Ashly Audio CL 52 Compressor

A simple and straightforward unit, it has all the basic controls for a compression unit but none of the useless features on many newer/cheaper units. Anyone familiar with using compression would have no trouble at all using it.

I use an Ashly CL52E (about the same as the original CL52) for recording, and it sounds fantastic on everything I use it on. Even at high ratios and compression levels, it is transparent and musical sounding, providing for precise dynamics control without adding artifacts or coloring the signal. Blows away a comparable DBX unit I have used. The controls are very sensitive, and slight adjustments make a very noticable difference, the way they should. There is never any noise or clicking. When used correctly, I have been able to add clarity and punch to guitars, drums and other intruments very effectively. Like an ideal compression unit, the sound never changes, but the dynamics are tightly controlled.

This thing is built like a tank and clearly built to last. The controls are sturdy and smooth. The chassis is made from thicker steel than a lot of power amps I've used. Never had any problems, don't ever expect to.

This unit has become the most essential part of my recording setup, and I'm probably going to buy one more so I can use it on more sources. I have never heard a better compression unit, everything else I've ever used in the <$150 range has been garbage compared to this. If you're planning on buying a compressor for less than $300, you can't beat this one.

Gain instead of Threshold. Attack and Release controls and Ratio. Output compensation control too. Easy to use if you are used to compressors.

I agree with some opionions I've read about this being better than dbx 266. I think it's better than alot of newer cheap compressors out there. Really solid sounding comp. I know these were used for live sound but I am recording with it. I use it on drums, bass, guitars. Usually on a console insert like normaal. Sometimes I plug into mic pre>CL-52 and straight to tape. I haven't tried vocals because I have Joe Meek and an RNC I like on voice. I think it would do that fine if needed. I'm sure it'd be killer on live vocals. I like the fact it doesn't get flabby sounding at high compression levels. Just gets tight and fat! or is it phat and warm...I love this so much more than my dbx 266 and Behringer Composer!

I think this thing was 12 years old when I got it and doesn't even have one scratchy pot! The knobs are still all there and are kinda vintage cool-looking knobs too! I seems very solid and heavy. I looked inside just for kicks and looks real well made in there. Nice thick PCBs and clean workmanship. Made is USA too!

Ashly has a good web site with "retired products" section. Had manual for CLX-52 or something newer that's similar. It's a compressor so I doubt I'd need a manual. Called them to find out when it was made. Get an answer right then! Thanks!

I record mainly rock music but some country, blues, and roots music. This compressor works great on every instrument I've thrown at it. Sounds good on acoustic guitar as well. I love the fact it doesn't change the sound you've got but makes it tighter and phatter. I'd get another somehow if it were lost or stolen. I have been recording for 7 years and for the money, I've never bought anything better.

A little different than most newer compressors. Has Gain, Ratio, Attack, Release, and Output controls. You must work with the Attack and Release to get what you want, but you should be able to do that if you know how to use a compressor.

Sounds decent on most sources. I wouldn't use it for vocals though. Doesn't give you much in the way of fattening. More of just a level control but does add some punch if pushed.

Seems very well built. Simple inside but has some ribbons that look like they might break free if you poked around in there too much. Nice and clean inside. Good workmanship....Hope I'll never have to have it fixed.

Their website is OK. They also do list some of the older gear but not much about it. I'm sure for newer items they are great. I've also heard many good things about customer service.

Overall, I'm very happy with this unit for the price I paid. I find I use it mostly on guitars and bass. It really mushed my drum tracks good and I couldn't hear it at all. Then, when I went to mix, my kick and snare were too squished to use more compression to fatten them any. I would say be careful. You don't hear this thing like a dbx on drums.

Easy to understand controls. You must adjust the Attack and Release times correctly to make it sound it's best on the particular instrument you are recording or amplifying.

Sounds really good on most instruments. Sounds OK for vocals if you set it up right and don't push it too hard. Awesome for tracking drums. Doesn't add a lot of color, but adds punch.

More solid and heavy than any of my newer rack gear. Mine is old, scratched up pretty bad, and has some paint or something on it and it still works great. No scratchy pots or anything.

Probably would never have to deal with them. I don't think it will ever give me a problem. If it did, I'd get it repaired.

Excellent quality for the money. Beats the pants off newer units like Alesis(which only worked for a month when I bought it), cheaper dbx units, and Samson.