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Average Price: $3,121
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$100
$501+
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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Gates Sta-Level". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the world of vintage audio with the Gates Sta-Level, a modern reimagining of the legendary 1956 compressor that once dominated the airwaves. Perfect for musicians and audio enthusiasts alike, this effects processor captures the warm, airy, and intimate sound that made the original a staple in studios across the world. Whether you're working on vocals, bass, or acoustic guitars, the Sta-Level's unique program-controlled release circuit ensures your tracks shine with unparalleled consistency and depth.
With a design reminiscent of a WWII-era masterpiece, the Sta-Level is built to impress not just sonically but also in its robust construction. Its push-pull circuitry and transformer-balanced path minimize common compression artifacts, while providing up to 40dB of gain reduction. This allows your recordings to maintain their dynamic range, ensuring every note is both powerful and clear. Plus, the Sta-Level’s two-knob interface is incredibly intuitive, making it a joy to use regardless of your experience level.
For those looking to expand their setup, the Sta-Level offers the flexibility to couple multiple units for stereo, surround, or sidechain operations. And with the option to use either a 6386 tube or a pair of 6BJ6 tubes, you can tailor the unit to fit your sonic needs perfectly. The Gates Sta-Level isn’t just a piece of gear—it's an invitation to explore new dimensions in your music.
Key Features:
- Modern re-creation of the 1956 Gates Sta-Level compressor
- Unique program-controlled release circuit for consistent signal
- Up to 40dB of gain reduction
- Transformer-balanced input and output
- Compatible with 6386 or 6BJ6 tubes
- Two-knob intuitive interface
- Expandable via coupling jack for stereo and sidechain use
- Hand-crafted with high-quality components
Product specs
| Brand | Gates |
| Model | Sta-Level Tube Compressor / Limiter |
| Finish | Gray |
| Year | 1950s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Compressors and Limiters |
FAQs
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What type of compression does the Gates Sta-Level provide?
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The Gates Sta-Level is known for its smooth, musical tube compression, which is highly valued for its ability to enhance vocals and other instruments with a warm, vintage character.
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Is the Gates Sta-Level suitable for modern music production?
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Yes, the Gates Sta-Level is frequently used in modern studios for its ability to impart a classic, warm tone that enhances the depth and character of contemporary recordings.
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Can the Gates Sta-Level be used for both tracking and mixing?
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Absolutely, the Gates Sta-Level is versatile enough to be used during both the tracking and mixing stages, providing consistent and reliable compression that can shape the dynamics of a wide range of audio sources.
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How does the Gates Sta-Level handle different input levels?
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The Gates Sta-Level features a unique program-dependent release time, allowing it to smoothly adapt to varying input levels, making it ideal for dynamic sources like vocals and live instruments.
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What makes the Gates Sta-Level different from other compressors?
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The Gates Sta-Level is distinguished by its tube-based design and program-dependent release, offering a unique, vintage compression character that is difficult to replicate with modern solid-state compressors.
Videos
Richard Robinson (Richmix Pro Audio)
GATES STA-LEVEL Tube Compressor (modified) - Toto Drum Loop
Reviews
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Artist usage
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Used on Shiftlett's intro guitar for "The Pretender", as stated by mix engineer Rich Costey in this March 2008 Sound on Sound interview.
"In the case of 'The Pretender' I had a couple of Urei 1176 compressors on Dave's guitar, to pump them up a bit and make them sound more aggressive whilst barely compressing. I had the Gates Sta-Level compressor on the clean guitar in the intro, with quite a lot of compression and a very slow recovery, plus a 33609 with a very short recovery time on Chris' rhythm guitars, to beef them up a little bit. I worked hard to make the octave guitars in the last chorus stick out. I ended up EQ'ing them with the 550a, in addition to the console, to make them cut through this formidable army of rhythm guitars. The rest was just rides. The stereo phase and flange guitars used in the track already had those effects on them."
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