Gainlab Audio Governor nominated for SOS Awards 2026

Gainlab Audio Governor nominated for SOS Awards 2026

We are happy to announce that the Gainlab Audio Governor has been nominated for the SOS Awards 2026, one of the most prestigious awards in the world of audio production and music technology. Although voting ended in November 2025, the nomination itself is a source of great pride, confirming the technical and sonic value of this extraordinary tube-based optical compressor.

What are the SOS Awards?

Launched in 2010, the SOS Awards are organized by the editorial staff of Sound On Sound, a long-standing industry reference magazine. Each year, readers are invited to vote for the best products from a selection curated by the editorial team. Nominations include only gear actually tested or marketed in the previous year, making each category a true "shortlist of excellence."

Gainlab Audio Governor: optical compression at the highest level

We tested it for you! Here is our in-depth review full of audio samples to hear how it performs on different sound sources in both Mixing and Mastering.

The Governor (GLA-OP1) is an optical tube compressor that adopts a Dual Slope design , capable of handling dynamics in a multistage manner through two distinct thresholds: the first one smoother, the second more punchy. This architecture allows for extremely musical and flexible sound control, ideal for both transparent mixes and creative interventions.

Designed for professional studios

Derived from the dynamic module of the famous Bishop All-Tube Channel Strip, the Governor works in stereo or dual mono mode, and offers atransformer output for warm, defined sound. The device integrates an internal side-chain filter, supports external side-chain signals, and features an advanced display that offers much more accurate monitoring than traditional VU meters.

Dual Slope Compression: more than just dynamic control

At the heart of the Governor is its innovative Dual Slope system, which allows two different thresholds to be set. This creates a multi-stage compression curve, perfect for achieving both delicate and aggressive sonic results with a naturalness rarely found in conventional optical compressors.

Technical Specifications.

• Valve-based optical compressor with dual slope
• Stereo and dual mono modes
• Transformer output for musical boost
• Internal side-chain filter and external side-chain input
• High-precision display
• Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB
• THD: 0.04% to +20dBu
• Maximum output level: +28dBu
• Weight: 5.1kg

🎖 Although voting for the SOS Awards 2026 is closed, the Governor's nomination is an endorsement that confirms Gainlab Audio's position among the most innovative and respected manufacturers in the professional audio industry.

🔗 Learn more about the Gainlab Audio Governor online at the Milk Audio Store and come try it out at our showroom.