Vintage Digital

Compressor/Limiters

Classic Recording Studio Equipment

Compressors and limiters are dynamic processing tools used in recording studios to control the dynamic range of audio signals. A compressor works by reducing the level of the loudest parts of a signal, while leaving the quieter parts unaffected. This can help to even out the overall volume of a recording and make it sound more consistent. Limiters work similarly to compressors, but they have a more aggressive ratio and a fixed threshold that won’t allow the signal to go above a certain level. This can be useful for preventing clipping or distortion when recording signals with a high dynamic range.

In addition to controlling dynamic range, compressors and limiters can also be used creatively to add character and color to a recording. For example, some compressors have a “vintage” or “analog” sound that can add warmth or saturation to a recording, while others can provide a more transparent or clean sound. Some compressors even have specific settings for different instruments or types of signals, such as vocals or drums. Choosing the right compressor or limiter for a particular recording can be a crucial part of the mixing process, as it can greatly affect the final sound of the track.

Gainlab Audio Governor is a vacuum tube-based optical compressor that, – thanks to its dual slope design – employing two threshold points, provides the ability to maintain control over dynamic conditions. Its direct predecessor can be considered the dynamic control that used in the Bishop All-Tube Channel Strip, which, despite providing only a small portion of Bishop’s functionality, has become a notable institution in its own right.