UREI LA-2A

Compressors for sale are listed here

Compressors are odd things. Some see them as a way of controlling levels, of preventing overloads and as a utility device for audio. Others see them as the ultimate tool for changing dynamics, for creating excitement and for their audible effect

I fall into camp #2. For me they are like temporal equalisers – a good compressor lets you change the dynamic shape of sound in a way that nothing else can

After spending some time with the Empirical Labs Fatso and Distressor, my Favourite Compressor list has been revised to make a Top Ten. And there are plenty of compressors in my list of recapped & refurbished devices

Compressor Top Ten

1. UREI 1176

Nothing sounds like an 1176 – it’s a one-off, a freak, an outlier – and that’s why it’s stood the test of time. For vocals and bass guitar, nothing betters it for a punchy, aggressive sound. Set it for a fairly slow attack, fastest release and 4:1 compression then just ramp up the input level till the vocal sits where you want it. A little tweak on the attack time, a hint of EQ and job done

2. UREI LA-2A

In some ways the polar opposite of the 1176, the LA-2A is a more laid-back device with markedly slower attack & release times. It’s amazing when just tickling a signal but also shines when driven hard. It’s a subtler device overall and more about final polish than pure attitude

3. dbx 160XT

If, like me, you must tweak attack & release times to suit tempo & dynamics then, in theory, the 160XT falls at the first hurdle. It has no attack or release controls, just threshold & ratio, and the only other option is an Over-Easy / Hard Knee switch. Fortunately for the 160XT, theory is dead wrong – it’s a hard-charging, attitude-loaded punk of a compressor that’s as subtle as a car crash. The 160XT won’t work in every situation but, every time it does, you’ll wonder how you lived without one

4. SSL 4000E Bus Compressor

The SSL 4000E came with a four-channel VCA compressor as standard across the Quad Bus output of the console. It’s a magic switch which, when pressed, opens up a whole new universe of sound. As heard on 95% of all hit records from 1985 to 2000, the SSL Bus Compressor is really rather good

5. Empirical Labs Fatso EL7X

The Full Analogue Tape Simulator and Optimiser is a combined compressor / harmonic generator designer to warm up spikey digital sources. It’s fantastic

6. Empirical Labs Distressor EL8X Compressor

The best-selling Distressor combines traditional compression styles with super-modern controls & massive flexibility

7. Valley People Dynamite

As its name suggests, the Dynamite exists to smash things to pieces, violently and comprehensively. It’s capable of the most pumping, squashing compression you’ve ever heard but still manages to maintain fidelity while doing it. Designed by Paul Buff, the Dynamite has a raft of devious sidechain filters, keys, RMS / Peak switches & etc and can be used as a gate / expander. Always a nightmare to set up, the Dynamite is nevertheless utterly brilliant

8. Allison Research Gain Brain

More insane compression from Paul Buff. Loud, nasty & vicious

9. dbx 163X

Filthy, dirty, nasty compression with loads of vibe. I love it

10. FMR RNC Really Nice Compressor

Clean, cheap, effective, brilliant

Honourable mentions

A few other compressors deserve an honourable mention for their notoriety, amazingness or sheer subtlety

SSL 4000E channel compressor – can be setup to be the best de-esser you’ll ever hear
Orban 424A Gated Compressor Limiter – Mojo, mojo, mojo. Smooth & tasty like honey
UREI / JBL 7110 Compressor – punchy, adaptable, ballsy compressor from the Masters of the Compression Universe
Aphex Dominator – unusual, inaudible in operation, brilliant
SPL DynaMaxx 9735 – very, very subtle, can be inaudible in operation, brilliant
Aphex Compellor – confusing, inaudible in operation, brilliant
Fairchild 670 – extraordinary mojo machine
Alesis 3630 – hard to get it in the sweet spot, but it’s quite a piece of kit for the money
dbx 160 (wooden box) – a true classic. The 160XT is a descendant and, IMHO, a better compressor
dbx 160SL – the flagship dbx is a powerhouse of super-clean compression
Valley People 610 stereo compressor – rare, wonderful, super-fast compressor. Wish I’d kept the one I sold!