Adds a beautiful dimension to the mix. It definitely makes everything gel together. The transformer button adds a sheen to the mix. I pretty much keep it on most of the time. I run my mix into a pair of the Pultec clones from warm audio and then into the Bus Comp. It does beat plug ins in my opinion. I have many from Waves and UA, and I love the immediacy of them, but there is something special about using actual hardware. I would recommend checking this unit out. I run the master bus through this but also have tried stereo guitar, drum bus and vocal busses. It’s made me think differently about mixing. Just buy it. If you don’t like it, then return it, but it’s definitely worth testing it out for yourself.

I have been using the SSL Duende (also from AMS!), Waves SSL and UAD for many years. Out of the three, the SSL was always the one I would go to first.Last year I added a large format (DDA) analog console and Otari 8 track tape machine and have been using my PT system more for editing.I was looking at the Heritage buss compressor but figured I would give the Warm a try. So far I really like it. IMHO it sounds a bit more solid in the lows and mids than the plus do and it's a little heftier sounding.If you're going for a plugin Duende is where it's at. If you're looking for a great hardware piece you can't lose with this!

The most amazing surprise to me was the Transformers and how they made things pop out without being harsh. The unit does what it should do on a bus without sounding like a compressor. It can sound any way you want it to sound honestly. I rate it a little better than the unit it has cloned... But since it added features, im not sure its a clone.. its actually something new built on the foundation of that great Piece of gear SSL made so well. You can shootout all you want. This thing needs to be engaged with the highest respect to quality audio. Cheap is no longer associated with price in the new age of analog gear.

This compressor has that classic glue and punch that you’d expect from a very famous “console based” bus compressor, but with some extras. Ever since I got this compressor for my mixbus, my mixes have become wider, punchier, more dynamic. There’s a special feature in this compressor that I really enjoy and it’s the Engage transformers button. Now this adds some output color to your signal and can do some unbelievable things to the space in your mix when pushing the makeup gain a little more. Now why I find this interesting is that you can go for different vibes depending on your attack, release time, and ratio. That’s a given. But with the engage transformers in you can get tape like compression and color or tube like saturation in my opinion if you dial in the ... MoreThis compressor has that classic glue and punch that you’d expect from a very famous “console based” bus compressor, but with some extras. Ever since I got this compressor for my mixbus, my mixes have become wider, punchier, more dynamic. There’s a special feature in this compressor that I really enjoy and it’s the Engage transformers button. Now this adds some output color to your signal and can do some unbelievable things to the space in your mix when pushing the makeup gain a little more. Now why I find this interesting is that you can go for different vibes depending on your attack, release time, and ratio. That’s a given. But with the engage transformers in you can get tape like compression and color or tube like saturation in my opinion if you dial in the right settings. You gotta play around with this bus compressor to see it’s true potential and at this price point I’m absolutely stunned.

This unit works better than I expected. It sounds great and helps the music pop out of the speakers so to speak. The compression is almost transparent but you can hear it, it’s smooth and subtle. I have only tried it on a few things thus far. Analog is better than digital IMO so I will be investing in some more outboard gear. Great job Warm Audio.

Solid! from subtle to squashed, this unit sounds sounds great. I won't claim that this compressor is as good as other higher end VCA models out there, but I give it 5 stars because it does accomplish what it sets out to do for such a lost cost unit--Warm Audio excels at this. Side chain switch is very convenient, allowing you to keep the S/C connected to the back and patchable, able to switch on and off when needed. I love the transformer button, giving the signal some extra saturation and color. If you're on a tight budget, I highly recommend this.

You will hear some people saying there is no difference between the software versions of the SSL comp, and the “Warm Audio bus comp” hardware version. In real life, there is a lot of difference. The “Warm Audio bus comp” which we are told is based on an old SSL circuit puts a professional magical coating on your audio masters. It is a coating that I could never get with top name SSL software. To me, this is a piece of serious studio equipment that has upped my audio master recordings from demo level to professional level.

Man I love this bus compressor. I have used it on my drum bus as well as using it on my mix bus. Then on top of everything engaging the transformers really give you that analog warmth. Definitely a great investment. Looking forward to getting more products from Warm Audio

It's What you Expect from a Solid Bus Compressor!

This is a great sounding piece. I was looking forward to using the transformers in the unit. However there is a increase in volume (About 6db of gain) when engaged. Checking some forums online I saw others had the same issue. Evidently it is due to using unbalanced returns??? So I find it sounds better, in my situation, with the leaving the transformers out.

Punch That Mix

This is very fluid almost hydraulic in its action. it pulls a mix forward but still has depth. I have never used an SSL, if it's anything like this I can see why it is so liked. I have used compressors many years but none have sounded or worked like this. it levels with punch, many compressors just squash and kill the dynamics, not this one. if there is an instrument, say guitar or kick drum that just wont sit right in the mix then this is the magic fix. it is a clone of one of the most iconic bus compressors ever for a very good price. you don't need to compress much with this, maybe one DB or less. the transformers do a lot to the sound. if you want a more pro mix then give the WA bus-comp 2 channel stereo VCA bus compressor a shot. I think you will like it very ... MoreThis is very fluid almost hydraulic in its action. it pulls a mix forward but still has depth. I have never used an SSL, if it's anything like this I can see why it is so liked. I have used compressors many years but none have sounded or worked like this. it levels with punch, many compressors just squash and kill the dynamics, not this one. if there is an instrument, say guitar or kick drum that just wont sit right in the mix then this is the magic fix. it is a clone of one of the most iconic bus compressors ever for a very good price. you don't need to compress much with this, maybe one DB or less. the transformers do a lot to the sound. if you want a more pro mix then give the WA bus-comp 2 channel stereo VCA bus compressor a shot. I think you will like it very much. Warm Audio makes uncompromising audio gear, there mic pre's and mics are great. I am glad I got this and plan on many years of use and saved a bundle. I think you will too. mix on brothers and sisters.