Your go-to compressor in 2023? – Page 7 – Getting Started (AKA What is the best…?) Forum

Not sure it’s possible to say a go to compressor, as they can do slightly different and different sounding things.

It also depends on the source.

I mainly use UAD plug ins, of these:
LA2A is a great option, very easy to use and makes things sound better, amazing on vocals
There are a few others that also impart a bit of character.

Unless it’s a main or prominent part, I’m not usually too fussed about individual channel compression.

Where I think UAD shines are on the bus compressors. They have quite a few that can give a really nice character. Manley, Neve, API, plus tape options can all be excellent.

Bitwig makes it trivial to have a wet dry on any plug in (ctrl+g), which is great for checking I’m actually making an improvement.

Outside UAD I find the Elysia Alpha to be an incredible main bus compressor, particularly the attack and release seem straight forward to dial in a subtle groove to the compression, which is great to push or pull slightly on the beat.