Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Arturia Comp VCA-65". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Experience the sound of classic compression with a modern twist using the Arturia Comp VCA-65. This plugin is a meticulously crafted digital recreation of the legendary DBX 165A® compressor, renowned for its solid-state VCA technology. Designed for today’s producers and musicians, the Comp VCA-65 combines vintage charm with cutting-edge features, ensuring that your drum tracks and mixes have never sounded tighter or more dynamic.

Dive into the fluid "over easy" knee and let the advanced sidechain EQ guide your mix to perfection. Whether you're aiming for the soft saturation of yesteryear or experimenting with the innovative Time Warp function, this plugin offers flexibility and creativity in spades. The manual mode and SSL®-style EQ allow you to shape your sound with absolute precision, making it a true asset for both experimental producers and sound designers.

Arturia’s state-of-the-art TAE® analogue modelling ensures that every nuance and quirk of the original hardware is faithfully captured, right down to the biting crunch of the peakstop limiter. Seamlessly integrate the Comp VCA-65 with your DAW and explore a comprehensive set of presets, A/B comparison settings, and integrated tutorials. Whether you're pushing hard for a saturated, soft-clipping sound or adding vintage warmth to your mastering chain, this plugin delivers the iconic tone of a classic compressor, now revitalized for the digital age.

Key Features:

  • Virtual recreation of the classic VCA compressor
  • Fast attack & release parameters with Auto mode
  • Peakstop limiter for vintage tone
  • Creative side-chain features with manual mode
  • Time Warp function for pre-delay manipulation
  • Advanced sidechain EQ for fine-tuned control
  • Dry/wet mix knob for parallel compression
  • A/B comparison setting and comprehensive presets
  • Compatible with all major DAWs, resizable window
  • State-of-the-art TAE® analogue modelling

Owner's manual

Arturia Comp VCA-65 User Manual

Product specs

Software Type Compressor
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Plug-in Formats AAX, AU, VST
Additional Compatibility NKS
Hardware Requirements - Mac 2GHz Processor or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC 2GHz Processor or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.13 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 8.1 or later

FAQs

What is the Arturia Comp VCA-65 primarily used for?

The Arturia Comp VCA-65 is a vintage-style software compressor ideal for controlling dynamics on rhythmic or transient-heavy material, offering fast attack and release times suitable for drums and vocals.

Is the Arturia Comp VCA-65 compatible with my DAW?

The Arturia Comp VCA-65 supports AAX, AU, and VST formats, making it compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro.

What are the system requirements for running the Arturia Comp VCA-65?

For Mac, you need macOS 10.13 or later with at least a 2GHz processor and 4GB of RAM. For PC, you need Windows 8.1 or later with similar hardware specifications.

How does the Arturia Comp VCA-65 differ from other VCA compressors?

The Arturia Comp VCA-65 emulates classic VCA compressor characteristics with precise control over compression parameters, offering a unique vintage sound with modern flexibility.

Can I use the Arturia Comp VCA-65 in a 64-bit environment?

Yes, the Arturia Comp VCA-65 operates at a 64-bit depth, ensuring compatibility with modern 64-bit DAW environments for optimal performance.

shuyam【ゲーム作成講座】

shuyam【ゲーム作成講座】

dbx 165A (1970) vs Arturia Comp VCA-65

Video thumbnail for dbx 165A (1970) vs Arturia Comp VCA-65 by shuyam【ゲーム作成講座】

dbx 165A (1970) vs Arturia Comp VCA-65

shuyam【ゲーム作成講座】

shuyam【ゲーム作成講座】

Video thumbnail for Drum Compressor Arturia VCA-65 by Home Recording Made Easy

Drum Compressor Arturia VCA-65

Home Recording Made Easy

Home Recording Made Easy

Video thumbnail for Adding Punch To Your DrumBus (VCA-65) By Arturia by Machine City Audio

Adding Punch To Your DrumBus (VCA-65) By Arturia

Machine City Audio

Machine City Audio

Video thumbnail for Arturia Compressors Review TUBE-STA VCA-65 & FET-76 by RealHomeRecording.com

Arturia Compressors Review TUBE-STA VCA-65 & FET-76

RealHomeRecording.com

RealHomeRecording.com

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia Comp VCA-65.

Features and functionality

  • The Arturia Comp VCA-65 is praised for its simple control interface with Threshold, Ratio, and Make Up Gain knobs, making it user-friendly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's noted that the Arturia Comp VCA-65 is a digital recreation of the dBX 160a compressor, offering similar simplicity and functionality.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Owners appreciate the availability of third-party DBX compressor emulations, including offerings from Softube and Waves, as alternatives to Arturia's plugin.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Arturia Comp VCA-65 is favored for its straightforward design, which is ideal for users seeking uncomplicated compression in their audio production workflow.

    Source

User experience

  • Many users recommend the Arturia Comp VCA-65 for its ease of use, particularly for beginners or those who prefer fewer controls for quick adjustments.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Arturia 3 Compressors You'll Actually Use - Everything Recording

everythingrecording.com

Arturia's Comp VCA-65 shines with its versatility and advanced features, making it a solid choice for dynamic control. It impresses with its clean, surgical sound and is ideal for both subtle and aggressive compression needs. However, the software suffers from installation glitches and lacks a true Mid-Side Compression mode. The interface is visually appealing but has some usability bugs, particularly with the resizing feature. Overall, while it offers a robust set of tools for mixing, the software's hiccups may frustrate some users.

positive

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

Arturia's 3 Compressors bundle delivers impressive emulations of classic units, boasting useful extra features that elevate their functionality. The Comp FET-76 and Comp VCA-65 shine with their authentic sound and tight controls, while the Comp Tube-STA offers a unique take on compression with its warm, velvety response. Each model is thoughtfully designed, making them tools that can seamlessly integrate into any mix. However, the review lacks any significant criticisms, leaving the impression that these compressors are nearly flawless. If you're in the market for reliable and versatile compression, this bundle is a must-try.

positive

Arturia: 3 Compressors You’ll Actually Use Plug-In Bundle | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Arturia's Comp VCA-65 shines in a crowded market with its user-friendly design and authentic vintage character, making it a worthy addition to any studio. The unique Time Warp feature offers innovative control over compression, allowing for creative sound manipulation. While some users may find differences in sonic output compared to other brands, the overall performance and ease of use make these plug-ins genuinely appealing. The price point is a steal, ensuring that musicians will indeed reach for these tools frequently. However, the slight inconsistencies in sound reproduction could frustrate purists seeking exact emulations.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Arturia Compressor Plugins

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides