dBComp
Key Features
- Program-dependent attack and release timing that automatically adapts to signal dynamics, preserving transient snap on drums while controlling sustained material
- High-pass sidechain filter ranging from 20 to 500Hz to prevent low-frequency content from triggering unwanted compression on bass-heavy sources
- Built-in Mix knob for parallel compression without additional bus routing, blending dry and compressed signals directly in the plugin
- External sidechain input for frequency-dependent or ducking compression controlled by a separate audio source
- 4x internal oversampling activated by clicking the Analog Obsession logo, reducing aliasing artifacts during heavy compression
- Resizable interface with touchscreen support for comfortable use across different screen sizes and studio setups
- AAX format support alongside VST, VST3, and AU for compatibility with Pro Tools and all major DAWs
Description
dBComp by Analog Obsession is a VCA compressor and limiter modeled after the classic dbx 160, the first solid-state VCA compressor ever made. Its program-dependent attack and release timing delivers the same snappy, punchy character that made the original hardware a studio staple on drums, bass, and guitars.
The attack time scales automatically with signal level: 15ms for 10dB of gain reduction, 5ms for 20dB, and 3ms for 30dB. This means louder transients get clamped faster while quieter signals pass through more naturally, preserving the snap on drum hits without manual adjustment.
A built-in high-pass filter (20 to 500Hz) on the sidechain prevents low-frequency content from triggering excessive compression, which is especially useful on kick-heavy drum buses. The Mix knob enables parallel compression directly within the plugin, blending the compressed and dry signals without extra routing.
Production Expert describes dBComp as an "over easy style vintage compressor" with a gluey character that makes it flexible and quick to set up. On Reddit and KVR forums, users consistently compare it favorably to the Waves dbx 160 plugin, with several engineers reporting that dBComp fully replaced it in their workflow.
dBComp supports VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats with a resizable interface and 4x oversampling engaged by clicking the Analog Obsession logo. It runs natively on Apple Silicon Macs with no iLok required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What hardware is dBComp modeled after?
dBComp is modeled after the dbx 160, the first solid-state VCA compressor ever made. The original hardware became famous for its punchy, gluey compression character on drums and bass. Analog Obsession's emulation captures the program-dependent attack and release behavior that defines the dbx 160 sound.
What is the best VCA compressor for VST?
Popular VCA compressor plugins include the Universal Audio dbx 160 ($99), Waves dbx 160 ($149), and Softube VCA Compressor ($150). dBComp by Analog Obsession provides comparable dbx 160-style VCA compression with program-dependent timing, parallel mix control, and sidechain filtering across VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
How does the program-dependent timing work in dBComp?
The attack and release times scale automatically based on how much gain reduction is applied. For attack, 10dB of reduction yields 15ms, 20dB yields 5ms, and 30dB yields 3ms. Release follows a similar curve: 1dB releases in 8ms, 10dB in 80ms, and 50dB in 400ms. This means the compressor reacts faster to louder signals and recovers proportionally.
How do I enable oversampling in dBComp?
Click the "Analog Obsession" label text on the plugin interface. It will turn red, indicating that 4x oversampling is engaged. This reduces aliasing artifacts during heavy compression but increases CPU usage. The same method works across all Analog Obsession plugins.
