LT2 COMP
by Tone Empire · Compressor · Class-A diode bridge compressor
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LT2 COMP is a British console-style Class-A discrete diode bridge compressor with transformer-balanced I/O.
It offers threshold, knee, attack, release, make-up and mix controls with gain-reduction VU metering, for $99.
Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Drum Bus, Vocals. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: bus processing, diode-bridge, glue, metering, mix bus, inspired by, mastering, transformer, British console, drums, enhancement, full mix, parallel processing, bass, classic, drum bus, gentle, mixing, punchy, repair, single-band, smooth, vocals, warm.
What it does
LT2 COMP is Tone Empire's Class-A diode bridge compressor, inspired by classic British console designs and aimed at the mix bus and mastering. The developer pitches it as "natural glue" that keeps clarity and impact.
- Diode bridge circuit: a Class-A discrete design with transformer-balanced input and output stages and smooth, program-dependent gain reduction.
- Mastering modification: according to KVR, the model includes a specific modification developed by a mastering studio, which suits it to bus and master work.
- Threshold and Knee: set where compression starts and how gently it eases in, from soft glue to firmer control.
- Attack and Release: shape how fast it grabs and lets go, so drums can keep their punch on a bus.
- Make-up Gain and Mix: restore level after compression and blend in the dry signal for parallel compression without extra routing.
- VU metering: a gain-reduction VU meter shows how hard it is working.
KVR lists version 1.2.0. A 15-day full-version trial with no limits is available.
Source: Tone Empire product page
When to use it
LT2 COMP is the pick when you want coloured, British-style diode bridge glue on a bus rather than a clean or VCA-style squeeze. Compared with the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor and Cytomic's The Glue, it gives a thicker, transformer-coloured sound and adds a knee control, while those two keep the snappier VCA bus character. Unlike Pro-C 3, it has one fixed character, no sidechain EQ and no detailed display, so it is quicker to set but far less flexible. Next to UA's Neve 33609, it is a cheaper, compressor-only take on diode bridge tone with a built-in mix knob for parallel work.
- Best for: warm glue on the mix bus, drum buses and masters, and adding body to bass.
- Genres: general purpose, especially rock, pop and soul-leaning mixes that suit console colour.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a transparent, precise compressor (Pro-C 3) or classic VCA bus punch (SSL G-Master Buss Compressor or The Glue).
Where to buy
- Tone Empire: $99
- Plugin Boutique: $99
Tutorials and reviews
- Tone Empire LT2 COMP - Smooth and musical compression
- Tone Empire LT2 Review
- Tone Empire LT2 Comp-Revisión Oficial en Español-
- LT2 - Overview & Demo
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