Compressor/Limiters

Analogue 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 colour to a recording. For example, some compressors have a “vintage” or “analogue” 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.

Related Articles: Vintage Compressor or Replica | The History of Compressor/Limiters | The History of Western Electric

Released in 1967

Urei 1176 Limiting Amplifier

There are not a lot of limiters designed in the 1960s that are still in production today, but the legendary Urei 1176 is one such beast. While the name Urei has long since vanished from the pro audio world, this limiter can still be purchased brand new from Universal Audio.
Released in 1968

Shure Level-Loc Audio Level Controller

The Shure Level-Loc is a transistorised level controller that automatically reduces loud signals to maintain smooth and consistent output. Originally designed for speech clarity in public address systems, it later became prized in studios for its bold, aggressive compression.
Released in 1969

Teletronix LA-3A Leveling Amplifier

If you took the gentle optical compression of the Teletronix LA‑2A and fused it with the solid‑state punch and clarity of the Urie 1176, you would have the Teletronix LA-3A. It has become a secret weapon compressor for many engineers, with a unique character capable of moving sounds right to the front of your mix.
Released in 1972

Eventide Omnipressor Compressor

Unleash the sonic magic of the past with the Eventide Omnipressor, a legendary audio processor born in 1972. This timeless piece of gear has been a staple in the music industry for over five decades, and it’s not hard to see why.
Released in 1975

Altec 1612A Limiting Amplifier

In audio systems, input signal levels can vary significantly. The Altec 1612A is excellent for managing dynamic range, ensuring the overall sound level is more consistent. It operates as a limiter or a line amplifier, equipped with two inputs, a compression/VU meter, a dual range attack/release switch, and a limit/line balance control that prevents limiting from altering the preset output level.
Released in 1975

Valley People Dyna-Mite Compressor Limiter

The Valley People Dyna-Mite compressor was released in 1975. It became well-known for its distinctive sound, which was a combination of compression, limiting, and distortion, and it was highly regarded by engineers and producers for its versatility in both studio and live settings.
Released in 1976

dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter

The dbx 160 and 161 are single-channel compressor/limiters combining sophisticated technology and user-oriented features in a compact package. Unique circuit designs, such as true rms level-detection and feed-forward gain reduction, place the 160 and 161 in a completely different class from conventional compressor/limiters.
Released in 1976

dbx 162 Stereo Compressor/Limiter

The dbx 162 compressor/limiter is one of the most iconic studio compressor/limiters to have ever graced a studio. The dbx 162 compressor/limiter is a stereo device using true rms level detection circuitry tor signal sensing and sophisticated voltage-controlled amplifiers as the gain control elements.
Released in 1976

Urei LA-5 Audio Leveler

Urei introduced the Urei LA-5 Audio Leveler with the specific needs of sound reinforcement professionals in mind.
Released in 1977

Urei LA-4 Compressor/Limiter

The Urei LA-4 Compressor/Limiter can reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal, making it more consistent and balanced. The Urei LA-4 Compressor/Limiter can also limit the maximum level of the signal, preventing distortion and clipping.
Released in 1979

Urei 1178 Stereo Compressor

The Urei 1178 compressor was introduced in 1979 by Universal Audio. It became a popular choice in recording studios during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, and it remains a sought-after vintage piece of audio equipment today.
Released in 1979

DBX 163 Compressor/Limiter

The dbx 163 and dbx 164 compressor/ limiters feature dbx’s Over Easy compression. Over Easy refers to a “soft knee” compression characteristic that provides virtually inaudible gain control at ratios up to infinite compression.