Optical Compressors

Optical compressors are a staple in the world of audio production, revered for their ability to deliver smooth, natural compression that enhances sound quality. These devices use an optical element to... control the dynamics of audio signals, making them a favorite among musicians and sound engineers who seek to add warmth and character to their tracks. Whether you're working in a professional studio or setting up your home recording space, optical compressors offer versatility and reliability. Discover how these essential tools can elevate your audio projects by providing consistent, high-quality performance across a range of applications.
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Behringer XENYX X2222USB Premium 22-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps and Compressors, British EQs

Behringer XENYX X2222USB Premium 22-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Mic Preamps and Compressors, British EQs

SKU: BEX2222USB
(4)

DESCRIPTION

A 22-channel audio mixer with USB interface, 8 microphone preamps, "British" style EQ, and built-in compressors.

$289.00
$49 /mo suggested payments with 6‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: behringer

DESCRIPTION

A 22-channel audio mixer with USB interface, 8 microphone preamps, "British" style EQ, and built-in compressors.
Bugera Veyron T BV1001T 2000W Ultra-Compact Class-D Bass Amplifier with Tube Preamp, Optical Compressor and DYNAMIZER Technology

Bugera Veyron T BV1001T 2000W Ultra-Compact Class-D Bass Amplifier with Tube Preamp, Optical Compressor and DYNAMIZER Technology

SKU: BUBV1001T
(2)

DESCRIPTION

A powerful and versatile bass amplifier with 2,000 Watts of Class-D power, tube preamp, and optical compressor.

$499.00
$84 /mo suggested payments with 6‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: bugera

DESCRIPTION

A powerful and versatile bass amplifier with 2,000 Watts of Class-D power, tube preamp, and optical compressor.
Manley Labs Nu Mu Stereo Limiter Compressor

Manley Labs Nu Mu Stereo Limiter Compressor

SKU: MLMNUMU

DESCRIPTION

A handbuilt stereo limiter compressor with tube/valve circuitry, Manley IRON input transformers, and Manley HIP function.

$3299.00
$275 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: manley labs

DESCRIPTION

A handbuilt stereo limiter compressor with tube/valve circuitry, Manley IRON input transformers, and Manley HIP function.
Manley Labs ELOP+ Stereo Electro-Optical Vacuum Tube Limiter/Compressor

Manley Labs ELOP+ Stereo Electro-Optical Vacuum Tube Limiter/Compressor

SKU: MLMELPP

DESCRIPTION

A high-performance stereo electro-optical limiter/compressor with a 3:1 compression ratio, all-tube sound, and versatile applications.

$3299.00
$275 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: manley labs

DESCRIPTION

A high-performance stereo electro-optical limiter/compressor with a 3:1 compression ratio, all-tube sound, and versatile applications.
Baader Planetarium Alan Gee Telecompressor MarkII

Baader Planetarium Alan Gee Telecompressor MarkII

SKU: AA2454400

DESCRIPTION

A compact telecompressor accessory for improved astrophotography, by Baader Planetarium.

$308.00
$52 /mo suggested payments with 6‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: baader planetarium

DESCRIPTION

A compact telecompressor accessory for improved astrophotography, by Baader Planetarium.
Black Lion Audio B172A Hybrid F.E.T. Opto Compressor

Black Lion Audio B172A Hybrid F.E.T. Opto Compressor

SKU: BLB172A

DESCRIPTION

A dual compressor unit combining F.E.T. and optical circuits, with flexible internal routing and high-quality transformers.

$1399.00
$117 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: black lion audio

DESCRIPTION

A dual compressor unit combining F.E.T. and optical circuits, with flexible internal routing and high-quality transformers.
Behringer Multicom Pro-XL MDX4600 V2 Reference-Class-4 Channel Expander /Gate/Compressor/Peak Limiter with Dynamic Enhancer & Low Contour Filter

Behringer Multicom Pro-XL MDX4600 V2 Reference-Class-4 Channel Expander /Gate/Compressor/Peak Limiter with Dynamic Enhancer & Low Contour Filter

SKU: BEMDX4600V2

DESCRIPTION

A 4-channel expander/gate/compressor/peak limiter with dynamic enhancer and low contour filter for studio-quality dynamics processing.

$189.00
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: behringer

DESCRIPTION

A 4-channel expander/gate/compressor/peak limiter with dynamic enhancer and low contour filter for studio-quality dynamics processing.
Rupert Neve Designs 500 Series 517 Microphone Preamplifier/DI/Compressor

Rupert Neve Designs 500 Series 517 Microphone Preamplifier/DI/Compressor

SKU: RND517

DESCRIPTION

A versatile mic pre, DI, and compressor featuring Vari-phase for enhanced audio control.

$899.00
$75 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: rupert neve designs

DESCRIPTION

A versatile mic pre, DI, and compressor featuring Vari-phase for enhanced audio control.
Rupert Neve Designs 500 Series 535 Diode Bridge Compressor

Rupert Neve Designs 500 Series 535 Diode Bridge Compressor

SKU: RND535

DESCRIPTION

A versatile diode bridge compressor offering advanced timing control and internal parallel processing capabilities.

$999.00
$84 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: rupert neve designs

DESCRIPTION

A versatile diode bridge compressor offering advanced timing control and internal parallel processing capabilities.
Sirchie Video-Based Optical Comparator with Black & White Monitor

Sirchie Video-Based Optical Comparator with Black & White Monitor

SKU: SIFX10B

DESCRIPTION

A high-resolution video-based optical comparator with black and white monitor for forensic examination and evidence comparison.

$5495.75
$458 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: sirchie

DESCRIPTION

A high-resolution video-based optical comparator with black and white monitor for forensic examination and evidence comparison.
Sirchie Video-Based Optical Comparator with Color Monitor

Sirchie Video-Based Optical Comparator with Color Monitor

SKU: SIFX10BC

DESCRIPTION

A Video-Based Optical Comparator with Color Monitor that offers high-resolution video capabilities and advanced forensic examination features.

$6350.75
$530 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: sirchie

DESCRIPTION

A Video-Based Optical Comparator with Color Monitor that offers high-resolution video capabilities and advanced forensic examination features.
Blue Cat Audio MB-5 Dynamix Multiband Dynamic Processing Software Plug-In, Electronic Download

Blue Cat Audio MB-5 Dynamix Multiband Dynamic Processing Software Plug-In, Electronic Download

SKU: BCMB5DYNAMIX

DESCRIPTION

A powerful multiband dynamics processor plug-in with unique envelope detection and advanced stereo features.

$169.15
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: blue cat audio

DESCRIPTION

A powerful multiband dynamics processor plug-in with unique envelope detection and advanced stereo features.
Art Pro Audio Pro VLA II Professional Two Channel Vactrol-Based Compressor

Art Pro Audio Pro VLA II Professional Two Channel Vactrol-Based Compressor

SKU: APAPROVLAII

DESCRIPTION

A tube-driven Vactrol-based compressor with opto-electronic circuitry for transparent and musical sounding compression in any audio environment.

$465.99
$78 /mo suggested payments with 6‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: art pro audio

DESCRIPTION

A tube-driven Vactrol-based compressor with opto-electronic circuitry for transparent and musical sounding compression in any audio environment.
Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 2-Channel Diode Bridge 1U Rackmount Compressor

Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 2-Channel Diode Bridge 1U Rackmount Compressor

SKU: RND5254

DESCRIPTION

A versatile 2-channel compressor offering iconic diode bridge compression with advanced timing and stereo linking.

$2999.00
$250 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: rupert neve designs

DESCRIPTION

A versatile 2-channel compressor offering iconic diode bridge compression with advanced timing and stereo linking.
Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel Transformer Gain Microphone Preamplifier/Inductor EQ/Diode Bridge Compressor

Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel Transformer Gain Microphone Preamplifier/Inductor EQ/Diode Bridge Compressor

SKU: RND5035

DESCRIPTION

A versatile studio preamplifier combining transformer-gain mic preamp, inductor EQ, and diode bridge compressor.

$3999.00
$334 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: rupert neve designs

DESCRIPTION

A versatile studio preamplifier combining transformer-gain mic preamp, inductor EQ, and diode bridge compressor.
Rupert Neve Designs 500 Series 543 Mono Compressor/Limiter

Rupert Neve Designs 500 Series 543 Mono Compressor/Limiter

SKU: RND543

DESCRIPTION

A versatile mono compressor/limiter designed for precise audio control and dynamic range management.

$999.00
$84 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: rupert neve designs

DESCRIPTION

A versatile mono compressor/limiter designed for precise audio control and dynamic range management.
Rupert Neve Designs MBT Master Bus Transformer with 2-Band Equalizer and Compressor

Rupert Neve Designs MBT Master Bus Transformer with 2-Band Equalizer and Compressor

SKU: RNDMBT

DESCRIPTION

A versatile audio processor with 2-band EQ, optical compressor, and stereo width enhancement for tonal magic.

$3999.00
$334 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: rupert neve designs

DESCRIPTION

A versatile audio processor with 2-band EQ, optical compressor, and stereo width enhancement for tonal magic.
Apogee Electronics Opto-3A, FX Rack Vintage Compressor Plug-In, Version 1, Download

Apogee Electronics Opto-3A, FX Rack Vintage Compressor Plug-In, Version 1, Download

SKU: AEFXOPTO3AR

DESCRIPTION

A vintage compressor and limiter plugin that runs natively in macOS DAWs or on Apogee hardware.

$99.00
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: apogee electronics

DESCRIPTION

A vintage compressor and limiter plugin that runs natively in macOS DAWs or on Apogee hardware.
Millennia TCL-2 Twin Topology 2 Channel Opto Compressor/Limiter

Millennia TCL-2 Twin Topology 2 Channel Opto Compressor/Limiter

SKU: MLTCL2

DESCRIPTION

A transformerless 2 channel compressor/limiter with dual topology, tube and solid state, for precise dynamic control.

$4140.00
$345 /mo suggested payments with 12‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: millennia

DESCRIPTION

A transformerless 2 channel compressor/limiter with dual topology, tube and solid state, for precise dynamic control.
Art Pro Audio Tube MP/C Professional Tube PreAmp/Opto Compressor-Limiter/DI

Art Pro Audio Tube MP/C Professional Tube PreAmp/Opto Compressor-Limiter/DI

SKU: APATUBEMPC

DESCRIPTION

A multi-purpose tool for audio engineering and recording, featuring a tube-based analog preamplifier and VCA-less compressor.

$175.99
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: art pro audio

DESCRIPTION

A multi-purpose tool for audio engineering and recording, featuring a tube-based analog preamplifier and VCA-less compressor.
Art Pro Audio Pro Channel II 1-Channel Class A Tube Microphone Preamplifier, Optical Compressor, Parametric Equalizer

Art Pro Audio Pro Channel II 1-Channel Class A Tube Microphone Preamplifier, Optical Compressor, Parametric Equalizer

SKU: APAPCHII

DESCRIPTION

A single-channel Class-A tube preamplifier with optical compressor, parametric EQ, and LED meters.

$459.99
$77 /mo suggested payments with 6‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: art pro audio

DESCRIPTION

A single-channel Class-A tube preamplifier with optical compressor, parametric EQ, and LED meters.
Art Pro Audio SCL2 2-Channel Stereo Compressor Limiter Expander with Gate

Art Pro Audio SCL2 2-Channel Stereo Compressor Limiter Expander with Gate

SKU: APASCL2

DESCRIPTION

A highly flexible dynamics processor with compression, limiting, noise reduction, and LED meters.

$229.99
$39 /mo suggested payments with 6‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: art pro audio

DESCRIPTION

A highly flexible dynamics processor with compression, limiting, noise reduction, and LED meters.
Earthquaker Devices The Warden V2 Optical Compressor Pedal

Earthquaker Devices The Warden V2 Optical Compressor Pedal

SKU: EADWARDV2

DESCRIPTION

A high-grade analog optical compressor pedal with complete control over attack, release, sustain, and ratio.

$199.00
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: earthquaker devices

DESCRIPTION

A high-grade analog optical compressor pedal with complete control over attack, release, sustain, and ratio.
Rolls HR341 Signal Processor for Vocals and Acoustic Guitars

Rolls HR341 Signal Processor for Vocals and Acoustic Guitars

SKU: ROLHR341

DESCRIPTION

A completely analog voice band audio processor with 24dB/oct shelving filters, notch filter, and soft knee optical compressor.

$275.00
$46 /mo suggested payments with 6‑month special financing. Learn how.
KEY FEATURES
  • Brand: rolls

DESCRIPTION

A completely analog voice band audio processor with 24dB/oct shelving filters, notch filter, and soft knee optical compressor.
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Optical Compressors

In the world of music production and sound engineering, the quest for the perfect tone can be as intricate and nuanced as the pursuit of a masterful composition. Optical compressors, revered for their smooth, musical compression, play a pivotal role in this quest. These devices harness a unique method of dynamics control, using a light source and optical cell to govern the signal's gain, which imparts a distinct character often described as very transparent and subtle. This makes optical compressors especially favored for vocals and a variety of instruments where preserving the natural dynamics and tone is crucial. As spring blossoms and outdoor gigs become more frequent, the clarity and warmth that an optical compressor adds to a live sound setup can truly enhance a performance under the open sky.

For anyone involved in music production, from the budding home studio hobbyist to the seasoned audio engineer, understanding the subtleties of compression is essential. Optical compressors offer a gentler, more forgiving approach to compression, making them an excellent choice for those still learning the ropes of dynamic processing as well as for professionals seeking a compressor that can add a lush, cohesive feel to their mixes without overt coloration. Whether preparing for a series of spring concerts or refining a studio project, incorporating an optical compressor into your audio toolkit can elevate your sound. They are also an exceptional gift for musicians and producers, providing them with a tool that not only enhances their sound but also deepens their understanding of audio dynamics.

Moreover, as the recording industry continues to evolve, the integration of classic analog gear with modern digital setups remains a popular practice among audio professionals. Optical compressors stand out in this hybrid setup, offering the warmth of vintage gear with the reliability and precision of contemporary technology. For those looking to expand their knowledge or dive deeper into the world of audio effects, exploring Compressor Effects can provide additional insights and options. Whether used in a simple home setup or a complex studio configuration, an optical compressor does more than just control dynamics; it enhances the emotional impact of the music, ensuring every subtle nuance is conveyed with clarity and depth. As the seasons change and new musical projects blossom, the timeless quality of optical compressors continues to be an essential part of music and sound production, celebrated for its ability to bring out the best in any performance.