The Monster 2 is exactly what it sounds like: a boutique Polish dual-channel beast that bolts a fast FET compressor to a NOS-tube saturation stage and a parallel mix knob, all in one yellow-and-black 2U slab. It is built for character, the antidote to sterile digital, adding weight, punch and that right-in-your-face presence to drums, bus, bass or a whole mix. Stepped controls mean instant recall, the tube stage can boost even harmonics for extra glue, and dual-mono operation lets you treat two sources at once. Spotted in studios from ABBA's Benny Andersson to producers chasing the most exciting compression around. Boutique outboard like this is unheard of used in SA.

FEATURES & PROS:

• FET + Tube In One: Fast FET compression into a NOS-tube saturation stage for weight and life.
• In-Your-Face Character: Built to fatten and excite, killer on drums, bus and bass.
• Parallel Mix Knob: Blend dry and processed for punch without losing dynamics.
• NOS Military Tubes: 6N2P valves and audiophile components throughout.
• Stepped Controls + Recall: Gold-plated switches with lifetime warranty; perfect session recall.
• Dual-Mono + Sidechain: Treat two sources independently, with external sidechain inputs.

THE WORD: Engineers rave about the Monster 2's FET-plus-tube colour, one Vintage King reviewer calling it "the most thrilling compressor on the market" and reaching for it on every drum track. Read more at Vintage King.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: Looptrotter Monster 2
• Type: dual-channel FET compressor / limiter with tube saturation
• Sections: FET compressor, tube saturation, dry/wet mixer (three units in one)
• Tubes: NOS military-grade 6N2P
• Controls: stepped, gold-plated Grayhill switches
• Operation: stereo or dual-mono, external sidechain
• Format: 2U rackmount, 230V
• Origin: hand-built in Poland