Best Sellers
Top products on Reverb over the past 90 days
Best Sellers in Pro Audio - Compressors and Limiters
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Warm Audio WA76 Limiting Amplifier
Closely modeled after the classic 1176LN compressor/limiter, the Warm Audio WA76 Limiting Amplifier offers up vintage tones at a breakthrough price point. From subtle transient shaping on a bass guitar to explosive limiting on a drum room mic, the WA76 covers all the bases of an original 1176. - 4
Rupert Neve Designs Portico 542 500 Series Tape Emulator Module
The Rupert Neve Designs 542 Tape Emulator, a 500 Series adaptation of the popular RND Portico 5042, gives you all the thick tone and pleasing saturation of using a great tape machine. Flip between the "head bump" of 15IPS and 30IPS for different bass response, then dial in the amount of saturation you're looking for along with a blend of the dry signal if desired. At the bottom of the module, you've got Mr. Neve's "Silk" circuit with switchable harmonic characteristics, adding even more options for subtle, musical distortion for anything in your mix. - 5
Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Optical Compressor / Limiter
The Warm Audio WA-2A is a mono optical compressor / limiter with tube electronics, inspired by the classic Teletronix LA-2A first introduced in the 1960s. The control layout, like the original, is as simple as can be -- just threshold ("Peak Reduction") and gain makeup ("Output Gain") with switchable ratio for compression and limiting. - 8
ART Pro VLA II 2-Channel Vactrol Compressor
Tube-driven and Vactrol-based, the ART Pro-VLA II is a two-channel; compression and leveling amplifier that is suited to nearly any situation a musician may find themselves in: mixing, mastering, live sound, tracking, and even braodcasting. Thanks to its VCA-free design, you're able to add more compression without detracting any of the organic musicality from your output. Variable output, ratio, and threshold controls allow you to manage your dynamic output and active balanced XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs make the Pro-VLA II compatible with a variety of potential rig components. - 11
Universal Audio 1176LN Limiting Amplifier Reissue
The Universal Audio 1176LN reissue follows Bill Putnam's original drawings to bring a classic peak limiter / compressor to the modern studio market without the hassles of repairing and servicing the vintage units. This lightning-fast FET limiter has a place in just about every recording and mixing room, known for being versatile enough to use on any track in the mix but a tried and true favorite for lead vocals, bass guitar, and drums. - 17
Empirical Labs EL8-X Distressor with British Mode and Image Link
You'd be hard-pressed to find any studio worth its salt without at least one Distressor in its outboard racks, and the reason for that is quite simple -- Empirical Labs' original product is a tried and true piece of gear, a chameleon capable of about a million-and-one tricks. From subtle transient shaping to all out harmonic distortion war, smooth LA-2A-style curves to the much more aggressive "NUKE" setting, the Distressor is the right tool for almost any compression job. The EL8-X version with "British Mod" and Image Link for improved stereo compression crams even more tricks into the Distressor's sleeve. - 18
Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor
You'd be hard-pressed to find any studio worth its salt without at least one Distressor in its outboard racks, and the reason for that is quite simple -- Empirical Labs' original product is a tried and true piece of gear, a chameleon capable of about a million-and-one tricks. From subtle transient shaping to all out harmonic distortion war, smooth LA-2A-style curves to the much more aggressive "NUKE" setting, the Distressor is the right tool for almost any compression job. - 20
Universal Audio LA-2A Leveling Amplifier / Optical Compressor
The Universal Audio LA-2A reissue represents the rebirth of a studio classic. This tube-driven optical limiter has been on more hit records than we can count, and for good reason. True to the original design and performance, the contemporary LA-2A has all of the high frequency glow and huge tone that made the vintage units a staple in studios around the world. Lead vocals, acoustic guitars, and bass instruments are its specialty, but the LA-2A can handle anything you can throw its way. - 21
Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor
The Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor is Mr. Neve's gift to your stereo mix. Based around the high-voltage discrete topology of the 5088 console, the MBP packs two channels of compression, limiting, and stereo field processing into a tidy 2U chassis. This immensely versatile box can switch between feed-forward and feedback with RMS or Peak detection for the compressor, essentially giving you four compressors with totally different tonalities and sound shaping abilities. RND's signature "Silk" mode with variable texture control lets you dial in as much or as little harmonic enhancement as you desire. An intelligent, transparent limiter with adaptive release follows, letting you pump up the volume or catch ugly overs without totally folding in half when it kicks into high gear. At the tail end of the Master Buss Processor is the Stereo Field Editor, a souped-up Mid/Side section that lets you easily manipulate the stereo picture and spatial relationships within a mix -- an incredible tool for mastering applications. - 25
dbx 160A Compressor Limiter
The dbx 160A is a mono compressor / limiter that takes the legendary 160 platform and cleans up the signal path and ports it over to a sturdier rackmount chassis. Tighten up the dynamics on groups and busses invisibly, dig in a little harder for kicks, snares and bass guitars with the hard knee mode, flip on "OverEasy" to ride the level on the lead vocal, and get absolutely wild effects from negative compression ratios. - 26
Empirical Labs EL8-XS Distressor Stereo Pair with British Mode and Image Link
You'd be hard-pressed to find any studio worth its salt without at least one Distressor in its outboard racks, and the reason for that is quite simple -- Empirical Labs' original product is a tried and true piece of gear, a chameleon capable of about a million-and-one tricks. From subtle transient shaping to all out harmonic distortion war, smooth LA-2A-style curves to the much more aggressive "NUKE" setting, the Distressor is the right tool for almost any compression job. The EL8-X version with "British Mod" and Image Link for improved stereo compression crams even more tricks into the Distressor's sleeve. - 31
Empirical Labs EL-DS DerrEsser 500 Series De-Esser Module
A part of the ever-growing 500 Series, the Empirical Labs EL-DS DerrEsser is a four-mode, hyper versatile de-esser and high-frequency limiter that can be found in both horizontal and vertical configurations. Borrowing some of its circuitry from the "DS" portion of the Lil FrEQ equalizer that will sidechain out-of-line frequencies. As well as its de-esser mode and high frequency limiting capabilities, the EL-DS has both controllable highpass and lowpass functions. Tame unruly audio sources without sucking out the musicality of your recording with the Empirical Labs EL-DS. - 33
API 527 500 Series Discrete Compressor / Limiter Module
The API 527 is a must-have 500 Series compressor, borrowing architecture from the famed 225 console limiter and 2500 stereo bus compressor. This discrete VCA comp turns out a sound that's instantly recognizable, packed with API's signature punch and mojo. Everything you'd want to control on a compressor is right there at your fingertips, with standard parameters like timing and ratio being augmented by switchable feed-foward/feedback modes, selectable knee, and API's patented "THRUST" circuit that gets the bottom end hitting you in the chest. Strap the 527 over a lead vocal while recording to control peaks and bring up low-level detail, even out a fluctuating bass guitar track, or link two of them together and send your whole mix to the glue factory. - 34
Solid State Logic 611DYN 500-Series Dynamics Module
The Solid State Logic 611DYN is a 500 Series version of the 4000E console channel strip dynamics processor with compressor/limiter and expander/gate sections. - 35
Rupert Neve Designs 543 500 Series Compressor / Limiter Module
The Rupert Neve Designs 543 is a mono compressor / limiter module for the popular 500 Series format, taking its sound and control from the Portico 5043. This versatile comp can switch between feed-forward and feedback compression, RMS and Peak detection, and can go from gentle dynamic control to over-the-top brickwall limiting. Engage the sidechain high-pass filter to let low frequencies go through uncompressed for huge thumping kick drum and bass guitar sounds, or link two 543s together for a workhorse stereo mix compressor. - 38
Elysia nvelope 500 Stereo / Dual-Mono 500 Series Impulse Shaper / Dynamics Processor Module
If you have a 500 Series rack with two empty spaces, you owe it to yourself to try out the Elysia nvelope 500. This stereo / dual-mono module is a must-have-desert-island processor for drums and synths. This Class-A discrete processor is an exceptional equalizer and dynamic shaper that offers frequency-dependent control over the attack and sustain of any audio signal. Lengthen the resonance of a bass drum's low end and shorten up the higher frequency attack to get amazing enveloping that no compressor can do on its own. If you're dealing with a synthesizer that has an amazing sound but not so much control over the envelope, this is the module you need. Spend a little time with this module and you'll wind up using it on all sorts of tracks and will quickly wish you had at least one more. - 39
Dangerous Music Compressor
The Dangerous Music Compressor is a two-channel dynamics processor with insane amounts of control and audiophile-grade components. The Dangerous Compressor was designed to be incredibly transparent, using the highest grade VCAs for compression that's virtually free of distortion, even when doing absurd amounts of gain reduction. The unique "Smart Dyn" mode gives you two slopes operating at once -- one to handle quick peaks and one to cover average compression for a truly transparent action. Get going in a hurry with presets, automatic modes and built-in sidechain EQ curves, or dig in deep with manual controls, active sidechain inserts and switchable knees of compression. - 40
Purple Audio MC77 Limiting Amplifier / Compressor
With immediately recognizable sound and control, the Purple Audio MC77 takes the classic 1176 Rev. E circuit and expands upon it with sidechain functions and built-in stereo linking. A first-choice box for bass guitars and lead vocals, this Class-A discrete limiter grabs hold of your audio and churns out huge tones that only an 1176-style box can offer, with super fast action that goes from subtle shaping to explosive distortion. Shop Reverb.com for the best deals on new & used MC77 limiting amplifiers today. - 44
API 525 500 Series Discrete Compressor / Limiter Module
The API 525 discrete compressor / limiter module is a classic '70s design reissued for the wildly popular 500 Series format. This feedback-type design is versatile enough for use with all kinds of sound sources, from drums to vocals to the final mix, controlling dynamics and putting an awesome sonic stamp onto your tracks. The unique "Ceiling" control lets you compress while maintaining level, allowing for true A/B comparisons, and the all-discrete circuitry means you've got API's signature punch and lightning-fast response in this workhorse module. - 48
Universal Audio 2-1176 Stereo Limiter
The 2-1176 was briefly issued in the early 2000s, and is a stereo version of the 1176LN in a 2U enclosure. Though the audio circuitry remains the same as the reissue 1176LN from the same period, rotary switches replace push buttons for ratio and meter selection, and metering options are limited and the meters are notably smaller. - 49
Elysia mpressor 500 Mono 500 Series Compressor Module
The Elysia mpressor 500 packs the functionality and Class-A discrete goodness of its bigger rackmount brother into a single-slot 500 Series module. Going far beyond what a "normal" compressor is capable of, the mpressor 500 employs awesome features like negative ratios, extreme time constants, "Anti Log" for extreme pumping compression and the unique Gain Reduction Limiter control. Amazing for all things percussion and especially handy for the extreme enveloping of dance and electronic music, the mpressor 500 is also versatile enough to handle every-day compression duties on any sound source. - 50
Empirical Labs EL7X Fatso
The Empirical Labs EL7X Fatso is an updated version of the original Fatso Jr. The EL7X is a stereo analog tape simulator, saturator, and compressor. Digitally controlled analog signal paths are employed.
EL7X improvements include a new compressor ratio, improved logic, new faceplate and more intuitive display and controls, cooler operating temperature, and improved noise floor. - 51
Pete's Place BAC-500 500 Series FET Compressor Module
The Pete's Place BAC-500 is a single channel 500 Series compressor designed by Brad Avenson for Pete's place. It is loosely based on the design and control of the classic 1176 design. The BAC-500 features switchable sidechain EQ/filter curves and a push-button distortion feature at the bottom of the front panel. - 52
Retro Instruments Sta-Level Tube Compressor
It's quite likely that nobody has been inside more vintage Gates Sta-Levels than Retro Instruments founder Phil Moore. These old 1950s broadcast limiters have almost always been in various states of disrepair and Phil knows them inside and out, and can bring them back to their former glory. His Retro Instruments recreation of the classic Sta-Level, however, is undoubtedly a more versatile and useful piece of gear which packs the right modern features in with the tone of this huge tube classic -- an absolute star on lead vocal and bass guitar. With more switchable release times and timing multipliers, balanced XLR I/O, integral tube balance testing, and more readily available tubes, the Retro Instruments Sta-Level is ready for decades of trouble-free operatiopn in the modern recording studio. - 57
Shadow Hills Dual Vandergraph 500 Series Stereo Compressor Module
The Shadow Hills Dual Vandergraph is a Class-A discrete stereo 500 Series compressor with topological ties to the behemoth Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor. This versatile module sounds thick as a brick, even before inviting any compression to the party. When it's time to start digging in, four switchable ratios go from gentle to aggressive while the sidechain filter section of the Optograph sits on the opposite side. Simple threshold and output gain controls are all you need to worry about to get your stereo mixes or groups under control. While the Dual Vandergraph may lack attack and release controls, each ratio has its own time constants to give you a range of sounds from fast and punchy to slow and gooey. Use the gentler ratios across an entire mix to give your track a bit of glue and polish, or strap it across a drum buss and and absolutely pummel it for explosive pumping sounds. To sum it up, if you've got two empty spaces 500 Series frame, you should probably have a Dual Vandergraph. - 58
IGS Audio ONE LA 500 Tube Optical Compressor Module
The IGS Audio ONE LA 500 is a 500 Series optical compressor with true high-voltage tube circuitry, creating a smooth and stunning sound that's more than reminiscent of the classic Teletronix LA-2A. Stellar for any and all dynamic control of vocals, acoustic guitars and bass, this two-wide module uses three transformers as well as 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes getting 250V, giving you a no-compromise audio path. The optical cell is pin compatible with the classic T4, meaning you can switch over to a vintage photocell to get even more of that old-world vibe. - 59
Drawmer 1978 Stereo Tone Shaping Compressor
The Drawmer 1978 is a stereo multiband compressor with FET gain reduction element, switchable compression curves, and a "Saturate" control which introduces harmonic distortion to the signal. - 60
Empirical Labs EL-9 Mike-E Preamp / Compressor
The Empirical Labs EL-9 Mike-E is a digitally-controlled combination microphone preamp / direct box / compressor. The compressor section includes a saturation circuit to warm up digital signals. - 61
Retro Instruments 176 Tube Limiting Amplifier
The Retro Instruments 176 all-tube limiting amplifier is a modern spin on a classic Bill Putnam design, with new features and a stunning tone that must be heard to be believed for lead vocals. This variable-mu limiter makes for ultra-smooth compression regardless of how much gain reduction is happening and can be fine tuned with modern controls like sidechain high-pass, the utterly unique Vocal Asymmetry tool, and four switchable ratios. - 62
AMS Neve 2264ALB 500 Series Compressor / Limiter Module
The AMS Neve 2264ALB is a single channel 500 Series compressor/limiter which takes the design of the classic Neve 2264 dynamics module and ports it into the smaller 500 Series format. It features independent bypass for the compressor and limiter stages, true bypass of the entire processor at once, switchable attack times, and a rear-panel insert which allows the 2264ALB to be placed between the input and output stages of a 1073LB in the same frame. - 63
Elysia xpressor 500 Series Discrete Class-A Stereo Compressor Module
The Elysia xpressor 500 is a unique sound-shaping stereo compressor module for the popular 500 Series. With all-discrete electronics and a ton of features not found on other compressor modules, the xpressor 500 is as versatile as they come with a mastering-grade sound. Switch on the auto-fast attack mode that adapts to transients in percussive or program material, bring some harmonics to the party with the "Warm" mode, change up the release curve for gentler or heavier compression, and dial in the sidechain high-pass filter to keep the kicks and basses pumping in your stereo mix. One notable features is the "GRL" control, short for "Gain Reduction Limiter." With this control you can set a ceiling for the amount of compression that xpressor 500 will do, so in much louder sections your dynamics will not be totally lost. - 64
TK Audio BC501 500 Series Stereo Bus Compressor Module
The TK Audio BC501 is a dual-slot 500 Series stereo buss compressor, an adaptation of the company's BC1-S rackmount compressor. The BC501 adds a couple ratio positions, three more sidechain HPF positions, and a THD function which adds harmonic distortion to the wet signal. - 65
Empirical Labs EL7 Fatso Jr
The original Empirical Labs EL7 Fatso Jr is a stereo analog tape simulator, saturator, and compressor. Digitally controlled analog signal paths are employed.
In 2013, the Fatso Jr was discontinued and replaced with the EL7X Fatso. - 69
Black Lion Audio Seventeen FET Limiting Amplifier / Compressor
The folks at Black Lion Audio hit the nail on the head with this one. Boasting a clean, transformerless input stage and a heavy-duty, transformer-based output stage, the Black Lion Seventeen brings the classic 1176-style compressor into the modern age. Not to mention convenient, modern features like a built-in sidechain high-pass filter, a wet and dry blend knob right on the front panel, and the ability to combine any combination of compressions ratios , opening up vast amounts of options and flexibility. - 71
BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer
BBE, the creators of the Sonic Maximizer, bring all of the tonal benefits of its part-EQ, part-compression/expansion model into a more intuitive, more affordable package with the BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer. This all-analog Sonic Maximizer gives you the power to dynamically EQ your sound or even to use it as a frequency-dependent phasing effect. With a dual-channel configuration, the 482i neutralizes phase distortion due to less-than-ideal loudspeaker conditions and then boosts the lows and highs to give you more depth of sound. - 73
API 2500 Stereo Bus Compressor
The API 2500 Stereo Bus Compressor will give your mix the glue and balance it's begging for. With tried-and-true discrete circuitry based around the 2520 op-amp, this highly flexible machine is a secret weapon for your final mix. Flip between feed-forward and feedback compression, switch between soft and hard knee with the touch of a button, and give your track a major helping of low-end impact with API's patented "THRUST" circuit. Dial through the range of variable linking to find the exact stereo width you're looking for, or keep both channels totally independent for dual-mono compression on one set of controls. Try running the left channel into the right channel and control the second stage of gain reduction with the output knob of the compressor -- an amazing way to lock down a vocal track during tracking. - 75
Altec 436C Compressor Amplifier
The Altec 436C is a single channel tube compressor with fixed attack control and variable-mu topology, where ratio increases with the amount of gain reduction. These units are widely used on bass guitars, vocals, and other legato sources.
Though originally shipped with terminal block I/O, many of these units have since been modified with either XLR or TRS I/O, or at least are supplied with pigtails that terminate to either.
EMI in England was famous for modifying these units after purchasing several for Abbey Road when they were unable to attain the Fairchild limiters of the day. They added six switchable recovery times, a "Hold" control, and an output attenuator. - 77
Urei LA-4 Compressor Limiter Pair
The Urei LA-4 is a single channel compressor / limiter in half-rack format with very simple controls for input/threshold and output gain. Ratio control and meter function are selectable on these same two knobs. Attack and release times are not controllable.
The LA-4 used op-amp electronics and saw a couple very minor circuit revisions through its production and cosmetic changes. Black Panel and Silverface versions are largely interchangeable when properly serviced. The LA-4 is a very popular platform for modifications to expand its bandwidth and speed up the slew-rate of the audio electronics.
The rear panel features a high/low sensitivity switch and terminals for input and output connections. Later versions (post 1980) featured rear connections for stereo coupling. - 79
Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5017 Desktop Preamp / Compressor
The Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5017 is a desktop format +66dB mic preamp with "Silk" function/ +30dB direct box / single-knob compressor. The preamp and DI sections can be used separately, and the compressor can be applied to the mic preamp with an internal jumper. A blend control allows the user to dial in 100% mic, 100% DI, or any mix of the two.
The 5017 features a variphase control to variably alter the phase relationship between the mic and DI signals. The optical compressor has a fixed 2:1 ratio, a single threshold control, and an internal jumper to select a faster time constant. - 84
Manley Labs ELOP+ Dual-Channel Electo-Optical Tube Compressor / Limiter
It's hard to imagine anyone improving upon the original ELOP, but the Manley Labs has done it with the ELOP+ stereo electro-optical limiter and then some. Everything you love, both sonically and functionally, about the earlier ELOP is here. It's absolutely amazing for smoothing out a bass guitar, controlling peaks on a vocal performance, floating stereo acoustic guitars into any mix, the list goes on. - 86
Manley Labs Variable MU Stereo Tube Compressor Limiter with High-Pass Filter
Loosely based on the old Fairchild limiters, the Manley Variable MU uses a remote-cutoff tube to do the actual gain reduction rather than a VCA or optical cell. Very widely used for recording vocals and for processing of the entire stereo bus by mixing and mastering engineers worldwide.
The switchable sidechain high-pass filter was made standard at the end of 2009. All Variable MUs from 2010 to the present day shipped with this filter. Original units used the 6386 tube (same as the Fairchild 660 / 670), though most units use the 5670 for gain reduction. The "T-BAR" mod replaces these tubes with 6BA6 for a compression curve more closely matched to the original 6386 units when more than 6dB of compression is applied.
A mastering version with all stepped controls (except for dual input gain) is also available as a custom order. - 89
Lindell Audio 7X-500 500 Series FET Compressor Module
The Lindell Audio 7X-500 is an affordable, miniaturized take on the classic sound and function of the 1176 compressor / limiter in the popular 500 Series format. This single channel module swaps out continuous control of attack and release for smaller three-position switches, but adds a wet/dry control for parallel compression and a sidechain high-pass filter to let more fatness through the audio path uncompressed. Amazing on bass guitar, vocals and drums, just like the original 1176, the Lindell 7X-500 is an awesome, affordable addition to any 500 Series collection. - 92
Avalon VT-747sp Stereo Vacuum Tube Compressor / Equalizer
With high-voltage tube amplifiers and glue-like abilities for your mix buss and mastering chain, Avalon's VT-747sp Stereo Tube Compressor / Equalizer is a prime candidate for that final kick your music craves. Gel together your mix with the smooth optical compressor, and then bump up the air with a bit of graphic EQ to get a radio-ready sound that can't easily be had with digital plugins and lesser boxes.
