Best Compressor/Limiter for Audio Engineers

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Are you an audio engineer racking your brains to get the perfect sound quality? Scroll through the list of the best compressors/limiters in 2021.

Deciding on the best compressors or limiters is a task on its own for audio engineers. Solely knowing about the best-selling brands isn't enough. A plethora of deciding factors play a pivotal role in making the final decision. This thorough shopping guide will walk you through different factors and aspects to consider before shopping for the best compressors/limiters.

Hardware vs. software compressors: Which ones are better?

If you're looking for a compressor, consider both a hardware compressor and a plugin compressor.

The development of audio plugins has progressed rapidly in recent years. DAWs (digital audio workstations) and plugin compressors are becoming more popular because of the practicality of plugins. Contrary to real compressor units, which cannot be duplicated, a compressor plugin can be put on as many audio track inserts as your DAW and CPU can manage.

Moreover, plugins are low-maintenance (apart from an update every now and then) and require no physical upkeep. The best aspect is that they cost significantly less than other comparable devices.

The hardware compressor is a fantastic addition to any system. When physical circuits carry audio signals, it has a nice tactile and acoustic quality. In the event you have the money, we would suggest looking into a hardware compressor.

Which type of compressor should you buy?

Optical audio compressors

Optical compressors were some of the first compressors that were specifically developed for a certain task. A photocell and light source power these compressors, which are rather less complex to manufacture. The light source can be either a standard lightbulb or a more modern LED.

Light source intensity varies in response to changes in the input voltage, and the photo cell's ability to detect these changes determines how much compression is applied. Designing a compressor that latches on quickly, then releases slowly over time yields the desired output.

Vari-Mu compressors

Vari-mu type compression, along with optical compressors, can be considered one of the O.G.s of the compression industry. The tone and warmth of these tube-based behemoths are well-known.

The gain-reduction stage is controlled by these tubes, which are biassed differently depending on the input voltage. As a result, a harmonically rich, slow-acting form of compression is created, which shares many musical properties with its visual cousins.

FET technology compressors

Relative to other compressor technologies, field-effect transistors are a more recent development. These adaptable and snappy units use the FET component as a variable resistor in their compression circuit. To reduce the drain current, make the gate voltage higher. So, the drain circuit's resistance decreases as the voltage increases, resulting in signal gain reduction.

VCA compressors

As a somewhat more modern concept likewise, VCA compressors make use of voltage-controlled amplifiers in their compressor circuits. It provides them complete control over attack and release settings as well as a smooth response when compressing.

This makes it possible to create a highly flexible design and can be used for practically anything, from mastering programs to taming wild transients.

The VCA chip-style designs have the added benefit of making it much easier to fit a powerful compressor into a tiny package. Whereas many compressors may be considered voltage-controlled amplifiers with gain control, VCAs often use I.C. chip-based transistors to control input voltage. Thus, this type of compressor offers clearer and controllable compression.

How do audio engineers use compressors/limiters?

Parallel compression

This is a terrific way to keep the natural sound of an instrument while also giving it more strength and vigor. It's possible to use a compressor on only one channel for signal splitting.

As you tweak the comp to achieve the desired effect, you'll notice that the compressed signal now sits just below the uncompressed one. This tactic, while minor, has the effect of making the music sound more open while also being slightly more present.

Serial or chain compression

Chain compression connects several units in sequence to smooth out vocals. Compression artifacts, like E.Q., can be reduced in volume by using multiple units at higher compression levels.

Unit 1 should start with a ratio setting of 10:1 or greater for the voice. Light threshold and quick attack are used to smooth out any peaks in the signal that might be incorrect. To get a more natural sound, use a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 on Unit 2, then adjust the threshold to get the desired degree of uniform compression.

Multi-band compression

Multi-band compressors combine numerous units into a single device, each tuned to a certain frequency range. Multi-band compressors are a useful tool for mastering engineers and mixers with a wide frequency range and unruly inputs like a bass guitar.

What criteria did we use when making our selections?

When it comes to choosing the best compressors/limiters for our loyal readers, we take great care. We keep these three things in mind when writing product reviews to assist our customers. You can also apply them to other purchases in your daily life. In particular, keep in mind these things:

Review by genuine customers

Isn't it fantastic to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of a product before making a purchase? If you examine customer reviews before making a purchase, then this is achievable.

People who have purchased the goods in the past express their opinions and point out the positives and negatives for the benefit of future purchasers. Read these authentic reviews to know how the product will work in real-time.

Brand

When making a purchase, don't forget to consider the worth of the brand or its identity. Buy from a well-known company that has years of experience creating the goods and a positive market reputation. Be wary of new or inexperienced brands that try to lure clients in with low prices.

The price

Regardless of the product or device you intend to purchase, the cost is an important consideration. It's safe to say that almost everyone has a financial plan in place.

Instead of spending more, they should buy what they need with the money they have set up. If you want to get the best deal, shop around and compare the prices of at least two or three different providers. Buy from a provider that offers products at a reasonable price with premium quality. Never be afraid to spend a little more if you know you'll get fantastic value for your money.

Best Compressors/Limiters FAQs

Q: Should I use a compressor or a limiter while making a sound?

A: You don't want to use a limiter on a dynamic vocal recording. A limiter's high ratio will crush your voice excessively, resulting in an unnatural sound. Compressors with lower ratios let you fine-tune the vocal's level while the listener won't notice.

Q: What differentiate a limiter and a compressor?

A: Only the compression ratio is what stands limiter apart from the compressor. A limiter is a device that sets a maximum level and prevents the device from being overloaded. In order to employ a compressor for less drastic and more creative dynamic control, smaller ratios are often used; for example, 5:1 or less is typical.

Q: How to use a compressor on each track?

A: Compressors are required on each track if the dynamics are to be changed. As a general rule, you can record and mix at a volume that prevents distortion without the use of any peak limiting techniques. Using a compressor allows us to fine-tune the track's dynamics.