MixComp

Name: MixComp
Author: HoRNet

by HoRNet · Compressor · Analog channel compressor emulation

Not rated yet

MixComp is a free HoRNet compressor that emulates a classic analog channel compressor, with an optional analog saturation mode.

It has adaptive oversampling, a gain reduction meter and a resizable interface with light and dark themes.

Best for: Vocals, Drums, Bass, Guitars, Mix Bus. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: hardware emulation, drums, free, mixing, resizable UI, analog-sounding, metering, oversampling, bass, visual feedback, vocals, warm, CPU-light, electric guitar, simple, auto-gain, beginner-friendly, bus processing, classic, colored, deep, full mix, glue, mix bus, punchy, single-band, subtle, thick.

What it does

MixComp is a free channel compressor from HoRNet. The developer says it is modeled on a compressor from "one of the most famous analog mixing consoles", and it aims to bring that hardware's punch and colour to everyday mixing with a short, simple set of controls.

Core controls: threshold, ratio, release and make-up gain, all on one small panel, so you set the amount of compression and level-match in a few moves.
Fast Attack: a fast attack setting for catching transients on drums and other peaky sources, instead of a fully variable attack range.
Analog Saturation Mode: adds subtle harmonic distortion on top of the compression, for the warmer, thicker tone of analog gear.
Smart Oversampling: built-in adaptive oversampling that adjusts to the session's sample rate to keep aliasing down.
Gain reduction meter: shows how hard the compressor is working, which helps when setting threshold by ear.
Interface: fully resizable and hardware-accelerated, with a choice of light and dark themes.

It is free.

Source: HoRNet product page

When to use it

MixComp is the pick when you want a free console-style channel compressor that you can set up in seconds. Compared with TDR Kotelnikov, another free favourite, it is much simpler: there is no sidechain filter or detailed release shaping, but it adds an analog saturation mode for colour. It gives more direct control than the free MJUC jr., which has only two knobs and a timing switch. Against paid tools like FabFilter Pro-C 3 or Cytomic The Glue, it lacks sidechain options, style choices and detailed metering, but costs nothing and is light on CPU. It suits quick channel work more than precise mastering compression.

Best for: everyday compression on vocals, drums, bass and guitars, especially when you also want a little analog warmth.
Genres: any; it is a general mixing tool.
Look elsewhere if: you need sidechain filtering, a variable attack range or detailed visual feedback; Kotelnikov (free) or Pro-C 3 (paid) cover those.
Tip: one user on the product page reported a loud pop when switching it on, so engage it with playback stopped or levels down.

What producers say

Early reactions are positive about the ease of use and the price, though there are few in-depth reviews so far.

Bedroom Producers Blog (release news, 2024) called it "a beginner-friendly plugin that delivers professional results" and praised the resizable interface and CPU efficiency.
HoRNet page comments: users praised the ease of use and low CPU load compared with paid alternatives.
Criticisms: one user reported a loud pop when the plugin is turned on.

Where to buy

HoRNet: Free
Plugin Boutique: Free

Tutorials and reviews

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