The best stereo compressors under $2000  ·  Source: Peter Palmer / Unsplash / Elysia

Are you looking to add that special something to your mix? Tried all the software plugins you can and yet still not getting that punch and slam you desire? Well, then maybe a dedicated hardware stereo compressor might be what you’re missing! Let’s check out the best stereo compressors under $2000 and find one that suits your setup.

Although the cost is usually far higher when investing in hardware, there are some important differences worth noting. Being that the average bus processing plug-in I buy is over $300 and I usually use three or four of them at once, it’s safe to say things are starting to level out.

Yes, the initial cost is greater, but unlike hardware, software has no resale value. You might save a few bucks on paid upgrades when new plug-in versions are released, but that’s about it.

Apart from that, the sound and musicality of one decent hardware processor can do more for your music than an entire channel strip filled with plug-ins in your DAW, if you know how to use it.

Plug-in controllers do their best to recreate the experience, but there is something about having the parameters at your literal fingertips.

Compressors come in all shapes and sizes with different topologies to suit the application they are built for. Some are based on vintage tube, FET, and VCA designs while others aim to break the mold a little and offer unique features. If you decide to go the 500-series route, be aware that the chassis is an additional cost.

Based in Poland, IGS Audio has been in the game for nearly 20 years now, and the S-Type 500 is one of its popular offerings for the 500-series format. This is an SSL-style bus compressor based on one from the legendary 4000-series consoles.

At first glance, the familiar design is focused on easy operation. Three fixed ratios and a sidechain HPF make it really fast to dial in your desired compression setting.

In addition, you have a mix knob for using the S-Type in parallel. Overall, it’s a great unit for those who are looking to get into hardware processors and don’t know where to start.

From the sound to the look and feel of the design, Elysia brings its unique approach to hardware and the Xpressor is a perfect example of this. Rather than being retro-modeled, the aim is to provide instruments that work seamlessly alongside your DAW workflow.

Apart from the 1U rackmount version, the Xpressor is available as a 500-series module or as a desktop unit.

This provides plenty of ways to use it in your setup – in studio, or on stage. What sets Elysia apart is features like negative ratios and gain reduction limiting. This makes the Xpressor a versatile creative tool.

The Drawmer 1968 mkII is an FET compressor with variable tube output stages. It’s extremely flexible as you can use it in stereo link or dual mono mode and there’s also a sidechain path.

The 1968 works in a program dependant fashion, similar to a leveling amplifier in that there is no ratio control. Another key feature, is the BIG and BIGGER mode switch that reduces the processing on the low-end, allowing it to breathe more easily.

The transparent but warm sound and useful features make this a great tool that has applications beyond simply being a bus processor.

The Creme combines the best of both worlds in one unit. VCA bus compression meets Pultec-style passive EQ in a very pleasing way, with applications on all types of sources.

A selection of four fixed ratios, including a 1.5:1 setting, means you can be as subtle or as vicious with the compression as you like. In addition, there is a sidechain filter at 60 and 120 Hz to preserve your low end.

You can also flip the signal path and put the EQ before the compressor or vice versa, which adds to the utility of the Creme. Also available as the Creme RC, a digitally controlled version.

Tegeler Audio Manufaktur Crème

Tegeler Audio Manufaktur Crème

Tierra Audio is an eco-friendly audio manufacturer and a relative newcomer. However, the quality of designs like the Gravity VCA bus compressor has already earned Tierra an impressive reputation.

This 1U rack space unit is built from high-quality parts like Lundahl transformers, Triad Magnetics, and gold-plated connectors to produce a low noise-floor / high headroom processor.

The front panel is simple, but it has all the necessary tools including a 120 Hz sidechain filter with 3 dB of attenuation at 100 Hz. The Gravity will shine on any material, especially overheads and stereo piano mics where dynamics are more delicate.

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