Abstract: An audio level compressor for compressing the dynamic range of an input audio signal. The audio level compressor can be part of a microphone, or a separate component. The audio level compressor includes input terminals for receiving the input audio signal, a lamp having a filament resistance that is a function of the input audio signal; a load resistance; a signal gain controller that includes a means for increasing dynamic range compression of the input audio signal, and output terminals for providing an output audio signal that is a function of the input audio signal and the signal gain. The signal gain controller provides a signal gain that is a function of the filament resistance and the load resistance. The audio level compressor can also include an expander circuit or a power conditioning circuit. Power can be provided by an internal source or a phantom power supply.