Antelope Audio’s A4-1B “reimagines” the CL-1B compressor for $2,995 — here’s what makes it specialNAMM 2025: “The wait is over,” says pro audio brand Antelope Audio as it announces the A4-1B Tube-Optical compressor. Better known for its line of DSP-powered audio interfaces, the A4-1B is the brand’s first hardware analogue processor, promising that it marks the “future of analogue gear,” thanks to unique features such as digitally-controlled potentiometers.
The A4-1B is based on Tube-Tech’s legendary CL-1B Opto-Tube compressor from 1987, hailed by many as the gold standard of vocal compressors. As expected, Antelope Audio’s rendition appears to maintain much of the original’s characteristics but introduces some new features for modern studio workflows.
READ MORE: NAMM 2025 Live: Latest rumours, news and products from the biggest music technology show in the world
Sporting an all-analogue signal path, the A4-1B is built with high-quality components, including custom UK-manufactured transformers and premium tubes, according to Antelope. There are also three calibration types to ensurethe  “long-term reliability” of the compressor’s tubes.
“Even when pushed to the limit”, says Antelope, “the compressor remains transparent, breathing new life into vocal tracks, bass, keys, or percussion.”
Ok, so what makes this compressor so “revolutionary”? Well, Antelope says that the A4-1B’s digital features are the key to “unlocking [its] full potential.” You can tweak the parameters of the compressor with an accompanying VST/AU/AAX plugin in your DAW, or as a standalone desktop app. And here’s the cool part — thanks to motorized potentiometers, the A4-1B will respond in real-time to any changes you make in the digital control panel.

That tech also allows you to automate each parameter via your DAW, so you could, for example, draw in and record changes in the compressor’s threshold throughout your track. It’s also useful for preset selections and A/B testing — you can quickly flit between presets in the digital control panel and the A4-1B will respond accordingly.
In addition, a sidechain function is included on the A4-1B, plus high-, low- and band-pass filters, and a de-esser. Antelope says these are “unlockable extras to the digital-only feature set of the unit.”
Check out Antelope Audio’s samples of the A4-1B’s effect below.

You can learn more and reserve an A4-1B now for $2,995 via the Antelope Audio website.
If you’re looking for a software alternative, you could try the Softube Tube-Tech CL-1B Mk II, which is available for around $200.
Read more NAMM news.
The post Antelope Audio’s A4-1B “reimagines” the CL-1B compressor for $2,995 — here’s what makes it special appeared first on MusicTech.