Comp VCA-65 by Arturia VCA compressor plugin interface

Comp VCA-65: VCA Compressor Plugin by Arturia Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (58 ratings)

Comp VCA-65 is a VCA compressor plugin by Arturia, a software recreation of the solid-state DBX 165A with added sidechain tools for modern production.

VST2AUAAXStandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Comp VCA-65 models the DBX 165A, a compressor known for its solid-state VCA circuit and RMS dynamics detection. Arturia uses its TAE analogue modeling to recreate the original electronic path, including the peakstop limiter and the knee that gives the device its character. The plugin keeps the original controls on the main panel and adds sidechain features that are only practical in software. It is aimed at producers who want the tone of this classic compressor across as many channels as they need.

Best for

Drum bus compression
Punchy percussion processing
Vocal de-essing
Parallel compression
Creative sidechain automation
Mastering chain warmth

Developer: Arturia
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Recreation of the DBX 165A VCA compressor using TAE analogue modeling
Original auto attack and release behavior with an Auto mode
Original peakstop limiter for harder, vintage-style limiting
Variable ratio from 1:1 up to infinity
Integrated SSL-style EQ in the sidechain
Time Warp function with look-ahead or delay on the sidechain
Manual sidechain pad for automation without an input source
Dry/wet mix knob for parallel compression

03In depth

Sound and character of the DBX 165A recreation

The original DBX 165A was known for its auto attack and decay detection, which made compression simple to set. Its peakstop limiter adds a harder, gritty edge when signals hit the limit, and the developer describes the knee as fluid.

Arturia models the VCA and transistor stages of the original electronic path. The variable ratio runs from 1:1 to infinity, and a compression range control can limit how much gain reduction is applied. A dry/wet mix knob supports parallel compression, and a switchable analog VU meter offers three calibration modes.

Sidechain tools and workflow

The sidechain includes an integrated SSL-style EQ, so you can shape the frequencies that trigger the compressor. A common use is boosting sibilance so the sidechain works as a customizable de-esser.

Time Warp adds a short look-ahead or delay to the sidechain path, which changes how the compression envelope engages and releases. A manual trigger pad lets you fire the sidechain by hand and automate it in your DAW without an input signal, and an external sidechain source is also available.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Arturia
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Comp VCA-65 support?

Comp VCA-65 is available in VST2, AU, AAX and Standalone formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to run Comp VCA-65?

On macOS you need Mac OS 10.13 or later, 4 GB RAM, a 4-core CPU at 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo Boost) or an Apple Silicon CPU, 1 GB of free disk space and an OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU. On Windows you need Windows 10 or later (64-bit), 4 GB RAM, a 4-core CPU at 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo Boost), 1 GB of free disk space and an OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU. ARM processors are not supported on Windows.