Fircomp
Key Features
- Ultra-clean peak compression and limiting with an innovative digital envelope detection algorithm that produces far lower distortion than typical peak compressors
- Same-sample true zero attack times that never sound clicky, even in zero-latency mode, for precise transient control
- Dual parallel release stage with highly program-dependent musical behavior, eliminating the need for multiple compressors in series
- Optional lookahead FIR gain smoothing for an even cleaner sound, with only 1.5 ms of compensated latency
- Sidechain filtering options for common mixing scenarios including low-ratio compression at 1.2:1 and 1.5:1
- Fully 64-bit DSP code with SSE instruction optimization for extremely low CPU usage on every track
- Zero phase shift and no change in frequency response, making it fully compatible with parallel compression workflows
Description
Fircomp by Jon V Audio is an ultra-clean peak compressor and limiter designed for transparent dynamics control on individual tracks or mix busses. Its innovative digital envelope detection algorithm delivers significantly lower distortion than typical peak compressors, with same-sample attack times that never produce clicks even in zero-latency mode.
The plugin features a dual parallel release stage with highly program-dependent behavior, which means it adapts musically to the incoming signal. This design eliminates the need for stacking multiple compressors in series to achieve smooth, natural-sounding compression.
Optional lookahead FIR gain smoothing adds an even cleaner sound with only 1.5 ms of compensated latency. With lookahead off, Fircomp operates at true zero latency, making it suitable for both tracking and mixing.
Bedroom Producers Blog editor Tomislav Zlatic described Jon V Audio's compressor technology as rivaling high-end commercial offerings like FabFilter Pro-C 2. KVR Audio users have praised it as their most-used compressor for everything from vocals and drums to master bus processing.
Fircomp includes sidechain filtering options for common mixing scenarios, runs on fully 64-bit DSP code with SSE instructions for low CPU usage, and introduces no phase shift, making it safe for parallel compression setups. The plugin is available in VST3 and AU formats for Windows and macOS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Fircomp 1 and Fircomp 2?
Fircomp 1 is the original version that will always remain completely free. Fircomp 2 adds a resizable GUI, customizable colors, mid/side processing, stereo linking and balance, external sidechain input, perceived loudness metering, a preset system, and an even cleaner sound engine. As of May 2025, Fircomp 2 is also available on a pay-what-you-want basis with no minimum.
How does Fircomp compare to FabFilter Pro-C?
Bedroom Producers Blog has described Fircomp as rivaling FabFilter Pro-C 2 in sound quality and transparency. Both excel at ultra-clean digital compression with lookahead smoothing. Pro-C 3 offers eight compression styles and more advanced features like oversampling, while Fircomp focuses specifically on peak compression and limiting with a more streamlined workflow.
Can Fircomp be used on a master bus?
Yes. KVR Audio users have reported excellent results using Fircomp on the master bus, noting that it pulls everything together without introducing distortion. The dual parallel release stage and optional lookahead smoothing make it well-suited for transparent bus compression where preserving the mix balance is critical.
Does Fircomp introduce any latency?
With lookahead disabled, Fircomp operates at true zero latency, making it suitable for real-time tracking. When lookahead FIR gain smoothing is enabled, the plugin adds a compensated latency of 1.5 ms. Your DAW's plugin delay compensation will handle this automatically during mixing.
