I have worked in the audio industry since 1986. In 1998 I joined one of the biggest, independent studios in Europe; Metropolis, as a Technical Engineer. Recording studios traditionally have a mix of new and old audio technology and providing technical support in this kind of environment has its challenges.

About six years ago an opportunity arose to repair an old Fairchild 670 compressor. While working on the original unit it became increasingly obvious that a new unit would be very well placed in the market. So in 2003 around the birth of my first child I set up Analoguetube. Developing a usable pre-production unit took about 4 years, with the aim that it would sound exactly the same as the original, using original parts that could be easily accessed by everybody. There are other versions using similar technology, but all with the same problems; lack of tube availability.

For me though and for this product there was no point in reissuing the same unit using different tubes - they had to be the same. Therefore it was important to develop an original version of the 6386 remote cut-off triode which would be freely available to everybody, including those manufacturers whose products once shared the same tube. So with the help and support of JJ Electronic the 6386LGP tube was born.

The AT-101 limiter and the 6386LGP tube are not a coincidence. The sound of these units is closely matched to the originals, sharing the same compression curves. You could argue of course, what is the same, the same as what? The same as a 50 year old unit with failing components, poor internal wiring and transformer windings that have broken down or with a unit that has been fairly well maintained. Subjectively though the bottom end of these units appears to be a little tighter and less ‘grumbly’ perhaps, operationally though there is very little difference.

This type of technology - the use of transformers and tubes - has a very pleasing effect on the ear. There has remained a comfortable association for as long as I can remember between artist, engineer and producer for this technology. The AT-101 like the 670 also behaves as a very clean low distortion amplifier exactly as the originals did. Anyway, that’s my inspiration behind the product. Beautiful sounding technology that just works!