Unity Audio Ltd. in the UK reports that Patrick Carney, the drummer from The Black Keys, has recently purchased two Lisson Grove AR-1 tube compressors. The Lisson Grove AR-1 is a vintage style tube compressor based on the classic Altec compressor that was used in the 1960s at Abbey Road Studios as well as Hitsville U.S.A. for the Motown label in Detroit.
“I first heard the Lisson Grove AR-1 at my buddy Gus Seyffert’s studio,” Carney says. “Gus and I worked on a session at his place and I was really impressed with the sound of the unit on a variety of things. I think they really shine on bass, electric and acoustic guitar. It was recommended to me to buy two units so I could use them across my mix bus and I am glad I listened, because although a little goes a long way on the mix bus, it really sounds amazing. The impedance control is really handy. And last but not least, if you want to, these things can distort in a really pleasing way.”
Unity Audio adds that the AR-1 includes some modifications, some of which are in the unit’s circuit and some of which are functional. The AR-1’s high quality components include Sowter and Cinemag transformers, and NOS Mullard and RCA tubes. The unit is hand built from top to bottom in the UK.
For more information, visit unityaudioproducts.co.uk/lisson_grove.php.
