From the team behind Mastering.com, Open Compressor aims to improve user proficiency.
Woodstock, United Kingdom — [Thursday 2nd October, 2025] Woodstock Audio has released its debut plugin, called Open Compressor, which aims to bring objectivity to dynamics processing. The plugin has been developed by the team behind Mastering.com, the online school that strives to teach first principles of audio engineering, so creators can make informed decisions in the music production process. Echoing these principles, Open Compressor is designed to reveal the technical processes at play, and equip users with the information needed to make the best creative choices.
Core to the Open Compressor user interface is the variety of enhanced visualisers, which show the type and amount of compression, EQ and saturation being applied, in a granular way that goes beyond all existing compressors on the market. The main waveform display shows gain reduction, clipper threshold and limiter threshold, plus before and after audio waveforms. The Frequency Response graph displays a tone curve and a spectrum analyser. The Saturation Display shows the odd/even harmonic mix, and the Knee display details the shape of compressor knee and gain-reduction status on the curve. The Oscilloscope gives a snapshot of waveshape and, together, the real-time displays help users identify troublesome areas faster, make better mix decisions, and stay in creative flow.
The all-in-one tool has a comprehensive set of features. Modules for the building blocks of a compressor — Peak and RMS operating modes, Feed-forward/Feed-back architecture, and Regular or Optical ballistic models — provide starting points for a range of creative processing styles, from smooth and controlled to bold and brash. Built-in saturation, limiting and clipping provide multiple options for dynamics and tone shaping. The Low Level control lets users sweep from downward expansion to upward compression smoothly, and with auto-threshold, compression can be applied in a variable way, regardless of a signal’s absolute level. This lets users obtain the same tone on their whole signal without losing overall dynamics, which is great for expressive vocal takes or dynamic drums.
Key Features
- Open-worked interface that allows users to see everything that’s happening under the hood as they tweak parameters.
- Modular dynamics processing Peak or RMS operating modes, Feed-forward/Feed-back architecture, and Digital or Opto ballistic models let you tailor your compressor.
- Auto threshold mode applies source-dependent gain reduction, regardless of the input level.
- Low Level Control blends seamlessly between downward expansion and upward compression.
- Saturator with separate drive controls for odd and even harmonics adds character to your sound.
- Lookahead anticipates transients so you can ride levels without changing tone.
- Waveform view shows compressor, clipper and limiter thresholds and gain reduction, with before-and-after audio waveforms.
- Pre-compressor Limiter and Clipper catch peaks early, to tame and shape your signal.
- Post-compressor Tone control allows for timbre tweaks to shape the final output.
Woodstock Audio founder Rob Mayzes comments, “I built Mastering.com on the principle of objectivity, and we’re taking the same approach with Woodstock Audio. We believe that, by giving engineers and producers the knowledge and understanding of technical processes, they can make more informed and objective decisions using any tools, and apply their skills wherever they find themselves.” Open Compressor is the first of a range of tools planned by Woodstock Audio. Mayzes adds, “I already know that I want to develop an EQ next. It will follow the same approach of providing building blocks and revealing first principles.”
Open Compressor is a VST3 and Audio Units plugin that works on Mac and PC. It’s available now from the Woodstock Audio website.
About Woodstock Audio
Woodstock Audio was founded on the idea that music creators improve their craft when they gain a greater understanding of the tools they use. Created by the team of audio engineers and educators at Mastering.com, Woodstock’s mission is to improve your proficiency as a producer, engineer or composer by expanding your knowledge while you create.
About Mastering.com
Mastering.com is an online audio school that’s dedicated to empowering musicians, producers, and audio engineers with the skills and knowledge to achieve professional-quality sound. Through their Reverse Engineer program, hands-on mentorship, and a supportive community, Mastering.com bridges the gap between passion and mastery. With a commitment to practical, real-world results, the platform equips creators to confidently produce music that sounds exceptional across any medium.
