Multiband compression is often regarded as somewhat of a dark art of mixing. The basic concepts of multiband compression are pretty easy to grasp, and the whole process can be very rewarding when used properly… but it takes lots of skill and experience to really become really good at it. If you need a kick-start with multi-band compression, I suggest you read this great SOS article by Paul White & Hugh Robjohns.
And whether you’re already good at it, or are just looking for some free tools to learn on, here is a list of the best freeware multiband compression plugins:
- 5ORCERY by platinumears (Windows)
- Broadcast by Jeroen Breebaart (Windows)
- BuzComp Free GranComp3 by buzzroom (Windows)
- C3 Multi Band Compressor by slim slow slider (Mac, Windows)
- COMP4 by Plektron (Windows)
- GMulti by GVST (Windows)
- L3V3LL3R-X3 by platinumears (Windows)
- Lightweight Multiband Compressor by C. Budde (Windows)
- MJMultibandCompressor by Magnus (Windows)
- Multiband by mda (Mac, Windows)
- ReaXcomp by Cockos (Windows)
- Stardust by Arguru Software (Windows)
- T-SLEDGE by Sweetboy (Windows)
My favorite one from this list is ReaXcomp, a great freeware multiband compressor and part of the Cockos Reaplugs bundle. There’s no limit for the number of bands, and the large number of per-band controls makes this one of the best free multiband dynamics processors available.
Broadcast is a freeware multiband compressor VST developed by Jeroen Breebaart. It combines several concepts from Jeroen’s previous plugins, including the dynamics processing from the PC-2 compressor, spatial processing from OmniSone, and brickwall limiting from Barricade in a multi-band fashion.
C3 Multi Band Compressor is a freeware multiband compressor VST plugin developed and released by slim slow slider. Note that the same code was used in Fruity Multiband Compressor which comes bundled with FL Studio by Image-Line. Decent plugin, although it acts quirky in some hosts – make sure you give it a proper test on your machine before any serious use.
Lightweight Multiband Compressor is a freeware multiband compressor VST plugin by Christian Budde. It is based on Budde’s lightweight compressor algorithm and a set of Linkwitz-Riley filters.
MJMultibandCompressor is a freeware four-band multiband compressor VST plugin developed by Magnus. It uses the host program’s default GUI, but an alternative custom skin made by V’ger is available for download here.
Multiband is a freeware multiband compressor VST plugin by mda. It uses the host’s GUI, which means that there are no input/compression meters available. For tips on using Multiband by mda, click here.
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This article is a part of the bpb Freeware Studio series. Each article in the series features a selection of the best freeware VST instruments/effects, or other audio related software in a certain category. Something similar to the Free Sample Shootouts, only this time it’s all about software. If you’re looking for freeware tools to add to your studio arsenal, you’ve certainly come to the right place. The goal here is not to list all the free software available in a certain category, but only include the freeware plugins/programs of highest quality. Feel free to suggest your favorite free software in the comments section below. Enjoy!
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For me ReaXComp is the best too…
some plugins that are very often overlooked are Christian Budde’s.
He did amazing open-source plugins which you can find at http://www.savioursofsoul.de/Christian/vst-plugins/effect-plugins/dynamics/
he did a good multiband compressor too and awesome filters and EQ’s
cheers joe, i’ve never tried Budde’s multiband compressors. will do. good call!
btw, i added shortcircuit to the sf2 player list after all. ;]
:) nice one!
tell me how you like christians plugins… to my ears they are top class when tweaked right…
used the noise reduction with good results
i love that he does a lot with an opensource licence :)
cool, i’ve tried his Lightweight Multiband Compressor and it works nice. i’ll add it to the bpb database tomorrow. btw, i’ve also tried budde’s sidechain compressor i think it’s better than all the other freeware ones i’ve tried. other than that, his posihfopit eq used to be my go-to eq for a long time.