Let's Discuss the Knif Vari Mu II Mastering Compressor

Upon racking the unit, which is no easy task as the box is 4 units high and quite heavy, it is evident that Knif Audio gives the structure surrounding their monstrous electronics the care and attention that it deserves. The metalwork in particular stands out; NASA may be interested in the companyʼs manufacturing methods, as the Vari Mu II most likely could survive re-entry into Earthʼs atmosphere.

Inside the box, the Knif Vari Mu II sports 10 tubes: 4 ECC189 compression tubes, 2 ECC88 and 2 6H30Pi output amplifier tubes, and 2 6AL5 sidechain rectifier tubes. Aiding further to the Vari Mu II’s quest to reach critical mass are Lundahl’s oversized transformers. Together, they provide transparent, musical saturation to program content when the unit is suitably driven.