The Kn² Compressor VST plugin is a simple and effective way to control your guitar dynamics and give your tone a bit more bite. It models a famous OTA-based compressor pedal well known for its distinctive tone and high-frequency emphasis.

This one is primarily an “upward” compressor. That is, its main mode of operation is to boost low-level signals rather than focusing on attenuating high-level signals. This makes it especially suitable for guitar signals, which are typically low in level and, by most accounts, perpetually lacking in sustain. If yours suffers from this condition, turn up the Sensitivity control and enjoy extended note decay—along with the reassuring swell of background noise that comes with it.

The model features two controls: Output and Sensitivity. The Output control adjusts the overall output level linearly, while the Sensitivity control adjusts the quiescent gain of the OTA. Higher Sensitivity effectively results in stronger compression and longer sustain, at the cost of increased background noise.