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Great River PWM-501 Compressor

$835.00 to $979.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated January 19, 2026.

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Price

$835.00

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5.0 (1)

$979.00

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Average Price: $907

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, Great River PWM-501 Compressor 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

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Great River PWM-501 Compressor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

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Dive into the realm of pristine audio compression with the Great River PWM-501 Compressor, a standout piece in the 500 Series. This unit brings an innovative approach to dynamics control, employing Pulse Width Modulation technology, a technique revered for its musicality and precision. Whether you're smoothing out vocals or adding punch to percussion, the PWM-501 offers unparalleled flexibility with its variable ratio and timing controls. Its sweepable sidechain HPF and switchable modes between feed-forward and feedback compression make it a versatile tool for any studio setup. Perfect for producers and engineers seeking to refine their sound with both subtlety and power, the PWM-501 stands as a testament to Great River's commitment to quality and innovation.

Key Features:

Pulse Width Modulation technology for precise dynamics control
Variable ratio and timing controls for versatile compression settings
Sweepable sidechain high-pass filter (HPF) for focused compression
Switchable between feed-forward and feedback compression modes for creative flexibility

Product specs

Available since	October 2019
Pre-Amp	No
48 V Phantom power	No
compressor	Yes
limiter	Yes
equalizer	No
De-Esser	No
other processors	No
Rack/Frame	No
supplies	No

FAQs

What type of compression does the Great River PWM-501 Compressor offer?: The Great River PWM-501 Compressor provides PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) compression, known for its transparent and musical sound, making it suitable for a variety of studio applications.
Is the Great River PWM-501 Compressor suitable for use in a 500 Series rack?: Yes, the Great River PWM-501 Compressor is designed for the 500 Series format, allowing it to fit seamlessly into compatible 500 Series racks.
Does the Great River PWM-501 Compressor include a limiter function?: Yes, the Great River PWM-501 Compressor includes a built-in limiter, providing additional control over peak levels in your audio signal.
Can the Great River PWM-501 Compressor be used with microphones requiring phantom power?: No, the Great River PWM-501 Compressor does not provide 48V phantom power, so it should be used with microphones that do not require phantom power or with an external phantom power supply.
What makes the Great River PWM-501 Compressor unique compared to other compressors?: The Great River PWM-501 Compressor is unique due to its use of PWM technology, which offers a clean and dynamic compression character, making it versatile for both subtle and aggressive compression needs.

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NAMM 2013 - Great River PWM 501 Kompressor

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Great River PWM-501 Compressor

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptionally fast attack and release times, ideal for transient control
Delivers a rich, musical transformer sound that enhances audio presence
Capable of distortion-free extreme compression, maintaining audio integrity
Seamless integration of sidechain filter for precise audio control
High-quality build with an impressive weight and feel
Versatile sound shaping for various audio sources and styles
Excellent metering for accurate monitoring
Provides a full, tight sound without muddying the mix

CONS

Complex to set up, not ideal for quick, on-the-fly adjustments
Highly sensitive controls require precise handling, making recall challenging
Not beginner-friendly; parameters are interdependent, complicating usage

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Great River PWM-501 Compressor.

Features and functionality

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The Great River PWM-501 is praised for its versatility, offering a range from subtle and clean compression to dirty and gritty tones.
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Comparisons

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Compared to an 1176 FET-type compressor, the PWM-501 provides a unique sound that some users find more flexible and distinct.
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The Great River PWM-501 is favored by some users over the Empirical Labs Pump for its unique sound that better complements a Distressor in a studio setup.
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Unlike the API 525, which some users find lacks output, the PWM-501 is noted for its robust gain capabilities, making it more reliable in diverse applications.
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Users suggest pairing the Great River PWM-501 with a Rupert Neve 551 for a cleaner, yet powerful signal chain that excels in hip hop vocal recordings.
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Noted differences in compression flavor, with some preferring the Midas M18's built-in compressor emulations for live tracking over the fixed hardware sound of the PWM-501.
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Use cases and applications

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Ideal for users seeking diverse compression styles, from clean to character-rich, making it suitable for various musical applications.
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The PWM-501 is highlighted for its utility in creating versatile channel strips, especially when paired with preamps and EQs for a seamless signal chain.
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The PWM-501 is recommended for creating a huge sounding signal chain when paired with the Hairball Lola preamp, providing a clean yet impactful sound.
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User experience

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Owners highlight the PWM-501's ability to deliver breathtaking sound quality, making it a favored choice among those who value flexibility in their compression tools.
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Some users find the PWM-501 preferable when looking for a compressor that can adapt to various musical styles without being too intrusive on the sound.
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One owner reported consistent praise from clients for using the PWM-501 in both hip hop and traditional vocal recordings, indicating its broad appeal and effectiveness.
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