5 hardware compression superstars
The hardware versions of all of these units are highly desirable, and their cost reflects that – although a dbx 160 can be had for a very reasonable price on eBay these days. Let’s take a look…
Urei 1176
A superb hardware compressor with a very fast attack. Sounds great on drums, or vocals and bass with a slower attack and release.
Teletronix LA-2A
A classic model now re-issued by Universal Audio, featuring a choice of transformer or optical compression, plus valve amplification for warmth. Great on vocals and bass.
Fairchild 670 Valve Limiter
Contains more than 20 valves! Pioneered by Geoff Emerick on the Beatles’ recordings. Great on vocals, drums, or anything else, if you can afford it, that is…
dbx 160
The dbx 160 is a classic vocal compressor. It’s fast and clean, but take care it doesn’t distort the signal.
SSL G-Series Master Compressor
This archetypal two-buss compressor is great for gluing things together. Mix through it but don’t whack it on afterwards, and be prepared to spend time learning it.