Emphaseas and Pretender have released MASSIMIZER, a free sidechain ringmod and compressor effect plugin available on a pay-what-you-want basis via Gumroad. You can download it for free by entering zero at checkout, or choose to support the developers with a donation.

MASSIMIZER is a dynamics processor that combines compression and ring modulation. Both effects can be triggered by a sidechain signal.

By default, it loads in Ringmod mode, which may leave you wondering what it’s doing, at least initially. That was my experience, as it sounded too clean to notice at first.

But that’s kind of the point: MASSIMIZER creates space for your kick and snare without the telltale pumping artifacts of sidechain compression. It’s a subtle and effective way to maximize your low-end.

If you’re after more traditional ducking, the plugin also offers classic sidechain compression. Or you can blend both modes to taste using the dedicated controls. The Dry/Wet knob lets you dial in exactly how much compression you want, while leaving the rest to sidechained ring modulation (or vice versa).

I also liked the included visualization tools. There’s a tempo-synced oscilloscope that shows how your signal responds to the sidechain, and a dynamic meter that reads peak, RMS, and LUFS-M levels in real time. You also get a goniometer with stereo phase analysis and a stereo width control.

The width tool is great for tightening the low end or giving your signal a wider image, although I do wish there was a sub-bass mono filter to keep those frequencies centered.

Installation is simple. After checkout, you’ll receive installers for both Windows and macOS, along with a user manual and setup instructions. Note that macOS users will need to manually approve the files since the installer isn’t signed yet.

MASSIMIZER is still in active development, and the developers are open to feedback and suggestions. AU and Logic Pro support, bug fixes, and a spectral EQ are already planned for future updates.

The plugin is available in VST3 format for Windows 8+ and macOS 10.13+, compatible with most major DAWs. It runs on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

Download: MASSIMIZER

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Last Updated on July 13, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.