Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (2)
$5,999.00
Guitar Center
$5,999.00
Reverb
$5,941.50 New
$3,700.00 Used
Thomann
5.0 (4)
$4,599.00

Average Price: $5,248

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the full potential of your mixes with the Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor. A staple in top studios worldwide, this remarkable device offers unparalleled fidelity and flexibility, making it ideal for mastering-grade tasks. Designed with three independent stereo opto-compressors, the SMC 2B allows precise control over each frequency band, ensuring your sound is both colorful and robust. Whether you're working on mix buses, vocals, drums, or bass, this compressor delivers the punch and clarity you desire.

Crafted with an all-tube signal path, the SMC 2B provides a warm, musical character that breathes life into any audio. The use of 6dB/octave crossovers and variable controls for Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, and Gain means you can sculpt your sound with precision. This versatile unit is equipped with LED gain-reduction meters, stereo balance controls, and a stereo sidechain, offering you comprehensive control over your dynamics.

The SMC 2B isn't just a compressor; it's a sonic sculptor that transforms your audio into a masterpiece. With its low noise, high fidelity, and multiband versatility, it's no wonder this device is trusted by leading engineers and producers. Whether you're taming transients on a snare drum or rebalancing a full stereo mix, the SMC 2B is your go-to solution for dynamic processing.

Key Features:

  • All-tube opto-compressor-based multiband compression
  • Three compressor bands per channel with variable crossover frequencies
  • Variable Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, and Gain controls for all bands
  • Stereo sidechain with master output gain (off to +10dB)
  • LED display for gain reduction
  • Balance control (+/-1.5dB)
  • Clickless bypass relay
  • Frequency response at -3dB: 5Hz to 60kHz
  • Low noise: < -60dBu at 10dB gain

Product specs

Available since July 2001
Compressor Yes
Gate No
Peak Limiter No
2-Channel Unit Yes
Attack/Release Adjustable Yes

FAQs

What makes the Tube-Tech SMC 2B unique compared to other compressors?

The Tube-Tech SMC 2B is a stereo multi-band compressor that allows you to compress different frequency bands separately, providing precise control over the audio spectrum. Its tube-driven design imparts a warm, musical character, making it ideal for mastering and complex mixing tasks.

How does the Tube-Tech SMC 2B affect the audio signal?

The Tube-Tech SMC 2B uses a combination of tube and multi-band compression to deliver smooth, transparent compression across different frequency ranges. This approach allows for enhanced control over dynamics without altering the overall tonal balance of the audio.

Is the Tube-Tech SMC 2B suitable for mastering applications?

Yes, the Tube-Tech SMC 2B is highly regarded for mastering due to its ability to apply precise multi-band compression, allowing for detailed control over the dynamics of a mix while maintaining the integrity of the original sound.

Can the Tube-Tech SMC 2B be used for live sound applications?

While primarily designed for studio use, the Tube-Tech SMC 2B can also be used in live sound settings where high-quality, multi-band compression is required to manage complex audio dynamics effectively.

Does the Tube-Tech SMC 2B offer adjustable attack and release settings?

Yes, the Tube-Tech SMC 2B features adjustable attack and release settings, allowing users to tailor the compression response to suit different audio sources and desired effects.

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Tube Tech SMC 2B In Action

Video thumbnail for Tube Tech SMC 2B In Action by Doctor Mix

Tube Tech SMC 2B In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Multiband Compressor TUBE-TECH SMC 2B. All Tube based three band Opto Compressor. by TUBE-TECH, LYDKRAFT

Multiband Compressor TUBE-TECH SMC 2B. All Tube based three band Opto Compressor.

TUBE-TECH, LYDKRAFT

TUBE-TECH, LYDKRAFT

Video thumbnail for TUBETECH SMC 2B MULTIBAND COMPRESSOR REVIEW | Streaky.com by Streaky

TUBETECH SMC 2B MULTIBAND COMPRESSOR REVIEW | Streaky.com

Streaky

Streaky

Video thumbnail for Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor - Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor - Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor Review by Audio Animals Studio

Tube-Tech SMC 2B Multiband Compressor Review

Audio Animals Studio

Audio Animals Studio

Reviews

PROS

  • Adds 3D effect to Masters, enhancing the overall mix

  • Offers high flexibility and control over midrange and bottom end sounds

  • Can handle loud signals smoothly, ideal for dense mixes

  • Provides superior sound quality even with the stock tubes

  • Transparent operation, does not overly color the sound

  • Versatile use for tracking, groups, or MixBuss

  • Complements high-end outboard gear well

CONS

  • Top end signal can be difficult to dial in without overdoing it

  • Stock tubes are of lower quality, may require replacement for optimal performance

  • Knobs and pots can be overly sensitive, making precise adjustments challenging

  • Requires recalibration after service or tube swaps

  • Cross-over filters may be too broad for certain music genres like hip-hop or dubstep

  • Attack time could be faster to maintain punch in the mix

  • Not the best choice for those seeking ultra-fast compression without pumping effects

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Imgur

In his rack in the slow rush studio

See how Knife Party uses Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor

Knife Party

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

Rob Swire of Knife Party [formerly Pendulum] posted on his Twitter acount the provided image of his studio holding a Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compresspor in the middle bottom rack.

See how Justin Vernon uses Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Soundonsound

The Tube-Tech SMC 2B was used on 10 Death Breast on Bon Iver's album 22, A Million as stated in this article

See how Dirty South uses Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor

Dirty South

Music Producer

...
Verified via Apogeedigital

"For summing, I use all Symphony I/O outputs that go into a Dangerous 2-Bus summing box. After that, the signals get processed through a Tube-Tech SMC 2B multi-band compressor for that finishing glue. Finally, it comes back to the Symphony I/O and gets recorded to Logic."

See how A.R. Rahman uses Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor

A.R. Rahman

Singer, Keyboardist

SuperHeavy

...
Verified via YouTube

At 12:01 in the Sound On Sound magazine's YouTube video titled "AR Rahman & Firdaus Studios: A Scoring Stage For The 21st Century," a Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor is visibly integrated into the mixing desk at A.R. Rahman's Firdaus Studio.

See how Jonathan Davis uses Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor

Jonathan Davis

Singer, Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen in Buck Owen's studio (owned by Korn frontman Jonathan Davis since around 2010) at the 4:45 mark in this YouTube interview with Synergistic Research.

See how Kevin Raczka uses Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor

Kevin Raczka

Drummer

Antibalas

...
Verified via Photo

Used to compress the drums on Fu Chronicles, as featured in this October 31, 2018 Instagram post by Antibalas.

Album Usage

The Tube-Tech SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor has been featured on the following albums:

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 SMC 2B Stereo Multi-Band Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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