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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: TRANY C/ US CLASSIC DISCRETE 1C
Hardware modeled: API 2500
(Old/Normal/HARD settings). Based on an API 2500*stereo mastering compressor, (US) serial #0016
(Old/Normal/Hard settings.)
All controls – stepped Ratio (with LIMIT at max setting), Attack and Release
The API 2500 is a versatile compressor. Its wide range of ratios, with hard, medium or soft knee compression, and attack and release times offer subtle compression all the way to brick wall limiting. The unit uses Audio Toys' Thrust circuit before the RMS detector to deliver more low end "punch." The 2500 gives you 2 styles of compression; Old style uses a feedback method of compression, while New style uses VCA modulated (Feed Forward Type) compression.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: TRANY A/ US CLASSIC DISCRETE 1A
Hardware modeled: API 2500
(Old/Normal/SOFT settings)
Based on an API 2500*stereo mastering compressor (US) serial #0016
The API 2500 is a versatile compressor. Its wide range of ratios, with hard, medium or soft knee compression, and attack and release times offer subtle compression all the way to brick wall limiting. The unit uses Audio Toys' Thrust circuit before the RMS detector to deliver more low end "punch." The 2500 gives you 2 styles of compression; Old style uses a feedback method of compression, while New style uses VCA modulated (Feed Forward Type) compression.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: SILVER 2/ US MODERN TUBE 1
Hardware modeled: AVALON VT-737SP
Based on an AVALON VT-737SP*valve channel strip (US) serial #28150
All controls – Attack and Release have SLOW and FAST in max and min settings, respectively
Avalon’s opto-compressor unit features a signal path design with twin Class A vacuum tube triodes for gain matching. The optical attenuator acts as a simple passive level controller. Full dynamic control from soft compression to hard- knee limiting can be achieved with the threshold, ratio-compression, attack and release controls. Smooth high end, with valve warmth.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: LIVE SOUND/ BRIT LIVE SOUND 1
Hardware modeled: BSS DPR402
Based on a BSS DPR402* dual compressor/limiter (UK) serial #02-9983-B
The DPR-402 is a dual-channel compressor/limiter with peak limiting, adjustable speed, dynamics program manipulation. This is the unit that has made it onto almost every technical spec in Live sound. Its audio quality and ease of use has made it a true standard.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: LONDON/ BRIT BOUTIQUE TUBE 1
Hardware modeled: CHISWICK REACH* (UK)
Based on a CHISWICK REACH* (UK) stereo valve compressor serial #RMS0061
No Ratio – Attack starts at THUMP and ranges from 1-11, then SLOW. Release starts at FAST and ranges
1-11, then SLOW
The Chiswick Reach Stereo Valve Compressor is an impressive mastering compressor. This box features "variable mu" gain control as used in many vintage compressors. Two all-transformer coupled, valve signal paths operate in true class A mode. A unique "thump" position added to the attack control to give creative drum and percussion effects. This is a versatile and unique valve compressor that is able to produce a range of flavours from transparent and neutral to thick and dirty.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: BIG BLUE A/ US MODERN SOLID STATE 1A
Hardware modeled: dbx 160S* (US)
Based on a dbx 160S* (US) compressor/limiter serial # 000004 (Standard
compression setting.)
All controls – Attack scale is dB/m (dB per millisecond) and Release scale is dB/S (dB per second)
The 160S has been a standard in both the studio and the sound reinforcement fields. Its high-precision input stage followed by the world's widest dynamic range voltage controlled amplifier - the dbx V8(TM) VCA - and an output stage with precise phase alignment at all audio frequencies provides you with a transparent sounding device.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: BIG BLUE B/ US MODERN SOLID STATE 1B
Hardware modeled: dbx 160S* (US)
Based on a dbx 160S* (US) compressor/limiter serial # 000004 (OverEasy compression setting.)
All controls – Attack scale is dB/m (dB per millisecond) and Release scale is dB/S (dB per second)
The 160S has been a standard in both the studio and the sound reinforcement fields. Its high-precision input stage followed by the world's widest dynamic range voltage controlled amplifier - the dbx V8(TM) VCA - and an output stage with precise phase alignment at all audio frequencies provides you with a transparent-sounding device. The dbx OverEasy? function gradually starts processing signals when they haven’t reached the Threshold point yet. This creates a soft and smooth compression.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: US RADIO/ US CLASSIC SOLID STATE 1
Hardware modeled: dbx 165* compressor/limiter (US)
Based on a dbx 165* compressor/limiter (US) serial # 1821
All controls – Attack scale is dB/m (dB per millisecond) and Release scale is dB/S (dB per second)
The DBX 165 is a solid state compressor/limiter. Like other dbx compressors, it’s known for its OverEasy? trademark compression that provides an extremely smooth, almost inaudible compression. The compression can be transparent, even when applying a significant amount of compression.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: WASP 1/ BRIT CLASSIC TUBE 1
Hardware modeled: DRAWMER 1960*(UK)
Based on a DRAWMER 1960*(UK) vacuum tube compressor amplifier
serial #1002
No Ratio – Attack has FAST, MED and SLOW. Release has 6 settings, 1 being fastest and 6 being slowest
The Drawmer 1960 is a 2-channel unit combining eight active tube stages, low noise and the reliability of solid state electronics. Each channel is comprised of a natural sounding "soft knee" vacuum tube compressor.
Soft knee designs do not have a rigidly defined threshold but the title 'Threshold' (amount of compression) has been retained. Attack simply offers a choice of slow, medium and fast. Release has six settings: Positions 1-4 have fixed release times, positions 5-6 are two different programme-dependent release time modes.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: WASP 2/ BRIT CLASSIC SOLID STATE 1
Hardware modeled: DRAWMER DL221X* (UK)
Based on a DRAWMER DL221X* (UK) serial #1008X
All controls
The Drawmer DL221 is a 2-channel hard knee compressor/limiter, used since the 80s. It has programme related, semi-automatic release characteristics that enable the DL221 to work effectively on input signals such as vocals or slapped bass, where the natural decay envelope can vary considerably. It has a great sound quality, no noise and a very fast attack. A classic for that warm compressed sound.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: COPY CAT 3 / US MODERN COPYCAT 3
Hardware modeled: Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor
NEW EMULATION - NOT INCLUDED IN FACTORY UNIT (download from Focurite Liquid Assets Page)
The Distressor controls just about any source in a very pleasing and "musical" manner. It adds fullness, intelligibility and especially excitement. The compressor is digitally controlled but offers a warm, vintage sound by allowing you to add 2nd- or 3rd- order harmonic distortion to the signal, emulating tape saturation and the classic tube compressor sound of the '60's and '70's. Don’t miss out on the NUKE setting! In this emulation, the compressor has distortion button 3 pressed, in which the distortion is dominated by the 3rd harmonic (similar to tape).
Suggested Usage: Snare, toms, sometimes kick drum
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: COPY CAT 2 / US MODERN COPYCAT 2
Hardware modeled: Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor
NEW EMULATION - NOT INCLUDED IN FACTORY UNIT (Download from Focusrite Liquid Assets page)
The Distressor controls just about any source in a very pleasing and "musical" manner. It adds fullness, intelligibility and especially excitement. The compressor is digitally controlled but offers a warm, vintage sound by allowing you to add 2nd- or 3rd- order harmonic distortion to the signal, emulating tape saturation and the classic tube compressor sound of the '60's and '70's. Don’t miss out on the NUKE setting! This emulation has the distortion button 2 pressed, which creates tube-like 2nd harmonic distortion.
Suggested Usage: Snare, toms, sometimes kick drum
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: COPY CAT/ US MODERN COPY CAT
Hardware modeled: EMPIRICAL LABS EL8 DISTRESSOR* (US)
Based on a EMPIRICAL LABS EL8 DISTRESSOR* (US) serial # 1689
Stepped Ratio with NUKE at max setting – Attack and Release range from 1 to 10, with 1 being fastest and
10 being slowest
The Distressor controls just about any source in a very pleasing and "musical" manner, adding fullness, intelligibility and especially excitement. The compressor is digitally controlled, but offers a warm, vintage sound by allowing you to add 2nd- or 3rd- order harmonic distortion to the signal (See COPYCAT2 and COPYCAT3 - COPYCAT has no added harmonics), emulating tape saturation and the classic tube compressor sound of the '60's and '70's. Don’t miss out on the NUKE setting (by turning the ratio dial to full)!
Suggested Usage: Snare, toms, sometimes kick drum
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: VINTAGE/ US VINTAGE TUBE 1
Hardware modeled: FAIRCHILD MODEL 670* (US)
Based on a FAIRCHILD MODEL 670* (US) serial # 530
No Ratio or Attack – Release has 6 TC (Time Constant) settings, 1 being fastest and 6 being slowest
Designed in the early 1950s, the Fairchild 670 is part of the variable-mu limiter family. Variable-mu designs use an unusual form of vacuum tube that is capable of changing its gain dynamically. This results in, in addition to featuring a tube output stage, the Fairchild actually achieving gain reduction using tubes. A lovely warm and thick sound.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: FF GREEN 5/ FOCUSRITE GREEN CHANNEL STRIP
Hardware modeled: FOCUSRITE CHANNEL STRIP (UK)
Based on a FOCUSRITE CHANNEL STRIP (UK) serial # GO05116
All controls – stepped Ratio with LIMIT at max setting, Attack has SLOW and FAST at max and
min settings, respectively
Our Classic Green 5 is a discrete VCA compressor, which uses peak side-chain detection. Its sound is reliable and accurate, providing a wide range of control over threshold, ratio, attack and release. Due to transformer coupling, there is some colour and warmth added to the signal but the overall feel is of pristine clarity and subtle depth.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: FF ISA 130/ FOCUSRITE CLASSIC ISA 130
Hardware modeled: FOCUSRITE ISA 130 (UK)
The ISA 130 is a discrete VCA compressor, which uses peak side-chain detection. Its sound is very reliable and accurate, providing a wide range of control over threshold, ratio, attack and release. Due to transformer coupling, there is some colour and warmth added to the signal but the overall feel is of pristine clarity and subtle depth.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: FF RED 7/ FOCUSRITE CLASSIC RED 7
Hardware modeled: FOCUSRITE RED 7 (UK)
Based on a FOCUSRITE RED 7 (UK) serial # FO6350T
All controls – stepped Ratio, Attack has SLOW and FAST at max and min settings, respectively
Our much revered Red 7 is a discrete VCA compressor, which uses peak side-chain detection. Its sound is reliable and accurate, providing a wide range of control over threshold, ratio, attack and release. Due to transformer coupling, there is some colour and warmth added to the signal but the overall feel is of pristine clarity and subtle depth. The Red 7 and U87 microphone have become an industry standard in recording studios across the globe.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: BIG GREEN/ BRIT CLASSIC OPTICAL
Hardware modeled: JOE MEEK SC2* COMPRESSOR* (UK)
Based on a JOE MEEK SC2* COMPRESSOR* (UK) serial # 05-1038
All controls – Ratio has four presets, 1 being the lightest and 4 being the heaviest compression. Attack and
Release have SLOW and FAST at max and min settings
The Joemeek SC2 was one of the first products to expose the industry to Ted Fletcher's circuit design. The SC2 uses a photo-electric gain-control element with modern servo-control techniques, which results in accuracy and speed of response to the light source. The strength of the SC2 is in stereo bus compression. The SC2 is not the type of machine that can be simply set and left. It requires experimentation and tweaking. It provides both very musical limiting and compression and reacts to changes in sound in a way that is pleasant to the ear.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: DUNK A/ US MODERN FET 1
Hardware modeled: MANLEY SLAM!* (US)
Based on a MANLEY SLAM!* (US) serial # SLAM120 (FET limiter)
No Ratio – Attack has VF (Very Fast), F (Fast) and M (Med). Release is stepped with CLIP in min setting
SLAM! The acronym for "Stereo Limiter And Micpre" will get LOUD fast! This box houses four Limiters and Class A tube mic preamps. Manley combined their favorite Electro-Optical circuit (ELOP®) with an extremely fast FET based brick-wall limiter. The FET LIMITER covers the range of clean predictable limiting all the way to grunge and gravel. The FET RELEASE control allows you to achieve a variety of colours. The "CLIP" setting provides an surpassed round shape. It’s punchy and Manley’s rule of thumb is: “Louder is better.”
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: DUNK B/ US MODERN OPTICAL 1
Hardware modeled: MANLEY SLAM!* (US)
Based on a MANLEY SLAM!* (US) serial # SLAM120 (ELOP (opto) limiter)
No Ratio, Attack and Release
SLAM! The acronym for "Stereo Limiter And Micpre" will get LOUD fast! This box houses four Limiters and Class A tube mic preamps. Manley combined their favorite Electro-Optical circuit (ELOP®) with an extremely fast FET based brick-wall limiter. One of the most appreciated aspects of the SLAM!’s original ELOP® is the simplicity of a two knob limiter, which is perfect for the most demanding recording situations.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: PRIMITIVE/ US CLASSIC TUBE 2
Hardware modeled: MANLEY STEREO “VARIABLE MU”* (US)
Based on a MANLEY STEREO “VARIABLE MU”* (US) serial # MSLC61536
Attack has SLOW and FAST at max and min settings, Release has FAST, MF (Medium Fast), MED, MS
(Medium Slow) and SLOW settings
The MANLEY VARIABLE MU® LIMITER has become a real standard in Mastering studios. "Mu" is tube talk for gain. It works by using the "remote cut-off" (re-biasing) of a vacuum tube in order to achieve compression (like the Fairchild 670).The COMPRESS mode is soft-knee (1.5 to 1) while the sharper knee LIMIT mode starts at 4 to 1 and moves to 20 to 1 when limiting over 12dB. The knee softens when more limiting is applied.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: NEW AGE 2E/ US MODERN HYBRID 2E
Hardware modeled: MILLENNIA STT-1* (US)
Based on a MILLENNIA STT-1* (US) serial # 0-161 (Solid state input, solid state
compressor settings.)
All controls
The Millennia STT-1 offers vacuum tube or solid state circuits. The fast attack opto-compressor/limiters are available with 100% Class A, all-discrete J-FET solid state topology or 100% Class A, all triode vacuum tube topology. The STT-1 also offers the Twin Topology, a choice of colorful transformer-coupled or transformerless audio paths. All circuits have been designed to deliver a musical optimization of their inherent character.
It has the ability to be clear and pristine accurate representation of the source. It can also deliver color and thickness.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: NEW AGE 2A/ US MODERN HYBRID 2A
Hardware modeled: MILLENNIA STT-1* (US)
Based on a MILLENNIA STT-1* (US) serial # 0-161 (Vacuum tube input,Vacuum
tube compressor settings.)
All controls
The Millennia STT-1 offers vacuum tube or solid state circuits. The opto-compressor/limiters are available with 100% Class A, all-discrete J-FET solid state topology or 100% Class A, all triode vacuum tube topology. The STT-1 also offers the Twin Topology, a choice of colorful transformer-coupled or transformerless audio paths. All circuits have been designed to deliver a musical optimization of their inherent character. It has the ability to be clear and deliver an accurate representation of the source. It can also create colour and thickness. A special collection of vintage vacuum tubes (old Telefunken & Mullard) provide an enhanced euphonic character.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: CLASS A 1 / BRIT 70'S CLASS A 1
Hardware modeled: NEVE 2254/A* dual/stereo compressor/limiter (UK)
Based on a NEVE 2254/A* dual/stereo compressor/limiter (UK) serial # 5008K
No Attack – stepped Ratio and Release. Release has AUTO at max setting (Automatic Release)
The 2254s were found in the older (dark gray) 80 Series Neve consoles and has a fixed attack time. A variety of compression ratios are available. The fastest release time on the 2254 is 400ms on the compressor and 100ms on the limiter. If you want something to cut through in the mix and add some body to it, this is the one.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: CLASS A 2/ BRIT 70'S CLASS A 2
Hardware modeled: NEVE 33609/B* dual/stereo compressor /limiter (UK)
Based on a NEVE 33609/B* dual/stereo compressor /limiter (UK) serial # 108
No Attack – stepped Ratio and Release. Release has AUTO1 and AUTO2 at max settings (Automatic Release)
The 33609 utilises a bridged-diode gain reduction circuit and many custom transformers. The uniquely musical character of this circuit made the 33609 a studio standard since its release. The 33609 offers limiting and compression for recording, mastering, post production and broadcast. Its compression is smooth, musical and extreme settings can be used with the compression or limiting remaining transparent. Based on the classic 2254, introduced by Neve in 1969, this is one of those devices that can go from aggressive to transparent and everything in between.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: BRIT DESK1/ BRIT CLASSIC DESK 1
Hardware modeled: NEVE VR CONSOLE* compressor (UK)
Based on a NEVE VR CONSOLE* compressor (UK) serial # unknown.
All controls – Ratio has LIMIT at max setting, Attack has FAST and NORM settings
The Neve VR console is known for its sound from countless hit records. The circuitry has lots of headroom and creates a much sought after soft and warm yet crisp sound, for those of us that require clean perfection in the signal path.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: MEAT PIE/ BRIT 60'S CLASS A
Hardware modeled: PYE 84 4060/01* compressor/limiter (UK)
Based on a PYE 84 4060/01* compressor/limiter (UK) serial # 60
No Attack – stepped Ratio (with LIMIT at max setting) and Release
This is a classic British solid state unit with unique circuit principles. The basic compression amplifier is model 845751. This unusual beast works on the Mark-space principle, which takes energy out of peaks rather than crushing them. The PYE is a marvelous compressor, very musical and exceptionally easy to use with few parameters to adjust and very smooth automatic gain make up.. If you were looking for colour, you found it.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: GRINDER A/ BRIT MODERN DESK COPY A
Hardware modeled: SMART RESEARCH C2* bus compressor (UK
Based on a SMART RESEARCH C2* bus compressor (UK) serial # C217.
All controls – stepped Ratio (with LIMIT at max setting), Attack and Release (with AUTO at max setting)
The C2 compressor houses two independent mono compressors. The characteristic sound of this unit arises mostly from the fast response at the start of compression. When used accross a mix, or with any dynamic programme, the C2 has the effect of adding 'punch', as the sidechain 'breathes' around these transients, while still controlling overall levels.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: GRINDER B/ BRIT MODERN DESK COPY B
Hardware modeled: SMART RESEARCH C2* bus compressor (UK
Based on a SMART RESEARCH C2* bus compressor (UK) serial # serial # C217.
(Crush setting.)
All controls – stepped Ratio (with LIMIT at max setting), Attack and Release (with AUTO at max setting)
The C2 compressor houses two independent mono compressors.The characteristic sound of this unit arises mostly from the fast response at the start of compression. When used across a mix, or with any dynamic programme, the C2 has the effect of adding 'punch', as the sidechain 'breathes' around these transients, while still controlling overall levels. CRUSH mode has been developed as an extension of this 'musicality'. The C2’s superb sonic performance and its 'Crush' function has made this the unit of choice among so many successful producers in the pop field.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: MIX BUSS/ BRIT CLASSIC BUSS
Hardware modeled: SSL SOLID STATE LOGIC FX G384* stereo compressor (UK)
Based on a SOLID STATE LOGIC FX G384* stereo compressor (UK)
serial # FX384-180
All controls – stepped Ratio, Attack and Release (with AUTO at max setting)
This rackmount version of the G Series stereo desk output compressor is definitely a brilliant SSL must-have.
The FX G384 has fixed attack, release and ratio values with variable threshold and gain make up. The 60 second autofade is a valuable asset for that very last brilliant ad lib that you can't afford to lose. It is easy to use, straight to the point and not too brutal; great for final mix bus compression.
Suggested Usage: Master buss. These are common settings for the SSL mix buss: attack 30 ms, auto release, 2.5:1 ratio, 3-4db reduction. .
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: BRIT DESK2/ BRIT CLASSIC DESK 2
Hardware modeled: SSL SOLID STATE LOGIC SL 4000 G+* console compressor (UK)
Based on a SOLID STATE LOGIC SL 4000 G+* console compressor (UK)
serial # unknown.
All controls – stepped Ratio (with LIMIT at max setting) and Attack with FAST and NORM settings
This is the famous G+ series channel soft knee compressor. It has a programme sensitive attack time and an automatic gain make-up circuit that ensure it maintains a steady output. According to Billboard magazine, 74.5% of US No. 1 singles were recorded on G+ series consoles!
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: BRIT DESK3/ BRIT MODERN DESK 1
Hardware modeled: SSL SOLID STATE LOGIC SL 510* (5000 series dynamics module) (UK)
Based on a SOLID STATE LOGIC SL 510* (5000 series dynamics module) (UK)
serial # unknown
All controls – stepped Ratio (with LIMIT at max setting) and Attack with FAST and NORM settings
The SL 5000M was one of Solid State Logic's most esoteric and expensive mixing consoles at the time. It was primarily used in the film and broadcast industry. The SL510 is the Mono Dynamics cassette. It’s a true RMS-sensing feed-forward circuit with a soft-knee threshold characteristic.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: ACME 1/ US MODERN TUBE 3
Hardware modeled: SUMMIT DCL-200* dual compressor/limiter (US
Based on a SUMMIT DCL-200* dual compressor/limiter (US) serial # 0721076
All controls – 10 ratio settings with 1 being the lightest and 10 the heaviest compression
The DCL-200 is a dual channel compressor/limiter and is based on a hybrid design, combining the characteristics of valves with the reliability of solid state devices. Its circuitry incorporates 12AX7A vacuum tubes and 990 op-amps in a transformerless signal path. It is a favourite in both the live sound and studio environments and provides you with a crisp yet smooth high frequency response and the sweet low-mid and low frequencies you get from vacuum tubes.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: ACME 2/ US MODERN TUBE 4
Hardware modeled: SUMMIT TLA-100A* tube levelling amplifier (US)
Based on a SUMMIT TLA-100A* tube levelling amplifier (US) serial # 0120429
All controls - 10 ratio settings with 1 being the lightest and 10 the heaviest compression, Attack and Release
The Summit Audio TLA-100A Tube Leveling Amplifier is a classic design with a technological hybrid of vacuum tube and solid state devices. It produces an incredibly warm and smooth sound that does not have the inherent disadvantages of older designs. When fast transient signals are being fed to the TLA-100A, the unit reacts fast, both in attack and release. When the signal is more legato, the attack and release times react more slowly.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: LEVELLER/ US CLASSIC TUBE 3
Hardware modeled: TELETRONIX MODEL LA-2A* (US)
Based on a TELETRONIX MODEL LA-2A* (US) valve compressor/limiter
serial # 00227 (Silver face, pre-Harman)
Attack and Release are fixed – Ratio switches between COMP and LIMIT modes
If you are passionate about compressors, you’ll love the LA-2A. The original was immediately acknowledged for its natural sounding compression characteristics. It has a unique electro-optical attenuator system that allows immediate gain reduction without an increase in harmonic distortion. The LA-2A is an absolute all time classic.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: BRIT TUBE/ BRIT MODERN TUBE 1
Hardware modeled: TL AUDIO C-1*dual valve compressor (UK)
Based on a TL AUDIO C-1*dual valve compressor (UK) serial # 121739
All controls – stepped Ratio, Attack and Release (both with SLOW and FAST at max and min settings)
Its General Electric US military specification valves (ECC83/12AX7A) and high retention gold plated ceramic valve bases allow the C-1 to produce a fat sound. The first valve stage acts as a voltage amplifier, and the second stage forms part of the gain control element. The gain control is performed by TLA’s unique transconductance stage which avoids the use of VCAs. This improves transparency and minimises distortion. This compressor is capable of more drastic action, but generally speaking, its strength is unobtrusive control rather than deliberate creative effect.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: VIKING 1/ DANISH CLASSIC TUBE 1
Hardware modeled: TUBE TECH CL-1B* compressor (DK)
Based on a TUBE TECH CL-1B* compressor (DK) serial # 04150
Attack and Release are fixed – stepped Ratio
The TUBE-TECH CL-1B Compressor is an optical, tube-based compressor. It features a gain-reduction element, positioned immediately after the input transformer and is controlled by the sidechain amplifier, which also contains the two time control circuits - one for fixed and one for variable Attack/Release. The gain-reduction element is followed by a tube-based push-pull amplifier. Throughout the years and many recordings, the CL-1B has proven its
value by adding that sought-after vintage warmth.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: VIKING 2/ DANISH CLASSIC TUBE 2
Hardware modeled: TUBE TECH LCA 2B* dual/stereo compressor/limiter (DK)
Based on a TUBE TECH LCA 2B* dual/stereo compressor/limiter (DK)
serial # 04010
No Release – stepped Ratio, Attack switches between 6 Presets
The TUBE-TECH LCA 2B is a tube based two-channel unit with an independent compressor and limiter per channel.
The compressor has six att/rel presets as well as manual control. The limiter’s att/rel is fixed. The audio path is fully symmetrical from input to output. Input and output have fully floating transformers.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: STELLAR 1/ US CLASSIC SOLID STATE 1
Hardware modeled: UNIVERSAL AUDIO 1176LN* mono limiting amplifier, (US)
Based on a UNIVERSAL AUDIO 1176LN* mono limiting amplifier, (US)
serial # 1394 (Black face, pre-Harman; a re-issue of the Urei 1176LN)
All controls – Ratio has four settings with the fifth being all buttons on the front panel pressed
The original Universal Audio 1176LN designed by Bill Putnam was a major breakthrough in limiter technology. It was the first true peak limiter with all transistor circuitry offering superior performance and a signature sound. It set the standard for all limiters to follow. It still is one of the most widely used and respected limiters in the industry. Amazing on everything!
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: STELLAR 4/ US CLASSIC OPTICAL 1
Hardware modeled: UREI LA-4* compressor/limiter (US)
Based on a UREI LA-4* compressor/limiter (US) serial # 4832A (Silver face)
Attack and Release are fixed – stepped Ratio
Like the LA-3A, this is a half rack mono compressor/limiter, using electro-optical attenuation. Adjustable threshold and ratios, attack/release settings are dependent on the audio signal and the amount of gain reduction. It was designed to respond to RMS measurement of signal levels, possibly the least intrusive method of automatic volume control. This makes the unit more 'musical', unfussy and smooth.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: STELLAR 2/ US CLASSIC SOLID STATE 2
Hardware modeled: UREI MODEL 1176LN* mono limiting amplifier (US)
Based on a UREI MODEL 1176LN* mono limiting amplifier (US)
serial # 11854 (Silver face)
All controls – Ratio has four settings with the fifth being all buttons on the front panel pressed
Every serious recording studio has at least one of these mono units in its rack as a standard. It is useful on almost anything and there is something very pleasing to the ear about how it controls dynamics. Even though they operate on the FET principle, they possess wonderfully 'warming' properties. The Urei has a warm and gently overdriven character.
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Type: Compressors
Emulation name: STELLAR 3/ US CLASSIC SOLID STATE 3
Hardware modeled: UREI/TELETRONIX* mono levelling amplifier LA-3A (US)
Based on a UREI/TELETRONIX* mono levelling amplifier LA-3A (US)
serial # 1584 (Black face, 30dB switch setting on rear panel.)
Attack and Release are fixed – Ratio switches between COMP and LIMIT modes
The LA-3A Leveling Amplifier started life at the 1969 NY AES show and marked the departure from tube design. Its simple control set and the T4 electro-optical attenuator (which is the source of the LA-3A’s program dependent compression) led to it being embraced as a studio workhorse. It is still widely used today and remains a favorite of engineers and producers for its unique compression and sonic characteristics.
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