Precision Comp/Limiter by IK Multimedia compressor plugin interface

Precision Comp/Limiter: Discrete Class-A Compressor Plugin by IK Multimedia

Precision Comp/Limiter is a compressor and limiter plugin from IK Multimedia, modeled on a classic British dynamics processor. It runs as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

Precision Comp/Limiter is a dynamics plugin from IK Multimedia that models a discrete Class-A British compressor. The developer says the original hardware was used for recording, mixing, mastering, post-production and broadcast. The plugin combines a compressor and a limiter in one module, which can be engaged separately or together. It supports stereo (L/R) and Mid/Side (M/S) operation, so it can work on single tracks or on a full stereo bus.

Best for

Stereo mix bus compression
Mastering dynamics
Track fattening
Gentle musical limiting
Post-production dynamics

Developer: IK Multimedia
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Models a discrete Class-A British compressor design
Separate compressor and limiter that can be engaged independently
Diode network and custom transformers modeled from the hardware
Input control added beyond the original hardware layout
Stereo (L/R) and Mid/Side (M/S) operation
Available as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX
64-bit support on Windows and macOS

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Modeled Compressor

Precision Comp/Limiter is built around a modeled diode network for compression and a set of custom transformers. The developer states that the input and output transformers were replicated closely enough to carry the hardware's sonic signature.

The plugin is described as gentle even at extreme settings. According to IK Multimedia, the compression stays musical and does not choke or squash the material, while the compression effect remains clearly audible.

The Class-A circuitry and transformer interaction affect the audio even when no compression is applied, which the developer presents as a core part of the sound.

Workflow: Compressor, Limiter and Input Gain

The compressor and limiter can be used on their own or together. Combining the two sections produces more complex gain reduction, with the compressor applying lighter, gentler compression and the limiter set for a more audible effect.

The input control was not part of the original hardware. In the T-RackS version, raising the input feeds more signal into the module, which produces a more pronounced compression effect.

Stereo (L/R) and Mid/Side (M/S) modes offer flexibility when processing a bus or individual elements of a mix.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	IK Multimedia
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Precision Comp/Limiter support?

Precision Comp/Limiter is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats, all 64-bit. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What do I need to run Precision Comp/Limiter?

On macOS the minimum is an Apple M1 or Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and macOS 10.15 or newer. On Windows the minimum is an Intel Core i5 or equivalent, 8 GB of RAM and Windows 10 (64-bit) or newer, plus an ASIO-compatible sound card. Both platforms need an OpenGL 2 compatible graphics adapter and 9 GB of hard drive space.