• Compressor, limiter and expander functions are available simultaneously
• Dual-mono or linked stereo with true RMS summing
• Expander section with threshold and ratio adjustments
• Easy monitoring of processors with 12-LED gain meter and 10-LED input/output level meter
• De-esser and low-cut filters
• Output level control
• Side-chain inserts
• Balanced XLR and balanced/unbalanced 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs, plus.
• One-cable (per channel) operation with mixer inserts

Larger CPL-1288 Front Panel Photo
CPL-1288 Rear Panel Photo

What sets this compressor/limiter apart from all the rest? Plenty. It all starts with a short signal path to reduce coloration and the use of a premium THAT™ chip-set. Simply put, the CPL-1288 sounds good even at relatively extreme settings (thanks to soft-knee topology that provides smooth transition curves) and doesn’t add noise to your signal chain.

“See-It-All” metering.
Few if any other compressor/ limiters have the CPL-1288’s elaborate LED metering system. Instead of a chincey 3-LED display that only works with the compressor, you get visual feedback for all functions, including limiting and expansion. And the level meters can be switched between input and output.

Small details. Big differences.
We added an 18dB per octave 150Hz Low Cut filter to the side chain to discourage compressor pumping from bass frequencies.
In stereo link mode, the Crest CPL-1288 uses true RMS summing to average left and right input material, resulting in a far more accurate stereo image.
Included is a De-esser tuned to male and female voices in the 7kHz range. Placed before the side chain, it cuts sssssibilance.
And we even spec-ed a 2-color LED for the bypass so you can tell at a glance whether the CPL-1288 is engaged (green) or defeated (red).
Getting the idea? Crest has put a lot of thought into this processor so you can get a lot out of it — in both live sound and studio applications.