Gain Reduction | Pro Audio Hardware Compressors and Limiters

   

Retail:
 
$299 (a long time ago)
 
Used:
 
$200-300 but its going up.
 
Verdict:
 
Some opinion is divided but overall the users who like it have had the units for over 20 years and swear by them. The blue face is the prized ones and they have a characteristic sound and rugged build. Popular but could be getting rare.

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Valve compression is now universally recognised as one of the essential tools for today’s recording engineer. The Ivory 5021 provides everything you would expect from a TL Audio compressor - first class audio quality, bags of flexibility and a price tag so modest you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a printing error! Now the new 5021 features hard and soft knee modes, four attack and release times, an improved optical gate design and an optional digital output. Like the C-1 compressor, the 5021 uses our own special transconductance amplifier design that avoids the use of VCAs - ensuring maximum audio transparency. So whether you’re hitting the end stops or just providing gentle dynamic control, the 5021 delivers super-smooth results every time!
 
The 5021 employs two valve stages per channel, in the form of a Sovtek ECC83/12AX7A twin triode valve run from a stabilised 150V DC supply. One stage is in the preamp, and the other is in the gain control element of the compressor.
 
  * Each channel provides continuously variable control of: Input Gain, Threshold, Ratio, Gain Make-Up and Output Gain
  * NEW Four attack times: from 'Fast' (0.5mS) to 'Slow' (40mS)
  * NEW Four release times: from 'Fast' (40mS) to 'Slow' (4S)
  * NEW Hard/soft knee compression modes
  * Automatic "Hold" facility reduces LF distortion
  * NEW Optical gate with variable control of threshold (from -10dB to 'off')
  * ‘Bypass?and 'Stereo link' modes
  * Switchable VU meters provide indication of output level or gain reduction
  * Drive and Peak LEDs to indicate internal signal levels
  * Front panel instrument inputs
  * Balanced XLR line inputs/outputs duplicated on unbalanced jack connectors
  * Sidechain insert points
  * NEW Optional 24 bit stereo digital output)
 
Specifications:
 
  * Balanced Line Input: Maximum level: +26dBu
  * Balanced Line Outputs: Maximum level: +26dBu
  * Frequency Response: 10Hz to 40kHz, +0, -1dB
  * Noise: -80dBu (22Hz to 22kHz)
  * Dynamic Range: 106dB (Line input @ 0dB gain)
  * Power Supply: Consumption: 20VA typical
  * Dimensions: 483 x 200 x 88mm
  * Shipping Weight: 6kg
 
Retail:
 
£490
 
$499-999
 
Used
 
£200-£300
 
$280-420
 
Verdict,
 
Not recommended on the mix bus. FMR RNC is a better choice at this price point. Opinion about this product is reflected in the vast numbers that are listed on ebay & other used audio sites every week. Some users complain about that valves not affecting the sound much. There are better alternatives. If you are after a transparent compressor, the FMR RNC will do a better job. If you are looking for a compressor for colouring your sounds, look for the Symetrix 501 (toggle switch) or the Ashly SC-50.

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The RNC achieves such high performance at a low cost by using evolutionary advances in digital technology, coupled with the best analog has to offer. Using digital controls and an all-analog signal path, the RNC offers accurate, precise controls and a clean tonal character.
 
The RNC provides two modes of operation: normal and SuperNice TM. Normal mode allows the RNC to be used for everyday compression tasks, like punchy snare drums or bass guitars, and is great for everything from gentle compression to serious squashing. SuperNice mode provides near-invisible signal compression for sensitive material where compression artifacts are less desirable (like vocals, acoustic guitar or the program bus).
 
In a word: transparent. The RNC yields clean, airy compression with few artifacts and little high end loss, even at massive gain reduction. This amazing performance is why many professionals are calling the RNC one of the best sounding compressors for under $2000.
 
 
Retail:
 
$199
 
£190
 
Used
 
$126-170
 
£90-120
 
Verdict:
 
Looks can deceive. A half rack compressor that has stood the test of time and proved itself a winner. Using two in serial is best for mastering on a budget with Super Nice mode on. If you've got the money to fit 2 in a rack neatly, look up the Funk Logic NCC-1701 Rack Tray kit. (Yes this is indeed the serial number of the USS Enterprise.) for around $60 / £45. Only drawback is everyone has got one. Good, professional results for an introductory hardware compressor.

The Funk Logic NCC-1701: How to hide your inferior half-rack ways and look like a serious producer.

The kit comes with knob extensions but unfortunately doesn't come with patience.

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The Behringer T1952 TUBE COMPOSER Interactive Tube Dynamic Processor. Affordable, professional signal processor with tube technology.
 
The Behringer T1952 TUBE COMPOSER offers various dynamic processing functions: fully automatic as well as manual compression, expander/gate, and program limiting. It combines the advantages of hard-knee and soft-knee compression in a single processing function. The result is entirely natural and transparent, even in the case of extreme compression ratios. It also incorporates a warmth control, automatic or manually controllable attack and release times, switchable high-pass filter and monitor function for side chain, a peak-limiting circuit that combines clipper and program limiter, expander/gate circuit for gentle disturbance suppression, and displays for input and output levels and gain reduction. The T1952 also features a switchable stereo link mode and can be set to +4 dBu or -10 dBV. Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with XLR and 1/4 inch TRS connectors and a relay-controlled hard bypass function ensure trouble-free operation and prevent nasty surprises in the case of power failures.
 
The main features of the Behringer T1952 TUBE COMPOSER include:
 
  * Special Warmth control and selected 12AX7 tubes allow you to precisely add the desired amount of tube sound to your audio
  * IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) combines soft knee and hard knee characteristics
  * Automatic or manually controllable attack and release times
  * Switchable high-pass filter and monitor function for side chain
  * Compression switchable between interactive knee and hard knee operation
  * IGC (Interactive Gain Control) peak limiting circuit combines clipper and program limiter
  * IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander/gate circuit for gentle disturbance suppression
  * Precise displays for input and output level and gain reduction
  * Stereo link function
  * Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with 1/4 inch TRS and gold-plated XLR connectors
  * Relay-controlled hard bypass switch with auto bypass function in case of power failures (safety relay)
 
Retail
 
$150
£107-129
 
Used
 
$50-100
£35-£70
 
depending on condition. missing lamps / meters / knobs / rack rash bring the price down.
 
Verdict:
 
Discontinued, mass produced, but excellent value compressor and ideal for beginners learning compression. Replace the standard Sovtek valves with different 12AX7 tubes (easily done) to experiment and get new characteristic sounds. Amps can also be replaced but can a be a little more tricky.

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The OC8E is a 2U standard 19" rack-mount multi-channel optical compressor.
 
Built on the success of the original OC8, the OC8E adds 8 VU meters and more detailed compression controls to an already superb optical compressor.
 
Tailored to suit a wide variety of applications, the OC8E is perfectly suited for use as a multi-channel compressor for a wide variety of audio applications. Optical compressors are sought after for the distinctive musicality they give to vocals, guitars and other instruments. The OC8E 's adjustable compression ratio, attack, release and output controls allow you to generate a distinctive soft, rich character while providing magnificent control over dynamics.
 
Fantastic for use as inserts on your multi-channel recording tracks the OC8E is a great addition to any home or pro studio looking to take advantage of the benefits that optical compression can provide.
 
  * 8 x fast electro-optical compressor
  * Bypass/on switch
  * 8 x individual compression ratio controls
  * Tri-state LED indicator
  * 8 x individual attack & release controls
  * 110v-220v Internal power supply
  * 8 x individual output level controls
  * Size: 2U Rack
  * 8 x individual output VU level indicators
  * Low noise, wide bandwidth and superior transient response
  * Class A transformerless high voltage signal path
  * ADAT Option PR8IIA
  * Low noise, wide bandwidth and superior transient response
  * Housing: Metal
 
Retail
 
$419
£298.71
 
Used
 
± £194
± $274
 
Verdict:
 
A useful tool for live work but not necessarily the best sound quality for studio work. Not very popular on eBay. For this price, an Art Pro VLA II is a better choice. Alternatively a pair of Ashly SC-50, which have recently gone up in price and continue to go up.

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