Up for sale is the last tube compressor/limiter I've kept for my studio - the excellent 1950's Collins 26U-1. We're moving to a new studio space soon so I'm selling off my nicest equipment to fund the transition. This 26U-1 has been fully restored with new electrolytic capacitors - with the original capacitors left on the back panel to preserve the original appearance of the unit. I've had almost every tube limiter through the shop over the years and can honestly say the 26U-1 limiters in good condition are some of the finest tube limiters ever made. A Fairchild 660 might cost $30-50K, but in blind listening tests the overall sound quality is not any better than a early 1950's Collins 26U-1.
This Collins 26U-1 features original ADC input/output/power transformers, a UTC interstage transformer and features a 6386 tube for the vari-mu circuit. Unlike the earliest tube limiters which have a relatively high noise floor and fall out of calibration frequently - this 26U-1 has the great sound of early Collins/RCA/Gates units but is very reliable and tests lower for noise than any of the other vintage limiters I've owned. After restoration this unit was fully tested with my Audio Precision test set and has been in regular use in my studio for several years without any problems. The original ADC input/output transformers are some of the nicest sounding transformers ever made, and the build quality of the Collins 26U-1 is second to none with fully stepped Daven attenuators, a nice Simpson VU meter, and meticulous point-to-point wiring throughout. In my extensive listening tests with other 1940's-1950's limiters I found this Collins to be the most consistently useful of the bunch - subtle enough for use on lead vocals but aggressive on percussion if pushed.
There is cosmetic wear consistent with the age of the unit, but this limiter is in fantastic functional condition and sounds excellent. Feel free to message with any questions you might have. I double box all my items and will take special care to make sure this limiter arrives at your location in good condition. Shipping is higher than normal due to the weight and insured value with Fedex. Thank you!
