Retro Sta-Level Tube Compressor

Description

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Retro Sta-Level Tube Compressor
Replica of one of the most revered compressor circuits in history, the 1956 version of the Sta-Level by Gates. Musical and open, this compressor effortlessly levels your signals in a very controlled, yet unique way while also providing a magical tube tone!
What We Think
I found it pretty remarkable that a compressor originally designed as a clearly technical solution (leveling audio for broadcast) can have such a musical and rich sound. Not to discredit its “leveling” abilities, this compressor is near impossible to “over-push” into hearing undesirable compression artifacts. While producing extremely dense, full-bodied audio, the Sta-Level adds a layer of tube polish and warmth that is unmistakably musical, smooth, and pleasing, making it just as excellent at controlling levels as it is making a voice or instrument shine with full-tube glory.
You may asking asking yourself, “Why this over an LA-2A?” Definitely a good question, as they have a lot of similarities. There are two main differences though, being a Vari-Mu, you’re able to push the Sta-Level harder without getting over compression artifacts. With that, you’re also driving the tube circuit harder, resulting in the ability to produce more color and tone out of the Sta-Level. Speaking generally, LA-2A’s have less color.
Because the Sta-Level has “Recovery” control, this allows you to prevent over compression caused by slow recovery times during large dynamic shifts. This is one weakness of the LA-2A design, as the compressor is not able to respond fast enough during this shifts and can result in unpleasing compression.
If you like the simple control layout of a tube opto but are after slightly more control and more access to rich, tube color, the Sta-Level is one of the best options out there.
Manufacturers Description
Introduction
The Retro Sta-Level is a replica of the legendary 1956 Gates Sta-Level. The Sta-Level dominated the sound of hit radio in the 1960's. Now these super musical sounding compressors have found their way into today's hits. The Retro Gold Edition celebrates fifty years of the products existence. The Sta-Level uses the coveted 6386 tube in a classic G.E. circuit design. Alternatively, the Gold Edition Sta-Level uses a pair of commonly available 6BJ6 tubes (stock). The customer has the choice to use their own 6386 they provide or the 6BJ6 provided with the purchase of the unit. The choice is yours and the sound is undeniably true to the original either way.
Origin
The original 6386 compressor developed by G.E., utilized a novel program controlled release circuit. The Sta-Level implementation creates density and consistency while minimizing typical compressor side-effects at up to 40dB of gain reduction! The program path is transformer balanced throughout to cancel control-induced distortion. Push pull circuitry with 6V6 output stage provides wide voltage swing for gain control and line output. The result is that the Sta-Level brings a uniquely familiar intimacy, air and warmth to your tracks.
Revisions
Revisions to the original design include; Tube balance can be instantly aligned without test equipment; Uses 6386 tube or a pair of 6BJ6 tubes; Two or more Sta-Levels can be coupled together for stereo, surround or sidechain operation; XLR transformer balanced input and output; IEC Power Connector; Hand matched audiophile-grade coupling capacitors; High quality, custom wound transformers used throughout; Internal component safety cover.
Specifications
Specifications
Gain Reduction Threshold: Continuously adjustable from +24dBm to -20dBm
Available Gain Reduction: 40dB
Total System Gain: 35dB (with standard input and output pads)
Distortion: 1 percent or less from 0-30 dB gain reduction
Frequency Response: ± .25dB from 20-20,000 Hz
Noise: -70dB or better referenced to gain reduction threshold
Output Level: Continuously adjustable from -40 dBm to +18 dBm
Input Impedance: Accepts low impedance active or transformer balanced 0-600 Ohms
Output Impedance: 600 Ohm transformer balanced, terminated and resistive pad coupled
Tube Complement: 2-6BJ6), 1-12AT7, 2-6V6GT, 1-6AL5, 1-OB2, 1-5Y3
Power Requirements: Three prong IEC - Switchable 115-230 VAC - 50/60 Hz
Mounting Requirements: 3U metal rack 5.25" high, 19" wide, 8" deep
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SSL Fusion
Solid State Logic is a world leader in the pro audio field, renowned for the transparency of their products. Now they take the next step and introduce Fusion, a means of releasing the full spectrum of sonic coloration in the analog domain. The
SSL Fusion
uses classic dynamics processing tools in a new way to create more color, more character, and more cohesion in your stereo stems and mixes. In the heart of the studio, the Fusion by SSL combines five different elements to release the tremendous sonic energy inherent in your stereo signals.
Violet EQ
The SSL Violet EQ is a new approach to equalization for the mix bus. By creating their first new EQ circuit in over a quarter century, SSL has drawn on their vast legacy to pinpoint the most useful frequencies and ideal response curves, providing an efficient way to bring a new heft and sparkle to your mixes. With four selectable frequencies in two bands, minimal phase-shift and a range of 9 dB boost or attenuation, the Violet EQ element provides a wide range of options to dial in the right range of results.
Vintage Drive
The Vintage Drive element is a novel approach to enhancing harmonic content. Controls for Drive and Density are interdependent and can produce sweet musical harmonics and a more organic style of compression with soft clipping. These can bring a cohesiveness and glue to your mixes, impossible to achieve by other means. A tri-color status indicator lets you know when you’re in the sweet spot.
High Frequency Compressor
Another tri-color status light is found on the High Frequency Compressor element, a more straightforward approach to compression that is specifically tailored for the high end of the spectrum (from 3 to 20 kHz). This element allows a more analog style HF roll-off, well suited to smoothing out the edges that digital tracking can produce. Achieve the unique tone you’re after, and mellow your harshness - not the other way around!
Transformer
A switchable Transformer circuit is the element that achieves what analog iron is all about – adding some saturation in the low frequencies, while also phase-shifting the highs to create color and character that no digital signal processing can achieve.
Stereo Image
With the new Stereo Image element, a real analog Mid-Side control is at your fingertips. Your depth of field can be enhanced by altering the Side signal component, providing depth and width that simple panning cannot create.
Other Features
Several other key features round out the array of functions on the new SSL Fusion. At the front and back ends are Input and Output Trim controls providing 12 dB of boost or cut, with a convenient Overload LED on the Input side. A 15-point LED meter provides for Peak Hold display of the signal, and the Bypass mode allows all switchable functions to be bypassed, after the Input trim control. A three-position High Pass Filter on the Input side allows a cutoff at 30-4-50 Hz.
Further manipulation of your signal can be achieved with a set of XLR connections that function in either of two ways. In one mode is a Stereo Insert for processing the mix bus; this can be switched to occur before the EQ element. In the other mode, they can be used as a Mid-Side (MS) circuit, where separate signal processing like EQ or compression can be delegated to the center (Middle) and Side components of a stereo signal, either before or after the Stereo Image element. These features greatly enhance the ability to manipulate a stereo signal, making the SSL Fusion the premier analog stereo signal processor. Add some color to your life!
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Since 1993, we have been committed to equipping our customers with the very best gear, advice, and personal service anywhere. We believe that great sound can be achieved at any budget. We also believe that the ambitions of our customers should always come first. For us, it's about building long-lasting relationships, not just selling gear. And over the years, those beliefs have turned customers into friends and family. Whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned pro, we're here for you, no matter where your audio travels may take you.
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Vintage King offers an industry-leading level of technical service and warranty support on our used and vintage items. Our used item warranty periods are as follows:
Analog Outboard Gear – 1 Year
Microphones – 1 Year (excluding capsules, tubes, and ribbon elements)
Speakers – 1 Year (excluding drivers)
Digital Outboard Gear – 30 Days
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We do our best to help you choose the perfect gear, but if you don't love it in the first 30 days after receipt, please contact us through eBay for a return authorization.
Note:
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Our Demo Deals and B-Stock products offer a unique opportunity to save big on near-mint condition, fully warrantied gear. These items have been opened for demonstration purposes and put back in the box without extended use. All original factory accessories and packaging are included.
In addition to the manufacturer's warranty, Demo Deal and B-Stock items also come with an additional 1-year of warranty coverage from Vintage King, free of charge, so rest assured that not only are you saving big by purchasing a Demo Deal/B-Stock item, but you will also receive the same level of world-class support from Vintage King as with the purchase of a factory-sealed unit.
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