Daking Comp IIT Stereo VCA Compressor with Jensen Transformers
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With big old-style analog meters and a simple setup, the COMP IIT is easy to understand and easy to use. Designed carefully by Geoff Daking and Dave Thibodeau to behave well on a variety of real in-studio applications, it may challenge your notions of how good a two-knob compressor can be.
The two channel COMP IIT can operate in dual mono or stereo linked mode for a beautiful stereo image. In dual mono it acts like two independent mono compressors for use on two different - perhaps unrelated - sources. There is no master channel in stereo mode. Each channel retains its independent control.
COMP IIT VARIABLE PARAMETERS
Compression/Threshold: Determines the level at which the compressor begins to work.
Ratio: The slope of the gain reduction. Compress is a low ratio good for general gain reduction, while Limit presents more of a "brick wall" to the signal.
Attack: The speed with which the compressor begins to react. Slow allows transients, like the attack of drums, to pass while compressing the back end. Fast will remove transients.
Release: Determines how quickly the compressor "lets go". Fast is self-explanatory. Auto reacts to both the level of the signal and it's duration. Small peaks will release quickly, while long and loud signals will release much more slowly. Combinations of Attack, Release and Ratio will create different effects. The most natural will be Compress/Slow/Auto. The most aggressive will be Limit/Fast/Fast.
Make-up Gain: Compensates for any gain lost in compression. For serious rock stars, note the output goes to 11!
Why It's Different
The Daking Comp IIT is a complex design that employs a unique method of gain reduction using a VCA like a FET. This maintains the unique Daking sound of their legacy compressors. Unlike most VCA designs, Daking's uses feedback gain reduction, a peak detector and an all-discrete Class A follower. The Jensen transformers add some subtle analog colour.
The outboard power supply makes sure this unit is quiet and usable around the world on any voltage. Switches are illuminated, making it easy to see what's "on" in a dark room. The rear panel offers XLR inputs and XLR/1⁄4" TRS outputs.
Purely analog, it's so easy to get a sound you love. This compressor may easily become your favourite.
SPECIFICATIONS
Input: XLR (x2)
Output XLR (x2), TRS (x2)
Jensen Transformers on input and output
Class "A" amplifier for make-up gain
All metal construction with stainless steel chassis for noise immunity
Custom aluminum knobs
Power supply included
Frequency response: 20Hz-65kHz
THD at +4dBu input and no compression at 1kHz: Typical 0.02%, Max 0.035% (22-22kHz, Un-Wtd)
THD at +4dBu input and 2dB of compression at 1kHz: Typical 0.02%, Max 0.035% (22-22kHz, Un-Wtd)
Noise: less than -80dBu, 22-22kHz
1U 19" rack-mount
Unit weight: 6.25 lbs (2.83 kg)
Unit dimensions: L front: 19in (48.26cm) L rear: 17in (43.18cm) W: 8.375in (21.27cm)
H: 1.625in (4.13cm)
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