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Smooth, Musical Compression
The Tube-Tech CL1B compressor is celebrated for its incredibly smooth gain reduction, which avoids the undesirable effects of pumping, making it ideal for delicate dynamic management in vocals and other instruments.
KEY FEATURES
The Tube-Tech CL1B is a boutique opto compressor renowned for its smooth, musical compression, a favourite of mix engineers in hip-hop, pop, and R&B. Whether you're tracking vocals, tightening bass, or levelling synths, the CL1B adds warmth and analog depth that plugins can’t replicate. Trusted by artists like Drake, Alicia Keys, and Kendrick Lamar, it’s the go-to compressor for standout vocal mixes.
Tube-Tech CL1B in Action
Why Engineers Love the CL1B
- Incredibly smooth gain reduction without pumping
- Highly musical tube saturation
- Flexible attack and release controls for modern workflows
The Tube-Tech CL 1B compressor features a gain-reduction element, positioned immediately after the input transformer. It is controlled by the sidechain amplifier, which also contains the two-time control circuits one for fixed and one for variable Attack/Release. The two time-controllers can either be used separately or combined. This circuit contains semiconductor OP-amps for the entire control.
The gain-reduction element is followed by a tube-based push-pull amplifier with variable gain up to 30 dB. A dedicated Bus selector with three positions (Off, Bus 1, Bus 2) is used whenever you want to link several compressors together. Input and output transformers have a static screen between the primary and secondary wirings. Both Input and Output are balanced as well as fully floating.
Tube‑Tech CL1B – Frequently Asked Questions
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How does the CL1B differ from a Teletronix LA‑2A?
Both are optical valve compressors, but the LA‑2A adds more obvious colour, while the CL1B sounds cleaner and controls transients more transparently. The CL1B also provides fully variable attack and release, so it suits a wider range of sources and modern vocal styles.
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Is the CL1B suitable for recording vocals, and what settings are common?
Yes. Many engineers keep it in their vocal chain. Typical starting points are a ratio of 2:1 to 3:1, slow attack, medium‑fast release and only enough gain reduction to rein in peaks (often 2–5 dB). Increase release time until the compression breathes naturally with the singer.
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How much gain reduction can I use before the sound becomes over‑compressed?
Because the CL1B’s optical circuit recovers smoothly, engineers often apply just 1–3 dB on delicate vocals or bass, but will push 6–8 dB on harder‑hitting sources without harsh artefacts. Listen for dulling of the top end or pumping; if you do not hear these issues, you are still in the sweet spot.
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Does the hardware sound noticeably better than CL1B plug‑ins?
Many users who have compared both say the hardware softens transients and keeps the air in the recording in a way most plug‑ins still struggle to match, even though recent emulations come closer.
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Does the CL1B make noise or need valve maintenance?
A slight hiss while the valves warm up is normal. Persistent noise usually means a valve is ageing and needs replacing; periodic re‑valving is part of long‑term ownership.
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Why do so many hip‑hop and R&B engineers use the CL1B?
It keeps vocals punchy and forward without losing brightness and fits a wide range of voices. Because it stays relevant from project to project, many producers see it as a long‑term investment and choose it for countless rap and R&B sessions.
- Unique low distortion gain-reduction element
- All tube-based push-pull amplifier
- Multiple interconnection of several compressors via two busses
- VU-meter for monitoring input, compression and output
- Continuously variable attack and release time
- Gain Range (off to +30 dB)
- Variable Threshold (off to -40 dBu)
- Frequency response @ -3 dB: 5 Hz to 25 kHz
- Low noise: < -75 dBu @30 dB gain
- Clickless bypass relay
- UK over £99 FREE
- UK under £99 £10
- EU £36
- Rest of World £80
Large/Heavy items: Extra charges may apply (e.g., consoles, large monitors). We’ll contact you before processing if so.
We ship with DPD and UPS across the UK, EU and worldwide. Same-day within the M25 is available depending on stock.
This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.
You can contact them here.
KEY BENEFITS
Analog Warmth and Depth
By employing tube-based circuitry, the CL1B imparts a unique warmth and analog character to audio signals, providing a sonic quality that digital plugins often cannot replicate, enhancing the overall depth of the mix.
Versatile Time-Control Settings
Featuring fully variable and independent attack and release controls, the CL1B offers flexibility to adapt to a variety of sound sources and modern production styles, making it suitable for everything from subtle vocal compression to aggressive handling of transients.
PRODUCT VIDEOS
“I’ve found that if I just tap the Tube-Tech CL1B (just 1dB to 3dB of gain reduction) it makes the vocals leaner and beautifully highlights all of their details. It’s like it puts a satin glove on the high end. In addition, using the CL1B made Tyrese’s vocals so articulated and smooth that they required less equalization as a result. All-in-all, the Tube-Tech CL1B puts a ‘blanket of awesome’ on vocals.”