MPC Compressor: Console-Style Dynamics Plugin by Harrison Consoles

The core controls cover the usual compressor functions. Threshold sets the level where compression begins, Ratio sets how strongly gain is reduced above it, and Attack and Release set how quickly the compressor engages and recovers.

Depth caps the maximum gain reduction, which can let you run a lower threshold and higher ratio without over-compressing sudden loud peaks. Knee controls how progressively the ratio takes effect as the input gets louder.

The sidechain EQ is a single-band filter with several shapes, including high and low pass, bell, and high and low shelf. Harrison describes using it to make the compressor more sensitive to sibilant vocals, or to keep kick and bass from triggering gain reduction on a full mix. An external sidechain input lets you use another track as the key source.

The Pgm (Program) button engages three parallel detectors, each tuned to a different speed. Harrison says this helps the compressor behave more consistently on material with a wide dynamic range. When a signal stays loud for a while, gain reduction holds at a lower level rather than fully releasing, so the compressor is ready for the next peak.

A red meter shows the gain reduction being applied, and a history graph shows how the compressor has been reacting over time, which helps when adjusting settings by ear.