TDR Kotelnikov

Name: TDR Kotelnikov
Author: Tokyo Dawn Labs

by Tokyo Dawn Labs · Compressor · Digital, soft-knee

vst3s Score 8.6/10 · rated #8 of 10 compressors

A free, mastering-grade stereo compressor. Separate release controls for peaks and for the sustained body of the sound let it react quickly to transients while moving the overall level slowly and smoothly.

It runs a 64-bit multi-rate, delta-oversampled signal path, with a side-chain high-pass filter, flexible stereo linking and a delta mode for hearing exactly what is being removed. A paid Gentleman's Edition adds more controls.

Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Drum Bus. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: bus processing, mastering, sidechain input, mix bus, transparent, oversampling, punchy, single-band, stereo-linked, digital, drum bus, free, freemium, full mix, drums, external sidechain, low latency, mixing, smooth.

What it does

TDR Kotelnikov is an original, deliberately digital wideband compressor from Tokyo Dawn Labs, built to change dynamic range substantially while keeping a sound's tone, timbre and punch intact. It processes at 64 bits with an oversampled "Delta" signal path that is bit-transparent whenever no gain reduction is happening.

Crest-factor design: separate release times for peaks and for RMS level, instead of a single release control.
Sidechain and stereo: a high-pass filter with adjustable slope, advanced stereo linking and stereo sensitivity.
Workflow: a Delta preview to hear only what's being removed, a dry mix, and click-free, latency-compensated bypass.

The free edition is fully usable. The paid Gentleman's Edition adds external sidechain, an Inertia timing mode, frequency-dependent ratio, a gain-reduction limit, distortion modes, equal-loudness bypass, and higher-quality and low-latency modes.

Source: Tokyo Dawn Labs product page

When to use it

Kotelnikov is the transparent choice: it controls dynamics without saturating, warming or thickening, the opposite of character compressors like an 1176 or Distressor.

Best for: the stereo bus and mastering, typically at low ratios (around 1.5–2:1) with a dB or two of gain reduction. It also works on drum buses and individual tracks.
Genres: reviewers suggest electronic, orchestral, pop, and sync or library music.
Look elsewhere if: you want analog colour.
Good first pick: the free edition makes it an easy first bus compressor.

What producers say

KVR reviewers call it one of the best free compressors and say they can't believe it's free.

Highlights: its transparency, crest-factor controls, stereo sensitivity, and the sidechain filter, which one reviewer uses as a makeshift de-esser.
How producers use it: on the master bus and drum bus for punch and control.
Gentleman's Edition owners praise its gain compensation and equal-loudness bypass.
Caveat: the interface looks complex, though reviewers note that adjusting just threshold and ratio from the defaults works well.

Where to buy

Tokyo Dawn Labs: Free

Tutorials and reviews

Similar plugins

gravitas MDS by Fiedler Audio · Mix bus and mastering compressor · $187.09
Solera by FLUX:: · Full-band dynamics processor · $129
Impress3 by TBProAudio · Wideband stereo compressor · $44.28
IQ-Series Comp V2 by HOFA · Compressor with linked tone EQ · $129
SKYE Dynamics by Signum Audio · Expander, compressor and limiter · $45.70
X-Comp by Solid State Logic · Stereo compressor with variable knee · $99
Bus Compressor by Bettermaker · VCA bus compressor · $150
Vertigo Sound VSC-2 Compressor by Universal Audio · VCA bus compressor · $75
VSC-2 by Vertigo · VCA bus compressor · $75
Kompresor by Shattered Glass Audio · General-purpose compressor · $49.99

All compressors