This plugin clearly does a hell of a lot of things, but it does them right, and for only $44, or even free, I honestly don’t find a reason not to recommend it.ĭownload TDR Kotelnikov here. Lastly, when processing stereo channels, you also have the option to only process the Sum or Difference channels, otherwise known as the Middle or Side, and you can even use two instances of this plugin to compress the Mid and Side independently. In other words, when using the “Low Freq Relax” feature, you are effectively lowering the threshold on the lower frequencies.Īnother feature are the Ying and Yang controls, which add harmonics to the lower and higher frequencies respectively.

What sets Kotelnikov apart from most other compressors is its “Frequency Dependent Ratio”, which allows you to set a different compression ratio depending on the frequency (not available in the free version).Ī similar feature is the “Low Freq Relax” that allows you to configure a high-pass filter for the side chain, which makes the compressor react less to those lower frequencies such as kick and bass, and this one can be found both on the free and premium versions of the plugin. You have access to two different versions of the plugin the free one and the “ Gentlemen’s Edition”, which costs $44. Named in honor of Vladimir Kotelnikov, who was a pioneer of digital sampling techniques, this plugin is purely digital and uses complex algorithms to provide the best control possible over the dynamics with minimum added color. TDR Kotelnikov (Windows, Mac)Ĭontrary to most compressor plugins in existence, this one doesn’t try to emulate any existing hardware compressors, quite the opposite in fact. So, without any further ado, let’s get started! Free Compressor plugins for masteringĬompressors will provide you with that amazing “sonic glue” that makes music sound cohesive, and will also tame those louder peaks so that nothing jumps out. Important Note: Here’s my article on the Best Mastering VST Plugins overall. I will be listing the plugins under different categories, such as compressors, limiters, EQs, Saturation, etc., to make things easier.

This is why I created this list of the best free mastering plugins which should help you get your mixes to a new level while not spending anything!

Good mastering plugins can be hard to come by, and they can

Best free mastering plugins 2017