Professional compressor plug-in with 14 compression styles and full Dolby Atmos support.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
FabFilter Pro-C 3 vs DC1A (2026)
FabFilter Pro-C 3 is best for transparent to characterful compression across mixing and mastering; DC1A is best for fast, simple compression with analog-style character. FabFilter Pro-C 3 starts at $199 one-time and DC1A at Free.
Free two-knob character compressor for effortless gentle-to-heavy leveling.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
| FabFilter Pro-C 3 | DC1A | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | transparent to characterful compression across mixing and mastering | fast, simple compression with analog-style character |
| Starting price | $199 one-time | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP | VST3, AU, AAX |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Key features | 14 compression styles, Character modes with analog saturation and coloring, Side-chain EQ up to 6 bands, Dolby Atmos support up to 9.1.6, Auto Threshold, Auto Gain, Auto Release | Two-control (input/output) design, Negative ratio and overcompression modes, Parallel compression option, Dual Mono switch for independent stereo channel compression, DEEP mode high-pass filter to reduce bass pumping |
| Developer | FabFilter | Klanghelm |
Questions people ask
FabFilter Pro-C 3 starts at $199 one-time; DC1A starts at Free.
14 compression styles, Character modes with analog saturation and coloring, Side-chain EQ up to 6 bands, Dolby Atmos support up to 9.1.6, Auto Threshold, Auto Gain, Auto Release.
Two-control (input/output) design, Negative ratio and overcompression modes, Parallel compression option, Dual Mono switch for independent stereo channel compression, DEEP mode high-pass filter to reduce bass pumping.