Shop New October Deals
Check Out Our Compressor & Limiter Buyer's Guide.
Compressors and limiters can shape dynamics in ways that range from subtle control to smashed mayhem. Find out what sets each circuit type apart and how different designs change the way compression feels.
Audio Compressors and Limiters
About Audio Compressors and Limiters
Audio compressors are essential tools in music production and live sound engineering. They help manage the dynamic range of audio by smoothing out volume peaks and boosting quieter sounds. This ensures that all parts of your music or audio are at a clear and consistent level. Audio compressors can also be used creatively to shape the sound's character or add punch to drums and vocals, making them stand out in a mix. Whether you're a professional in a recording studio or setting up your first home studio, it's important to have at least a few compressors and limiters available for recording, mixing, and mastering. Vintage King offers a wide selection of top-quality analog compressors from the best brands in the industry.
Shop for Audio Compressors and Limiters by Brand
Vintage King carries compressors and limiters from classic brands like API Audio, AMS Neve, Universal Audio, Fairchild, and Solid State Logic. We also carry a collection of modern classics from brands like Empirical Labs, Tube-Tech, UnderToneAudio, Shadow Hills Industries, Retro Instruments, and Manley Labs. Of course, if you're looking for quality compressors on a budget, be sure to check out Warm Audio, dbx, Heritage Audio, and Black Lion Audio. No matter what kind of compressor you need for your recording studio, Vintage King is sure to have the right compressor for you!
Audio Compressors and Limiters FAQs
What are the different types of audio compressors?
Vari-mu Tube Compressors are some of the oldest compressor designs. Vari-mu compressors use a vacuum tube to control gain reduction, which gives them a characteristically warm and smooth sound. Because of this, they are often used on the mix bus or during the mastering process. Popular options include the Fairchild 670, Retro Instruments 175-B, UnderToneAudio Unfairchild, and the Manley Labs Vari-Mu compressor.
What are the main controls on a compressor?
Threshold: The Threshold control sets the level at which the compressor starts working.
What's the difference between a compressor and a limiter?
A limiter is simply a compressor with a ratio of 10:1 or higher. A "brick wall" limiter will have an extremely high ratio of 100:1 or even infinity to 1 to ensure the signal does not exceed a set level.
Getting Started w/ Audio Compressors and Limiters
Each type of compressor will have a unique sound, which explains why most recording studios have a variety of compressors on hand. Once you've chosen the type of compressor for your needs, it's time to set the threshold. Adjust the threshold setting so the compressor reacts to the louder transients of whatever track you're compressing. If the gain reduction meter is showing constant compression, you should probably raise the threshold so it only reacts to the part of the sounds you want compressed. Once your threshold is set, adjust your attack and release times to shape the sound. Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all setting for these controls, so use your ears and experiment until your track sounds great in the mix!
Why Shop Audio Compressors and Limiters at VintageKing.com?
For over 30 years, Vintage King has been committed to equipping our customers with the very best recording gear, expert advice, and professional studio install services. Our award-winning team is dedicated to helping you find the best compressor for your recording studio. As musicians and engineers ourselves, we have hands-on experience with all of the most popular compressors and limiters. The Vintage King team is committed to helping you find the right compressor for your needs, so call us today at +1 888.653.1184 to find the best compressor for you!
