Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $794
High-end/Boutique
$100
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Purple Audio Action". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* 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
Unleash the full potential of your mix with the Purple Audio Action FET Compressor, a powerhouse in a compact form. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Purple Audio MC77, this 500 Series module elevates your studio recording gear with unparalleled finesse. It's not just about compression; it's about giving your tracks the character they deserve. Whether it's the deep resonance of the bass guitar, the clarity of vocals, or the punch of snare drums, the Action FET Compressor ensures every note stands out, maintaining the dynamic range without overshadowing the essence of the music. Experience the versatility of attack and release times, from subtle shaping to pronounced effects, making your audio endeavors limitless.
Key Features:
- Inspired by the acclaimed Purple Audio MC77
- FET gain reduction circuit for distinctive audio compression
- Offers a wider range of attack and release times for greater control
- Capable of reverse compression effects for creative sound shaping
- Ideal for bass guitars, vocals, and snare drums to enhance sound dynamics
Product specs
| Processor Type | FET Compressor |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Controls | Input, Ratio, Attack, Release, Output |
| Ratio | 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, Infinity:1 |
FAQs
-
What is the Purple Audio Action 500 Series FET Compressor primarily used for in a studio setting?
-
The Purple Audio Action 500 Series FET Compressor is primarily used for dynamic range control, offering precise compression for vocals, instruments, and mix elements to enhance clarity and presence in recordings.
-
How does the Purple Audio Action's FET compression differ from optical compression?
-
FET compression, like in the Purple Audio Action, offers fast attack and release times, making it ideal for controlling transients and adding punch, while optical compression is generally smoother and more transparent.
-
What are the available ratio settings on the Purple Audio Action compressor?
-
The Purple Audio Action compressor offers ratio settings of 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, and Infinity:1, allowing for a range of compression intensities from subtle to extreme limiting.
-
Can the Purple Audio Action be used on both vocals and instruments?
-
Yes, the Purple Audio Action is versatile and can be effectively used on both vocals and instruments to control dynamics and add character to the sound.
-
Is the Purple Audio Action compressor compatible with all 500 series racks?
-
Yes, the Purple Audio Action is designed to be compatible with standard 500 series racks, making it easy to integrate into various studio setups.
Videos
Ljud- och musikproduktion
Purple Audio Action Compressor
Reviews
PROS
-
Delivers "1176" character with a smooth, rich sound
-
Works well on a variety of sources: vocals, drums, guitars
-
Great for both subtle leveling and aggressive coloration
-
Maintains low end integrity, making it versatile for different genres
-
Thick, cinemag-transformer-enhanced sound adds desirable warmth
-
Supports American small business with top-notch customer support
-
Well-made with high-quality components, ensuring durability
-
Can achieve great results without relying on visual metering
-
"Nuke mode" provides aggressive compression with forward push on drums
-
More affordable entry into the 500 series compressors with premium sound
CONS
-
Nuke mode can introduce clicks, pops, and artifacts on some settings
-
Metering can be unreliable, affecting the ease of use
-
Requires proprietary chassis for easy linking of multiple units
-
Not as thick sounding as models with larger transformers
-
Link switch engagement issues reported, possibly unit-specific
-
Less forgiving on transients compared to some models
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Purple Audio Action.
Comparisons
-
Purple Audio Action is noted for its sound quality, often compared favorably to other 1176 clones like Hairball and Audioscape for its unique flavor.
Source -
Owners who have used the Crane Song Falcon and Pete's Place Audio BAC-500 find the Purple Audio Action more effective for aggressive signal compression.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
Purple Audio's Action is praised for its versatility, ideal for multi-channel compression setups, especially effective when tracking to tape.
Source -
The Purple Audio Action excels in situations where users need to "smash signals," providing stronger compression than some other units tried by users.
Source
User experience
Value and pricing
-
Despite the higher price point compared to budget clones, Purple Audio Action is considered unbeatable for its quality relative to its cost.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Purple Audio Action, curated by the Equipboard community.
More Purple Audio Effects Processors
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Most Popular Effects Processors
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
odysseyeurobeatGear IQ 1709
-