Best compressors, limiters & gates - Buying Guide
Last Updated: 04/26/2024
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#1
dbx 266xs Professional Audio Compressor/Gate Dynamic Processor Silver 1.75 x 5.75 x 19.00 inches
Asin: B004NDFRVC | Model: 266xs | PartNumber: 266xs | Ean: 0632317252331, 0634644980345, 0795871255870, 0691991401244, 0600599645592 | UPC: 634644980345, 600599645592, 691991401244, 632317252331, 795871255870
Program-Adaptive Expander/Gates.
Outputs: ¼” Trs And Female Xlr (Pin 2 Hot).
Separate Precision Led Displays For Gain Reduction, Compression Threshold And Gate Threshold Allow Quick, Accurate Setup.
Inputs: ¼” Trs And Female Xlr (Pin 2 Hot).
Great Sounding Dynamics Control For Any Type Of Program Material.
New Gate Timing Algorithms Ensure The Smoothest Release Characteristics.
Features
- Error proof operation to smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, fatten drums or tighten up mixes
- New Gate timing algorithms ensure the smoothest release characteristics
- Program-adaptive expander/Gates
- Great sounding dynamics control for any type of program material
- Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and Gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup
- Inputs: TRS and female XLR (pin 2 Hot)
- Outputs: TRS and female XLR (pin 2 Hot)
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Brand: dbx | Manufacturer: dbx
Dimensions: 1.75 x 19.00 x 5.75 Inches | Weight: 5.73 pounds
Warranty: This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the united states. 1. The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days after purchase date to validate this warranty. You can also register online at www. Dbxpro. Com. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the responsibility of the consumer. A copy of the original purchase receipt must be provided for any warranty service. 2. Dbx warrants this product, when bought and used solely within the u. S. , to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. 3. Dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing defective materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to dbx with return authorization from the factory, where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of two years. A return authorization number must first be obtained from dbx. The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product’s use in any circuit or assembly. 4. Dbx reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same additions or improvements on products previously manufactured. 5. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall dbx or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.
See On Amazon #2
Behringer Composer Pro-XL MDX2600 Compressor with De-esser
Asin: B07PSKXCR2 | Model: MDX2600V2 | PartNumber: MDX2600V2 | Ean: 0653341312433 | UPC: 653341312433
First Available: 07/20/2016
Brand: Behringer | Manufacturer: Behringer
Dimensions: 1.50 x 16.65 x 5.16 Inches | Weight: 4.68 pounds
Warranty: Manufacturer
See On Amazon #3
L.R. Baggs Align Session Acoustic Guitar Effects Pedal
Asin: B07BDPZT52 | Model: Session Align | PartNumber: Session Align | Ean: 0897042002228 | UPC: 897042002228
Adjustable Gain For Both Passive And Active Pickups.
Volume Level Control.
Engage Footswitch For Affected Signal Or True Bypass.
Compression / Eq Smoothes Out Common Problem Frequencies.
Features
- Analog Saturation enhances warmth and harmonic content
- Compression / EQ smoothes out common problem frequencies
- Adjustable gain for both passive and active pickups
- Engage footswitch for affected signal or true bypass
- Volume level control
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Brand: LR Baggs | Manufacturer: L.R. Baggs
Dimensions: 3.94 x 1.18 x 3.15 inches | Weight: 0.66 pounds
See On Amazon #4
Warm Audio WA76 Single Channel Discrete Compressor, Black
Asin: B00HLTM7RW | Model: WA76 | PartNumber: WA76 | Ean: 0634041455019, 0799430206181, 0779177318484, 0779177318477 | UPC: 634041455019, 799430206181, 779177318484, 779177318477
True To The Classic ‘76 Compressor In Design And Performance.
Supports The Famous “All Buttons In” Ratio Setting.
Fully Discrete Signal Path.
Custom Cinemag Usa Transformers.
Features
- Single channel discrete compressor
- Custom CineMag USA Transformers
- True to the Classic 76 compressor in design and performance
- Fully discrete signal path
- Supports the famous all buttons in ratio setting
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Brand: Warm Audio | Manufacturer: Warm Audio
Dimensions: 25.00 x 10.00 x 6.00 Inches | Weight: 8.90 pounds
Warranty: 1 year manufacturer.
See On Amazon #5
dbx 560A Compact, Professional Compressor/Limiter
Asin: B00U2L0Q2Y | Model: 560A | PartNumber: 560A | Ean: 0691991000638, 0750408399205, 0714497645940, 0632317254076 | UPC: 714497645940, 632317254076, 750408399205, 691991000638
Precise Rms Gain Reduction And Input/Output Meter Displays With Calibration Control For Different Operating Levels.
Exclusive Infinity+ Compression Using Negative Ratios.
True Rms Level Detection.
Compression Ratio Variable From 1:1 Through Infinity: 1 To -1:1.
Features
- Over Easy or classic hard knee compression with dB's ultra-musical program dependent attack and release times
- Compression ratio variable from 1:1 through infinity: 1 to -1:1
- Precise RMS gain reduction and input/output meter displays with calibration control for different operating levels
- True RMS level detection
- Exclusive Infinity+ compression using negative ratios
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First Available: 06/09/2021
Brand: dbx | Manufacturer: DBX
Dimensions: 6.60 x 9.00 x 2.00 inches | Weight: 0.70 Pounds
Warranty: Limited Manufacturer Warranty
See On Amazon #6
ART TubeMP Project Series with USB Professional Microphone and Instrument Tube Preamplifier C
Asin: B008879GO8 | Model: TUBEMP/C | PartNumber: TUBEMP/C | Ean: 0133587629767, 0840402019466 | UPC: 840402019466, 133587629767
High Quality 12Ax7a Tube Inside To Add Warmth To Musical Dynamics.
Input Gain Control And Switch To Maximize Input Dynamic Range And S Control Tube Drive Input.
External Power Supply To Keep Ac Line Noise And Hum Back At The Wall.
High Impedance 1/4″ Instrument Inputs Optimized For Guitar Pickups Allowing Every Nuance To Be Heard.
Features
- Clean and neutral sound with a wide variety of signal sources
- High impedance 1/4 instrument inputs optimized for guitar pickups allowing every nuance to be heard
- High quality 12AX7A tube inside to add warmth to musical dynamics
- External power supply to keep AC line noise and hum back at the wall
- Input Gain control and switch to maximize input dynamic range and s control tube drive Input
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Brand: ART | Manufacturer: ART
Dimensions: 2.70 x 10.60 x 6.70 Inches | Weight: 2.90 pounds
Warranty: 3 year manufacturer’s defect warranty.
See On Amazon #7
ART SCL2 Dual/Stereo Compressor/Limiter Expander/Gate, Black (SCL-2)
Asin: B00LLIGOH8 | Model: SCL-2 | PartNumber: SCL-2 | Ean: 0840402035992 | UPC: 840402035992
Stereo Mode Balance Control.
Precise Led Level Meters.
Selectable Auto/ Manual Attack/Release.
1/4-Inch Trs And Xlr Balanced Inputs.
Features
- Dual Channel or Linked Stereo Operation
- 1/4-Inch TRS And XLR Balanced Inputs
- Stereo Mode Balance Control
- Selectable Auto/ Manual Attack/Release
- Precise Led Level Meters
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Brand: ART | Manufacturer: ART
Dimensions: 3.50 x 21.00 x 10.00 Inches | Weight: 1.00 pounds
Warranty: 3 year manufacturer’s defect warranty.
See On Amazon #8
Fairfield Circuitry Accountant Compressor
Asin: B00GU3NRJW | Model: The Accountant | PartNumber: The Accountant | Ean: 4560440829617, 0758353636888 | UPC: 758353636888
Three Position Ratio (Ratio) Switch Controls Amount Of Compression.
True Bypass.
Typical 9V Input.
Three Position Input Pad (Pad) Switch Controls Compression Threshold.
Features
- Continuous control of output level (VOL) with plenty of volume on tap
- Three position input pad (PAD) switch controls compression threshold
- Three position ratio (RATIO) switch controls amount of compression
- Typical 9V input
- True bypass
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Brand: Fairfield Circuitry | Manufacturer: Fairfield Circuitry
Dimensions: 10.00 x 3.00 x 8.00 Inches | Weight: 1.00 pounds
See On Amazon #9
dbx ZonePRO 640m 6x4 Digital Zone Processor with Link Bus
Asin: B00788IO8M | Model: ZonePRO 640m | PartNumber: ZonePRO 640m | Ean: 0600599649057, 0691991401169 | UPC: 691991401169, 600599649057
4 Balanced Euroblock Outputs.
Max Input/Output: +20Dbu Euroblock, +12Dbu Rca.
6 Total Inputs: (4) Switchable Euroblock Line/Mic, (2) Unbalanced, Mono-Summed Rca Pairs.
Features
- The ZonePRO 640m offers fixed I/O, pre-configured architecture, configurable insert processing and optional duplication of audio channels to another ZonePRO device via a link bus
- 6 total inputs: (4) switchable Euroblock line/mic, (2) unbalanced, mono-summed RCA pairs
- 4 balanced Euroblock outputs
- Max Input/Output: +20dBu Euroblock, +12dBu RCA
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First Available: 05/01/2020
Brand: dbx | Manufacturer: dbx
Dimensions: 5.91 x 22.83 x 21.65 inches | Weight: 8.00 pounds
Warranty: See manufacturer's website for details
See On Amazon #10
Behringer Compressor (MDX2600)
Asin: B07L9T7R9M | Model: MDX2600 | PartNumber: MDX2600 | Ean: 4033653080941, 0644535650561 | UPC: 644535650561
Igc (Interactive Gain Control) Peak Limiting Circuitry Combines Clipper And Program Limiter For Reliable And Inaudible Protection Against Signal Peaks.
Irc (Interactive Ratio Control) Expander/Gate Circuitry For Virtually Inaudible Noise Suppression.
Switchable Dynamic Enhancer For Brilliant, Lively Audio Even With Heavy Compression.
Integrated De-Esser With Switchable Male/Female Voice Recognition Removes Excessive Sibilance From Your Vocal Tracks.
Features
- Switchable IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) program-adaptive compression circuitry combines the advantages of hard-knee and soft-knee characteristics
- Integrated De-esser with switchable male/female voice recognition removes excessive sibilance from your vocal tracks
- IGC (Interactive Gain Control) peak limiting circuitry combines clipper and program limiter for reliable and inaudible protection against signal peaks
- Switchable dynamic Enhancer for brilliant, lively audio even with heavy compression
- IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander/gate circuitry for virtually inaudible noise suppression
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Brand: Behringer | Manufacturer: Music Tribe US
Dimensions: 0.68 x 7.49 x 2.31 Inches | Weight: 3.75 pounds
Warranty: Community. Musictribe. Com.
Amazon Price: $159.00 | as of 04/26/2024
(10:27pm pst) *DETAILSAvailability: Temporarily out of stock. We are working hard to be back in stock. Place your order and we’ll email you when we have an estimated delivery date. You won’t be charged until the item ships.
See On Amazon #11
BEHRINGER MDX2600 Interactive Reference-Class 2-Channel Expander/Gate/Compressor/Peak Limiter Silver & Black, Slvr/Blk
Asin: B0002E4ZKU | Model: MDX2600 | PartNumber: MDX2600
Ean: 4033653010511, 5054242258199, 5054814477201, 0723856369809, 0639476304086, 4033653100557, 0736211577344, 8944467799973, 0632709972694
UPC: 736211577344, 632709972694, 639476304086, 723856369809
Switchable Tube Simulation For The Extra Warmth And Transparency Of Classic Tube Circuitry.
Stereo Couple Function With Independent Output Level Settings.
Automatically Or Manually Adjustable Attack And Release Times.
Gc (Interactive Gain Control) Peak Limiting Circuitry Combines Clipper And Program Limiter For Reliable And Inaudible Protection Against Signal Peaks.
Features
- Integrated de-esser with switchable male/female voice recognition removes excessive sibilance from your vocal tracks
- GC (Interactive Gain Control) peak limiting circuitry combines clipper and program limiter for reliable and inaudible protection against signal peaks
- Switchable tube simulation for the extra warmth and transparency of classic tube circuitry
- Automatically or manually adjustable attack and release times
- Stereo couple function with independent output level settings
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First Available: 03/01/2008
Brand: Behringer | Manufacturer: Behringer USA
Dimensions: 8.54 x 19.02 x 1.75 Inches | Weight: 4.96 pounds
Warranty: Please refer to music-group website for warranty.
See On Amazon #12
Lindell Audio 7X-500 500-Series F.E.T. Compressor
Asin: B00ALRJ634 | Model: 7X-500 | PartNumber: 7X-500 | Ean: 0713757334112 | UPC: 713757334112
3 Step Switched Attack Times.
3 Step Switched High Pass Sidechain Filter. Off, 100Hz, 300Hz.
3 Step Switched Release Times.
Variable Mix Control For Precise Parallel Compression.
Features
- FET Style Compressor
- Variable Mix Control For Precise Parallel Compression
- 3 Step Switched Attack Times
- 3 Step Switched Release Times
- 3 Step Switched High Pass Sidechain Filter. Off, 100Hz, 300Hz
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Brand: Lindell Audio | Manufacturer: Lindell Audio
Dimensions: 2.15 x 7.75 x 5.70 Inches | Weight: 1.26 pounds
See On Amazon #13
Tangent Wave2 Large OLED Panel, 11.4x15.3" Size
Asin: B07CCFW6WP | Model: WAVE2 | PartNumber: WAVE2 | Ean: 5060182550200
High Resolution, Long-Life Knobs With Optical Pickups.
Displays To Indicate Mode And Function Of Many Controls.
Knobs Have A Built-In 'Press To Reset' Switch.
High Resolution, Long-Life Trackerballs With Optical Pickups.
Features
- Compact form with durable finish
- High resolution, long-life trackerballs with optical pickups
- High resolution, long-life knobs with optical pickups
- Knobs have a built-in 'press to reset' switch
- Displays to indicate mode and function of many controls
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Brand: tangent | Manufacturer: Tangent Wave Ltd
Dimensions: 1.85 x 11.38 x 15.28 inches
See On Amazon #14
Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor Compressor with British Mod and Image Link
Asin: B003Y5D7RQ | Model: EL8X | PartNumber: EL8X | Ean: 0889406171985, 0854682006023 | UPC: 854682006023, 889406171985
The El8x Distressor From Empirical Labs Is An Automatic Gain (Or Volume) Control Device (Agc In Engineering Terms) Designed For Pro Audio Applications.
This Type Of Device Is Often Called A "Limiter" Or "Compressor" By Audio Professionals And Its Most Probable Uses Will Be In Recording Studios, Live Sound Situations, Movie Sound Production, And Radio Broadcast Production.
Basically, The Compressor Electronically Controls The Volume Of Just About Any Source In A Very Pleasing, And "Musical" Manner - Adding Fullness, Intelligibility, And Especially In The Distressor's Case - Excitement.
Unlike Most Analog Compressor/Limiters The Distressor Is A Digitally Controlled Audio Device And Actually Incorporates Several Products Into One By Utilizing Digital Controls To Switch Totally Different Circuits In And Out.
Features
- Classic knee sound - With modern noise specs and improved performance. Really grabs. Programmable analog distortion/warmth - helpful in the pristine but unforgiving digital world. Three audio modes providing user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. Emphasized tube-like, 2nd harmonic in clean and Distort 2 mode. In Distort 3 mode, the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonic, more similar to tape. Distortion indicator lights - A 1% LED and a "Redline" (3%) LED. No hard clipping un
- Unlike most analog compressor/limiters the Distressor is a digitally controlled audio device and actually incorporates several products into one by utilizing digital controls to switch totally different circuits in and out
- The EL8X Distressor from Empirical Labs is an automatic gain (or volume) control device (AGC in engineering terms) designed for pro audio applications
- Basically, the compressor electronically controls the volume of just about any source in a very pleasing, and musical manner - adding fullness, intelligibility, and especially in the Distressor's case - excitement
- This type of device is often called a limiter or compressor by audio professionals and its most probable uses will be in recording studios, live sound situations, movie sound production, and radio broadcast production
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Brand: Empirical Labs | Manufacturer: Empirical Labs
Dimensions: 2.80 x 23.05 x 18.55 Inches | Weight: 11.89 pounds
See On Amazon #15
Golden Age Project Comp-3A Jr Compressor
Asin: B07QVN43LB | Ean: 0711583509162 | UPC: 711583509162
External Power Supply.
Highpass Filter.
Stereo Link Jack.
Switchable Time Constants.
Features
- 1-channel Solid-state Electro-optical Compressor with Gain Reduction and Gain Makeup Controls
- Switchable Time Constants
- External Power Supply
- Stereo Link Jack
- Highpass Filter
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Brand: Golden Age Project | Manufacturer: Golden Age Project
Dimensions: 3.80 x 13.20 x 9.65 Inches
See On Amazon #16
Empirical Labs ELDS DerrEsser - De-Esser
Asin: B003Y5CV3M | Ean: 0854682006092 | UPC: 854682006092
Brand: Empirical Labs | Manufacturer: Empirical Labs
Dimensions: 3.15 x 10.30 x 7.00 Inches | Weight: 0.80 Pounds
See On Amazon #17
WAC Lighting WHEDR-7A-BK 277V W Track Live End Right Current Limiter
Asin: B00L1IUDV6 | Model: WHEDR-7A-BK | PartNumber: WHEDR-7A-BK | Ean: 0790576314747 | UPC: 790576314747
Package Height: 6.884".
Country Of Origin: China.
Package Width: 4.622".
Features
- Package Length: 6.045"
- Package width: 4.622
- Package Height: 6.884
- Country of Origin: CHINA
- See more on Amazon...
Brand: WAC Lighting | Manufacturer: WAC Lighting
Dimensions: 6.88 x 6.05 x 4.62 Inches | Weight: 0.00 pounds
Warranty: 5 years.
See On Amazon #18
Heritage Audio Frame 8 80 Series Frame
Asin: B00F1HQ8YE | Ean: 0639713908237 | UPC: 639713908237
Chassis For 80 Series Modules.
With 8 Empty Slots.
Per-Channel Output Controls.
Illuminated Phantom Pushbuttons.
Features
- 2 Built-in Compression Link Busses
- Illuminated Phantom Pushbuttons
- Chassis for 80 Series Modules
- Per-channel Output Controls
- with 8 Empty Slots
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Brand: Heritage Audio | Manufacturer: Heritage Audio
Dimensions: 16.45 x 24.05 x 16.75 Inches | Weight: 12.97 pounds
See On Amazon #19
RDL ST-CL2 Compressor Limiter Line Level, 10 Hz to 20 kHz Freq Response, 500ms Release Time - Power Supply Included
Asin: B00AVXJA8E | Model: RDL-3977 | PartNumber: RDL-3977 | Ean: 0813721012296 | UPC: 813721012296
Features
- The ST-CL2 is a high performance compressor/limiter designed to maintain a constant average output
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Brand: Radio Design Labs | Manufacturer: Radio Design Labs
Dimensions: 2.00 x 2.00 x 4.00 Inches
See On Amazon #20
Elysia Nvelope 500 Series Compressor
Asin: B0084DEKYW | Ean: 0799456982601 | UPC: 799456982601
Stereo/Dual Mono Eq And Dynamics Processor.
Shape Your Sound With The Elysia Nvelope 500! 500 Series Compressor/Limiter.
Features
- 500-series Compressor
- Shape Your Sound with the elysia nvelope 500! 500 Series Compressor/Limiter
- Stereo/Dual Mono EQ and Dynamics Processor
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Brand: Elysia | Manufacturer: Elysia
Dimensions: 6.00 x 12.00 x 8.00 Inches
See On Amazon #21
Behringer MDX1400 Autocom Pro Compressor/Limiter
Asin: B007TWVTUW
Switchable High-Pass Filter In Control Signal Path Avoids Low-Frequency Signals From Dominating Compressor.
Dynamic Enhancer For Compression Dependent Equalization.
Irc Circuit In Expander/Gate Enables "Inaudible" Elimination Of Disturbing Noise Signals.
Ika (Interactive Knee Adaptation) Compressor Concept Combines The Advantages Of "Hard Knee" And "Soft Knee" Characteristics.
Features
- Interactive Reference-Class 2-Channel Expander / Gate / Compressor / Enhancer
- IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) compressor concept combines the advantages of hard knee and soft knee characteristics
- Switchable high-pass filter in control signal path avoids low-frequency signals from dominating compressor
- IRC circuit in expander/gate enables inaudible elimination of disturbing noise signals
- Dynamic Enhancer for compression dependent equalization
- See more on Amazon...
Brand: Behringer | Manufacturer: Behringer
See On Amazon #22
Manley Stereo Variable Mu Limiter Compressor with HP SC Included
Asin: B004X7HV4Y | Model: MSLCHP | PartNumber: MSLCHP | Ean: 0890833000724 | UPC: 890833000724
Independently Regulated B+ And Heater Power Supplies For Maximum Performance.
Unit Is Hand-Wired With Silver Solder And Audiophile-Grade Componentry.
Dual Input, Attack, Recovery, Threshold, Output, Link, And High-Pass Side-Chain Filter For Versatility.
Dual Input Knob Lets You Find Your Favorite Balance Between Cleanliness And Full-On Saturation.
Features
- Fully differential all-tube circuitry, plus custom-wound Manley input & output transformers for that big MANLEY sound!
- Dual Input knob lets you find your favorite balance between cleanliness and full-on saturation
- Independently regulated B+ and heater power supplies for maximum performance
- Dual Input, Attack, Recovery, Threshold, Output, LINK, and High-Pass side-chain filter for versatility
- Unit is hand-wired with silver solder and audiophile-grade componentry
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First Available: 02/28/2011
Brand: Manley | Manufacturer: Manley Laboratories, Inc.
Dimensions: 3.50 x 19.00 x 10.00 Inches
Warranty: 90 days, 5 years upon registration.
See On Amazon
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