A rotary vane compressor having features for reducing sound emitted from the compressor during operation. The sound reduction features include and relate to specific components of the compressor. Specifically the features relate to (1) the compressor motor; (2) a non-vented motor housing and back or closure; (3) the inlet ring; (4) the bearing system; (5) the rotor and vane positioning and vane weight or mass; (6) the mass of the body within which the rotor and vane rotate; and (7) a shroud which surrounds the body which is solid and non-vented solid and may be formed of a laminated material having a sound dampening core layer.