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Analog Recall Solved: Meet the Antelope A41B Compressor


Analog Recall Without the Hassle

Anyone who’s worked with analog gear knows the pain of recall. You dial in a great mix, come back the next day, and spend precious time twisting knobs to match your old settings. Sure, you can jot things down or snap photos, but it kills the creative flow. That’s where the Antelope A41B comes in—a modern analog compressor designed to solve the recall nightmare once and for all.


The Antelope A41B: An Analog Compressor With a Digital Brain

The A41B is inspired by the legendary Tube-Tech CL1B, known for its smooth, transparent compression. But the difference is in the workflow. With plug-in integration, recall, presets, and automation, the A41B bridges the gap between classic analog tone and the convenience of digital control.

Front Panel Controls

You get all the classic compressor parameters: gain, threshold, ratio, attack, release, and timing modes (Fixed, Hybrid, and Custom). There’s also a VU meter switch and a sidechain link option for stereo or external sidechaining. Everything feels familiar—until you realize it’s fully recallable.


Back Panel & Plugin Integration

On the rear, you’ll find XLR/TRS connections, bus links, and a USB-C port for plugin control. Once connected, the A41B syncs with your DAW, letting you tweak hardware settings directly from the plugin interface. The result? No more manual recall—your mix session remembers everything.


Calibration Features

The A41B includes calibration tools for the VU meter and its opto cell. Since optical cells can drift over time, this feature ensures consistent and accurate compression behavior across sessions. It’s a future-proof touch that maintains reliability.

Mixing Tests: Vocals, Drums, and Bass

On vocals, the A41B delivered transparent compression, even under heavy settings. For drums, presets like “Dirty Drum Room” gave a gritty, rock-ready tone. On bass, slower attack times kept transients punchy while smoothing dynamics—warm, polished, and controlled.


A41B vs Tube-Tech CL1B

Sonically, the A41B holds up incredibly well against the CL1B. Both share a smooth, natural compression character. In blind tests, differences are subtle: the CL1B has slightly more clarity in the upper mids, but the gap is small—splitting hairs at best.


Workflow Advantages
  • Session recall without manual notes or photos
  • Automation of compressor parameters in your DAW
  • Internal sidechain filters and de-essing options (plugin only)
  • Preset saving for faster workflows

Final Thoughts

The Antelope A41B proves that analog doesn’t have to mean outdated workflow. With authentic tube tone, recall, and digital integration, it delivers the best of both worlds. While it’s not cheap, its features make it a serious contender for anyone who loves mixing with analog gear but hates the hassle of recall.


 Want to Hear It in Action?

If you want to see the A41B in action and hear direct comparisons with the Tube-Tech CL1B, check out my full video demonstration. You’ll hear just how close these compressors really are.

Watch the video here