences between some compressors. But no need to ask, In The Mix already knew I needed this video. Thx !

[@dimbolt]

I wanted to master Kotelnikov for a long time, this video will help a lot, thanks !

[@FailcoreFW]

Looove these "here's a few amazing plugins" instead of a list of 20 :D Great videos, dude.

[@50CalBeats]

Too true, too many people are just in it for clicks and will say "Here's a list of my favorite 'x' plugins!" then go on to list almost every single plugin in that category...

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Great Video Mike. The example with the sine wave helped a great deal. Thanks

[@mattscott5931]

Was looking for something to help drive a di bass track and the Molotok works absolutely PERFECT. Thank you for this recommendation!

[@shamprasad9949]

Bro i was really waiting for your new video while watching your another one now when I get this notification... 😁😁🙂✌️🙏

[@thesoundwriter5591]

This is absolutely awesome. Thanks so much for sharing it!!

[@C-5Arts]

Thanks so much for this wonderful video! I just used Kotelnikov in a Save A Prayer (Duran Duran) cover made with Ableton Live 10 - I'll be putting it on my channel shortly. I appreciate your time and effort! Thanks again. :-)

[@alphaohura762]

Great video. Short and informative and very helpful. Thanks!

[@repomanband]

Thanks for another great video! I was looking for something beyond the FLS standards.

[@jrod9777]

you know what I appreciate the most about In The Mix? He ALWAYS shows off the free/stock stuff, unlike other KZbin producers who are always using some paid VST or plugin that they made or were sponsored by.

[@t3ch_n0]

Great video, as Always. Thanks for doing all of these videos, Some of the best recommendations ive gotten have been from you (beyerdynamic dt 770s, Ozone , Tdr nova etc.) I cant wait to try out molotok, it looks sick. keep making great content! Edit: Kotelnikov ended up being the more useful. such a clean sound!

[@CasioChaosTheory]

Michael, great advice and recommendations as always. I've already been using Kotelnikov thanks to your recommendation in a previous video and can confirm that it is a superb compressor. After I tried it in some of my tracks, it instantly became my go to compressor. It is very well designed, easy and slick to use, plus looks as great as it sounds. I've already been recommending it to other musicians. I'm looking forward to trying the Molotok compressor also, and no doubt it too will sound good for two reasons - 1. You recommend it and 2. It's from Tokyo Dawn Labs!

[@producedby3am344]

I love both of these plugins, TDR is amazing!

[@cdney8285]

Yeeesss, already love this one, I've actually been requesting something like this on the discord server, thank you Mike

[@inthemix]

You're welcome!

[@damonsessions9506]

Dude you are the absolute best!!! I've learned so much from you.

[@Tonehenge]

I purchased both GE (paid) editions. They are in my top 5. I was happy to support these developers....

[@diptabagchi]

So happy to see you... I used TDR Kotelnikov as you have taught us before. Now, I have come to know about Monotok. It's 12:08 am in India. I will install Monotok after a nap.. Thank you.. Good night..

[@alanalfonso6620]

This is amazing Michael, I've learnt so many thing from you. You should a video about mixing in mono, it's something that I've been struggling with:( thank you Michael!

[@scopez-2k712]

You’re really amazing brother keep bringing fire content!!

[@ToT_music]

Thanks Michael. Your videos are very helpful. Спасибо🙏✨

[@TRVladdy]

I have been waiting for this video :) compressors are my passion owo

[@chappedstick6892]

My new primary source of plugin and mix knowledge, thank you sir.

[@ROUBON]

RUSSIAN NAMES EXISTS TDR: YES

[@Nullllus]

One of the developers is Russian. So, yes.

[@jahboywizy]

Mike is a genius, thanks bro 💪 been waiting for this

[@marceloribeirosimoes8959]

These compressores are REALLY good. Thank you very much!!!!!

[@Keroser1983]

Thanks for the video as always. Totally clear!!! TDR is wonderful...

[@djxenynonthesounds]

Wow, great video as always!

[@abrahamt92]

You have explained so well in a very simple way. Thanks. I love to hear more from you. God bless. (Abraham) 🇮🇳

[@annalawrence]

Amazing and super helpful videos as always, thank you so much

[@deoneilmejia5465]

Thank you for a great video and the free plugins sir. More power!

[@olonoli]

Thanks ! You make it so understandable ! In the mix is my go to youtube channel when i want to know how to do something when a mix !

[@deerstreamstudio]

Nice video mate, thanks for the help 🙏

[@briancase6180]

Wow! Thanks so much for the pointer! The new compressor with saturation will be great for getting that last bit of loudness in a final mix. I can't believe how useful three molotok will be. Can't wait to learn it. Awesome! EDIT: you didn't even cover one of the best features:. The delta button. Try enabling this: you can use that as a staccato effect for really cool additions to your sound. Lots of possibilities. Very, very cool. Thanks again!

[@DarkSideofSynth]

TDR rock! I love their Kotelnikov and Nova EQ, and now I'll welcome this new Molotok. Great!

[@AliBeats_]

acctually the molotok compressor is a monster !!!! thank u brother ,

[@Rooflessmula]

appreciate yur vids fr bro💫

[@martin_louis]

Hey dude thanks a LOT for this new video it will help me to improve the music I put on KZbin so thank you !! Keep going 💪🏻

[@Antweezy]

This is some good sauce, thank you!

[@alfabm8071]

Daam looks nice, can’t wait to try this plug in out 🙏🙏

[@shuvrosarkar9800]

What I love about your tutorials is they are not random memes that teaches nothing. Keep it up man!❤️ However, It will be great if you can make a tutorial about "Vallhallaroom, Valhalla Vintage verb, Valhalla shimmer and Valhalla Supermassive"

[@yannlafeu8190]

WAW I just downloaded the TDR compressor couple days ago and didn't know how to use it thank you so much !!

[@inthemix]

Maybe I should make a full tutorial for the Molotok?

[@yannlafeu8190]

@@inthemix Yeah sure why not !

[@j.y.x8970]

yes please

[@aboliguu1168]

Kotelnikov is my new favourite mastering compressor! It’s a great ”clutter remover” and it also adds clarity.

[@ottam]

These guys are amazing devs who are exactly the kinds of people producers and engineers should want to support. They have reasonable prices, they work hard for the community, they make amazing plugins, and they give so much away for free. If you like their free stuff, try to buy at least one of their paid plugins, if only to support their amazing business model and ethic.

[@SiddharthaKole]

Want to see u as the most popular artist, best of luck, your tutorials are just too easy to understand great to have your contents so easily available

[@JoannaLero]

Brilliant can't wait to check them out. Great video as usual

[@inthemix]

Thanks Joanna

[@v_shkafu]

Thanks a lot! Very interesting and seemingly great plug-ins.

[@MikeParmar]

Thanks for the new video!!!

[@mwangii8524]

Thank you for this video and the links

[@joeyhabu6226]

we love from nigeria. pls dont stop the good work,, you keep making life so easy for us here. thankyou!!

[@ChakyAPlus]

I used those in my latest song thank you for all the content you provide🙏

[@gaurav1147]

Waiting for this for so long

[@highlifebeats4943]

amazing content as always!

[@bigisland6616]

one of the best videos out there thank you sir

[@wilg8244]

Thanks man, you're simply put A BLESSING TO OUR GENERATION, love you man

[@Space_mathematics]

Your all videos are too much helpful for me. Tganks for making videos lake that. Have a great day

[@GingerDrums]

Full TDL Bundle owner here. I find the Fab Filter products superior in all cases except compression, where I use primarily TDL. These are not only my fav free compressors, but they are my fav compressors full stop.

[@efraimk1673]

Forgot about the total gain function on the molotok! Coming back to this video was the right choice :D

[@BorisBarroso]

I really loved what Molotok did on the cello.

[@atomas59]

I totally agree, so much that I've got all of their gentlemen edition, except for their new Molotok, which I plan on getting their GE pretty soon...)) I do use them...all the time. I also own most of FabFilter plugIns.....but Tokyo Dawn are certainly a game changer.

[@NelsenGChess]

been waiting for this one

[@briankingart]

Again, great advice: learn 1-3 compressors WELL. Advice taken! TYVM Michael.

[@MikeH_PR]

Great, clear, helpful - thanks!

[@vloggingpractice8077]

First!Great video as always! Keep up doing a great work!

[@officialmaar]

What would we do without In The Mix, fav channel for sure!!

[@AKAtAGG]

I've been using Kotelnikov for as long as it's existed, alongside more premium plugins like Pro-C. Definitely trying the new one.

[@Cefshah]

Great video!! Peace/blessings to you!! 👍✌

[@bossmanvevo2172]

I really love your content bro helped me alot in my produsing jorney

[@shalinigupta9325]

Hey bro i am watching from India 🇮🇳 and i started watching your videos from last two year regularly

[@chinesedrugpolice4139]

molotok is awesome for a whole mix! its incredible

[@himnosenlanoche7030]

many thanks, great video :)

[@executionsquad3926]

TDR fan. Crystal clear sound.

[@kshitijbansod]

Thanks a lot. I respect you the most.

[@manygames4you531]

Could you make another mix and mastering tutorial using free plugins like these? I found your last video really helpful!

[@BarmizzIe]

Moltok looks great! Gonna go download

[@raxi9619]

Great video!!! Maybe a video on texture/texture packs next?

[@loganpittmusic4388]

Thank you for this :)

[@fridayafternextfamilycook-8155]

*2 really great sounding gear🔥👌*

[@valkyrierecording641]

Michael, Thanks a Million! The Molotok is the Best Free Plug-In I ever Got! Super Transparent Sound my Drums Came Alive From the Dead!

[@LaureanoMuller]

10:00 you can also do that with Nova! TDR really does know what they're doing, I think I'm in love with molotok, and I haven't even tried it yet!

[@RutgerS.]

You're right! Started using that a week ago. So easy to set up!

[@peternelson4419]

Thank you brother!

[@walterwischmob2914]

Here, have your thumb :) I'll get that Molotok. Kotelnikov served me well so far and after you illustrated the difference between the two as well as you did, I'm hooked. I would tell you, that you'd make an excellent salesman, but on the other hand I'd never wish for you to change the way you explain stuff without bias (hopefully?). I personally did not find any of what you explained too complicated. On the other hand really ... the "bit more complicating part" is the real good stuff. Also: I did finally save up enough for that Beyerdynamics Headphone you rated so overwhelmingly positiv and I have to say I'm impressed. Easily the best headphones I have had on my ears so far. Cheers for that recommendation!

[@inthemix]

Thanks Walter! I appreciate the support. I’m so happy you like the beyers, they have served me so well over the last 4 years or so and I know they’ll continue to sound amazing for years to come. It can be tricky picking a video pace and difficulty which doesn’t bore people while also not leaving anyone behind so I’m glad to hear it worked well this time! Thanks again

[@walterwischmob2914]

@@inthemix I fully understand your Problem of having to "find the middle ground" of difficulty. Just figured I'd let you know that it was good listening pace for me. But I'm just one voice of many ...

[@thewest6128]

They sound pretty good!

[@fernandobaetajr]

Great video!

[@rajibkhakhlari]

Thank you brother👏👏👏