ReaComp / Compression

Hi. I'm new on this forum and relatively new to digital audio, in general. I do an interview podcast and I'd like to improve the sound quality of my programs. Some helpful folks on another audio site (Hydrogen Audio) recently suggested I look into using the compressor function in ReaComp, so I'm trying to figure this out. I'd appreciate your advice. From what I've seen, the entire Reaper program would be massive overkill for my humble needs. All I want to buy is a simple, easy-to-use audio compressor to smooth out the loudest parts of my spoken voice interviews. I just looked at the following wiki, and ReaComp looks like it would be perfect for my compression needs: Q: Is it possible to try (and if I like it, purchase) just the ReaComp part, for the compressor function, without buying and installing the entire Reaper package? If so, could someone please point me to instructions for how to obtain and run only ReaComp? Thanks in advance.

As a VST it is freely available: Just remember that you will still need a VST host. Also if all you need is to level out your podcast (that is make everything equally loud) without the need of any special features and without any knowledge I would recommend you also try a limiter (such as the free Classic Limiter by Kjaerhus: , it only has one control and also (unlike a compressor) automatically prevents overs which might lead to distortion). A list of other (free and also non free) compressor (and limiter) plugins is available here:

You have nothing to lose by downloading and trying out Reaper. This is overkill, could turn into how did I ever do this without it. If Reaper does turn out to be to much I would suggest using the often overlooked wavosaur as a VST host.

Thank you! 

is one of the best free ones I have used for conference type stuff. It does a good job balancing everyone in the audio stream. Besides being dead simple Drag & Drop, it is also at my favorite Price Point..... Hope this helps! :cool: