Open box, tested the audio a couple times and its amazing, it really thickens the sound, and based on the 1176 design, its lightning fast. This Compressor is based on the same compressor and specs that brought us the polished sound of all the great vocalists from Whitney Houston to Joe Cocker. It's much faster than tube compressors, thus great for fast vocalists and percussionists, or anyone that needs timing spot on.
It does require a preamp before it as it requires a line level input, though if you have a preamp, this really adds to it and the simplicity of the design makes it great for micro adjustments while recording, and with the same design as the 1176 its very easy now to ask Ai the exact compression settings for the exact sound you're going for.
If you dont have a preamp, let me know as I have great suggestions as I researched all this stuff.