sonible smart:comp 3
sonible smart:comp 3 is an audio compressor plug-in that analyzes a signal and maps viable compression characteristics.
What sonible smart:comp 3 is
sonible smart:comp 3 is an audio compressor plug-in that analyzes a signal and maps viable compression characteristics. The Compression Matrix presents analyzed settings and lets you move between compression characters, while Compression Scope visualizes the viable range. Styles include Clean, Smooth, Aggressive, and Custom, with Custom controls for attack and release shapes and saturation behavior. Spectral Compression and Spectral Ducking apply processing where needed, and Group Mode links up to seven instances for shared threshold, ratio, attack, release, and mix controls. Zero-latency minimum-phase processing targets live use and recording; linear-phase mode is available for mixing and post-production. Input Riding, Mid-Side Mode, and standard compression controls are included. The plug-in runs on Windows 10 64-bit or macOS 11+, supports Intel Core i5 or Apple Silicon and OpenGL 3.2+, and works from 44.1 to 192 kHz. Mac formats are VST, VST3, AU, and AAX; Windows formats are VST, VST3, and AAX. It costs $79, paid once and includes a fully functional 30-day demo after registration.
Good
- Analysis maps viable compression characteristics
- Group Mode links up to seven instances
- Spectral Compression and Ducking included
- Supports zero-latency and linear-phase modes
- 30-day fully functional demo
Watch out
- No free plan
- Requires Windows 10 64-bit or macOS 11+
- Authorization is machine-based or through iLok
- Costs $79, paid once
Who it suits
This plug-in suits producers and engineers working on Windows or macOS who want analyzed compression options, spectral processing, and linked instances. Its modes also address live, recording, mixing, and post-production workflows.
Verdict
smart:comp 3 combines analysis-driven controls with spectral and multichannel-instance features. The 30-day demo allows evaluation before its one-time purchase.
Plans and prices
From sonible smart:comp 3's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| smart:comp 3 | $79, paid once | VST, VST3, AU, AAX · Windows 10 (64 bit) or macOS 11+ · machine-based or iLok authorization |
The facts
Each one read from sonible smart:comp 3's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Authorization
- Authorization is machine-based or through iLok.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Compression Matrix
- The Compression Matrix displays compression settings based on the analyzed audio and lets users move between compression characters.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Compression Scope
- The Compression Scope visualizes the viable compression range of the analyzed signal.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Discount
- The product page says sonible offers a 40% EDU discount for students and lecturers.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Formats and sample rates
- Mac formats are VST, VST3, AU, and AAX; Windows formats are VST, VST3, and AAX, with supported sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Group Mode
- Group Mode links up to seven plug-in instances for shared control of threshold, ratio, attack, release, and mix.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Other controls
- Features include Input Riding and Mid-Side Mode, alongside common compression controls.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Processing modes
- Zero-latency minimum-phase processing is available for live use and recording, while linear-phase mode is available for mixing and post-production.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- smart:comp 3 is an audio compressor plug-in that uses intelligent analysis to map viable compression characteristics for a signal.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Spectral processing
- The plug-in includes Spectral Compression and Spectral Ducking, which apply processing where needed to help maintain natural dynamics and energy.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Styles
- It provides Clean, Smooth, and Aggressive styles, plus a Custom style for adjusting attack and release shapes and saturation behavior.checked 8 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The listed requirements are Windows 10 (64 bit) or macOS 11+, an Intel Core i5 or Apple Silicon, and OpenGL 3.2+.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- sonible says its team develops AI-assisted audio plug-ins, 3D audio systems, and audio hardware, and describes its products as engineered in Austria.checked 8 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial
- The maker offers a fully functional 30-day demo after registration.checked 8 Oct 2026
Alternatives to sonible smart:comp 3
- 1

StemDesk
Free planAPILinuxmacOSWindows7.3$99 one-time - 2
NeuroMix AI
Free planWeb6.6Free plan - 3

Box
Free planmacOS6.5From $29 a month - 4

EZmix 3
macOSWindows6.5€149 one-time - 5
FUSER
macOSWindows6.5£59 one-time - 6
Waves Curves AQ
macOSWindows6.5From $249.99 a year
