DISC Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor, Mono

Full Description

Tube-Based Optical Mono Compressor

The dual-tube design features an ECC 82 and ECC 83 tube, designed to bring out the best from your vocal performances. The dual tubes deliver classic tube warmth, whilst remaining transparent. The CL 1B is renowned in the hip-hop world for being to the go-to compressor for vocal performances. The distinctive sound is warm yet full-bodied, cutting through any mix with ease. It features tube based push-pull amplifier as well as a highly unique gain reduction element. The gain reduction element is constructed from non-semiconductor material, providing ultra-low harmonic distortion. It helps to combat non-linearity problems, and the unique design incurs no long-term degradation, virtually giving it an infinite lifespan.

Sidechain Amplifier

The side chain section is comprised of two J-FET quad op-amps, an NPN-transistor and a FET-transistor. They are incorporated to channel the signal for the gain-reduction element. The integrated semiconducters are used for the high slew rate and the fact they do not affect sound reproduction. It includes two time constant circuits, one with fixed attack and release times and one with variable attack and release times. You can use the attack/release select switch to use the circuits separately or combined for added flexibility.

Versatile Controls

The versatile control panel features an ergonomic layout, designed to improve workflow and processing capabilities. The intuitive interface features continuously variable attack and release times, allowing you to dial in your levels with ease. The threshold control ranges from Off to -40, whereas the attack/release can be set to Fixed, Fixed/Manual or Manual settings. The front-panel also includes a sidechain bus select, allowing you to toggle between the two circuits

Robust, Rackmountable Design

The vintage-style design boasts classic VU-style metering, for quick and easy monitoring. The retro conductive plastic potentiometers are reminiscent of classic compressor units. Both input and output are fully floating and transformer balanced for optimised audio performance. Interconnection of several compressors can be achieved via the two buses. It also includes a clickless in/out switch that eliminates any sound from plugging in equipment. The integrated rack-ears make it rack-mountable, ideal for studio work.

Features

• Optical all-tube mono compressor
• Delivers musical and smooth compression
• Ideal for use with vocal and instruments
• Unique, low-distortion optical gain reduction element
• All-tube based push-pull amplifier
• Gain reduction element made from non-semiconductor element delivers very low harmonic distortion
• Utilises a dual-tube design with 1 x ECC 82 and 1 x ECC 83
• Continuously variable attack and release times
• Interconnection of several compressors via two busses
• VU meter shows input, compression or output
• Clickless In/Out switch
• Conductive plastic potentiometers
• Input and output are transformer balanced and fully floating

Specifications

• Frequency Response @ -3 dB: 5 Hz to 25 kHz
• Low Noise: < -75 dBU @ 30 dB gain
• CMRR: > 60 dB @ 10 kHz
• Variable Ratio: 2:1 to 10:1
• Output Gain: Off to +30 dBU
• Variable Threshold: Off to -40 dBU
• Input Impedance: 600 Ohms
• Attack: 0,5 ms to 300 ms
• Release: 50 ms to 10s