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Description

Elevate your studio's dynamic control with the PreSonus ACP88, an analog powerhouse designed to refine your sound with precision. Its core is built around high-quality THAT Corp. VCAs, ensuring fast, clean gain reduction with minimal distortion. This 2U rackmount unit is not just a workhorse for front-of-house engineers and project studio owners, but a versatile tool ready to tackle any audio task. The ACP88's fully variable compressors, featuring selectable knee and Auto Attack mode, adapt seamlessly to your needs, making it a staple piece for anyone serious about their audio quality.

Key Features:

  • 8 channels of compression, limiting, and gating for comprehensive dynamic control.
  • Built around high-quality THAT Corp. VCAs for clean, low-distortion gain reduction.
  • Fully variable compressors with selectable knee and Auto Attack mode to suit any task.
  • Sidechain inserts for each compressor and gate enable frequency-dependent compression, ducking, and keying.
  • Compact 2U rackmount design for efficient studio space usage.

Product specs

Brand PreSonus
Model ACP88 8-Channel Compressor / Limiter / Gate
Finish Blue
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Compressors and Limiters, Gates and Expanders

FAQs

What are the main features of the PreSonus ACP88?

The PreSonus ACP88 is an 8-channel compressor, limiter, and gate, offering versatile dynamics processing for studio and live applications. Each channel features independent threshold, ratio, attack, release, and gain controls, making it ideal for managing multiple audio sources.

Can the PreSonus ACP88 be used for live sound applications?

Yes, the PreSonus ACP88 is well-suited for live sound environments, providing comprehensive dynamics control across eight channels, which is perfect for managing various inputs like vocals, drums, and instruments during performances.

How does the gating function work on the PreSonus ACP88?

The gating function on the PreSonus ACP88 allows you to eliminate unwanted noise by setting a threshold level. When the signal falls below this level, the gate closes, effectively reducing noise and leakage in your audio tracks.

Is the PreSonus ACP88 compatible with both balanced and unbalanced connections?

Yes, the PreSonus ACP88 is compatible with both balanced and unbalanced connections, offering flexibility in various studio and live setups.

What type of power supply does the PreSonus ACP88 require?

The PreSonus ACP88 operates on a standard AC power supply, typically requiring a voltage of 100-240V, making it versatile for use in different regions.

GLB Productions

GLB Productions

How to operate the Presonus ACP88 8-channel compressor/gate

Video thumbnail for How to operate the Presonus ACP88 8-channel compressor/gate by GLB Productions

How to operate the Presonus ACP88 8-channel compressor/gate

GLB Productions

GLB Productions

Video thumbnail for How to connect the Presonus ACP88 8-channel compressor/gate by GLB Productions

How to connect the Presonus ACP88 8-channel compressor/gate

GLB Productions

GLB Productions

Video thumbnail for PreSonus - ACP88 by JRR Shop

PreSonus - ACP88

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • 8 Comp/Gates in one compact 2U unit saves rack space

  • Ideal for live performances and practice spaces

  • Excellent for smoothing out sound, especially for vocals

  • Flexible and easy to use for both beginners and experts

  • Offers adequate dynamic control for its price point

CONS

  • Not the best choice for recording applications

  • Included accessories like the 8 channel snake may not always be provided promptly

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
jakobsteve333

Presounous ACP88

This is a great compressor with a decent gate built in, for what i play its a bit overkill with 8 channels but great quality. I found mine in a pawnshop for 250$

Artist usage

Add artist
See how J Dilla uses Presonus ACP88

J Dilla

Rapper, Music Producer

Soulquarians

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video posted February 7, 2026, creator The Crates Motel states that a former engineer who worked with J Dilla confirmed, in direct conversation, that J Dilla used the ACP88 extensively.

In addition to this video, Detroit producer Brandon Williams "B. Williams" stated in a post from his personal Gearspace account that he worked with Dilla for several years and that he did indeed use the ACP88 extensively.

Allow me to chime in here since I did sit side by side with him for a few years. The 'magic' in his sound was the MPC3000, his trusty Presonus ACP88 and HIS EARS.

See how Mathew Jonson uses Presonus ACP88

Mathew Jonson

Music Producer

Cobblestone Jazz

...
Verified via YouTube

In his Studio Tour Feature for FACT Magazine, Mathew Jonson's Presonus ACP88 can be seen at at 4:11.

See how Joe Zawinul uses Presonus ACP88

Joe Zawinul

Keyboardist

Weather Report

...
Verified via Soundonsound

A Presonus ACP88 can be seen in a photo of Zawinul's equipment.

See how Tony Visconti uses Presonus ACP88

Tony Visconti

Music Producer

Kaiser Chiefs

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this Sound On Sound article, there is a photo of Visconti's gear, which includes a Presonus ACP88.

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 Presonus ACP88, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
Solid State Logic Fusion
Solid State Logic Fusion Effects Processors
1
Korg Trident
Korg Trident Synthesizers
1
Roland SE-02
Roland SE-02 Synthesizers
1

Community setups

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dandydust

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cotto

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