Kilohearts has released Compactor, a free sidechain limiting plugin that brings powerful ducking and peak control to your mixes. Compact, intuitive, and surgical, Compactor helps you control dynamics with precision while maintaining sonic quality.
Free Plugin for Powerful Sidechain Limiting
Compactor allows you to apply sample-accurate sidechain limiting to any signal. Whether you’re using it to duck bass when a kick hits or experimenting with distorted rhythmic effects, this plugin delivers tight, transparent results. It’s a great solution for EDM, trap, pop, or any genre that benefits from clean low-end separation.
Key Features and Controls
With its simple interface, Compactor offers in-depth control over your sidechain compression behavior:
- Attack: Sets how early the ducking begins.
- Hold: Defines how long the ducking is sustained after the trigger stops.
- Release: Controls how fast the signal returns to normal volume.
- Threshold: Sets the level at which ducking or limiting is triggered.
- Mode: Choose between RMS, Peak, or ISP (inter-sample peak) detection.
- Range: Defines the amount of gain reduction. Go beyond 100% for extreme effects.
- Stereo: Control whether left and right channels are ducked independently.
- Sidechain Input: Enable external sidechain input for advanced routing setups.
Versatile Integration and Ecosystem Support
Compactor works as a standalone VST, AU, or AAX plugin and also integrates with Kilohearts’ modular Snapin Hosts like Phase Plant, Multipass, and Snap Heap. It’s part of the free Kilohearts Essentials collection, which provides a full toolkit for sound design and mixing.
Whether you’re aiming for subtle dynamic control or punchy rhythmic ducking, Compactor offers a professional solution without costing a cent.
Free Download
You can download the Kilohearts Compactor free sidechain limiting plugin directly from the Kilohearts website.
