Decompressor
Key Features
- Upward dynamics processing that increases level above the threshold to emphasize existing movement
- Threshold and Ratio controls for setting where expansion starts and how strongly it reacts
- Attack and Release controls for matching the processor to groove, percussion, or printed stems
- Pre-Gain and Makeup controls for driving the detector and balancing output level
- Dry/Wet blending for parallel expansion without extra DAW routing
- Designed for drum loops, drum groups, and other overly controlled audio that still contains usable level variation
Description
Decompressor is an upward dynamics plugin from NoirSonance for restoring movement to audio that has become too flat or controlled. Instead of pushing peaks down like a normal compressor, it increases level above the threshold so remaining accents feel more animated.
The workflow is deliberately simple: set Threshold and Ratio, shape the reaction with Attack and Release, then balance the result with Pre-Gain, Makeup, and Dry/Wet. That makes it useful when a drum loop, percussion bus, or printed stem needs more contrast without rebuilding the part from individual hits.
Its sweet spot is subtle recovery rather than impossible repair. If clipping or hard limiting has permanently removed information, Decompressor cannot recreate it, but it can exaggerate level movement that still exists in the file.
The official download includes a Windows installer and a macOS package with AU and VST3 versions. NoirSonance lists Decompressor 1.0 as a pay-what-you-want product with a zero-price option, so the safest route is the developer-controlled product page rather than a mirrored installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Decompressor do differently from a normal compressor?
A standard compressor reduces level after a signal crosses the threshold. Decompressor works in the opposite direction, increasing level above the threshold so existing accents and natural movement become more obvious.
Can Decompressor fix clipped or hard-limited audio?
No. NoirSonance states that it cannot reconstruct information permanently removed by clipping, hard limiting, or destructive processing. It works best when the source still has some level differences left to exaggerate.
What material is Decompressor best suited for?
The developer points to drum loops, drum groups, and other material whose level has become too consistent. It can also help printed stems feel less static when you want more contrast without replacing the performance.
How should you start setting Decompressor?
Start conservatively with Ratio and Dry/Wet so the movement does not become overdone. Then adjust Threshold, Attack, and Release until the expansion follows the groove instead of pulling the source away from its timing.
