GML 8900 Dynamic Range Control

Find out who is using GML 8900

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Mar 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

Average Price: $2,100

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, GML 8900 Dynamic Range Control is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unlock the true potential of your studio with the GML 8900 Dynamic Range Control, a revolutionary signal processor that redefines what a compressor can do. Born from over twenty years of dedicated research into loudness perception, this dynamic range controller isn't just about controlling volume; it’s about transforming your audio experience. Unlike traditional compressors that react merely to voltage, the GML 8900 listens like your ears do, responding to real signal energy for a truly natural sound.

Designed with a unique psycho-acoustic approach, the GML 8900 employs multiple true-RMS detectors, precise log converters, and swift peak detectors. This allows for intelligent compression that maintains your audio’s integrity. The innovative controls such as Crest Factor, Timing, and Release Hysteresis give you the power to sculpt your sound precisely to your liking, offering both maximum control and minimal artifacts.

Every element of the GML 8900 is crafted for transparency and low noise, thanks to its all-discrete audio path. This two-channel unit fits seamlessly into any studio setup, complete with a Side Chain input to introduce external frequency shaping, providing even more creative flexibility. The comprehensive 40-segment tricolor Gain/Loss meter ensures you have visual feedback to complement your auditory adjustments.

Key Features:

Over two decades of loudness perception research
Unique psycho-acoustic approach with true-RMS detectors and fast peak detectors
Custom controls: Crest Factor, Timing, Release Hysteresis
Side Chain input for external frequency shaping
All-discrete audio path for transparency and low noise
40-segment tricolor Gain/Loss meter
Two-channel 2U unit with external power supply

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about GML 8900 Dynamic Range Control.

Features and functionality

0 0

MDWDRC2 is based on the GML 8900, offering innovative dynamic range control, despite its modest GUI.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Unisum is highly tweakable, living on the master bus for most mixes, but MDWDRC2 offers deeper dynamics control, challenging even experienced users.
Source

User experience

0 0

MDWDRC2, designed by George Massenburg, is not recommended for beginners due to its complexity, making it ideal for advanced users.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

MDWDRC2 is available in native AAX, VST3, and AU formats, ensuring broad compatibility across digital audio workstations.
Source

Add review

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Steve Albini

Singer, Guitarist

Big Black

Verified via YouTube

6:33 in the video, Steve is in the process of running through his rack mounts.

Tommy Lee

Drummer

Mötley Crüe

Verified via YouTube

This can be seen as part of the rack-mountable equipment in the studio in this video.

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 GML 8900.

Vance Powell

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Verified via Photo

Vance Powell utilizes the GML 8900 Dynamic Range Controller in his studio setup. This innovative effects processor is renowned for its psycho-acoustic design, reacting to loudness like the human ear and offering precise control over dynamic features with unique controls such as Crest Factor and Release Hysteresis. A user-uploaded photo confirms the presence of this advanced two-channel unit, known for its transparency and flexibility, in Powell's gear collection.

Neeraj Khajanchi

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Verified via YouTube

In a studio visit documented on the YouTube channel "作曲家・和田貴史の庭," Neeraj Khajanchi is shown using the GML 8900 Dynamic Range Controller at NK SOUND TOKYO. This effects processor, known for its innovative psycho-acoustic approach to loudness perception, offers precise control over dynamic features with its unique Crest Factor and Release Hysteresis controls, among others. The video highlights the unit's advanced capabilities in shaping sound with transparency and accuracy, underscoring its role in Khajanchi's audio production setup.

Josh Hoffman

Drummer, Guitarist

Grandfather

Verified via SonicScoop

Used for the rimshot on Why'd I Try, as stated by bandmate Michael Kirsch in this self-written October 5, 2010 SonicScoop article. The outboard gear list for Electrical Audio (where Why'd I Try was recorded) specifies an 8900.

Drums (Kentucky)

Bass Drum Front: Beyer M380 -> 1176 Limiter Slow Release, 20:1

Bass Drum Batter: Shure SM98

Snare: Sony C37e -> NTI EQ

Rack Tom: Josephson E22s Top and Bottom

Floor Tom: Josephson E22s Top and Bottom

Overheads: Royer 122 (L&R) -> 1178 Limiter -> GML EQ + 678k + 3726k

M-S Stereo: AKG C24 M.S (0 + ?) -> Electrical M-S Matrix

Room Ambience: Neumann CMV563 + N55k Capsules (L&R) -> 20ms Stereo Delay

Rimshot: Shure SM98 -> GML Limiter