Great-sounding stereo bus compression is a must-have. It pumps up your mixes, giving them the glue, punch, weight, authority, and slam factor to stand out from other tracks being broadcast or streamed. If most other engineers are using it (trust us: they are) and you're not, your mix (no matter how good) will sound weak in comparison. So Sweetwater's advice is to have the best-sounding, most versatile bus compressor you can find strapped across your stereo mix bus. Enter the Serpent SB4001 500 Series stereo bus compressor.

Delivers whatever sound you're after

The Serpent SB4001 raises the bar for the 500 Series stereo bus compression. With its Quad VCAs, six ratios, 10 attack times, highpass/boost/slope sidechain filters, Wet/Dry Blend control, external (key) input, classic stepped release settings, classic (A1) and alternate (A2) auto release, and variable Release control, as well as Grind mode (a proprietary tube-style harmonic drive that adds vintage coloration), the SB4001 can deliver whatever sound you're after. Whether clean, dirty, vintage, subtle, or crushed, the SB4001 is sure to be one of the most flexible compressors in your arsenal.

Serpent SB4001 500 Series Stereo Bus Compressor Features:

• Quad VCAs (for superior dynamic range)
• Electronically balanced
• True bypass (relay controlled)
• Protection from 48-volt phantom power
• Powder-coated front panel for extra durability
• Thru-hole main audio path
• Ratios: 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
• Attack times (stepped): 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50µs
• Release times (stepped): 0.3, 0.6, 1.2ms, classic auto release (A1), alternate auto release (A2)
• Release times (variable; engaged by last position on stepped switch): any time from 0.1 sec to 1.2 sec
• Sidechain filters: 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, Boost mode, Slope mode
• Wet/Dry Blend (for parallel processing)
• Grind mode: special valve-style harmonic drive mode that adds vintage coloration
• External/Key Input accepts balanced or unbalanced inputs (inserted before sidechain filters)
• Gain (-6dB to +18dB)
• Premium sealed pots and Grayhill rotary switches
• All-machined aluminum knobs
• Handcrafted in Philadelphia, PA