01
TDR Kotelnikov
by Tokyo Dawn Labs · Bus / mastering compressor
Very transparent and flexible; great on buses and masters. Lacks Pro-C's many character styles and visual feedback.
VST2VST3AUAAXmacOSWindows
FabFilter Pro-C 3 · FabFilterFree alternatives to FabFilter Pro-C 3
Versatile all-round compressor with many styles and a clear level display. 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)
Modern open-source compressor with a detailed display. Fewer preset styles and a steeper learning curve.
VST3AUAAXLV2StandalonemacOSWindowsLinux
03
MCompressor
by MeldaProduction · Compressor (in MFreeFXBundle)
Solid general-purpose compressor with a custom shape curve. Advanced features need the paid upgrade.
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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