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Description

Transform your tracks with the Audio Damage Rough Rider Software Compressor Plugin, a staple in the world of digital audio processing. Known for its unique character, Rough Rider adds a touch of vintage flair to your mixes, providing a warm, punchy sound that stands out in any genre. Whether you're looking to add subtle dynamics or create an aggressive, pumping effect, this plugin delivers with its versatile performance.

Crafted for musicians and producers alike, the Rough Rider is perfect for taming drums, smoothing vocals, or adding character to synths and guitars. Its intuitive interface ensures that users of all skill levels can achieve polished results quickly. With the ability to dial in compression from mild to extreme, it offers a range of creative possibilities.

The Rough Rider's one-of-a-kind compression algorithm ensures transparency and musicality, making it a favorite among audio professionals. It's compatible with all major DAWs, ensuring seamless integration into your existing setup. Discover the sonic potential of your tracks with a plugin that combines classic charm with modern precision.

Key Features:

  • Unique compression algorithm for a vintage sound
  • Ideal for a wide range of audio sources, including drums, vocals, synths, and guitars
  • Compatible with all major DAWs for easy integration
  • User-friendly interface suitable for all experience levels
  • Flexible compression settings for creative control
  • Adds warmth and punch to your mixes

Product specs

Plugin Format AU, VST
Downloadable free
gearwire

gearwire

Audio Damage Rough Rider: A Session On Compression

Video thumbnail for Audio Damage Rough Rider: A Session On Compression by gearwire

Audio Damage Rough Rider: A Session On Compression

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Rough Rider (drums) Audio Damage by Sound Universe

Rough Rider (drums) Audio Damage

Sound Universe

Sound Universe

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for adding vintage character to older sounds

  • Ideal for creating extreme, edgy compression effects

  • Enhances bass frequencies where other compressors may fail

  • Freeware, making it accessible to all users

  • Simple and intuitive user interface

  • Adds noticeable punch to any sound

  • Perfect for tightening up kick drums and drum buses

  • Versatile in shaping the dynamics of various audio elements

CONS

  • Too extreme for subtle compression, may not suit all mixes

  • Lacks a blend control, limiting its flexibility

  • Potential to negatively impact mixes if used indiscriminately

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio Damage Rough Rider Software Compressor Plugin.

Features and functionality

  • Rough Rider is praised for its aggressive compression style, making it suitable for punchy, dynamic music genres like electronic and hip-hop.

    Source
  • Rough Rider can be set to lower dB thresholds to replace Soundlock for protecting ears from loud sounds while maintaining quality compression.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users highlight Rough Rider's effectiveness on drums and percussion, providing a distinct character and energy to the sound.

    Source
  • Rough Rider is effective in gaming setups to enhance subtle audio cues like footsteps, making it useful beyond music production.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners appreciate its simplicity and ease of use compared to more complex compressors, allowing quick adjustments without overwhelming options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Rough Rider is often compared to stock DAW compressors, with users noting its distinct coloration as a primary differentiator.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users can save different profiles for various games, allowing tailored audio adjustments without manual reconfiguration each time.

    Source
  • Rough Rider can be configured in Equalizer APO to apply settings to specific playback devices, although it sometimes affects the mic as well.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Peace equalizer allows hotkey setup for quick profile switching, enabling smooth transitions between gaming and other media activities.

    Source
  • Some users experience mic unpairing with Sonar when EQ APO is active, necessitating restarts and re-plugging to resolve.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 14 Reviews and 51 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
jimmarchi1

they say its not for everything right on the website

I will agree with the folks at audio damage, this compressor sure ain't for everything.... its all about extreme artifacts so I seldom use it. Used subtley its not terribly impressive. It does have some nice, almost distorted edginess with the right vocal into it, but I am so into the waves BVV anymore for edgey vocals that the rough rider resides in retirement. Defintiely an effect and not a tool. I could see why some folks would love it but it may be doing their mixes more harm than good. If they added a lend control it would be more useful but its just such a wildcard that its not worth setting up a parallel track to try it out NY style. Like i said, I ever use this. It was free so whatever.

kaiodi

Nice

I already had the OTT multiband compressor by Xfer Records, except I got this one to help restore older sounds to their more 'vintage' roots, and it works a dream

stringtone

I love this!

This freeware compressor is easy to use and sounds great! I like to use it on my kick drum and drums bus to tighten everything up a bit.

striveofficialmusic

I love this thing

If you know how to use this you can really make some awesome compression. Its so good for beefing up anything or just shaping the dynamics of anything. Use this with caution though its extreme

T

Good, and is free.

For bass, a must have! When all your compressors won't work on low frequencies, this one will shine!

modularofficial

unusual sound

Adds punch to anything, and i mean anything. Even a pin drop could be brought to the front of the mix

ixen
ixen

101

I got this free on Audio Damage's website.

Pros: Its free, You can compress the crap out of everything and as much as you like.

Cons: There is none.

5/5

djfriendzone

Very nice sounding Compressor, especially for edgy stuff!

nokcternal

This is actually really good!

And it's free too so you should defiantly give it a try.

rickmilan

Audio Damage Compressor

Not used this very much. But i tough it would be nice if i have more than 1,2 compressors.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how R3hab uses Audio Damage Rough Rider Software Compressor Plugin

R3hab

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

R3hab uses the Rough Rider plugin in his productions and calls it a "good compressor."

See how Paul Epworth uses Audio Damage Rough Rider Software Compressor Plugin

Paul Epworth

Keyboardist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Miloco

According to the "equipment list" found on Church Studios, owned by Epworth, one of the things listed is the Audio Damage Rough Rider.

See how Kan Sano uses Audio Damage Rough Rider Software Compressor Plugin

Kan Sano

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via サンレコ 〜音楽制作と音響のすべてを届けるメディア

He describes "Rough Rider" on this site. "The compressor AUDIO DAMAGE Rough Rider, which he has been using for a long time, is applied to the drums of almost all songs. By putting the drums together on the bass and applying compression, the kick, snare, and hi-hat are more united."

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Audio Damage Rough Rider Software Compressor Plugin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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