Retro Instruments

Also known as: Retro Instruments Inc, Retro Instruments, Inc., Retro

Retro Instruments is a professional audio manufacturer based in Modesto, California, founded by Phil Moore in 2006. The company began when Moore, a longtime collector of vintage Gates Sta-Level tube compressors, decided to recreate the unit himself in his garage workshop. That first product, the Sta-Level Tube Compressor, established the company's approach: faithfully revive the sound of classi...

10 Products · Used by 22 Artists

Retro Instruments Sta-Level Compressor Effects Processors

$3,295.00

4 available stores

5.0 (2)

4 artists using

Retro Instruments 176 Tube Limiting Amplifier Effects Processors

$2,750.00 - $3,695.00

4 available stores

5 artists using

Retro Instruments 2a3 Program Equalizer Effects Processors

$4,595.00 - $4,795.00

3 available stores

5.0 (1)

3 artists using

Retro Instruments Sta-Level Tube Compressor Effects Processors

$3,295.00

3 available stores

6 artists using

Retro Instruments 176 Limiting Amplifier Effects Processors

$3,695.00 - $7,566.47

4 available stores

8 artists using

Retro Instruments 500PRE 500 Series Tube Mic Preamp Module Preamps

$229.95 - $995.00

4 available stores

2 artists using

Retro Instruments Powerstrip Effects Processors

$995.00 - $3,899.00

4 available stores

2 artists using

Retro Instruments Retro Revolver Effects Processors

$3,695.00

4 available stores

1 artist using

Retro Instruments OP-6 Preamps

5.0 (1)

1 artist using

Retro Instruments Sta-Level Tube Compressor Matched Pair Effects Processors

The lineup focuses on tube-based dynamics and tone-shaping gear for recording and mastering. Notable products include the 176 Limiting Amplifier (a take on the Universal Audio 176), the Doublewide I and Doublewide II tube compressors, the Revolver dual-channel tube compressor, the 2A3 dual program EQ, the Powerstrip channel strip, and the 500PRE preamp module for the API 500 series format. All products are designed and built in the United States.

Retro Instruments has built a reputation in the boutique outboard market for hand-built, point-to-point construction and for reissuing or reinterpreting hard-to-find broadcast-era designs rather than chasing the more commonly cloned units. Their gear is carried by pro-audio dealers including Vintage King, Sweetwater, and Westlake Pro, and shows up in tracking and mastering rooms looking for classic tube character with modern reliability.

Retro Instruments has 10 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Effects Processors and Preamps. Their gear is featured by 22 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Electronic. Notable users include Glenn Rosenstein, Vance Powell, and The Chemical Brothers.