Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $34

Budget/Beginner

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "BSS Audio DPR-402". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock a new realm of audio possibilities with the BSS Audio DPR-402, a dynamic signal processor that seamlessly bridges classic design with modern innovation. This versatile plug-in, developed in collaboration with BSS, is an homage to the legendary hardware unit known for its ability to bring punch and clarity to any mix. What sets the DPR-402 apart is its ability to function as a compressor, limiter, and de-esser, either separately or combined, delivering dynamic control that fits any style or genre.

Whether you're refining vocals with its de-essing capabilities or enhancing a track's punch with its compressor and limiter functions, the DPR-402 is engineered to handle it all with finesse. Its unique ability to process individual frequency ranges allows for precise tailoring, ensuring that every element in your mix sits perfectly.

For those seeking more control, the 12 modes and dual independent sidechains provide unparalleled flexibility, while additional features like the MS matrix and Auto Mode bring even more creative options to the table. Ideal for both seasoned audio professionals and ambitious beginners, the DPR-402 is the key to transforming your recordings into polished masterpieces.

Key Features:

  • Plug-in designed in collaboration with BSS Audio
  • Functions as a compressor, limiter, and de-esser
  • Capable of processing individual frequency ranges
  • 12 modes for various dynamics processing combinations
  • Dual independent sidechains per channel
  • MS matrix for separate mid and side processing
  • Program-dependent Auto Mode for attack and release adjustments

Product specs

Available since October 2016
Los artikel / bundelartikel Los artikel
Delay No
Dynamics Yes
Effect Filter No
Encoder/Decoder No
Equalizer No
Guitar amps/-effects No
Channel Strip No
Metering / Analysis / Correction No
Modulation Effects No
Multieffect / Plugin-Host No
Overdrive/Distortion No
Preamp / Saturation No
Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter No
Restauration No
Reverb No
Special FX No
Summer / Mixing Consoles No
Tape Simulation No
Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching No
Transient Processing No
Vocoder / Vocal effect No
Mastering Tools No
Hardware Controller No
Download 1

FAQs

What functions does the BSS Audio DPR-402 offer?

The BSS Audio DPR-402 is a dual-channel compressor/limiter that includes high-frequency and wide-band de-essing capabilities, along with peak limiting and adjustable speed dynamics processing.

Is the BSS Audio DPR-402 suitable for vocal processing?

Yes, the DPR-402's de-essing capabilities make it particularly effective for vocal processing, helping to manage sibilance while maintaining clarity and dynamics.

Can the BSS Audio DPR-402 be used for live sound applications?

The DPR-402 is designed for both studio and live sound environments, offering robust dynamics control that is beneficial in managing audio levels in live performances.

Does the BSS Audio DPR-402 offer LED metering?

Yes, the DPR-402 features full LED metering for both input and output, allowing for precise monitoring of audio levels during processing.

Oinkba Studios

Oinkba Studios

BSS DPR-402 Compressor Limiter De-Esser

Video thumbnail for BSS DPR-402 Compressor Limiter De-Esser by Oinkba Studios

BSS DPR-402 Compressor Limiter De-Esser

Oinkba Studios

Oinkba Studios

Video thumbnail for BSS DPR 402 Hardware Compressor Demo by James Meder

BSS DPR 402 Hardware Compressor Demo

James Meder

James Meder

Video thumbnail for Analog compress BSS DPR 402 testing by Suriyan Sound เครื่องเสียงกลางแจ้งระดับมืออาชีพ

Analog compress BSS DPR 402 testing

Suriyan Sound เครื่องเสียงกลางแจ้งระดับมืออาชีพ

Suriyan Sound เครื่องเสียงกลางแจ้งระดับมืออาชีพ

Reviews

PROS

  • Enhances live recording transparency and richness, especially for classical concerts

  • Offers versatile compression, expansion, and de-essing capabilities

  • Effective as a sidechain, offering tonal neutrality when used moderately

  • Can produce a crunchy guitar tone and improve digital drum sounds

  • Provides a wide range of settings for detailed sound customization

  • Acts as a swiss army knife for studio troubleshooting and mixing

CONS

  • Interface is not scalable, making it less user-friendly

  • Manual is minimal, requiring significant time to master

  • Can be CPU heavy, potentially overwhelming bass with certain settings

  • Not suitable for novices due to its extensive processing versatility

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about BSS Audio DPR-402.

Comparisons

  • The BSS DPR-402 is compared to the Distressor, which is preferred on most sources, indicating the DPR-402's niche use.

    Source
  • It's noted that the DPR-402 has a lot of character, sometimes too much, making it less versatile across musical styles.

    Source
  • The DPR-402's de-essing capability is likened to that of a C6, suggesting that the latter might be a preferable choice in modern setups.

    Source
  • The RNLA is noted to perform better for "smash" effects compared to the DPR-402, suggesting the latter may not be ideal for high-intensity compression needs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the DPR-402 useful for kick drums and light compression on room mics, especially for rock tracks.

    Source
  • The DPR-402 was commonly used for de-essing at live gigs, with at least one unit always present in outboard racks.

    Source
  • The DPR-402 is highlighted as a practical choice for background vocals and key groups, suggesting its suitability for specific studio tasks.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users feel the local price of 350 EUR for a used DPR-402 is high, indicating potential buyers should negotiate or seek better deals.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the DPR-402 as a reliable, utilitarian compressor rather than a character piece, indicating it may not add unique tonal qualities.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

Swiss army knife stereo VCA dynamics processor

Every studio I worked at had one of these save the crummy ones. This is a swiss army knife of compression/expansion/de-ess... does whatever you need. Goes fast, slow, subtle, extreme. Most versatile and effective sidechain going so its more than a de-esser. Tonally neutral when used moderately and can also smash like a valley unit but cleaner. I believe these were meant for live sound but this particular model has a huge, versatile feature set and excellent sound quality. I'm on a quest for one but no one ever sells them. Do not be tempted to get the 4 channel or later series versions like the 5s and 9s, not the same.

A real workhorse, not glamorous but solidly useful for troubleshooting stuff you missed when tracking or (more likely) on other people's dodgy home recordings you're mixing... you have to really fiddle with a pile of plugins in the box to solve problems this thing gets in about 5 minutes tweaking. If you're a novice this will be too much processing versatility for you. You can really fuck up your sound pretty quickly but its that power that makes it such an excellent piece.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jeff Tweedy uses BSS Audio DPR-402

Jeff Tweedy

Singer, Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via Photo

"For vocals Stan puts Jeff Tweedy and John Stirratt through a dual channel Summit Audio tube compressor… usually. At the time of the taping, one channel was acting up and John’s vocal was put through a dbx compressor at the bottom of the rack. See, jujitsu. Acoustic guitars, piano, and keys are processed through BSS DPR-402 and 404 compressors; drums, bass, and effects are sent to dbx 1066 gate/comps," reads this post by ACL TV.

See how Steve Albini uses BSS Audio DPR-402

Steve Albini

Singer, Guitarist

Big Black

...
Verified via YouTube

video recorded at Electrical Audio, Steve Albini's studio, item shown around 10:16

See how Adrian Utley uses BSS Audio DPR-402

Adrian Utley

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Portishead

...
Verified via Sound On Sound

Part of Utley's studio, as specified in this November 2008 Sound on Sound interview.

More recent outboard includes Thermionic Culture's Phoenix valve compressor and Culture Vulture valve overdrive, BSS DPR402, and SPL's Transient Designer 2, and, from an earlier era, but a recent acquisition, a Yamaha SPX90, bought from a BBC engineer after the recent Later sessions for £80. "You can arpeggiate with the pitch–shift, and I really like the graininess. It's probably derived from a later SPX model, but I really like the effects in my Yamaha 02R, as well."

See how Karl Bartos uses BSS Audio DPR-402

Karl Bartos

Keyboardist, Composer

Electronic

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"The rack is basically my vocal station, so I have everything wired in from my live room through a Tube-Tech PB-1B EQ. I have three Tube-Techs so we sometimes have three different bass synths going through them and a BSS DPR-402 compressor just to warm everything up."

See how Daniel Miller uses BSS Audio DPR-402

Daniel Miller

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Daniel Miller includes the BSS Audio DPR-402 in his studio gear, as noted in Sound on Sound.

See how Ed Rush & Optical uses BSS Audio DPR-402

Ed Rush & Optical

Music Producer

Ed Rush & Optical

...
Verified via reddit

Optical lists it in this reddit AMA comment.

See how Paul Epworth uses BSS Audio DPR-402

Paul Epworth

Keyboardist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Miloco

According to the "equipment list" found on Church Studios, owned by Epworth, one of the things listed is BSS DPR-402.

See how Meat Beat Manifesto uses BSS Audio DPR-402

Meat Beat Manifesto

Music Producer

The Orb vs. Meat Beat Manifesto

...
Verified via Muzines

As listed in this 1993 interview on the Music Magazine Archive

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use BSS Audio DPR-402, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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bijannorouz

bijannorouz

Gear IQ 194

bijannorouz

bijannorouz

Gear IQ 194

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