A Free, High-Performance Dynamics Tool with Real-Time Visualization
Following on from the new British audio software outfit’s debut, Open Compressor
WOODSTOCK, United Kingdom — February 12, 2026 — Woodstock Audio has announced the release of Waveform Compressor, a versatile dynamics plugin available for free that combines professional-grade control with high-resolution visual feedback. Designed to eliminate the guesswork from mixing, the plugin allows users to clearly see how their audio is being affected through a dynamic waveform display.
The Waveform Compressor features a high-resolution visualiser that shows the waveform before and after compression, alongside a dedicated gain reduction line. This visual display combined with the Delta Solo function and flexible compressor controls make this a versatile compressor that helps the user understand what the compression is actually doing to their audio.
Key Features Include:
- Flexible Compressor Controls: Offers a wide range of settings including Threshold, Ratio (1:1 to 24:1), and Knee (0dB to 18dB), with attack times as fast as 20 microseconds.
- Dual Operating Modes: Switch between a Regular feedforward VCA-style design for versatility and an Optical mode that replicates classic “memory effect” compression with an adaptive two-stage release.
- Delta Solo: A dedicated switch that allows users to hear only the difference (the “Delta”) in the audio, providing total clarity on how transients and frequencies are being affected.
- Detector HPF & External Sidechain: Shape what the compressor hears with a high-pass filter on the detector circuit or route an external signal for advanced sidechaining.
- Optimised Performance: Engineered for low CPU load and featuring dynamic window resizing to fit any workflow.
- Zero Barrier to Entry: Available at no cost with no license or activation required; simply download the installer and begin creating.
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.” Waveform Compressor is the second release from Woodstock Audio, after they released their full-featured paid compressor plugin, Open Compressor, at the end of 2025.
Waveform Compressor is compatible with macOS (10.13+) and Windows (10/11) in AAX, VST3, and AU formats. It comes with a built-in preset manager and 10 free presets designed to recreate classic compressor characteristics.
For more information or to download Waveform Compressor for free, visit:
woodstockaudio.com/products/waveform-compressor
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.
