Whether you’re a drummer looking to bring your recordings to the next level or a beginner mixing engineer on a budget, there’s good news: there are plenty of excellent free compression plugins available for mixing drums. Here are the top 7 most popular options:
1. DC1A by Klanghelm – Free DC1A is a simple yet effective compressor with just two knobs: “Compression” and “Output.” Its unique “Auto” mode makes it easy to dial in the perfect amount of compression without getting bogged down in the technical details.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- “Auto” mode makes it easy to find the right settings
- Can be used on a variety of sources besides drums
Cons:
- Limited control compared to more complex compressors
- No visual feedback or meters
2. MJUC Jr. by Klanghelm – Free MJUC Jr. is a versatile compressor with a vintage-style sound. It has three compression modes, each with its own unique character, as well as a “Mix” knob for parallel compression.
Pros:
- Vintage-style sound
- Three compression modes to choose from
- “Mix” knob for parallel compression
Cons:
- More complex than some other free compressors
- No visual feedback or meters
3. Rough Rider 3 by Audio Damage – Free Rough Rider 3 is a “modern compressor with a bit of “vintage” style bite and a uniquely warm sound.” It has a simple interface with just four knobs: “Drive,” “Compression,” “Release,” and “Output.”
Pros:
- Warm, vintage-style sound
- Simple and easy to use
- Can be used on a variety of sources besides drums
Cons:
- Limited control compared to more complex compressors
- No visual feedback or meters
4. Molot by Vladg Sound – Free Molot is a “classic compressor with a lot of character.” It has a unique “Vari-Mu” mode that emulates the behavior of vacuum tube compressors, as well as a “Brickwall” limiter for extreme settings.
Pros:
- Unique “Vari-Mu” mode
- “Brickwall” limiter for extreme settings
- Can be used on a variety of sources besides drums
Cons:
- More complex than some other free compressors
- No visual feedback or meters
5. TDR Kotelnikov by Tokyo Dawn Records – Free TDR Kotelnikov is a high-quality compressor with a transparent sound. It has several advanced features, including adjustable crossover points, M/S processing, and a “Delta” mode for processing only the difference between left and right channels.
Pros:
- Transparent, high-quality sound
- Advanced features for precise control
- M/S processing and “Delta” mode for unique processing options
Cons:
- More complex than some other free compressors
- No visual feedback or meters
6. Density mkIII by Variety of Sound – Free Density mkIII is a “smooth transparent compressor” with a vintage-style sound. It has several unique features, including “Negative ratios” for upward compression and “Knee” control for adjusting the compression curve.
Pros:
- Smooth, transparent sound
- Unique features for precise control
- Vintage-style sound
Cons:
- More complex than some other free compressors
- No visual feedback or meters
7. Kjaerhus Audio Classic Compressor – Free Kjaerhus Audio Classic Compressor is a vintage-style compressor with a simple interface. It has just two knobs: “Threshold” and “Ratio,” as well as a “Makeup Gain” knob.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- Vintage-style sound
- Can be used on a variety of sources besides drums
Cons:
- Limited control compared to more complex compress
There are plenty of great free compression plugins available for mixing drums. These plugins can help you achieve a polished, professional sound without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer vintage-style compression or modern transparency, a plugin on this list will suit your needs. Remember, the key to successful drum compression is to experiment and trust your ears. With these free plugins, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do just that. So download a few, try them out, and see what works best for you!