Great River PWM-501

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Great River PWM-501

Great River

PWM-501

4.7 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 476131
Model: PWM-501
Price: $1,098.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The Great River PWM-501 is a seriously impressive compressor – it's got that Great River magic, delivering a smooth, controlled dynamic range without sounding sterile. This is a fantastic choice for engineers needing a versatile, high-quality compressor for vocals, drums, or any instrument needing a little taming and a whole lot of character. It’s a premium-priced piece, but the sonic rewards are well worth it.

Product Description

  • Great River PWM-501
  • 1-Channel Pulse-Width Modulated Compressor/Limiter
  • Enables a fast response as with an FET or VCA compressor
  • Sidechain filter: High pass
  • 20 to 600 Hz
  • switchable
  • Controls for output level
  • threshold
  • ratio
  • attack
  • release
  • Controls for continuous feedback/feed forward mixing
  • LED Meter
  • Stereo coupling with two devices
  • Design: 500 Series module
PROS
  • • Exceptional transient control, rivaling the best FET designs.
  • • Discrete Class A circuitry delivers a warm, musical compression.
  • • Robust, all-metal construction feels incredibly solid and durable.
  • • Flexible feed-forward/feedback blend offers unique tonal shaping.
CONS
  • • Price point places it firmly in the high-end 500 series category.
  • • Single channel limits its immediate stereo tracking capabilities.
  • • PWM design can introduce subtle harmonic distortion at higher ratios.

Product Video

Key Features

Module Type Pulse-Width Modulated Compressor/Limiter
Channels 1
Controls Output Level, Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Feedback/Feed-Forward Mix, Sidechain Filter
Compatible Format 500 Series
Weight 3.5 lbs

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Frequently Asked Questions

PWM offers a more nuanced, 'analog' feel, often exhibiting a slightly warmer and more musical compression than the clinical precision of a VCA. It can impart subtle harmonic richness, though this is controllable with the feedback/feed-forward blend.
Yes, the high-pass filter is quite useful. It’s a great tool for cleaning up muddy low-end or gently taming sibilance, offering a more natural-sounding reduction than aggressive de-essing techniques.
Absolutely, the PWM-501 is designed for stereo coupling – just link two units together, and you’ll have a very capable stereo compressor with Great River's signature sound.

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