Best Compressors, Gates and De-essers Under $800 2026
Affordable compressors, gates and de-essers under $800 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 7, 2026 • Next update: January 14, 2026
GENRES & STYLES:
For Vocal Processing
For Mix Dynamics
For Recording Control
For Live Sound
For Mastering
#1
⭐
4.7/5
(13 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Black Lion Audio Seventeen-500
Live Sound
Mix Dynamics
Mastering
Key Feature:
• Improves mix consistency
✓ PROS
- • Essential dynamic range control
- • Professional vocal processing
✗ CONS
- • Can sound unnatural if overused
- • Expensive professional units
Black Lion Audio Seventeen-500Mono-FET-CompressorInspired by a legendary studio instrumentCompact 500 formatOptimised...
⭐
4.7/5
(13 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 580155
$681
#2
⭐
4.7/5
(55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Behringer 369-KT
by
Behringer
Live Sound
Vocal Processing
Mastering
Key Feature:
• Hardware analog warmth
✓ PROS
- • Hardware analog warmth
- • Professional vocal processing
✗ CONS
- • Limited flexibility compared to plugins
- • Expensive professional units
Behringer 369-KTTwo Channel Stereo Compressor / LimiterWith custom-built Midas TransformersDiscrete Class-A circuitTrue...
⭐
4.7/5
(55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585340
$501
#3
⭐
4.8/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Lindell Audio LiN76
Vocal Processing
Mastering
Live Sound
Key Feature:
• Real-time tactile control
✓ PROS
- • Professional vocal processing
- • Improves mix consistency
✗ CONS
- • Requires good monitoring to set up
- • Learning curve for proper use
Lindell Audio LiN76Analogue FET Compressor / LimiterHigh-quality components and transformers from US productionControls...
⭐
4.8/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 549895
$549
#4
⭐
5.0/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
the t.racks FIR DSP 408
by
the t.racks
Live Sound
Mix Dynamics
Recording Control
Key Feature:
• Improves mix consistency
✓ PROS
- • Essential dynamic range control
- • Hardware analog warmth
✗ CONS
- • Limited flexibility compared to plugins
- • Requires good monitoring to set up
the t.racks FIR DSP 408Digital Speaker Management SystemWith FIR filter4 Inputs <-> 8 outputs96 kHz sampling...
⭐
5.0/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 472928
$658
#5
⭐
4.7/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Golden Age Audio Project Comp-3A
Mix Dynamics
Mastering
Recording Control
Key Feature:
• Hardware analog warmth
✓ PROS
- • Hardware analog warmth
- • Real-time tactile control
✗ CONS
- • Limited flexibility compared to plugins
- • Requires good monitoring to set up
Golden Age Audio Project Comp-3A1-Channel vintage-style compressorTransformer balanced input and outputClassic T4-style...
⭐
4.7/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 383812
$549
#6
⭐
4.5/5
(56 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2A
Mastering
Mix Dynamics
Live Sound
Key Feature:
• Real-time tactile control
✓ PROS
- • Real-time tactile control
- • Professional vocal processing
✗ CONS
- • Learning curve for proper use
- • Requires good monitoring to set up
Golden Age Audio Project Comp-2AVintage-style single channel tube compressor / limiterTransformer balanced input and...
⭐
4.5/5
(56 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 407995
$648
#7
⭐
4.4/5
(29 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
ART Pro VLA II
by
ART
Recording Control
Vocal Processing
Mix Dynamics
Key Feature:
• Essential dynamic range control
✓ PROS
- • Improves mix consistency
- • Real-time tactile control
✗ CONS
- • Expensive professional units
- • Requires good monitoring to set up
ART Pro VLA II2-Channel tube opto-compressorAdjustable thresholdRatio and Attack+ 4dBu/-10 dBu mode switchableBacklit...
⭐
4.4/5
(29 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 188550
$659
How to Choose the Best Compressors, Gates and De-essers
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced compressors, gates and de-essers typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
