If you’re looking for a free compressor that can add punch and character to your drum tracks, Rough Rider 3 by Audio Damage is an absolute must-have. I use it on almost all of my drums, and it never fails to deliver tight, energetic compression that elevates my mixes.
Why Rough Rider 3?
While there are plenty of free compressors out there, Rough Rider 3 stands out for several reasons:
Perfect for Parallel Drum Compression – This plugin shines when used in parallel, adding aggression and body to drums without squashing dynamics.
Extremely Customizable – With attack, release, ratio, and mix controls, you can shape the compression to suit any genre or style.
Great Presets – If you’re new to compression or just want a solid starting point, the included presets offer a variety of useful settings.
Pleasant Interface – The clean, modern UI makes it easy to dial in settings without feeling overwhelmed.
It’s Free! – You get all of this without spending a dime, making it one of the best budget-friendly tools available.
How to Use Rough Rider 3 for Maximum Impact
For parallel compression, I typically set the mix knob to around 40-50% and use a medium attack and release. This lets the transient energy of the drums cut through while adding weight and sustain. If you want something more extreme, crank up the ratio and bring the mix down slightly to retain clarity.
