Fresh Listen: Tube-Tech CL 1B

Since it first made its debut in 1987, the Tube-Tech CL 1B has become a modern studio classic. Why is this compressor what engineers and producers often patch in for their sessions? The optical tube compressor offers up smooth, butter-like compression that is practical and doesn't feature the harshness that can be associated with some other compressors.In particular, the Tube-Tech CL 1B has become synonymous with being the go-to compressor on vocals in the pop and hip-hop music communities. The compressor is known to have been a mainstay on vocal sessions for Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and plenty more chart-topping hitmakers.

While the Cl 1B's reputation as a go-to vocal microphone compressor stands true, the unit can do so much more on other sound sources. If you're looking to get the bass, guitar or keys to sit perfectly in your mix, look no further than the CL 1B to give you a leg up during your mixing process.

In our new video, we're revisiting the CL 1B to show the reasons why this compressor has become an essential studio tool. Continue on below to hear Vintage King Audio Consultant Joe Dickinson and studio engineer Bryan Reilly put the compressor to the test on hip-hop and pop vocals, bass and acoustic guitar.

Interested in picking up a Tube-Tech CL 1B for your studio? Contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.631.0213 and we can help you get this classic compressor.