Compressors too can add colour by way of their ‘analogue’ circuitry but also bite and attitude…
Arturia
Mac/PC €199
This set of compressors includes a rarer Gates Sta-Level emulation called Comp TUBE-STA which does a great job of adding extra body to low-mid sounds, bass-heavy drums and arpeggiated synths. You can get it on its own for €99 but an extra ton gets you great UREI 1176 and dbx 165A emulations too, so this could be all your compression needs in one purchase.
Softube Tube-Tech CL1B collection
As one of the few emulations of the original hardware – designed in conjunction with the original makers Tube-Tech – Softube’s take is an exacting emulation. It’s capable of both subtle containment and excellent audible colour, so use it as a standard compressor for taming signals or get some lovely vintage character. www.softube.com
Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A collection
The official emulation of the original LA-2A is one of UA’s oldest and best plugins and now comes as part of a bundle with two other versions. The original kept the signal character while performing dramatic compression, and these superb emulations also run native so no UA hardware required. www.uaudio.com
IK Multimedia Black 76
Mac/PC From €80
A great emulation of the original UREI 1176, Black 76 works in IK Multimedia’s T-RackS ‘shell’, and as a plugin in any VST/AU/AAX-compatible DAW. You get everything on the original including four ratios (plus the famous ‘all buttons in’ mode) and it also sounds as good. One of the best compressor emulations out there.
Waves CLA-76 Compressor/Limiter
Mac/PC $249
Rather than a standard 1176, Waves’ emulations take two specific models owned by engineer Chris Lord-Alge which have a more aggressive character thanks to years of use and repair giving them a very distinct sound that is highly sought after. (Often on sale for just $30!
Universal Audio Fairchild Collection
Mac/PC £299
Like the EQ collection, it’s hard not to recommend this bundle, which also now runs native without the need for UA hardware. You get three versions of the Fairchild compressor made famous at Abbey Road, and it’s particularly good for achieving the Beatles’ drum sound. They’re more transparent but the ‘later’ units still yield that much soughtafter sound. www.uaudio.com
> Step by step 4. Improve your entire mix with legendary Fairchild compression
1 The Fairchild 660 and 670 are among the most iconic pieces of studio hardware ever. One was used by The Beatles in the ’60s, but they’re equally magical on modern mixes. We’re using the Universal Audio Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection, although
