The Focusrite Red 3 stereo compressor limiter is a huge favorite of ours here at Studio 11 for everything from tracking to mixing to mastering. Most often we find ourselves utilizing its highly unique tight crisp sound to accentuate drums in the mix. Run in parallel alongside well mixed drums, the Red 3 provides a very desirable lift to the overall smack of the percussion. It manages to do all of this without ever sounding strident or harsh, which is really quite amazing. Currently out of production, the Focusrite Red 3 may be some of the best “vintage” audio compression of the last 3 decades.