GlowComp, a freeware stereo bus compressor plugin for Windows and macOS, was just released by SNFK Music. You may term it a mix’s “secret sauce”. Some producers swear by bus compression (before mastering), while others abhor it.
Whatever the case may be, as a producer, the advent of the bus compression concept was eye-opening. For bus compression, you’ll need something milder, which is where SNFK’s GlowComp comes in.
Additional Harmonic Response: Increasing the “Input” knob adds more harmonics. Obviously, it also raises the input level.
5 ratio: You should pick a lower ratio, such as 2:1 or 4:1, 9 times out of 10, but having a wider range is beneficial. Moving the ratio knob affects a number of other internal properties as well. The plugin’s description doesn’t go into great depth about this, but it’s nice to know that it’s possible.
Visualization: Most plugins should include some form of visualization — this one shows changes in input and output levels, as well as overall compression.
Low CPU Usage: GlowComp’s algorithm is optimized for low CPU usage while yet producing high-quality audio.
Sleek Interface: The GUI is very clean and sleek.
GlowComp is as basic as a compressor gets, yet it’s capable of delivering on its claims. The plugin is small, simple, and functional, as well as being FREE and attractive. This is exactly what you want from the freeware community.