Vocal tracks without a compressor can have uneven dynamics. Softer nuances get lost and louder sections dominate. This makes the mix feel unbalanced and amateurish.

The lack of consistency takes away from the emotional impact and clarity of the vocal performance. It also weakens the listener’s connection to the song.

Compressors fix these issues. They make sure every element of the audio signal and the vocal performance is captured and conveyed with the intended intensity and emotion.

If you want to go directly to our list of the top recommended compressors for vocals, feel free to scroll to the bottom of the article.

What Makes a Great Vocal Compressor Plugin?

A great vocal compressor plugin is defined by several key elements and performance metrics:

• Key Elements:
  
  
  • Flexible Attack and Release Settings: These allow the compressor to be fine-tuned for different vocal dynamics and styles.
    
    
  • Variable Ratio: Enables control over the amount of compression applied.
    
    
  • Side-chain Capabilities: Allows for frequency-specific compression, which is crucial in a mix.
    
    
  • Knee Control: Determines the compressor’s transition from no compression to full compression, allowing for either subtle or aggressive compression.
    
    
• Performance Metrics:
  
  
  • Transparent Compression: Preserves the natural character of the vocals while managing dynamics.
    
    
  • Low Latency: Essential for real-time processing without delay.
    
    
  • CPU Efficiency: Ensures the plugin does not overload your digital audio workstation.
    
    
  • User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive controls and visual feedback like gain reduction meters are crucial for effective use.

Selecting the Right Compressor Plugin for Your Vocal Style

Choosing the right compressor plugin for your voice is important for a polished and professional sound in vocal recording. The choice of compressor can greatly influence the tone, dynamics, and overall presence of the vocals in a mix

Here are some key points to consider when choosing a compressor plugin for your vocal style:

1. Learn about different types of compressors, each with their own unique features. Familiarizing yourself with these types can help you choose the right one for your needs. VCA compressors are versatile and precise. People value FET compressors for their aggressive sound. Optical compressors are loved for their smooth, musical compression.
   
   
2. Think about the Genre and Vocal Style: The type of music and how the singer sounds can affect which compressor to choose. For example, aggressive compression works well for pop, hip-hop, and EDM. Subtle compression is better for classical, acoustic, and rock/alternative genres.
   
   
3. Take a look at the compressor’s features. New digital compressors have better control over settings like attack, release, and ratio than old analog ones. This allows for more precision in shaping the vocal tone and controlling transients.
   
   
4. Try different compressor plugins to find the one with the sound and features you like. Producers and engineers often choose the Universal Audio 1176 Compressor, FabFilter Pro-C 2, and UAD LA2A Compressor Plugin. Trying out different compressors can help you find the one that best suits your vocal style.
   
   
5. Use Multiple Compressors: Many mixers use multiple compressors in series, each doing only a few dB of gain reduction. This can sound more natural than one compressor working too hard.
   
   
6. To understand compression, it’s crucial to learn and experiment while developing your ear. Instead of blindly following instructions, you should try experimenting with different settings. Also, make sure to listen carefully to the results.
   
   
   Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to recording and compression. The key is to understand the tools at your disposal and use them creatively to achieve the desired sound.

What is the difference between a fast attack time and a slow attack time for vocal compression?

Choosing a fast or slow attack time can greatly change the texture and impact of a vocal track. This important decision has a big effect on the dynamic range and how the vocals sound in a mix.

The attack mode and time determines how fast the compressor lowers volume when the signal goes beyond a certain level.

• Compression kicks in faster with a short attack time (10-30 ms), reducing the initial transient. This can help control peaks and dynamics, tighten up the sound, and add more perceived loudness. However, too fast of an attack can make the vocals sound dull or lifeless.
  
  
• A slow attack time, like 30 to 100 milliseconds or more, lets more of the initial sound through before compression happens. This keeps the punch and dynamics intact. This can emphasize the initial impact of the vocals. However, a slow attack may not control peaks as effectively.
  
  
• For vocals, a moderate attack time around 20-50 ms is often a good starting point. This provides a balance of controlling peaks while still allowing some transient punch through.
  
  
• Rock and pop singers often prefer faster attack times, while subtle styles benefit from slower attacks.
  
  
• The best attack time varies based on the singer, music style, desired sound, and compression settings. Experimentation and listening critically is key to find the best attack time for the track.
  
  
• Along with attack, the release time also shapes the compressed vocal sound. When released faster, it creates more excitement and energy. Releasing it slower makes things smoother.

What’s the Best Compressor for Vocals?

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the top compressor plugins for vocals, including their manufacturers, features, unique selling points, how they enhance vocal tracks, and their respective pricing:

• ADHD Leveling Tool (FREE) by Audio Damage: This free VST plugin offers smooth automatic gain control, mimicking the behavior of classic opto-cell compressors. Its unique selling point is its simplicity and ease of use, making it perfect for gently leveling out a vocal performance. It can add consistency to dynamic vocal tracks without coloring the sound.
  
  
• MeldaProduction MCompressor (FREE): MeldaProduction’s MCompressor provides custom shape editing for compression envelopes, side-chain input, and advanced metering. Its standout feature is the customizability, allowing for precise tailoring of dynamics processing. It’s especially useful for creative dynamic shaping of vocals and is available for free.
  
  
• Ableton Glue Compressor (FREE with Ableton Live Suite): A collaboration with Cytomic, this compressor is designed to ‘glue’ mix elements together for a cohesive sound. It shines with its soft-clip feature and peak/RMS detection modes, which are great for adding punch or smoothness to vocals. This is bundled with Ableton Live Suite, which costs around $749.
  
  
• Universal Audio 1176 Compressor: Universal Audio’s 1176LN is a classic compressor that offers ultra-fast attack times and rich class-A line level amplification. Its FET design is known for adding a desirable warmth and presence to vocals, with pricing for the plugin typically starting around $149.
  
  
• FabFilter Pro-C 2: From FabFilter, this plugin costs approximately $179 and stands out with its versatile compression styles and an interactive knee display. Its real-time gain reduction and waveform display make precise vocal dynamics control intuitive. It is lauded for its clean sound and versatility across a broad range of vocal types.
  
  
• Universal Audio Empirical Labs Distressor: This plugin, based on the iconic hardware, is renowned for its warmth and versatility, with the ability to mimic tube compressors as well as tape saturation. It’s particularly effective for adding body and presence to vocals. The plugin version is priced at around $299.
  
  
• Soundtoys Devil-Loc Deluxe: Soundtoys offers this for approximately $79. It’s an audio level destroyer with a distinct sound that can add grit and texture to vocals, perfect for an aggressive sound.
  
  
• Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B: Softube’s emulation of the classic hardware opto-compressor is valued for its smooth and musical compression. It’s great for vocals that require subtle leveling with a warm touch and is priced at $299.
  
  
• iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamics: Part of iZotope’s Ozone 9 mastering suite, this compressor is valued for its intelligent algorithms that can adapt compression to the vocal’s timbre. It’s priced within the Ozone 9 suite, which costs around $499.
  
  
• Pulsar Audio 1178: This dual-channel FET compressor plugin is priced at $149 and stands out for its ability to control transients while maintaining the original vocal’s punch and clarity.
  
  
• TDR Kotelnikov by Tokyo Dawn Records: A free compressor with a gentle character, perfect for transparent dynamic control of vocals. Its wideband dynamics processing offers a high-fidelity sound and exceptional flexibility.
  
  
• Waves Audio Renaissance Vox: A favorite from Waves Audio, Renaissance Vox is specifically designed for vocal processing. Priced around $99, it’s celebrated for its straightforward controls and the ability to quickly achieve smooth and clear vocal tracks. Its automatic gain compensation and gentle compression curve make it ideal for enhancing vocal performances without over-complication.
  
  
• FabFilter Pro-DS: In addition to the Pro-C 2, FabFilter’s Pro-DS stands out for its specialized de-essing capabilities, crucial for managing sibilance in vocal recordings. Priced at approximately $179, it offers highly precise control and transparency, making it a go-to for ensuring vocal clarity and smoothness.

Each of these plugins brings a unique quality to vocal tracks, whether it’s the warm saturation of vintage emulations or the transparent control of modern designs. The prices provided are approximate and subject to change based on sales, bundling, or updates from the manufacturers.

To make vocals smaller, find a vocal compressor that fixes problems and fits your style. There are many compressor plugins available, each with different features and strengths. The best choice depends on what you need and prefer. Remember that there is no one perfect plugin for vocal compression. To find the right option for your track, try different choices and see how they affect your vocals. Choose one that fits both the technical requirements and your personal creative taste.