Compressors - I know is old topic, but..

I've done searches in the forum and read other posts about compressors but I'm looking to purchase a compressor plug in and wanted to get some current feedback on compressors others are using successfully.

I saw bitflippers comment I think on the Voxengo Elephant? being a good compressor and the marketing looks good but i wanted to throw this out there, see what others have found works good with splat, too.

I'm on a great laptop, Windows 10, 64 bit, sonar user 10 plus years I bet. Wow that's a long time.

Super, thanks. I don't know exactly which type of compressor (emulator plug) to get; optical, valve,etc.

I've been reading up on and the first thing I know is how little I know. So trying to learn. I'm looking to get one that has the ability to bring up levels to where the waveform looks full and almost square at the top, but I don't think that's how I'll use it. I just want the ability to tinker with it that way if I want. There's a lot to learn to properly set one up but I've told myself I'm dedicating some time to do it.
I use compressors in the sonar package successfully but i want to add to my toolbar. I haven't bought a plug-in in a while.

I use Sonitus, it's a great compressor. 😊 I may be falling for some of the marketing from Waves or Voxengo now that I've decided to add to my tool box. Got some money set aside. My main concern is compatibility with Sonar. My system with laptop and Focusrite 18i20 2nd gen is rock steady and I don't want to upset the applecart.

I've got a ton of dynamics processors, but the true truth is that I could get by with just the Sonitus Compressor if that was all I had. It's excellent.
 
But it sounds like you're just itchin' to get a new toy, so in that case place versatility at the top of your selection criteria. Find something you can go deep with and learn everything there is to know about it, and then you'll be able to apply it in any situation that arises.
 
Examples of compressors you can go deep with, meaning they are not specialized and instead have just about every feature you're likely to find on any compressor:
 
DMG Audio Compassion
FabFilter Pro-C
Blue Cat Audio Dynamics
Meldaproduction MDynamics

Would recommend FabFilter Pro-C2 as it’s very musical but also very visual: you learn while you play. Also, if you want to use iLok, check out Slate FG-Stress, a quite versatile Distressor emu.

I prefer to steer people toward multiple choices rather than any specific product, because everybody's different. But I will say that FabFilter Pro-C was the last general-purpose compressor I ever bought. Specialty and boutique compressors have been added to the roster since, but Pro-C is what ends up being used 95% of the time.

batsbrew
compressors are kinda like guitars...
they all do the same thing, basically.....
yet they all sound so different.
getting a 'single' compressor only gets you one flavor....
you need more.
you have now entered the rabbit hole.

"Rabbit hole" is a great analogy, and be warned: that thing is DEEEEEEEEP.  Get ready for some serious tail-chasing.

Brad!

Grem

jude77

batsbrew
compressors are kinda like guitars...
they all do the same thing, basically.....
yet they all sound so different.
getting a 'single' compressor only gets you one flavor....
you need more.
you have now entered the rabbit hole.

"Rabbit hole" is a great analogy, and be warned: that thing is DEEEEEEEEP.  Get ready for some serious tail-chasing.

 
Rabbit Hole? RABBIT HOLE?
 
That thing is more like a bottomless pit!
 
: )

Sooooooo true!!  And it's the only bottomless pit I know of that somehow manages to get deeper!!