I seem to remember our other moderator saying they were first call for steel guitar...

I have only used one, but it was apparently modded ( not sure what was done) so that the attack, decay, and output "color" was changed. Sounded great, but I have noidea about the stock models

Yes, I've used 'em... they are very fine compressors. Four words: warm, full, punchy, smooth. also well built.

I've used the mono compressor (model 1000 I think) and thought it was great. It's my understanding that they're built to resemble an LA2A, so take that for what it's worth. I've used it regularly at a studio that didn't have an LA2A, so I used it where I would normally use that instead. Vocal, bass, electric gtr occaisionally... I haven't missed an LA2A while using the ADL, so take that for what it's worth also. Thumbs up here...

I rented a LA-2A and the ADL 1000 one time. The LA-2A blew it away on vocals, bass and acoustic gtr. The ADL sucked down on the sound too much, while the LA-2A let me slam it and remained fat.

The ADL is a great unit, although I don't think it sounds very much like the LA2a that it was intended to copy. FWIW, I think the stereo model sondes better than the mono, go figure. I will tell you this, Sheryl Crow used an ADL on her forthcoming record.

Mcsnare,
Do you happen to know what instrument she used the ADL on?