Gain Reduction | Pro Audio Hardware Compressors and Limiters

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 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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