New York-based AwTAC (Awesome Transistor Amplifier Company) has extended its range of Awesome Channel Amplifier and Panner modules, with the 500-Series Channel Compressor.
Desined to sound ‘reminiscent of classic compressors’, the Channel Compressor operates as channel compression on a console and is quick and easy to set. It will not over compress unintentionally, yet can be pushed into colouration at its limit. A maximum output level of +18dBu means it can be sent into distortion without clipping the AD converter.
The unitoffers a transformer-balanced input and output, and tuned discrete transistor amplifiers in the audio and side-chain circuit. The FET side-chain affects the gain of the input amp and can be regarded as an ‘auto-fader’, offering smooth compression akin to optical compressors.
The Channel Compressor uses an adaptive ratio of around 10:1 but starting at 1:1, transitioning to 1.5:1 at the bottom of the soft knee slope, it then increases to 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1 and finally 10:1. The Gain Reduction meter, in addition to showing how much gain reduction is happening, is also indicative of the ratio being used. The first -0.5 LED indicates a ratio of 1.5:1, the -1dB indicates 2:1… up to -15dB, where the compression will behave as a limiter with a 16:1 ratio.
A Blend control facilitates parallel compression – unlike traditional mix/dry knobs or crossfaders, this adds the dry signal into the compressor while the Output pot controls the amount of compressed signal. Both signals are then sent to an internal summing amp.
The AwTAC Channel Compressor is stereo linkable and the FET side-chain circuit is matched in stereo pairs to offset between both channels. Although designed to be used in a matched pair configuration the AwTAC Channel Compressor is equally at ease in mono operation.
Key features:
· 10KΩ bridging input
The AwTAC Channel Compressor is proced at US$1,099, and is aldso available in the UK and Germany from KMR Audio at £750 (excluding VAT).
