Checked September 2026

Tokyo Dawn Records
TDR Kotelnikov review
MasteringCompressionFree version
Free wideband mastering compressor combining high fidelity control with musical flexibility. Best for transparent mastering-bus compression. Price: Free.

Key features
- 64-bit oversampled Delta signal path
- Independent peak and RMS release controls
- Sidechain highpass filter
- Delta preview mode (compressed vs. original)
- Latency-compensated click-free bypass
Pros
- Widely regarded as one of the most transparent free mastering compressors available.
- Paid Gentleman's Edition offers an upgrade path without switching plugins.
Cons
- Free version lacks the extra modules bundled in the paid Gentleman's Edition.
- Requires OpenGL support for the UI.
TDR Kotelnikov alternatives
Loudness limiter with eight limiting algorithms and true peak limiting for mastering.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported- FREE
HoRNet
HoRNet Magnus Lite
A free limiter and clipper.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported - £489once
Softube
Softube Weiss DS1-MK3
Software port of the Weiss DS1-MK3 hardware mastering processor.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Sources: www.tokyodawn.net