01
TDR Kotelnikov
by Tokyo Dawn Labs · Bus / mastering compressor
Excellent transparent bus compressor. Cleaner than The Glue, with less console-style color.
VST2VST3AUAAXmacOSWindows
Cytomic The Glue · CytomicFree alternatives to Cytomic The Glue
SSL-style bus compressor famous for 'gluing' drum buses and mixes. Here are 3 genuinely free options, ranked by how close they get.
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02
ZL Compressor
by ZL Audio · Compressor (open source)
Flexible and precise for bus duty. You'll need to dial in the SSL feel yourself.
VST3AUAAXLV2StandalonemacOSWindowsLinux
03
DC1A
by Klanghelm · Two-knob character compressor
Quick, colored glue with two knobs. No external sidechain or detailed timing controls.
VST2VST3AUAAXmacOSWindows
Free means free: no trials, no time limits, no demos. Some need a free account; we flag those. Spot something wrong or a better swap? Tell us.
Used in $0 starter setups
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