10 Best Microphone Compressors & Their Reviews For 2021
We may earn a commission if you click on a link, but at no extra cost to you. Read our disclosure policy for more information.
A microphone compressor is one least known device, but in public, a majority of people are aware of amplifiers, microphones, woofers.
Only people who own a studio are experts on this device.
Actually, a sound compressor or a preamp is the main device from where the sound starts its journey.
Anytime we hear a sound from anywhere, firstly, it’s recorded and purified through an instrument.
That instrument is purely known as an audio compressor and is sometimes also referred to as a preamp.
So if you’re someone who wants to make a perfect sound system for your studio, for any worship place, or for your personal use, you can go through these systems.
After a long research and detailed eye on the features of every compressor system, we’ve chosen the few best microphone compressor systems for you.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Microphone Compressors Reviewed
Without further ado, here are the 10 best products.
1. dbx AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor
- Easy-to-read display: navigate menus, interact with the AFS2 Wizard, and easily manipulate settings with the...
- Xlr and 1/4” TRS connections: interface with any professional audio equipment with either connection
- Input signal meters: accurately monitor input signal levels with five segment LEDs per channel plus red clip LED...
- Wizard functions: the AFS2 feedback suppression Wizard makes setup easy and approachable for users with varying...
- 24 programmable filters per channel with 24 LED per channel filter metering; application-specific filter types...
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our journey starts with a dbx AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor microphone compressor system.
The system has a strong DSP module that gives advanced processing and necessary control over the system for both installation and live uses.
The system has ten and twelve filter feedback processors and these are de facto standard, but AFS2 offers a dedicated feedback suppression processor that offers up to 24 filters per channel with filter.
The dbx system has been implemented with dbx’s patented AFS advanced feedback suppression technology.
It has a full LCD to point out active monitoring of the system.
It contains 24 programmable filters per channel to supply a particular performance.
The dual-channel independent processing may be a plus feature to realize the stage performance.
It has active filter types included for speech, vocals, music for low and high performance.
The dbx’s system includes 24 LED meters showing the input status on the system.
The connection should be done on the rear side separately for the two channels.
There are quite a few options to input and output via XLR or ¼ TRS connections.
The dbx AFS2 professional suppressions system features a rugged design that will be easily fitted and therefore the front clean area allows headache-free monitoring and adjustment of the sound.
Pros & Benefits:
- Professional sound experience
- Full LCD monitoring
- Smart look and rugged construction
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2. Depusheng S5 Digital Mixer Reverberator
- Professional digital audio processor: Connect the computer to tune, music balance, microphone balance, 3 channels...
- Remote control: With remote control function, can directly use the remote control music, microphone, effect volume,...
- Professional DSP chip: Using 32 Bit chips to process sound signals, it has faster and more efficient processing...
- 5-Channel output: This processor has a 5.1-channel output that distributes sound to individual channels. Even a KTV...
- Professional anti-howling design: Built-in professional frequency shift anti-whistle module, adjust the...
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our next player on the list is the S5 digital mixer reverberator and it’s a solid audio processor.
Depusheng’s S5 digital mixer reverberator digital audio processor provides professional sound quality to the stage performance.
Just hook up with your PC and obtain control over music balance, microphone balance, and enjoy the built-in anti howling sound quality.
The audio processor is provided with a remote for wireless function control, you can use it to regulate music, microphone, volume effect, and it features a choice of 6 sound modes.
It’s equipped with a professional DSP chip that uses 32 bit to process sound signals faster and more efficiently with outstanding processing capabilities, and more detail, and high sound production.
The five-channel output features a giant control line, the system can turn even a KTV system into a cinema otherwise you can enjoy KTV feel in your home theater.
The professional anti howling sound capability and anti whistling module allow sound to gets to a distance.
The design is sort of appreciative with front LCD and mics input to simply change for and outputs at the back to achieve a stress-free setup.
It has wide adjustability options to regulate the system precisely.
The design is slim and simply fitted on racks or just put-over amplifiers.
The mic and music input channels have a group of seven-band parametric equalizers.
The built-in feedback suppressor strongly suppresses the noise and functions as human motivation.
Pros & Benefits:
- Professional sound experience
- Multiple device connectivity
- Remote control
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3. dbx 560A Compact, Professional Compressor
- Over Easy or classic hard knee compression with dB's ultra-musical program dependent attack and release times
- Compression ratio variable from 1:1 through infinity: 1 to -1:1
- Precise RMS gain reduction and input/output meter displays with calibration control for different operating levels
- True RMS level detection
- Exclusive Infinity+ compression using negative ratios
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let’s address the subsequent level with this lunchbox-sized compressor, the dbx 560A Compact, Professional Compressor.
The dbx 560A is a professional sound compressor system with an advanced modular processor in an increasingly 500 series format.
The industry-standard dbx 160A rackmount processors are now going to be your new primary compressor.
Whether it’s a studio or any worship place, the system is going to be the ultimate buy choice with its robust performance.
With extremely wide level threshold output and true RMS level detection, It provides natural sound to drums, bass, vocal, and almost anything.
The LED indicator shows the actual input and increases the level to accurately manage the sound gears.
The mini size allows you to carry it dynamically almost anywhere.
The front is clean-clear, no input and output are connected, and connections continue at the end.
Three LED indicators are also located on the front panel to point out the loads on the system; medium, low, and high.
Three variable adjustments for threshold, compression ratio, and output gain to regulate the system precisely are also located.
It has no LCD but with LED indicators, the motoring is often done without distraction from distance also.
Just load the compressor on your audio system and watch it work.
It’s often used in worship places, household uses, and studios also.
Pros & Benefits:
- LED meters to show actual input and gain
- True RMS level detection
- Small size
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
4. Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Opto Compressor
- Fully discrete signal path Utilizes custom USA made CineMag input and output transformers Utilizes USA made Kenetek...
- True to its inspiration; the WA-2A boasts an all tube, completely discrete signal path with through-hole component...
- It also features custom, large-core Cinemag input and output transformers, four premium vacuum tubes, and the...
- No plug-in or other compressor type quite compares to the warm, forgiving, fluid qualities of this classic optical...
- For decades, the renowned ‘2A type circuit has become the go-to device for seamlessly handling vocals, bass, and...
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The warm audio WA2A Tube Opto Compressor is the other legendary player of our selection on the list.
The system is known for its true inspiration sound that it produces.
It features a clear and clean front panel, and a VU meter to point to the audio instead of an LCD or LED meter, which tells how a sound feels.
The front casing also has some traditional design variable switches for controlling the system.
The warm audio sound system is the most suitable option for people who don’t need to adjust their system many times.
It’s a la2a amplifier system to use for long-life performance, just install and play for years.
It’s also the perfect choice for studios, worship places, and stages.
The connectivity capacity contains two options, XLR and TRS balanced line-level outputs as well as XLR and TRS input level also.
It’s a strong system, a little bit costly but not costly for top load performance.
For a long time, the la2a type circuit has become the goto device for seamlessly handling vocals and to regulate bass, drums, and a good sort of instruments easily and smoothly.
The system is provided with world-class finest four premium vacuum tubes for outstanding performance.
Pros & Benefits:
- VU meter to point the audio perfectly
- Traditional look and feel when used
- True studio-level compressor
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
5. ART Pro-VLA II Two Channel Vactrol-based Compressor
- VCA-Less Vactrol Opto-Compression Design, Mastering Quality Audio Signal Path with Tube Gain Stage, Variable...
- Enhanced Link Mode - While in stereo link mode, channel 1 level control acts as a master output level and channel 2...
- LED Backlit VU Input/Output Level Metering Indicates Both Average Level And Peak Hold
- Accurate Ten Segment LED Gain Reduction Metering. +4dBu/-10dBu Mode Switch Optimizes Pro-VLA II For Interface with...
- Active Balanced XLR And ¼-Inch Inputs & Outputs. Toroidal Transformer Reduces Mechanical & Electrical Hum
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re required to use a two-channel compressor system, we’re here with the ART Pro II dual-channel compressor system.
The ART Pro-VLA II Two Channel VCA has a less compressor design that masters the standard audio signal with the gain, threshold, ratio, and output variable controls.
The enhanced link mode one channel level acts as a master output, on the opposite hand, channel 2 becomes balanced control between them as a mastering tool.
The LED backlight meters indicate the output level at both input-output and average level and peak level hold.
The ten segments LED shows gain-reduction metering accurately from the distance, also, no need to distract the eye on shorter than atm card-sized displays.
The system is provided with an active balanced XLR and 1\4 inch inputs and output also and the toroidal transformer included within the system reduces the mechanical and electrical hum.
The item is often a specific choice for studio use and stage performance.
The least input level is often heard at 10 kOhms and therefore the sound is often produced to a maximum of 20 dB.
The system has been manufactured in a traditional design, it has no LCD or remote to use with but it’s a typical choice for those who want standard level performance.
You can change output, threshold, and ratio for both channels separately and the LED pairs show output level and gain reduction separately for both the channels.
Pros & Benefits:
- XLR and ¼ inch inputs and outputs
- Toroidal transformer to reduce mechanical & electrical hum
- Change output, threshold, and ratio both channels separately
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
6. PreSonus Studio Channel Vacuum-Tube Channel Strip
- High-voltage Class A 12AX7 vacuum-tube mic/instrument preamplifier
- Gain, Tube Drive, HP filter, -20 dB pad, phantom power, polarity reverse3-band EQ features variable-Q on mid-band...
- Variable VCA compressor with Auto Attack/Release and Soft/Hard Knee
- 3-band EQ with parametric mid and semi-parametric, shelving/peak low and high bands
- Instrument, line, and mic inputs
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The PreSonus Studio Channel Vacuum-Tube channel strip is a high -voltage class A 12AX7 vacuum-tube mic preamplifier.
It’s a single channel-based system.
The Studio channels class A preamplifier high output started system 12AX7 tube that operates on double voltage than other preamplifiers.
The gain and tube drive controls enable gain quality of sound control and produce a transparent clear and edgy sound.
The VCA based compressor included in the system is known for musicality fast attack and passes the current effortlessly.
Don’t worry about the sound quality it produces, it can be used in a wide variety of applications easily like vocals, crystal clear acoustic guitars, fat solid bass guitar, dynamic acoustic piano, punchy bass, huge MPC tracks, and more.
The VU meter displays gain, reduction, or output gain.
The system includes a three-band equalizer tool to maintain the sound quality precisely and the built-in ability to remove unwanted sound frequencies.
The system works on 16 volts current and includes input and output slots backside, so a 16v output AC adapter is required.
The system has quite a few adjustable control buttons like threshold, ratio, sound attack, variable release, and gain.
Pros & Benefits:
- High-voltage class-A vacuum-tube instrument
- Instruments, mic, and line inputs
- Rugged steel chassis
- Enough adjustable controls
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
7. BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer
- 2 channels of BBE for stereo or separate dual mono mixes
- +4dBu balanced line with 1/4" tip-ring-sleeve and XLR inputs and outputs
- Hardwire Bypass Switching
- +23dBu headroom
- Bypass switch for comparison of processed to unprocessed signal
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer creates brilliant and clear audio signals by the use of two functions.
Firstly, it adjusts phase relationships between the low mid and high frequencies, and secondly, the sonic maximizer maintains high and low frequencies.
The connectivity is supported by RCA and ¼ inputs and outputs.
Also, the system has 5 segments of LED output meters to show the performance of the system for both channels separately.
The on-off switch is placed in the front panel to make your task easier.
With its sleek and slim design, it can fit in a rack with a thin space also just placed above the amplifier that you have at the moment.
Manufacturers say that any signal that is passing through the BBE processor produces a clear spatial and motivating sound.
This is a perfect sound system for recording studios, worship places, etc.
Pros & Benefits:
- BBE processor
- Dual-Channel
- RCA and ¼ input and outputs
- 5 segment LED output meters to show the performance of the system for both channels separately
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
8. Behringer Multi-Effect Processor (CX3400 V2)
- Professional stereo 2-way/3-way/mono 4-way crossover featuring state-of-the-art linkwitz-riley filters with 24...
- Individual Limiters on each output for optimal loudspeaker protection
- Adjustable time delay for Phase alignment between drivers
- Cd horn equalization for constant directivity horn compensation
- Absolutely flat summed amplitude response, Zero phase difference
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Behringer Multi-Effect Processor is the professional studio 2-way, 3-way, mono 4-way crossover featuring state-of-the-art filters with 24 dB.
The CX3400 sound system gives a definitive in high-accuracy sound recurrence detachment on account of its best in class hardware, unique evaluation parts, ultra low-commotion operation amps, and adjusted I/O (input/output) connectivity.
CX3400 highlights include limiters on all hybrid yields for ideal amplifier assurance.
Others include an adjustable time delay for the appropriate arrangement of the drivers, an high-frequency (HF) horn balance for consistent directivity pay and a mono ‘low sum’ output (sound system modes), which is ideal for your subwoofer applications.
Bass substance is punchy and tight, with vocals and instruments that are rich, fresh, and very much characterized.
All input and output associations are adjusted XLR and highlight 25 Hz low cut channels for low-recurrence driver security – also, to offer mute and phase invert switches, making troubleshooting over a large system – practically easy!
Amplifiers (which we call transducers) convert electrical signals into sound waves.
Also, regardless of how well a transducer is planned or made, it basically can’t make the whole sound range by itself only.
Low-recurrence sounds will in general push a transducer to the greatest, making it unthinkable for that equivalent transducer to repeat the high pitch content with the sound quality it merits.
While the woofer (ordinarily the bigger transducer) does all the hard work, the tweeter can undoubtedly deal with the high-recurrence content.
Three and four-way frameworks make the work more, permitting the individual transducers to replicate the recurrence range for which they were planned.
It’s the hybrid’s capacity to partition these errands between the different speakers and transducers.
For your convenience, the CX3400’s front board includes a rich and simple to-peruse LED grid, so you can see which working mode had initially been chosen – and which controls are now active.
Pros & Benefits:
- High-frequency horn balance
- Individual limiters for each output
- Easy troubleshooting
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
9. Tascam SERIES 8p Dyna 8 Channel Microphone Preamplifier with Analog Compressor
- From high-end preamps to versatile outputs right down to a rugged metal 1U rack-mount enclosure, the SERIES 8p Dyna...
- The eight TASCAM no-compromise HDIA preamps in the SERIES 8p Dyna are our most transparent, natural,...
- Features an easy-to-use, single-control analog compressor with true bypass for handling hot input signals and...
- With two combo instrument/microphone front inputs and six balanced mic/line inputs in the rear, you can quickly...
- Every mic input has individual +48V phantom power for using different types of mics for proper operation and safety
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tascam series 8p Dyna 8 Channel Microphone preamplifier brings grand sound specs and interface.
Including an extraordinary amplifier preamp, the Tascam series 8p Dyna is an extraordinary decision for the studios and the stage performance.
The system is built in a rugged rack-mount packaging, its double S/MUX optical ports make it a model expansion unit for a Tascam series.
Each Tascam series 8p Dyna Channel includes independently exchanged +48V phantom power for use with condenser mics, and a simple-to-use, single-control analog compressor.
Tascam has been known for a long time as a standard, super low-noise preamp, and the eight Tascam no-compromise HDIA (High Definition Instrumentation Architecture) preamps in the series 8p Dyna are its best preamps yet.
The noise level (EIN) is at – 127 dBu, the threshold is 0.0007%, the effective reach is 116 dB, and the crosstalk is 119 dB.
Each series 8p Dyna channel also features an easy-to-use, single-control analog compressor with true bypass for handling hot input signals and creating smooth audio input.
With the two microphone combo inputs on the front cabinet, you can rapidly connect mics, guitars, bass from there; you also get six balanced mic/line inputs on the back.
Each front input has independently exchanged +48V phantom power for utilizing various sorts of amplifiers, for example, it has dynamic, condenser ribbon for genuine activity and security.
It amounts to a multi-purpose front end for recording and live-sounds.
Double S/MUX multiplexing optical outputs yields on the back of the series.
8p Dyna empowers you to use the unit as a front-end extension for S/MUX-prepared sound interfaces, for example, Tascam’s series 102i and series 208i, and Celesonic US-20×20.
ADAT(Alesis Digital Audio Tape) connection is furthermore accessible with the system.
With the two S/MUX outputs, you can send every one of the eight series 8p Dyna channels at up to 96 kHz (four channels at 176.4 or 192 kHz), significantly growing your system’s capacities.
Pros & Benefits:
- Each mic input has individual +48V phantom power for utilizing various sorts of mics for appropriate activity and security
- Eight line-level simple channel outputs
- Double S/MUX optical outputs on the back empower you to utilize the unit as a front end expander and send each of the eight channels at up to 96 kHz
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
10. Alesis MultiMix 4 USB FX | 4 channel compact Studio Mixer
- Portable, Feature Packed Mixing Desk: 4 channel mixer with 1/4inches line level inputs, a high impedance input /...
- Connects to all Your Studio Equipment: Stereo (2) 1/4inches outputs connect to active monitors, amplifiers and...
- Home Studio Recording Essentials: XLR inputs with gain trim and switchable high pass filters; Dual band EQ on...
- Built in Studio Effects: 15 DSP effects with channel FX Sends and Master FX return level to adjust the volume of...
- Perfect Capture: Class compliant (Mac & PC) USB audio interface records at 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz resolution and sends...
Last update on 2021-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Alesis MultiMix 4 USB FX 4 channel studio mixer is a versatile, feature-packed mixing desk with 4 channel blender with 1/4 inches line-level, a high impedance input/switch for electric guitar and bass (DI), in addition to XLR contributions with 48V ghost power.
The system connects to all your studio equipment using stereo ¼ inches outputs to connect active monitors, amplifiers, and recording devices’ headphone output with independent level control.
The XLR inputs with gain trim and switchable high pass filters and the system have a dual-band equalizer on channels 1-4.
It also has the Multicolor LED metering for real-time, visual feedback for the sound output.
The Alesis microphone compressor has built-in studio effects with 15 DSP effects.
The FX channel sends output and master FX return level to adjust the volume of multi-mix 4 USB FX’s internal FX processor.
The system captures a perfect USB audio interface, records at 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz resolution, and sends computer audio to powered loudspeakers and headphones with professional software suites included like ProTools, First Alesis Edition.
Plus, the system is fully compatible with all the included AIR Music Tech Virtual Instruments like AIR Mini Grand, DB-33, and Eleven Lite.
Pros & Benefits:
- 2 XLR inputs and 4 line outputs
- Alesis DSP effects
- Record via USB
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Final Thoughts
These are some of the best microphone compressor systems to provide better performance for long-term supports within a sort of price range.
The preamp purifies sound by increasing the desired effect and decreasing undesired sound, and by adjusting different sounds at different levels.
Before making your purchase, you need to be sure you know the exact compressor systems that’ll suit your need.
If you are someone who doesn’t know anything about these systems, then it’s necessary to seek the advice of those people who are working with these systems and are at least experienced in these types of things.
Hope you make the best purchase decision.