Quick Answer
Use FET for fast peak catching, opto for smooth leveling, VCA for transparent control, and vari-mu for slow body compression on buses.
Plugin Breakdown
4 Recommended Plugins
Fast peak catching on vocals and drums. The FET circuit responds in microseconds, making it ideal for controlling inconsistent peaks before a leveling stage.
Recommended Use
First compression stage on vocals and drums. Catch peaks, not the phrase.
Stock Logic Alternative
Logic Compressor — Vintage FET mode, fast attack settings.
Smooth vocal leveling after peaks are already caught. The opto circuit has a program-dependent response that naturally feels musical on sustained sources.
Recommended Use
Second compression stage on vocals. Smooth the phrase after peak control.
Stock Logic Alternative
Logic Compressor — Vintage Opto mode, medium ratio.
Mix bus glue and tonal character. Adds the kind of cohesion that makes a mix feel like it was recorded together rather than assembled in pieces.
Recommended Use
Mix bus glue and tone. After tape, before width control.
Stock Logic Alternative
Logic Compressor — VCA mode, very gentle glue settings.
Slow body compression on buses and stems. The vari-mu circuit adds density and weight rather than speed and control.
Recommended Use
Premaster and stereo bus density. Use gently, 2–3 dB gain reduction max.
Stock Logic Alternative
Logic Compressor — Vintage Tube mode, slow and gentle settings.
Avoid These
Common Mistakes
Using a FET compressor on a source that needs smooth leveling.
Using slow attack on a source that needs fast peak catching.
Judging compression moves with the gain-compensated loudness difference.