Models
5 models
-
Teletronix LA-2A
Optical tube leveling amplifier family
Recording equipment · United States
The Teletronix LA-2A is a tube-based optical leveling amplifier that uses an electro-optical attenuator, a photocell paired with a light source, for program-dependent gain reduction. Its smooth, frequency-dependent compression made it a studio standard for vocals and bass and one of the most widely emulated compressors.
-
Universal Audio 1176
FET limiting amplifier family
Recording equipment · United States
The Universal Audio 1176 is a solid-state FET limiting amplifier known for very fast attack times and assertive peak control. Introduced by Bill Putnam's Universal Audio in the late 1960s and produced across many revisions, it is among the most widely used and emulated studio compressors.
-
Empirical Labs Distressor
Studio variable-topology compressor
Recording equipment · United States
The Empirical Labs Distressor (model EL8) is a rackmount VCA-based studio compressor designed by Dave Derr and introduced in 1996. It offers multiple detector and distortion modes that allow the unit to emulate characteristics of optical, FET, and tube-style compression as well as its own distinctive sound. The Distressor became a widely adopted studio tool valued for its versatility on vocals, drums, and a broad range of sources.
-
dbx 160
Studio VCA compressor and limiter
Recording equipment · United States
The dbx 160 is a VCA-based studio compressor and limiter introduced in 1976, known for its fast, transparent gain reduction and over-easy ratio control. It established the blueprint for modern VCA compressor design and was widely used on drums, bass, and other transient-heavy material. The 160 line continued through several revisions including the 160A and 160X, and a reissue remains available.
-
Bricasti M7
Studio stereo reverb processor
Recording equipment · United States
The Bricasti M7 is a professional stereo reverb processor introduced in 2007 by Bricasti Design, built by former Lexicon engineers. It provides a large library of reverb algorithms including rooms, halls, plates, and chambers, and is widely considered one of the finest digital hardware reverb units available for professional recording. The M7 remains in active production and is found in top professional studios worldwide.