Compressor/Limiters

Analogue Compressors and limiters are dynamic processing tools used in recording studios to control the dynamic range of audio signals. A compressor works by reducing the level of the loudest parts of a signal, while leaving the quieter parts unaffected. This can help to even out the overall volume of a recording and make it sound more consistent. Limiters work similarly to compressors, but they have a more aggressive ratio and a fixed threshold that won’t allow the signal to go above a certain level. This can be useful for preventing clipping or distortion when recording signals with a high dynamic range. In addition to controlling dynamic range, compressors and limiters can also be used creatively to add character and colour to a recording. For example, some compressors have a “vintage” or “analogue” sound that can add warmth or saturation to a recording, while others can provide a more transparent or clean sound. Some compressors even have specific settings for different instruments or types of signals, such as vocals or drums. Choosing the right compressor or limiter for a particular recording can be a crucial part of the mixing process, as it can greatly affect the final sound of the track.

Released in 2009

TUBE-TECH CL 2A Dual Compressor

The TUBE-TECH CL 2A is an all-tube optical compressor featuring two independent, linkable channels. Renowned for its versatility, the CL 2A delivers exceptional results on all audio sources and is highly regarded as a reliable “problem solver” for precise and delicate gain control applications.
Released in 2009

Neve 2254/R Limiter Compressor

Designed in 1969, the original Neve® 2254 mono Limiter/Compressor unit quickly became a legend. Forty years on, the 2254’s successor, the Neve 2254/R mono limiter/compressor represents another milestone.
Released in 2010

Drawmer S3 Multi-Band Stereo Tube Compressor

The Drawmer S3 Stereo Three Band Tube Compressor incorporates the very latest in Ivor Drawmer designs and the aim from the very beginning was to create a ‘no technical compromise’ circuit using only the highest-grade components.
Released in 2010

Al.So Hellax Mono Compressor/Limiter

The Al.So Hellax is a mono optical compressor/limiter offering a very low distortion rate with side-chain filters and blend feature, and is 100% made in France.
Released in 2010

Drawmer S2 Dual Channel Tube Compressor

The Drawmer S2 Signature Series Dual Channel Tube Compressor is the latest product to emerge from Ivor Drawmer’s high end designs and offers an ‘all tube – no technical compromise’ circuit using only the highest-grade components.
Released in 2010

Acme Opticom XLA-3 MkIII Limiter

The Acme Opticom XLA-3 is an all-tube optical limiter inspired by the Teletronix LA2A, featuring a unique triple optoelectronic circuit. It offers versatile compression tones, from clean to harmonically rich to dirty, with improved speed and flexibility.
Released in 2011

dbx 160SL Compressor/Limiter

The dbx160SL is a 2U stereo Compressor/Limiter in the tradition of the industry standard dbx160. The signal path consists of a high precision input stage followed by the worlds widest dynamic range voltage-controlled amplifier – the dbx V8™ VCA – and then an output stage with phenomenal performance.
Released in 2011

Drawmer 1968 MkII Dual Vacuum Tube Compressor

The Drawmer 1968 MkII is a 1U stereo bus compressor combining J-FET gain reduction with a 12AX7 tube stage for smooth, transparent compression. It offers six attack and six release options, full sidechain access, and unique ‘BIG’ and ‘BIGGER’ modes that preserve low-end clarity while preventing pumping.
Released in 2011

AnaMod 670 Stereo Limiter

The AnaMod 670 Stereo Limiter offers Classic Variable-Mu compression profile and vintage tone with three modes of compression and limiting, with six original 670 time constants plus two new variations.
Released in 2012

Crane Song Titan Compressor Limiter

The Crane Song Titan is an analog compressor-limiter with a very large range of color and control choices that has reset-ability
Released in 2013

Chandler Limited Zener Limiter

The Chandler Limited Zener Limiter was conceived by Chandler Limited designer Wade Goeke and is based on the vintage EMI circuits used to record The Beatles and Pink Floyd.
Released in 2013

Cartec Audio THC Mastering Compressor

The Cartec Audio THC (Tone Harmonic Compressor) is a two-channel hybrid compressor that employs eight tubes and four discrete amplifiers to achieve a unique level of control over dynamic range, harmonic distortion content, and tonal balance.