Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (16)
$4,725.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$4,725.00
Reverb
5.0 (16)
$5,450.00 New
$3,903.91 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (150)
$4,725.00
Thomann
5.0 (10)
$3,866.00 $3,799.00 $67.00 · All time low
Vintage King
4.9 (14)
$4,725.00

Average Price: $4,579

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "TUBE-TECH CL-1B". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Tube-Tech CL 1B Opto Compressor stands as a benchmark in the world of professional audio, revered for its ability to deliver velvety-smooth compression that enhances any recording with unparalleled warmth and transparency. This iconic piece of studio gear, often seen in top-tier studios from LA to Nashville, is celebrated for its intuitive controls and versatile application across a variety of instruments and vocal tracks. Its simplicity belies a sophisticated design that effortlessly preserves the clarity and character of your sound, even under heavy compression.

At the heart of the CL 1B lies a gain-reduction element that is immediately effective, offering engineers and producers the option of fixed or manual time control to tailor the compression to their exact needs. The compressor's all tube-based push-pull amplifier provides up to 30dB of variable gain, ensuring your tracks sit perfectly in the mix. Whether it's vocals, bass, guitars, or keys, this compressor allows you to achieve a polished sound with ease, without unwanted artifacts.

For those in the know, the CL 1B is not just equipment; it's an essential tool that integrates seamlessly into any professional setup, offering balanced connections and linkability with multiple units for expanded processing options.

Key Features:

  • Unique low distortion gain-reduction element
  • All tube-based push-pull amplifier
  • Linkable with another CL 1B via two busses
  • VU meter for monitoring input, compression, and output
  • Continuously variable attack and release time
  • Gain range: off to +30dB
  • Variable Threshold: off to -40dBu
  • Frequency response @ -3dB: 5Hz-25kHz
  • Low noise: < -75dBu @30dB gain
  • Clickless bypass switch
  • Balanced XLR input and output

Owner's manual

TUBE-TECH CL-1B User Manual

Product specs

Type Tube Optical
Number of Channels 1
Controls Gain, Ratio, Threshold, Attack, Release
Threshold -40 dB to 0 dB
Ratio 2:1 to 10:1
Frequency Response 5Hz-25kHz (-3 dB)
Inputs 1 x XLR
Outputs 1 x XLR
Sidechain I/O 2 x 1/4"
Rack Spaces 3U
Height 5.25"
Depth 6.7"
Width 19"
Weight 9 lbs.

FAQs

What makes the Tube-Tech CL 1B compressor unique compared to other compressors?

The Tube-Tech CL 1B is a tube optical compressor known for its smooth, musical compression, making it ideal for vocals and bass. Its tube design provides warmth and character, while the optical element ensures a natural, transparent sound.

What types of music is the Tube-Tech CL 1B best suited for?

The Tube-Tech CL 1B excels in genres like pop, hip-hop, and R&B due to its ability to transparently compress vocals and bass without adding harshness, maintaining a polished and consistent sound.

Can the Tube-Tech CL 1B be used for stereo applications?

The Tube-Tech CL 1B is a mono compressor, but it can be used in stereo applications by pairing two units together, allowing for independent control and processing of each channel.

How does the Tube-Tech CL 1B handle fast transients?

The Tube-Tech CL 1B features adjustable attack and release controls, allowing it to handle fast transients effectively while maintaining a smooth compression curve, making it versatile for various dynamic sources.

What are the connectivity options for the Tube-Tech CL 1B?

The Tube-Tech CL 1B offers XLR inputs and outputs, along with sidechain I/O via 1/4" jacks, ensuring compatibility with professional studio setups.

TUBE-TECH, LYDKRAFT

TUBE-TECH, LYDKRAFT

TUBE-TECH CL1B Demo: Sound and Controls. Simple Voice demo

Video thumbnail for TUBE-TECH CL1B Demo: Sound and Controls. Simple Voice demo by TUBE-TECH, LYDKRAFT

TUBE-TECH CL1B Demo: Sound and Controls. Simple Voice demo

TUBE-TECH, LYDKRAFT

TUBE-TECH, LYDKRAFT

Video thumbnail for Tube-Tech CL 1B | Compressor | Vintage King by Vintage King

Tube-Tech CL 1B | Compressor | Vintage King

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for Slate Custom Opto vs Tubetech CL1B Hardware Comparison by Christian Svedin

Slate Custom Opto vs Tubetech CL1B Hardware Comparison

Christian Svedin

Christian Svedin

Video thumbnail for Tube-Tech CL1B Tube Compressor by Retrosonic Pro Audio

Tube-Tech CL1B Tube Compressor

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior warmth and smooth compression ideal for vocals

  • Unmatched transparency, hard to make it sound bad

  • Provides rich, creamy audio enhancement like no plugin can

  • Excellent on a range of sources: vocals, bass, keyboard

  • Simple controls, even for beginners

  • High-quality components and design justify the price

  • Versatile use in studio and live settings

  • Can effortlessly achieve professional recording/mixing results

  • Benefits from tube upgrades for custom sound preferences

  • Regarded as the industry standard and best vocal compressor

CONS

  • High price point may be prohibitive for some

  • Knobs could offer more resistance to prevent accidental adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about TUBE-TECH CL-1B.

Comparisons

  • Kiive emulation is noted for its versatility and is perceived by some users as sounding closer to the original CL-1B than the UAD version.

    Source
  • Compared to the LA-2A, the CL-1B is noted to be faster, which is beneficial for capturing quick transients in genres like rap.

    Source
  • The Softube CL1B plugin is noted to closely emulate the hardware version, particularly when compared to other plugins like the UAD, which uses the same Softube code.

    Source
  • Softube's CL1B v1, while close to the original hardware, is noted to lack the hardware's "lift" and saturation characteristics, requiring users to adjust their processing approach.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Issues with UA Connect include forced auto-updates that may disrupt plugin functionality if they conflict with the operating system, requiring internet for operation.

    Source
  • UA's DSP-based CL-1B is essentially a Softube emulation, highlighting the distinction between UAD's platform and native plugin availability.

    Source
  • Users suggest that the Softube CL1B MKII is an excellent native plugin choice, with some indicating that UAD's delay in adopting MKII demonstrates its quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The UAD CL-1B is appreciated for its smooth compression, particularly effective on vocal tracks, though some users prefer it for adding a "smear" effect on acoustic buses.

    Source
  • The CL-1B is favored for its transparency and is frequently used on vocals and bass, though some users also apply it successfully to acoustic guitars and percussion.

    Source
  • The compressor is popular in Nashville studios for country vocals, although some users find it less forgiving with dynamic singers, requiring careful management of the threshold.

    Source
  • The CL-1B's tube design subtly smoothens the low and top end, making it especially appealing for vocal work where a natural, transparent sound is desired.

    Source
  • The CL1B is praised for its ability to soften transients without losing clarity, making it suitable for preserving the "air" in vocal recordings.

    Source
  • For achieving CL1B-like results, combining a plugin with high-frequency saturation or a de-esser is recommended to mimic the hardware's analog warmth.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The CL-1B offers more control with its additional parameters compared to the LA-2A, making it a versatile choice for those who want less character from their compressor.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report a learning curve with the attack knob, cautioning that small adjustments can significantly impact the sound, but achieving the right settings yields exceptional results.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the variability in sound among different CL1B hardware units, especially with tube gear, suggesting careful listening over reliance on reviews.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Amazing TUBE-TECH CL 1B from 1991

vintagedigital.com.au

The Tube-Tech CL 1B Opto Compressor is lauded for its smooth and musical compression, maintaining clarity even at extreme settings. Its intuitive operation and versatility make it a favorite for vocals, guitars, and more across genres. While the review doesn't delve into drawbacks, the absence of criticism and its widespread acclaim in top studios suggest it’s a stellar choice for professionals.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
M

Amazing vocal compressor. Best in the Biz in my opinion.

The absolute best sounding and transparent compressor!!

shok
shok

1527

Fast AF Compression!

Slap this puppy on vocals and it will regulate and magicalize! Simply put, Fast AF compression.

nacho_rettally

Unoticed when compressing Vocals

I use this compresor because its lack of coloring. Love it on vocals and acoustic guitars!

bobguido7

Tube Tech CL 1B

"I don't think anyone will argue that this is the world's best vocal compressor and has been for the last 25 years"

C

The Industry Standard Tube Tech

It is the industry standard. It is the real deal. It is a Tube Tech. What more is there to say?

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Beyoncé uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

Beyoncé

Singer

Destiny’s Child

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on EVERYTHING IS LOVE, as stated by producer Stuart White in this September 2018 Sound on Sound interview.

He recorded both Beyoncé and Jay-Z with his “Telefunken mic, Avalon mic pre, and Tube Tech compressor. That was the chain for the entire album on both of them. I use just the one chain, because they jump back and forth on the mic all day long, and they both sound really good on that mic, so I kept it simple.”

White had previously specified this Tube Tech to be a CL 1B in this September 24, 2016 AudioTechnology interview with producer Stuart White about the production of Lemonade.

“We started in August 2014 at the Record Plant in Los Angeles. We were there for a month and had booked every single room; producers were everywhere writing songs. After that we took a break, then went to Paris for 45 days, where we lived in a hotel and set up two studios in two different hotel rooms. The identical setups consisted of ProAc Studio 100 monitors, an Avid Omni converter, Telefunken Elam 251 mic, an Avalon 737 mic pre, Tube Tech CL1B compressor, a Shure SM58 which she likes to use occasionally, and matching Pro Tools sessions."

See how Lady Gaga uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

Lady Gaga

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In an August 2020 article with "Sound On Sound" Gaga's mix Engineers Benjamin Rice and Tom Norris Confirm her vocal chain used consistently in her music: "I have been using the same chain on LG for years, which starts with her personal, vintage Neumann U47, which I think is 60 years old now, and that has a great sound. We're used to it, and she loves singing into it. That goes into her vintage Neve 1073 mic pre, and then into a Tube-Tech CL-1B compressor, and straight into Pro Tools. It doesn't matter where we are, whether it's a studio, or at her house, or on a bus, I travel with this chain and record her with it. It makes it easier for me to punch in and out and combine takes from different days and places.

See how Juice WRLD uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

Juice WRLD

Rapper

...
Verified via YouTube

In this interview Juice WRLD’s main audio engineer breaks down his go to vocal chain, including this compressor

See how Jay-Z uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

Jay-Z

Rapper, Music Producer

Roc-A-Fella Family

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on EVERYTHING IS LOVE, as stated by producer Stuart White in this September 2018 Sound on Sound interview.

He recorded both Beyoncé and Jay-Z with his “Telefunken mic, Avalon mic pre, and Tube Tech compressor. That was the chain for the entire album on both of them. I use just the one chain, because they jump back and forth on the mic all day long, and they both sound really good on that mic, so I kept it simple.”

White had previously specified this Tube Tech to be a CL 1B in this September 24, 2016 AudioTechnology interview with producer Stuart White about the production of Beyoncé's Lemonade.

“We started in August 2014 at the Record Plant in Los Angeles. We were there for a month and had booked every single room; producers were everywhere writing songs. After that we took a break, then went to Paris for 45 days, where we lived in a hotel and set up two studios in two different hotel rooms. The identical setups consisted of ProAc Studio 100 monitors, an Avid Omni converter, Telefunken Elam 251 mic, an Avalon 737 mic pre, Tube Tech CL1B compressor, a Shure SM58 which she likes to use occasionally, and matching Pro Tools sessions."

See how Dominic Fike uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

Dominic Fike

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:50 he pans the camera to the rack and says: "This is my guy, this guy goes everywhere with me..."

See how RJD2 uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

RJD2

Music Producer, DJ

Soul Position

...
Verified via Emusician

“The Universal Audio plug-ins are my bread and butter,” he says. “I use the UAD EMT 140 [Classic Plate Reverb], the Lexicon [224] Digital Reverb, and the Roland [RE-201] Space Echo. If drums or bass sound boring, UAD’s Fairchild 670 Compressor beefs stuff up and gives them character. Or the [Teletronix] LA2A plug-in on bass. Synths go straight to Pro Tools. Guitars and piano go to outboard effects like the hardware Space Echo, which I love for its unpredictability. I used a Manley Massive Passive EQ a lot too. The TubeTech CL-1B was the main vocal compressor. And I have a set of Lucas Limiting Amplifiers into a pair of Amtek Pultec PEQ-1A clones. That is a dummy-proof signal path. It’s hard to botch that.”

See how Benny Blanco uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

Benny Blanco

Music Producer

Bangers and Cash

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "How ‘Eastside’ Accidentally Turned Benny Blanco Into a Superstar," presented by Daniel Wall on YouTube, the Tube-Tech CL 1B Opto Compressor can be seen in Benny Blanco's effects rack alongside other equipment, confirming its use by the artist.

See how Rihanna uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

Rihanna

Singer

Artists Stand Up to Cancer

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen at 2:25

See how Adele uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

Adele

Singer

The Gangbang

...
Verified via Sound On Sound

Used for the lead vocals on "Rolling in the Deep", as stated by mix engineer Tom Elmhirst in this September 2011 Sound on Sound interview.

Vocals: Waves Q6 & De‑esser, Digirack EQIII, Lo‑Fi & Trim, Pultec EQ, Urei 1176, Tube‑Tech CL1B, various spring reverbs and delays.

"I had the Q6 on the chorus vocal, notching out 930, 1634 and 3175 Hz very, very heavily: ‑18dB, ‑18dB and ‑12.1dB respectively, with very narrow Q. I also had the EQIII on the lead‑vocal sub, notching something out again. Something obviously needed to be taken out. The vocal is the most important thing in the track, and taking those frequencies out allowed me to keep it up front in the mix, particularly in the chorus. You can never account for what mic the vocals were recorded on, and whatever it is that bugs me, I can take it out. 'T' on the lead vocal bus is the [Massey] Tapehead plug‑in, which wasn't used, but I did use two Waves De‑essers, one taking out at 5449Hz and the other at 11004Hz. Rather than use one to try to cover all the sibilance I used two. I do that quite often.

"Regarding the outboard, I had the Pultec EQ, Urei 1176 and the Tube‑Tech CL1B on the lead vocal sub insert (desk channel 25). The Pultec boosted around 100Hz and 12k. It's colourful, but not drastic. There was not a lot of gain. The blackface Urei had fast attack and fast release, whereas the Tube‑Tech had slow attack and slow release, it was more evening out the level. You can use compression as an effect, but on the vocal you mainly want control. You want to set it up right so you're not constantly moving the channel fader to fit the vocal in the mix. If you're constantly moving the fader, rather than just doing the occasional ride, you know that you need to look at your compression. There's also Paul's Roland Space Echo track, which I used throughout, and which was the only lead vocal effect in the first chorus. On the backing vocals I had the Digirack Trim, again the Lo‑Fi, and the EQIII, cutting a bit around 405Hz and boosting a little around 3.17k. I used quite a few spring reverbs on the backing vocals, because I wanted them to have a lot more ambience. In the choruses I would also have added several delays. The delays make the backing vocals swing a bit, and they also fill up the space and make sure that they fit in the mix.”

See how Halsey uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

Halsey

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on "Closer", as stated by producer DJ Swivel in this February 2017 Sound on Sound interview.

I recorded Halsey’s vocals at Westlake Studios, in Production Suite 1, using a Telefunken ELA M251E, going into a Neve 1073 mic pre and a Tube Tech CL1-B compressor, which is a classic female vocal chain.

See how DubVision uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

DubVision

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Tube-Tech Compressor can be seen at 43:08 of their tutorial for "Turn it Around".

See how Timmy Trumpet uses TUBE-TECH CL-1B

Timmy Trumpet

DJ, Trumpeter

...
Verified via Photo

In a studio photo, Timmy Trumpet's Tube-Tech CL 1B Opto Compressor is visible beneath his right studio monitor, highlighting its role in his recording setup.

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 TUBE-TECH CL-1B, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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ryan_kay

ryan_kay

Gear IQ 59

cotto

cotto

Gear IQ 131

beaudamion

beaudamion

Gear IQ 189

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