Behringer 369 Classic 2-Channel Precision Stereo Compressor and Limiter

Vintage Analogue Glue for the Modern Studio

The Behringer 369 Classic 2-Channel Precision Stereo Compressor and Limiter brings the unmistakable warmth, punch, and cohesion of iconic 1980s diode-bridge bus compression to your rack at an accessible price point. Built on a discrete Class-A circuit topology and driven by custom-built Midas input and output transformers, the 369 delivers smooth dynamic control and rich harmonic colouration across individual tracks, stereo buses, and mastering chains. Designed for mixing engineers, mastering professionals, tracking studios, and live sound operators, this 2U rackmount processor provides the vintage tone needed to turn recorded tracks into finished records.

Discrete Class-A Architecture with Custom Midas Transformers
At the heart of the Behringer 369 lies a completely discrete Class-A signal path coupled with custom-built Midas input and output transformers. This transformer-balanced architecture delivers exceptional dynamic headroom exceeding +26 dBu while imparting subtle, musical saturation that glues mixes together. By replicating the vintage diode-bridge response, the 369 adds organic weight to kick drums, tightens snare transients, and polishes lead vocals without introducing harsh high-frequency artefacts.

Dual-Channel Precision with Stepped Rotary Calibration
Equipped with two fully independent channels, the 369 operates as two separate mono dynamic processors or as a linked stereo bus compressor. Every essential parameter—including limiter threshold, compressor threshold, compression ratio, recovery times, and make-up gain—is controlled via precision stepped rotary switches. This detented control design ensures effortless stereo matching and rapid, exact session recall for commercial mixing and mastering workflows.

Versatile Dual-Stage Dynamics and Multi-Unit Expansion
The 369 features independent compressor and limiter sections per channel that can be engaged individually or cascaded for total dynamic control. Fast and slow switchable attack times allow transients to pass naturally or tame aggressive peaks on vocalists and guitar cabinets. Furthermore, a rear 15-pin D-sub tandem control connector enables external remote switching and multi-channel CV sidechain linking, allowing you to bridge multiple 369 units together for surround sound or multi-bus setups.

Main features:

• Discrete Class-A signal path based on classic diode-bridge compressor and limiter topology
• Custom-built Midas input and output transformers providing rich harmonic saturation and ultra-clean headroom
• Independent dual-channel operation supporting dual mono or internally linked stereo sidechain modes
• Dedicated compressor and limiter sections on each channel with independent threshold and recovery settings
• Switchable fast and slow attack modes tailored for percussive punch or smooth level control
• Precision stepped rotary controls for exact parameter recall and perfect channel-to-channel matching
• Variable make-up gain up to +20 dB in 2 dB steps for precise level restoration
• Dual vintage-style analogue meters providing instantaneous visual monitoring of gain reduction from 0 to 20 dB
• True relay bypass on both channels with automatic signal pass-through during power interruptions
• Rear panel 15-pin D-sub connector for external remote control and multi-unit control voltage linking
• Transformer-balanced Neutrik XLR input and output connectors for superior signal integrity
• Auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supply for worldwide noise-free operation
• Durable 2U metal rackmount enclosure engineered for studio integration and mobile touring rigs

Tech Specs:

• Product Type: 2-Channel Precision Stereo Compressor & Limiter
• Circuit Type: Discrete Class-A Diode-Bridge
• Channel Count: 2 Channels (Dual Mono or Linked Stereo)
• Audio Inputs: 2x 3-pin XLR female, transformer balanced
• Input Impedance: 10 kΩ default (internal 600 Ω option)
• Max Input Level: > +26 dBu
• Audio Outputs: 2x 3-pin XLR male, transformer balanced
• Output Impedance: < 75 Ω balanced
• Max Output Level: > +26 dBu (into 600 Ω load)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N): < 0.03% (50 Hz to 20 kHz, +4 dBu, compressor/gate in, slow attack)
• Noise Floor: -79 dBu (22 Hz to 22 kHz unweighted)
• Limiter Threshold: +4 dBu to +15 dBu (2x rotary switches in 0.5 dBu steps)
• Limiter Attack: Switchable Fast (2 ms) / Slow (4 ms)
• Limiter Recovery (Release): 50 ms, 100 ms, 200 ms, 800 ms, auto 1 (100 ms–2 s), auto 2 (50 ms–5 s)
• Compressor Threshold: -20 dBu to +10 dBu (2x rotary switches in 2 dB steps)
• Compressor Ratio: 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1 (2x rotary switches)
• Compressor Attack: Switchable Fast (3 ms) / Slow (6 ms)
• Compressor Recovery (Release): 100 ms, 400 ms, 800 ms, 1500 ms, auto 1 (100 ms–2 s), auto 2 (50 ms–5 s)
• Compressor Make-Up Gain: 0 dB to +20 dB (2x rotary switches in 2 dB steps)
• Metering: 2x Analogue VU Gain Reduction Meters (0 dB to 20 dB)
• Bypass: 2x Toggle switches (True relay bypass, fail-safe on power down)
• Operational Modes: Mono / Stereo toggle; Internal / External control toggle
• Control Connector: 15-pin female D-sub (remote control and tandem CV sidechain linking)
• Power Supply: Auto-ranging internal switch-mode (100–240 V~, 50/60 Hz)
• Power Consumption: 28 W maximum (Fuse: T 1.6A H 250 V)
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 88 x 483 x 159 mm
• Enclosure Format: 2U 19-inch Rackmount Chassis
• Weight: 3.48 kg
• Discover Behringer Premium Audio Solutions: https://www.behringer.com/en/products/0817-ABK