Compressors & Limiters

Compressors and limiters are essential dynamics processors used throughout recording, mixing and mastering. From early valve and variable-mu designs to FET, VCA and optical circuits, hardware compressors have shaped the control, punch and tonal character of recorded sound across decades of studio production.

This archive covers both vintage studio compressors and modern hardware designs, including faithful recreations and contemporary interpretations of classic circuits. From original units produced in the 1960s and 1970s to current production models and replicas, these dynamics processors remain central to professional studio workflows.

Made In U.K.

Released in 1999 /

Maselec MLA-2 Compressor

Compression Type: Optical

The Maselec MLA-2 is a stereo or 2-channel compressor with stepped drive (input gain), ratio, attack and release time and output gain controls. For optimum transparency and freedom from noise the MLA-2 employs a non-VCA design.

Made In Japan

Released in 1999 /

Sony SRP-L210 Compressor Expander

Compression Type: VCA

Sony SRP-L210 delivers a versatile combination of compression, expansion, harmonics processing, and peak limiting in a dual-channel analogue format, suitable for both studio and live applications.

Made In U.K.

Released in 1999 /

Focusrite Compounder Compressor Limiter

Compression Type: VCA

The Focusrite Compounder is a high-performance dual mono compressor, limiter, and gate, tailored for audio professionals and project studio owners seeking top-tier quality.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2000 /

Avalon Design VT-747SP Compressor/Equaliser

Compression Type: Optical

The Avalon VT-747sp is one of those killer products, one which is very much not like any other, and is in fact so clever than many people miss the point, but make no mistake, this is one of those classics!

Made In U.K.

Released in 2000 /

Klark Teknik DN 504 Quad Compressor Limiter

Compression Type: VCA

The Klark Teknik DN 504 is a 1RU unit with four compressors, hard/soft knee options, auto/manual controls, and stereo linking. Ideal for in-ear monitoring, it includes gain reduction and output level metering.

Made In Denmark

Released in 2001 /

TC Electronic Triple-C Compressor

Compression Type: Digital RMS

The TC Electronic Triple-C combined multi-band, full-band and envelope compression in a 1U digital processor with presets, MIDI automation, sidechain functions, spectral adjustment and S/PDIF digital I/O.

Made In U.K.

Released in 2001 /

Maselec MLA-4 Multiband Compressor

Compression Type: Multiband Sidechain-Controlled

The Maselec MLA-4 splits the input into three adjustable frequency bands, each processed by its own stereo compressor/expander with selectable crossover points and independent gain controls, allowing precise dynamic shaping or equalisation of each band.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2001 /

Empirical Labs FATSO Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimiser

Compression Type: FET

The Empirical Labs FATSO is one of those effects that until you use one, you really do not fully understand just how useful it truly is, and it is one truly useful box of tricks it has to be said!

Made In U.K.

Released in 2001 /

Focusrite Penta Dynamics Processor

Compression Type: Optical

The Focusrite Penta packs every dynamics processor you could ever need into a compact 2U rack-mountable unit, making it a standout addition to your recording setup and one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2002 /

Avalon Design AD2044 Dual Mono Compressor

Compression Type: Optical

The Avalon Design AD2044 features 100% discrete, pure class A signal amplifier configured with high speed current monitored optical control elements.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2003 /

Manley SLAM Stereo Limiter & Microphone Preamplifier

Compression Type: FET, Optical

Two class A mic preamps & DI’s drive two ELOP and two fast FET “brick wall” limiters to tame any tone one can throw at it. The Manley Slam is jammed with tubes, transformers, technology, and tricks. Get it in and get it LOUD.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2003 /

Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip

Compression Type: FET

The Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip is a classic tube microphone preamp and 1176LN compressor in a single unit.