This Single channel discrete optical compressor, in the API 500 series form factor, takes its cues and much of its design from the optical stage of its behemoth Big Brother, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor. The Optograph's front end is balanced by an original Jensen input transformer. The output utilizes our specially recreated Nickel transformer. The essence of the compressor's character comes from our custom electroluminescent cell and discrete op-amp combination. The high quality circuit is pristine enough for bus compression, and yet has a unique character reminiscent of an antique world class compressor, that has just now been discovered. It's also perfect for squeezing drum busses and massaging vocals. It's the perfect glue for tracking and mixing anything that needs to sound more finished, more like a record.
Just like The Mastering Compressor, the Optograph's threshold and make up gain are controlled by discrete attenuators, made from custom twenty-four position Elma switches. The tactile feel and quality of these controls are unrivaled. They are of the highest quality and will last forever. Built into the side chain, are a very powerful series of filters: 90 hertz, 150 hertz, 250 hertz, and band pass. By engaging a specific filter, you choose at which point the onset of compression occurs. First position, nothing below ninety triggers compression. Second position, nothing below one-fifty. Third, nothing below two-fifty. The fourth position is a musical bandpass filter. In this position, compression is triggered by the program's mid-range frequency content, ignoring the highest and lowest frequencies. The filters are amazingly useful for shifting the focus of what should be more compressed and creating compression curves on purpose.
Another unique feature for sculpting the overall sonic character is the Transformer Desaturate mode. In this mode we cancel out any distortion and frequency non-linearity’s caused by the output transformer. The result is a pure, almost transformer-less sound, whilst still receiving the benefits, of limiting transients that can only come from magnetics.
There is also a VU meter for the display of gain reduction. The Optograph is enclosed in a twelve gauge steel chassis, has an engraved front panel and custom made knobs.
Features:
Pristine sound quality and unique character
Switchable sidechain filters
Transformer Desaturate
Indetented switches
Engraved front panels
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