The Best Bus Compressors: Give It That Glue
Hardware compressors for your mix bus.
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Are you looking to add that special something to your mix? Tried all the software plugins you can and yet still not getting that punch and slam you desire? Well, then maybe a dedicated hardware stereo compressor might be what you’re missing! Let’s check out the best bus compressors and find one that suits your setup.
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Why use Hardware Compressors at all?
Although the cost is usually far higher when investing in hardware, there are some important differences worth noting. Being that the average pro bus processing plug-in is around $300, it’s safe to say things are starting to level out.
Yes, the initial cost is greater, but unlike hardware, software has no resale value. You might save a few bucks on paid upgrades when new plug-in versions are released, but that’s about it.
Apart from that, the sound and musicality of one decent hardware processor can do more for your music than an entire channel strip filled with plug-ins in your DAW, if you know how to use it.
Plug-in controllers do their best to recreate the experience, but there is something about having the parameters literally at your fingertips.
What are the Best Bus Compressors?
Compressors come in all shapes and sizes with different topologies to suit the application they are built for. Some are based on vintage tube, FET, and VCA designs, while others aim to break the mold a little and offer unique features. If you decide to take the 500-series route, be aware that the chassis is an additional expense.
The Best Bus Compressors: Behringer 369
The Behringer 369 is a great way to get into vintage-style bus compression at an affordable price point. Based on the Neve 33609 diode-bridge compressor/limiter from the late 1960s, the 369-KT provides a careful recreation of the discrete Class A circuitry with specially made Midas Transformers to achieve the classic sound.
The 369 is extremely versatile because it has a limiter section for taming transients, while the compressor section adds that mix glue that you’re after. What’s more, you can bypass the limiter and compressor independently and switch the 369 into dual mono mode for tracking instruments and vocals through it if required.
Overall, the 369 provides a great entry point into the world of hardware compressors. With the simple set of controls on each section, you can quickly get the feel of using hardware compression on instrument groups such as drums, guitars, vocals, and synths, as well as recording through the compressor when you need it. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Bus Compressors: IGS Audio S-Type 500
Based in Poland, IGS Audio has been in the game for nearly 20 years now, and the S-Type 500 is one of its popular offerings for the 500-series format. This is an SSL-style bus compressor based on one from the legendary 4000-series consoles.
At first glance, the familiar design is focused on easy operation. Three fixed ratios and a sidechain HPF make it really fast to dial in your desired compression setting.
In addition, you have a mix knob for using the S-Type in parallel. Overall, it’s a great unit for those who are looking to get into hardware processors and don’t know where to start. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Bus Compressors: Warm Audio Bus Comp
The Warm Audio Bus Comp is an affordable 1U rackmount format recreation of the famous SSL bus compressor. Like the classic VCA design, the WA Bus Comp uses parameter controls with selectable values, which allows you to easily recall your favourite settings and develop a feel for what sounds best on your mixes.
To preserve the low-end, you can engage the switchable high-pass filter that goes up to 185 Hz. Meanwhile, this Bus Comp might not have a parallel circuit, but it does have a selectable transformer circuit to get a more vintage sound, and you can trigger the compressor with an external signal for modern applications.
Overall, the WA Bus Comp is a great option for those who are new to using bus compression during mixing. While it may not have the same level of sonic quality as high-end compressors from API or Manley, it does provide a flexible feature set with all the controls you need to really learn about classic console-style bus compression. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Bus Compressors: Elysia Xpressor neo
From the sound to the look and feel of the design, Elysia brings its unique approach to hardware and the Xpressor neo is a perfect example of this. Rather than being retro-modeled, the aim is to provide instruments that work seamlessly alongside your DAW workflow.
Apart from the 1U rackmount version, the Xpressor VCA compressor is available as a 500-series module or as a desktop unit.
This provides plenty of ways to use it in your setup – in studio, or on stage. What sets Elysia apart is features like negative ratios and gain reduction limiting. This makes the Xpressor a versatile creative tool. Get it at Thomann.*
- More from elysia
The Best Bus Compressors: Drawmer 1968 mkII
The Drawmer 1968 mkII is an FET compressor with variable tube output stages. It’s extremely flexible as you can use it in stereo link or dual mono mode, and there’s also a sidechain path.
The 1968 works in a program-dependent fashion, similar to a leveling amplifier, in that there is no ratio control. Another key feature is the BIG and BIGGER mode switch that reduces the processing on the low-end, allowing it to breathe more easily.
The transparent but warm sound and useful features make this a great tool that has applications beyond simply being a bus processor.
- More from Drawmer
The Best Bus Compressors: Tegeler Audio Manufaktur Creme
The Creme combines the best of both worlds in one unit. VCA bus compression meets Pultec-style passive EQ in a very pleasing way, with applications on all types of sources.
A selection of four fixed ratios, including a 1.5:1 setting, means you can be as subtle or as vicious with the compression as you like. In addition, there is a sidechain filter at 60 and 120 Hz to preserve your low end.
You can also flip the signal path and place the EQ before the compressor or vice versa, which adds to the utility of the Creme. Also available as the Creme RC, a digitally controlled version. Get it at Thomann.*
- More from Tegeler Audio
The Best Bus Compressors: SSL Bus+
With the Bus+, SSL has put their famous G-Series console compressor on steroids. Apart from the classic SSL sound, almost every routing and processing feature you could dream of is now at your fingertips.
The Bus+ functions as a stereo, dual-mono, or mid-side processor with full digital control and an external sidechain circuit for added flexibility. All this added functionality makes it useful on far more than just a stereo bus, which brings great value.
It may take you a little while to get your head around all the controls, but once you’ve put the Bus+ to work on a few mixes, you’ll quickly start to develop your own workflow. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Bus Compressors: API 2500+
The API 2500+ is a professional-grade bus compressor with all the bells and whistles you’d expect in this price range. The compression parameters offer precise control of your dynamics, and the wide range of ratios, as well as attack and release times, allow you to use the 2500+ for processing instrument groups or your main mix bus.
In the Tone section, you’ll find controls for three different knee settings and three modes for the patented THRUST sidechain filter circuit. This allows the detector to bypass the low frequencies, and the compressor will react only to the rest of the frequency range above. What’s more, you can access the feedforward (modern) or feedback (vintage) modes to match your application.
The 2500+ can also be triggered by external signals, so you can do EDM sidechaining on synths or vocal groups. Meanwhile, the 2500+ has an auto makeup gain feature that can be activated for easy volume matching. The mix control also allows parallel processing, and there are two modes you can use depending on your preference. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Bus Compressors: Manley STEREO VARIABLE MU
Although the VARIABLE MU compressor/limiter is often compared to the legendary Fairchild, it has an identity and sound of its own. The design was actually inspired by a rather obscure broadcast limiter from Denmark called the Disa Elektronik 91N02, but the VARIABLE MU is a more versatile unit with compression and limiting modes and stereo or dual-mono operation.
This allows you to use the VARIABLE MU as the cleanest, meanest compressor on your mix bus, or you can use it for tracking vocals to bring up the subtle details from a U47-style microphone. This is why the VARIABLE MU is one of the most popular stereo compressors for pro studios for recording, mixing, and mastering applications.
In addition, the VARIABLE MU can be customized and fitted with 6386 (Fairlight) tubes, given mid-side processing capabilities, or there is a mastering version with indented pots for greater precision. Quality like this comes at a price, so if you aren’t looking in this price range, be sure to check out the more modern and affordable NuMU. Get it at Thomann.*
More about the Best Bus Compressors:
- Thomann’s Guide to Compressors
- Leveling amplifiers
- SSL bus compressors
Videos:
*Note: This article about the best stereo compressors contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
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