DC1A

Name: DC1A
Author: Klanghelm

by Klanghelm · Compressor · Two-knob character compressor

Not rated yet

A free compressor with just input and output knobs, derived from the PUNCH mode of Klanghelm's DC8C.

Switches add negative ratios, dual-mono operation, a relaxed RMS mode and a DEEP high-pass to keep bass from pumping, taking it from gentle leveling to crunchy squashing.

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

Keywords: bass, pumping, punchy, crunchy, drums, free, bus processing, dual-mono, vocals, glue, heavy, minimal controls, parallel processing, simple, drum bus, full mix, gentle, mix bus, mixing, sidechain input, single-band, transparent, warm.

What it does

DC1A is Klanghelm's "effortless character comp," the free little brother of DC8C. The developer built it around an input and an output knob, aiming for a compressor that works on most material from nearly invisible leveling to heavy pumping with crunchy saturation.

Two main controls: input sets the amount of compression and output sets the level; the sound is comparable to DC8C's PUNCH mode.
Negative ratio: over-compression, where louder input becomes quieter output.
DUAL MONO and RELAXED: compress left and right independently, and switch between peak and RMS-style detection.
DEEP: a sidechain high-pass that reduces pumping on bass-heavy material.
Parallel option: built-in New York-style parallel compression.

Version 3.5.0 is a free download. DC1A 3 has its own plugin ID, so it can run alongside the older DC1A 2.

Source: Klanghelm product page

When to use it

DC1A trades the full attack and release control of Cytomic The Glue and TDR Kotelnikov, the usual picks for bus glue, and the every-style coverage and detailed metering of FabFilter Pro-C 3, for two knobs and a few switches. So it suits quick character compression on single tracks and drums when you do not want to set timings.

Best for: fast vocal and bass leveling, punchy or pumping drums, and learning how compression sounds.
Genres: any; the character ranges from clean to crunchy.
Look elsewhere if: you need attack, release or sidechain control; DC8C, Pro-C 3 or The Glue give it.
Standout: a free two-knob compressor with negative ratios and a DEEP high-pass switch.

What producers say

KVR users rate it highly for sound and simplicity, with one noting it can dull the top end.

KVR users average 4.4/5 over five reviews; one (2012) called it a "very simple yet powerful beast," another (2018) said it "warms the sound and glues everything together."
KVR (2020) a reviewer called it a "great compressor if you're just learning how compression works."
Gripe: one 2012 reviewer said it "seems to turn down the high end."

DC1A by Klanghelm - KVR Audio user reviews

Where to buy

Klanghelm: Free

Tutorials and reviews

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