Retro

Retro Instruments is a boutique audio equipment manufacturer known for recreating classic analogue designs with modern reliability and performance. Based in the United States, the company specialises in vintage-inspired compressors, equalisers, and preamps. Signature products like the Sta-Level compressor and the 176 compressor offer rich, warm tones reminiscent of mid-20th-century studio gear. Retro Instruments is highly regarded by audio engineers and producers for its meticulous craftsmanship and ability to deliver timeless sonic character in professional recordings.

Released in 2006

Retro STA-LEVEL Tube Compressor

The Retro STA-LEVEL is a recreation of the legendary 1956 Gates Sta-Level tube compressor, first introduced way back in 1956.
Released in 2010

Retro 2A3 Dual Program Equaliser

Retro 2A3 delivers classic Pultec-style passive EQ with modern enhancements, dual-channel tube tone, and a powerful subsonic filter for musical and flexible equalisation across tracking, mixing, and mastering.
Released in 2011

Retro Powerstrip Recording Channel

Retro Powerstrip is an all-tube recording channel with vintage mic preamp, passive EQ, and variable-mu compression, delivering classic analogue tone in a single compact 2U rack unit.
Released in 2015

Retro 176 Limiting Amplifier

The Retro 176 Limiting Amplifier is based on a Bill Putnam classic, the UA 176.
Released in 2018

Retro REVOLVER Dual Channel Tube Compressor

The Retro REVOLVER Dual Channel Tube Compressor – A Revolution in a Rack.
Released in 2019

Retro DOUBLEWIDE II Tube Compressor

Retro DOUBLEWIDE II is a premium, hand-wired 500 series tube compressor with upgraded speed and control, combining vintage tone and robust build quality in a compact dual-slot format.
Released in 2019

Retro 500PRE Microphone Preamplifier

Retro 500PRE is a 500 series tube preamp based on the Sta-Level, delivering rich detail, organic saturation, and natural limiting for both recording and mixing applications.