MPC Compressor

The deal

$25 at Sweetwater (down from $299.99, 92% off). No listed end date.

What it is

The MPC Compressor is a VCA-style dynamics plugin modeled on the compressor circuit from Harrison's MPC console - the large-format mixing desk known for smooth, musical compression. It adds two signature controls beyond standard parameters: Program (Pgm) mode, which auto-adjusts release time to preserve punch on complex material, and a scrolling Gain Reduction History display for precise compression tracking.

Who it's for

Mix engineers who want classic console compression behavior with modern visual feedback - particularly on drums, bus processing, and full mixes where intelligent release behavior makes a noticeable difference.

Key features

• Full controls including Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Makeup Gain, Depth (max GR ceiling), and Soft Knee
• Pgm button automatically adjusts release time to retain transient punch on drums and full mixes
• Scrolling Gain Reduction History meter for real-time, frame-by-frame compression visualization
• Sidechain EQ for frequency-selective triggering