Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

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.

Ljud- och musikproduktion

Ljud- och musikproduktion

Purple Audio Action Compressor

Video thumbnail for Purple Audio Action Compressor by Ljud- och musikproduktion

Purple Audio Action Compressor

Ljud- och musikproduktion

Ljud- och musikproduktion

Video thumbnail for Purple Audio Action Compressor by Nurullah Cacan

Purple Audio Action Compressor

Nurullah Cacan

Nurullah Cacan

Video thumbnail for Purple Audio Action FET Compressor by Max Bauhof

Purple Audio Action FET Compressor

Max Bauhof

Max Bauhof

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

  • Owners of Purple Audio Action find it to be a standout among 1176 clones, often preferred for its exceptional performance and sound fidelity.

    Source
  • Users transitioning from other compressors note the Purple Audio Action's ability to meet their specific compression needs more thoroughly.

    Source

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

Features and functionality

  • The Purple Audio Action is highlighted for its high-quality components and build, providing a reliable and durable option for studio environments.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dada Life uses Purple Audio Action

Dada Life

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Dada Life includes the Action FET Compressor in their "Lunchbox" outboard racks. The Action FET Compressor can be seen third-from-the-top of the left rack.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

1 alternative for Purple Audio Action, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Purple Audio Effects Processors

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups