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.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.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2003 /

Chandler Limited TG1 Limiter

Compression Type: Diode Bridge

The Chandler Limited TG1 is a recreation of the classic EMI TG12413 Limiter used in custom EMI and Abbey Road recording and mastering consoles from the late ’60s. These rare pieces were never commercially available, and only EMI owned studios had access to them.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2003 /

Universal Audio 2-1176 Dual-Channel Compressor

Compression Type: FET

The Universal Audio 2-1176 is a dual-channel version of the legendary 1176LN compressor, faithfully re-creating Bill Putnam’s 1966 design in a single 2RU 19-inch rack chassis. Featuring two identical compressor channels with stereo linking capability, the 2-1176 provides six distinct compression ratios, adjustable attack and release times, and the distinctive circuit character that has made the 1176 one of the most iconic pieces of studio equipment ever designed.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2003 /

GML Model 2030 Mastering Dynamic Range Controller

Compression Type: VCA

The GML Model 2030 Mastering Dynamic Gain Control is a precise tool for mastering and other critical applications where the utmost in control, flexibility, and transparency is demanded.

Made In China

Released in 2004 /

Alesis CLX-440 Compressor Limiter Expander Gate

Compression Type: VCA

The Alesis CLX-440 is a powerhouse dynamics processor featuring a Compressor, Limiter, Expander and Gate in a two unit rack mount.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2004 /

dbx 162SL Compressor/Limiter

Compression Type: VCA

The striking front panel, machined from 1/4″ aircraft aluminum, handcrafted solid aluminum knobs, LEDs mounted individually in machined stainless steel housings, custom VU meters with peak indicators, mark the dbx 162SL as a leader for decades to come. Or so it seemed…

Explore the full dbx 160 Series Series

Made In U.K.

Released in 2004 /

TL Audio 5060 Tube Compressor

Compression Type: Transconductance

The TL Audio 5060 is the latest product to join the acclaimed Ivory 2 series. Using the same high quality discrete microphone preamp as other Ivory 2 products the 5060 also has stereo line level or stereo instrument inputs.

Explore the full TL Audio Ivory Series Series

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2005 /

Electro-Harmonix NY-2A Stereo Compressor

Compression Type: Optical

The Electro-Harmonix NY-2A is a professional compressor that was designed to meet the demanding requirements necessary to attain the highest level of audio quality for recording and professional mastering.

Made In U.K.

Released in 2005 /

SSL Buss Compressor

Compression Type: VCA

This is the 1U rack mounting version of the SSL G Series console master bus compressor, utilising the classic SSL G Series centre compressor design elements within a Super Analogue design topology. This brings the dual benefits of spectacular audio performance with a universally acclaimed compressor characteristic.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2005 /

Universal Audio 1176LN Limiting Amplifier

Compression Type: FET

Universal Audio 1176LN limiting amplifier is a legendary FET compressor with tone and attitude that is true to the original EREI model released many years before it.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 2005 /

Mercury 66 Limiting Amplifier

Compression Type: Variable-Mu

The Mercury 66 Studio Limiting Amplifier Mk. III authentically recreates the legendary Fairchild 660 with an all-tube, all-transformer design, adding modern controls and improved reliability while retaining the iconic sound and aesthetics of the original.