Tube-Tech CL1B Optical Tube Compressor

ALL TUBE OPTICAL COMPRESSOR

The Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor is basically an optical compressor on steroids. Its all tube design delivers smooth, musical compression without introducing harshness, even when the needle is pegged. Capable of quickly and easily producing radio-ready vocals, the CL 1B is a well-known secret in the rap community. Also revered by rockers, the CL 1B excels at smoothing out bass lines, smashing electric guitars, and getting keys to sit just right in the mix. The CL 1B has been used on countless legendary recordings and is a "go-to" vocal compressor for any genre. Within minutes of getting your hands on the CL 1B you’ll be able to hear and feel the difference. The CL 1B is incredibly easy to use and features an intuitive interface for quickly dialing in the perfect settings for any signal.

GETTING TUBE-TECHNICAL

The Tube-Tech CL 1B features a gain-reduction element positioned immediately after the input transformer, which is controlled by the sidechain amplifier. The CL 1B features two time control circuits (one for fixed attack and release times, and the other for variable) which can either be used separately or combined. A dedicated bus selector with three positions (Off, Bus 1, Bus 2) can be used to link up to 10 compressors together in your signal-chain. The gain reduction element is followed by a tube-based push-pull amplifier with variable gain up to 30 dB, providing powerful yet transparent compression. Input and output transformers have a static-screen between the primary and secondary wirings, allowing for minimal distortion. Both the input and output are balanced and fully floating to offer you maximum flexibility when patching into your system.

SMOOTH LIKE BUTTER, WARM LIKE BUTTER TOO

Originally introduced in 1991, the CL 1B quickly became an industry standard compressor thanks to its one-of-a-kind sound. Known for being smooth, warm and transparent, the CL 1B can be found rack mounted in major studios all around the world. Featuring a selectable ratio from 2:1 to 10:1, attack times from .5 ms to 300 ms, and release times from .05 seconds to 10 seconds, the CL 1B is one of the most versatile optical compressors on the market.

Features:

  • Unique low distortion gain-reduction element
  • All tube-based push-pull amplifier
  • Multiple interconnection of several compressors via two busses
  • VU-meter for monitoring input, compression and output
  • Continuously variable attack and release time
  • Gain Range (off to +30 dB)
  • Variable Threshold (off to -40 dBu)
  • Frequency response @ -3 dB: 5 Hz to 25 kHz
  • Low noise: < -75 dBu @30 dB gain
  • Clickless bypass relay
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