FREE87
Key Features
- Four analog-modeled plugins in one bundle: compressor, parametric EQ, gate, and brickwall limiter
- Built on the same DSP engine as the ANALOG87 series, delivering smooth analog-style processing
- FR-COMP 87 includes an integrated 0 dB brickwall limiter for output protection
- Streamlined interfaces with essential controls only, designed for fast workflow
- Individual plugin installation lets you load only the processor you need per channel
- Compatible with any VST host on Windows and VST/AU hosts on macOS (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Lightweight CPU footprint suitable for large session counts
Description
FREE87 by eaReckon is a bundle of four analog-modeled dynamics and EQ plugins built on the same engine as the award-winning ANALOG87 series. The collection includes FR-COMP 87 (compressor with integrated brickwall limiter), FR-EQUA 87 (parametric equalizer), FR-GATE 87 (gate), and FR-LIMIT 87 (brickwall limiter).
Each plugin in the series strips away advanced controls from its ANALOG87 counterpart, leaving a focused interface that gets the job done without overwhelming you. The smooth, analog-style behavior gives tracks a subtle warmth that belies the zero price tag.
FR-COMP 87 is the standout of the bundle, consistently appearing on best-of lists for its musical compression character and built-in 0 dB brickwall limiter. It handles everything from gentle bus glue to punchy vocal compression, and the integrated limiter means you never clip your output.
FR-EQUA 87 provides a single parametric band with a smooth, resonant curve suited to broad tonal shaping rather than surgical cuts. FR-GATE 87 offers straightforward noise gating for cleaning up recordings, while FR-LIMIT 87 delivers transparent brickwall limiting for mastering or final-stage loudness control.
The entire bundle installs as individual plugins, so you load only what you need in each channel. Available as VST on Windows and VST/AU on macOS, the four plugins together give you the core building blocks of a dynamics processing chain.
Video Preview
Frequently Asked Questions
What plugins are included in the FREE87 series?
The FREE87 series includes four separate plugins: FR-COMP 87 (compressor with integrated brickwall limiter), FR-EQUA 87 (single-band parametric equalizer), FR-GATE 87 (gate), and FR-LIMIT 87 (brickwall limiter). Each installs independently so you can load only what you need.
How does the FREE87 series compare to the ANALOG87 series?
The FREE87 plugins use the same audio engine as the paid ANALOG87 series, so the core sound quality is identical. The difference is that some advanced controls have been removed from the FREE87 versions, giving you a simpler interface with fewer parameters to adjust.
Does FR-COMP 87 have a built-in limiter?
Yes, FR-COMP 87 includes an integrated 0 dB brickwall limiter at the output stage. This means your compressed signal is automatically prevented from clipping, which is especially useful when pushing the compressor harder for more aggressive settings.
What is the best free compressor plugin?
FR-COMP 87 from the FREE87 series is regularly featured alongside Rough Rider 3, Klanghelm MJUC Jr, and Xfer OTT in best-of roundups. It stands out for its smooth analog compression character and the convenience of its built-in brickwall limiter, making it a strong choice for both mixing and mastering tasks.
