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The use of a great bus compressor cannot be overstated when it comes to mixing music. In this blog post, we will delve into the "Top 5 Best Bus Compressor Plugins For Bigger Mixes." These plugins are not just tools; they are the secret ingredients that can transform your mixes from good to great, providing that polished, cohesive sound that stands out.
We have handpicked these top 5 compressors simply on their unique sounds. From subtle glue to aggressive leveling, each of these plugins offer something special for your tracks. So, let's dive in and explore how these bus compressor plugins can elevate your mixes to next heights!
Included in this guide:
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| 5 | Check Price |
Runner-up  | Solid State Logic Bus Compressor 2 Plug-In
| 5 | Check Price |
Top Pick  | Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor Plug-In
| 4.9 | Check Price |
Top Pick  | Slate Digital VBC Virtual Buss Compressors Plug-In Bundle
| 4.7 | Check Price |
Lowest Price  | Waves API 2500 Stereo Compressor Plug-In
| 4.5 | Check Price |
The Waves CLA MixDown plug-in can be a great asset in your music production toolkit. Itās the ultimate mix bus processor and our overall favorite. Created by Grammy-winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge, itās the go-to plug-in for finalizing your mix.
Mainly, itās a flexible solution for optimizing high and low shelve EQ, glue compression, and console emulation. Overall, it combines years of mixing expertise into a single efficient interface.
Tip: Use this as the first plugin on your master bus. Dial the input fader in so that you are getting 2-3 dB of gain reduction. Leave all other settings on their defaults.
The Solid State Logic (SSL) bus compressor 2 is the embodiment of the classic 1980s analog console compressor. Known for its ability to glue mixes together with formidable power, punch, and drive, such a plugin has been an irreplaceable part of countless recordings.
Primarily, the SSL bus compressor 2 introduces new dimensions of control with features like variable attack, release, and compression ratios. Therefore, it ensures the same compression characteristics and fantastic sound quality as the original hardware.
Tip: We use this compressor on our drum bus in every mix. Use the gentle drum bus preset and set the threshold knob so that you are getting 2-3 dB of gain reduction.
The Shadow Hills Mastering compressor plug-in is a digital take on its highly regarded analog counterpart. Itās famous for its versatility and impact on classic recordings, mirroring the hardwareās two-stage compression process.
Principally, the first stage employs an optoelectronic gain control element. Consecutively, the second replicate a discrete VCA design, operating in feed-forward mode. With both compressors in action, the plug-in offers distinct tonal shaping.
Tip: On slower or less dynamic songs, we use this compressor in place of the CLA MixDown.
The Slate Digital VBC virtual bus compressors plug-in bundle is a set of three analog-modeled compressor plug-ins. Itās designed to mimic some of the highest-demanded classic mix-bus compressors.
As a part of Slate Digitalās Virtual Mix Rack (VMR) system, the three plugins are renowned for their ability to add glue and character to mixes. While the FG-Grey is known for its transparent compression and musicality, the FG-Red adds quite the punch to mixes. As for the FG-MU, it adds warmth to recordings with its smooth and rich compression.
A modern take on the classic API 2500 stereo compressor, the Waves API 2500 stereo compressor plug-in holds fantastic characteristics. Itās designed to recreate the versatility of the original hardware, offering a complete set of controls for precise shaping.
With the use of parameters such as ratio, threshold, attack, release, and knee adjustments, you can achieve optimal dynamic control. Furthermore, the plug-inās mix and headroom controls allow you to adjust the overall output level as well as blend compressed with uncompressed signals.
A bus compressor plugin is a software tool used in digital audio production. It allows you to apply compression to a group of tracks, or a "bus", in your mix. This kind of compression helps to glue the tracks together, creating a cohesive and balanced sound that can make your mixes sound bigger and more polished.
Choosing the right bus compressor plugin depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your project. Consider the type of music you are mixing, the user interface you are comfortable with, the specific features you need (like side-chain filters or stereo width control), and your budget. Trial versions can be a great way to test out different options.
To set up a bus compressor in your mix, route multiple tracks (like all your drums, or all your vocals) to a bus or group track. Insert the bus compressor on this bus track. Start with a moderate ratio, a slow attack to preserve transients, and a quick release to avoid pumping. Adjust the threshold to get the desired amount of gain reduction, and use the make-up gain to compensate for the volume loss due to compression.
High-quality bus compressor plugins often feature parameters like adjustable attack and release times, ratio, threshold, and make-up gain. Advanced features might include a side-chain filter, stereo width control, mid/side processing capabilities, and the ability to mix in the dry signal for parallel compression. A visually intuitive interface and real-time gain reduction metering can also be quite helpful.
Yes, bus compression can also be used during the mastering stage. In mastering, gentle bus compression can be applied across the entire mix to glue the tracks together and provide a final level of dynamic control. However, itās crucial to use it subtly in mastering to avoid over-compression, which can lead to a loss of dynamics and clarity.
To create the ultimate mix, you need to have the right tools. Luckily, bus compressors can be great assets for reaching your goal. In our search for the best bus compressor plugins, our top pick is the Waves CLA MixDown, which offers unmatched excellence.
As for the Solid State Logic Bus Compressor 2, it secured its place as the runner-up. It delivers amazing and consistent performance in every mix. That said, for those whoāre after a budget-friendly alternative, look no further than the Waves API 2500 Stereo Compressor plug-in. It delivers fantastic results despite its convenient price.
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