Heritage Audio’s LANG Electronics Inc. has unveiled the P.LANE Type 436, a modern tube-based vari-mu compressor inspired by the legendary ALTEC 436C. The new 2U rack-mounted unit pays homage to the classic modded version of the 436C, a key component in shaping the iconic British Invasion sound of the 1960s.
The P.LANE Type 436 reimagines a vintage favorite that once dominated the studios of the Swinging Sixties, particularly in recordings by the famed Liverpool quartet often credited with revolutionizing popular music. The original modded 436C became a staple for tracking a wide range of instruments, from brass and strings to piano, sitar, and Mellotron.
Today, the updated design aims to carry that sonic legacy forward. Known for its smooth tonal character and ability to control dynamics without dulling the high-end, the 436C has continued to serve producers across genres—from rock and pop to metal, hip-hop, and EDM.
LANG Electronics Inc. says it spared no effort in recreating and enhancing the original’s sonic footprint. The P.LANE Type 436 incorporates all the evolutionary stages of the classic 436C, including features from the renowned “London Mod.” This version adds six selectable time constants and a HOLD function that maintains compression at the most recently processed peak level—ideal for preserving the feel of a performance.
In a notable upgrade from its predecessor, the P.LANE Type 436 introduces a SuperFast (S.F.) setting, designed to meet the demands of contemporary recording environments. Internally, the unit is equipped with three vacuum tubes—NOS 6H5P, JJ E88CC, and NOS 6AL5—chosen to match the sonic signature of the original, and paired with custom-made input and output transformers designed by Heritage Audio.
The front panel features stepped ATTACK and RECOVERY controls, each with six positions and a HOLD setting for added flexibility. Connectivity options include transformer-balanced XLR and TRS inputs and outputs, all housed in a sturdy 2U steel chassis. The unit also features a universal internal power supply, making it compatible with studio setups worldwide.
At an accessible price point, the P.LANE Type 436 positions itself as an appealing option for professional studios and independent artists alike. LANG Electronics Inc. touts the unit as a musical tool that not only honors its storied past but also adapts seamlessly to today’s recording workflows.
Echoing the spirit of the era that inspired it, the company wraps up its product messaging with a nod to the Beatles: “P.LANE is in your ears, in your eyes… and in your wallet!”
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