This version of the classic Compex compressor features Jensen input and output transformers, offering balanced I/O, higher headroom and slightly smoother transient response.
Manufactured by Q2 Audio in close collaboration with Audio & Design, this remake of the classic Compex is authentic in every detail and reproduces the exact sonic qualities of the original product.
Using the original discrete analogue circuit design employing a feedback FET technique and maintaining the use of the same components that give this product such a distinctive sound, the new Compex compressor/limiter & expander/gate will add dynamic punch to your sound as well as controlling peak excursions and gating unwanted instrument/vocal artefacts & noise.
The Compex was used by major recording artists worldwide throughout the 60's, 70's, and 80's. This famous, iconic processor was instrumental in shaping the sounds of that era. Now the Compex returns to place it's unique signature on the sounds of today.
Caractéristiques
Dual channel/stereo level control offering simultaneous compression gain reduction with peak limiting and expansion/gating.
Precision calibrated compressor/limiter threshold control which allows the user to "dial up" the amount of compression required before peak limiting occurs.
System Gain
34dB with input/output attenuators fully open. Unity gain in Bypass mode.
Thresholds
Peak Limiter: +14dBu maximum with unattenuated output. Referred to unattenuated input level 20dBu.
Compressor
Calibrated with reference to Peak Limiter thresholds and marked 0 - 20dB in 2dB steps. (Reference to
unattenuated input level this is -20dBu to -40dBu).
Expander/Gate
-40dBu to +14dBu, with reference to input.
Release
Peak Limiter: 250mS,
Compressor: 25mS, 50mS, 100mS, 200mS, 400mS, 800mS, 1.6 secs, 3.2 secs + Auto release function.
Expander/Gate: Continuously variable from 25mS to 5 secs.
Attack
Peak Limiter: < 250uS for 100% control of overshoot - without any over limiting. (measured at 1KHz for 10dB gain reduction).
Compressor: 250uS, 2.5mS, 25mS.
Expander/Gate: 20uS, 2mS, 40mS.
Distortion
Measured at 1KHz for 10dB compression & 3.2 secs release time.
Compressor: at +10dBu threshold <0.1% (typically 0.04%).
Peak Limiter: at +14dBu threshold <0.3%.
Frequency Response
Unbalanced: 30Hz - 20KHz, +0dB, -0.5dB.
Balanced (/T option): < -1dB at 30Hz & 20KHz.
Signal - Noise Ratio
Referred to Peak Limiter threshold level as set by output attenuator: better than -80dB; with Expander operational, better than -87dB
(Measured with low pass filter -3dB at 25HKz).
Stereo Matching
Control volts matching on compressor and expander sections to within ±1dB of each other, consequently no image shift during operation.
Selectable Peak Limiter operation
Peak Limiter on - off or Pre-emph (50uS time constant).
Indicators
Overall Gain Reduction Meter scaled 0 - 20dB in 4dB divisions. White scale on black background with yellow pointer.
Peak Limiter operating: Red indicator.
Compressor operating: Orange indicator.
Expander/Gate operating: Green indicator.
Power
110v - 240vac 50/60Hz - Selectable working voltage for 110 -120v & 220 - 240v.
Size
482.6mm (19) wide x 88.9mm (2U) high x 229mm deep.
