Functionality: how many different functions does it serve and/or how many parameters are available for the digital compression?.Ease-of-use: how user-friendly is the digital compressor plugin?.Graphic user interface (GUI): how does the digital compressor plugin look when loaded in the DAW?.Sonic performance: how does the digital compressor plugin sound subjectively/objectively?.The criteria I used to judge these plugins include the following: That being said, I believe these plugins to be the best digital compressor plugin options today. I would expect the next person's top 11 to be different from mine but hope there would be plenty of overlap. It should go without saying that any “top X” article is subject to bias. The top 11 best digital compressor plugins for digital audio workstations are:
A compressor can be software or hardware and performs compression on an audio signal (digital or analog).įor more information on compression and compressors, check out my in-depth article The Complete Guide To Audio Compression & Compressors. What is audio compression? Dynamic range compression is the process of reducing the dynamic range of an audio signal by attenuating the amplitude of the signal above a set threshold. In this article, we'll consider what I believe to be the top 11 stand-out digital compressor plugins. Though some compressor plugins aim to emulate analog compressors and even specific hardware compressors, there are plenty of digital compressor options to choose from. So then it makes sense how there are so many compressor plugins on the market. Compression is considered to be one of the most important tools in the audio engineer's toolbox. Plugins are, therefore, invaluable assets for the modern audio engineer.
If your license is not deposited - it waits inside your iLok account to be deposited to a supported iLok device.We're currently living in the age of digital audio, and in-the-box mixing within a digital audio workstation is commonplace. When you “deposit your license” to a deposit target, you are moving that license from one location to another. Typical devices are your Computer otherwise known as “Host Machine”, an iLok dongle, or the iLok Cloud. What is a deposit target? This is a supported device where your license can be stored. Once the license is activated, it lives within your account or device unless you transfer it to someone else. What is a License Activation Key? This is a series of numbers used to retrieve your license from iLok and pair it with your iLok account. Similarly, all users of the software must own a license to use the software. You can’t operate a vehicle without a driver’s license. What is a License? This is your “right” to use the software. That’s it! You’re now ready to rock! iLok Terms and Definitions Simply open the iLok License Manager, login to your account, select the license from your list of licenses, and drag it to your desired device. Supported deposit targets are either your Host Machine, or a second / third generation iLok dongle. Once your license is associated with your account, you must now deposit the license to a deposit target in order to use it. Next you need to decide where you will deposit your license before using the software. Once you finish typing it in and hit “Next”, your license will be delivered to your account. If you’re having trouble finding it, search your inbox for “iLok License Activation Key”.
You will be asked to enter a series of Numbers which is your License Activation Key. Your license key is in your order email. You may also open iLok License Manager, sign in, and click Activate. One simple way to begin this process is to simply open your DAW of choice and wait for the dialogue window to appear. To obtain your license, you must activate it with your iLok account.
How to activate your licenseīefore using the software, you need to have an active license on a supported iLok device. On this screen, simply click "Try" to begin your 14 day free trial. Next, the software activation screen will appear either during startup or when you first attempt to load the plugin.
To begin your 14 day free trial, simply install the software, open a supported DAW. How to activate a demo / trialĪ license is not necessary in order to try some of our products utilizing iLok. Next you’ll need to Activate your license. Open the software and login to your account. Once finished, download the iLok License Management software and install it on your host machine. Fill out the form with your information and complete your registration. There are either 2 or 3 steps between you and using your software depending on if you’re a new or existing iLok user.