Overview

This dynamic processing plugin brings the clarity, punch, and character of world-class analog mastering tools into your digital workflow. Engineered with precision and musicality in mind, it delivers the sonic excellence Bettermaker is known for – faithfully capturing the 100% analog signal pathway of the original studio hardware. Intuitive interfaces and customizable displays make achieving pro analog compression uncomplicated – unless you like it that way.

Premium VCA compression for every production stage

The Bettermaker Mastering Compressor is highly versatile. Three distinct compression modes make it your glue, your punch, and your workhorse compressor in one. The switchable feed forward/backward mode offers even more compression options. It can make the styles more punchy, musical and direct or more precise, modern, and transparent.

BM mode:
The most versatile and transparent of the modes. Bettermaker’s signature compressor style has a long attack time, variable knee, and ultra-smooth response. It’s perfect for mastering and clear, glossy glue compression.

SG mode:
The iconic sound of punchy British bus compression, with wider, more flexible attack and release times than the original hardware unit. This one is especially great on the bus, and great on drums.

DX Mode:
Modeled after a classic American unit, this mode is the most aggressive with a fast response and snappy, energetic tone. Its bold punchiness works especially well on individual tracks like vocals, drums, and guitars.

Slots right into your signal chain

Get the best out of this versatile VCA with its streamlined workflow. Clean up your signal with the onboard high-pass. Select and shape the three compression styles for your needs with a wealth of presets and customization options. Get surgical control over your audio with the dedicated sidechain section with listening function, and three-band Sidechain EQ. Easily bring your own tools into the circuit with the external sidechain control. 

Compression with color and character

Bettermaker has also captured all the harmonic richness of the two independent coloring circuits in the original hardware. Add the warm, gentle analog sounding distortion of THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) or the aggressive analog clipping of Zener diodes, with switchable odd/even configurations for extra harmonic interest. 

Advanced compression controls

The wealth of controls in this plugin make it easy to get specific or experiment with iconic sounds. It features expanded compression ratio options (not present in the original hardware), flexible knee controls, independent Mid/Side processing options and so much more. Whether you’re tightening up a full mix, adding glue to a drum bus, or sweetening a vocal track, you have all the powerful tools you need to shape your sound with precision, depth, and character.

Accurate, customizable monitoring

High-resolution dynamic displays for gain reduction, threshold, and I/O levels show you everything you need for pro-grade mastering. For those who appreciate visual feedback, customizable displays let you focus on waveforms. In-plugin instructions guide you towards your perfect setup. Premium analog compression sound has never been more accurate and more accessible.

Features

  • Accurate capture of 100% analog VCA compressor with PEAK or RMS detection 
  • Three celebrated compressor styles: BM, SG and DX (two studio icons and Bettermaker's signature)
  • High-resolution dynamic displays for gain reduction, threshold, and I/O levels
  • Two independent coloring circuits: gentle analog sounding THD and aggressive Zener diodes
  • Sidechain section with onboard EQ to dial in the perfect space in your mix
  • Switchable feed forward/backward modes for more musical .vs more precise compression
  • Stereo, dual-mono and mid/side operation modes

 

Plugin-only Enhancements:

  • TX-Drive with adjustable transformer headroom
  • M/S metering, I/O monitoring, balance and correlation tools
  • Parameter linking and mix control for seamless A/B and parallel compression
  • Additional 5:1 and 10:1 compression ratios for SG and DX styles 

Audio Examples

Industry Reviews

  • Protoculture

    Protoculture

    Music Producer

    Love this! There's enough on offer here to really dig deep, add color, tone and punch all while still offering the clear and transparent behavior I've come to expect from the Bettermaker… Read More

Customer Reviews

Specifications

Supported Plugin Formats
AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST2, VST3

Supported Operating Systems
macOS 15 down to macOS 12
Windows 11 down to Windows 10

Mac
Intel, or Apple Silicon

PC
x64-compatible CPU

System Requirements
Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher
Memory: 2 GB RAM

Downloads

With the Installation Manager you can select, download & install all the Plugin Alliance products. Select any and all formats you need for your system! Mac & PC.

ChangeLog

Mastering Compressor

Bettermaker Mastering Compressor - Changelog

Version 1.0 (Max 14, 2025)
- Initial Release