Rare Vintage Collins 26U-1 Vari -Mu Compressor/Limiter 1960's- 6386 Tube -Plug & Play

Here is a very fine example of a classic vintage compressor that has become something close to Unobtanium in the last 10 years. The 1960's Collins 26U-1 Vari-Mu Compressor/Limiter.

 This compressor has achieved legendary status for a reason. Its about as close to a Fairchild 660 as you're gonna get. It uses the same famed 6386 tube to achieve its compression and its loaded with quality UTC transformers and a total of 8 tubes. Even without any compression these have absolutely incredible tone. They enrich the harmonic content of anything you run through them and also help create a space within a mix. Whatever goes to the Collins becomes a beautiful clear coat glue sealant. It's quite magical. I have owned both Collins pre-war 26C & 26W and they cant hold a candle to the later 26U-1. 

It has more high fidelity and better frequency response than an RCA BA6a which tends to loose some of those highs. As you bring the input up you can hear the low end start to rise as well, its beefy. One of my favorite vocal compressors of all-time. The only thing that had a similar sheen to the audio that passed through it was my Presto 41a compressor I let go of recently. At one point because of the rising cost and scarcity of 6386 tubes an option was added so a 6BA6 tube could be used as well. Its on a switch, (I have always used the 6386 tube option)  In the last photo you can see a picture of John Mayer with his Collins 26U-1 (he has a pair) Also Michael Brauer raves about his. I am only selling because I have a Collins 26U-2 which is (2) of these. Thanks for looking. Item is plug & play wired with XLR pigtails ready to rock. Be sure to check out my other rare items available.