Ashly Audio CS55

The LED display gives a very clear indication of how much and what type of compression is being applied - excellent design point here. The balance control (1)and individual output gain controls (2) are useful, but does mean some extra tweaking, otherwise I'd give it a 9 or 10 here.

The quality of a compressor is determined by how transparently it performs. While it's not entirely transparent, it does add some nice thickness to the sound, even when compression isn't applied, which sounds geat to me. As for the compression, when applied correctly this thing is totally invisible, becoming only just apparent when heavy compression is applied. Very nice sounding global compressor, which is how I always use it: across an entire mix. Low noise operation, no obvious artefacts, no complaints at all.

If I have to give a 10 somewhere, I'd give it here. This thing is 30 years old and still works like new. No scratchy pots, controls work as smoothly as new. All chips are mounted in sockets for easy user replacement, should that occur. The PCB is very well laid out and spacious. Major points here. Very easy to work on if ever necessary.

Sorry, another 10 here. Customer support has been fantastic - giving me instant friendly and informative replies. When I thought it had gone wrong, they explained that it was most likely the way I had it configured and sure enough that was it. The unit was not at fault. They also sent me a photocopy of the original manual free of charge. Just excellent.

You can pick up Ashly compressors cheap, and for anyone looking for a compressor in this kind of price range, I can only say, you cannot go wrong with an Ashly. A lifetime investment.