Any compressor can be employed as a parallel processor but not all compressors are created equal. You’ll get great results with all six of these

FabFilter Pro C2 | £134

Part compressor, part swiss army knife. Through several algorithms, it covers numerous compression bases and features both comprehensive side-chain options too.

Waves H-Comp Hybrid Compressor | $49

Modelling lots of different styles, this regularly discounted plugin covers many bases, including highly effective parallel treatments.

Softube TubeTech CL 1B | $299

An Opto compressor famous for a smooth, warm, unhurried approach to dynamics control. Not for VCA-style, super-quick response times, but for something silkier, this is the one.

Sonnox Dynamics | £200

A powerful dynamic processor, whose compressor is a true work-horse. Known for stereo mastering, and warm, rich, rounded sounds: perfect for parallel treatments.

UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection | $299

Bill Putnam’s original FET-based 1176: a hardware studio staple. The bundle features three revisions and three flavours of its classic sound.

Your DAW’s compressor |

Always check out your DAW’s compressor before spending money. As treatments often sit under a mix and use extreme settings, a less refined sound can be a strength.