Rupert Neve Designs 5035 Shelford Channel Microphone Preamp / Inductor EQ / Compressor

$2,827.29

GTIN: 752423657360 SKU: 752423657360 Category: Tags: , , ,

Description

The Shelford Channel is built around Rupert Neve’s first new transformer-gain, class-A microphone preamplifier in over 40 years, a “best-of-the-classics” inductor EQ section, a tone-packed diode bridge compressor, the power of variable Silk saturation, a new dual-tap transformer output stage, and twice the operating voltage of vintage designs.

The Input Stage and Transformer Gain Mic Pre
Like Rupert’s designs from his time in Little Shelford , the Shelford Channel’s preamplifier uses a directly-coupled transformer input with gain provided by the custom transformer itself – a first in over 40 years for Rupert Neve. This new custom-designed input transformer, along with its careful integration with the surrounding class-A circuitry, is critical to the Channel’s bold and instantly recognizable character.

Conveniently, the Direct Input uses the same topology as the best-selling RNDI Active Transformer Direct Interface, providing astonishing clarity for high-Z instrument signals, with unparalleled low-frequency response and an incredibly smooth high end.

What is Silk?
The Silk & Texture circuit on the Shelford Channel allows you to fine-tune the amount (and type) of harmonic content in the output stage. This means your signal can be adjusted from quite transparent to settings that produce nearly 10x the amount of sonic color as Rupert’s vintage modules – and in two very unique modes. No matter what sound you’re looking for, Silk can help get you there.

The Dual Tap Transformer Output
Complementing the Silk circuit is the custom-designed output transformer, which uses Rupert Neve Designs’ unique dual-tap output topology. This offers both full-headroom (+26dBu) and -6dB outputs, allowing the engineer to drive the unit fully into classic transformer saturation without clipping converters and other devices later in the chain.

The “Best-Of” EQ
The Shelford Channel’s 3-band, custom-tapped inductor EQ was inspired by our favorite elements of Rupert’s vintage EQ designs. The low frequency band is designed to produce a creamy, resonant bass response similar to a vintage 1064 – but unlike the vintage modules, the LF band on the Shelford Channel can be used as either a shelf or a peak filter, adding punch, dimension, and control to your low end.

The midrange band is based on that of the 1073, ideal for sweetening vocals and instruments while bringing them forward in a mix, and its proportional “Q” response makes it well-suited for minimizing problematic frequencies. The high frequency band is a hybrid vintage / modern design, blending inductor circuitry with capacitor-based topologies to achieve vintage tones with enhanced control, with the shelf / peak corner switchable between 8K or 16K.

The Diode Bridge Compressor
Like the Inductor EQ and Transformer Gain microphone preamp, the Diode Bridge Compressor in the Shelford Channel is based on the same topologies found in Rupert’s vintage designs – but refined & adapted for the modern engineer.

What is diode bridge compression? Where the VCA compressor found in the Master Buss Processor provides unmatched clarity, the weighty, harmonically rich tonality of diode bridge compression can be essential in pushing key sources like vocals, electric guitars, bass and drums to the forefront of a mix.

By understanding the limitations of vintage units like the legendary 2254, painstaking effort was taken to reproduce the unique tone of these classics while improving the noise floor & accuracy, expanding inflexible time constants, adding full wave sidechain detection for improved dynamic response, and widening the range of threshold and ratio controls.

Delivering the powerful sound of these iconic designs with enhanced flexibility for the modern age, the Shelford’s diode bridge compressor is a dynamic tool equipped to make a statement on virtually any mix or track.

MIC PREAMP

INPUT IMPEDANCE
2200 Ohm

MAXIMUM INPUT

  • +21.5 dBu from 150 Hz to 22 kHz
  • +8 dBu 20 Hz to 22 kHz

NOISE

  • Un-weighted, 22 Hz-22 kHz, source impedance 150 Ohm balanced.
  • Main Out @ unity gain -100.9 dBu
  • -6 dB Out @ unity gain -106.6 dBu
  • +30 dB gain (Main Out) -91.37 dBu
  • +66 dB Gain (Main Out) -64.1 dBu
  • Equivalent Input Noise -121.37 dBu

FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+/-0.25 dB from 17 Hz to 45 kHz

DIRECT INPUT


MAXIMUM INPUT
8 dBu @ 20 Hz to 120 kHz

NOISE (MAIN OUTPUT)
-100 dBu (22 Hz to 22 kHz)

LINE INPUT

MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL
+30.5 dBu 20 Hz to 30 kHz

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE

  • @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level, no load: Better than 0.002%
  • @ 20 Hz, +20 dBu output level, no load: 0.05% Typical (2nd and 3rd harmonic)

NOISE (MAIN OUTPUT)
Un-weighted, 22 Hz – 22 kHz, source impedance 40 Ohm balanced, no load.
-101.1 dBu


FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+/- 0.25 dBu from less than 10 Hz to 110 kHz
-0.32 dB @ 120 kHz

MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL
+26 dBu @ 16 Hz to 20 kHz

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE WITH SILK ENGAGED

RED

  • MIN TEXTURE @ 100 Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.0131%, mostly 3rd harmonic (typical)
  • MAX TEXTURE @ 100 Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 1.66%, mostly 2rd harmonic (typical)

BLUE

  • MIN TEXTURE @ 100Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.0079%, mostly 3rd harmonic (typical)
  • MAX TEXTURE @ 100Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.941%, mostly 2rd harmonic (typical)

HIGH PASS FILTER

  • Continuously variable swept frequency from 20 Hz to 250 Hz.
  • Slope: 12 dB/Octave

EQ NOISE
Un-weighted, 22 Hz-22 kHz: -92 dBu

SIGNAL PRESENT
Illuminates GREEN when input stage signal level reaches -20 dBu

OVERLOAD INDICATOR
Illuminates RED when input stage signal level reaches -23 dBu

DIODE BRIDGE COMPRESSOR

  • NOISE (BW 22 Hz – 22 kHz)
  • 0 dB Makeup Gain: -84.5 dBu
  • +20 dB Makeup Gain: -64.2 dBu

TIME CONSTANTS

  • Measurements taken represent full range achievable between 1.5:1 Ratio and 8:1 Ratio setting.
  • 0 dBu I/P 1kHz Burst Tone used for all recorded measurements.
  • Fast (TC1): Attack 180µS — 1.8mS // Release 100mS – 150mS
  • MedFast (TC2): Attack 750µS – 5.25mS // Release 160mS – 250mS
  • Med (TC3): 2.7mS – 18mS // Release 350mS – 525mS
  • MedSlow (TC4): 4.6mS – 38mS // Release 600mS – 1 S
  • Slow (TC5): 11mS – 72.5mS // Release 800mS – 1.25 S
  • Auto (TC6): 5.75mS – 35.5mS // Release T1 400mS – 850mS, T2 TBD
  • “Fast” Mode Multiplier: Modifies aforementioned TC’s by 70% of original value

PRODUCT DIMENSIONS
19” (48.3 cm) x 10.5” (26.7 cm) x 1.75” (4.4 cm)

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Description
ContentThe Shelford Channel is built around Rupert Neve’s first new transformer-gain, class-A microphone preamplifier in over 40 years, a “best-of-the-classics” inductor EQ section, a tone-packed diode bridge compressor, the power of variable Silk saturation, a new dual-tap transformer output stage, and twice the operating voltage of vintage designs. The Input Stage and Transformer Gain Mic Pre Like Rupert’s designs from his time in Little Shelford , the Shelford Channel’s preamplifier uses a directly-coupled transformer input with gain provided by the custom transformer itself – a first in over 40 years for Rupert Neve. This new custom-designed input transformer, along with its careful integration with the surrounding class-A circuitry, is critical to the Channel’s bold and instantly recognizable character. Conveniently, the Direct Input uses the same topology as the best-selling RNDI Active Transformer Direct Interface, providing astonishing clarity for high-Z instrument signals, with unparalleled low-frequency response and an incredibly smooth high end. What is Silk? The Silk & Texture circuit on the Shelford Channel allows you to fine-tune the amount (and type) of harmonic content in the output stage. This means your signal can be adjusted from quite transparent to settings that produce nearly 10x the amount of sonic color as Rupert’s vintage modules – and in two very unique modes. No matter what sound you’re looking for, Silk can help get you there. The Dual Tap Transformer Output Complementing the Silk circuit is the custom-designed output transformer, which uses Rupert Neve Designs’ unique dual-tap output topology. This offers both full-headroom (+26dBu) and -6dB outputs, allowing the engineer to drive the unit fully into classic transformer saturation without clipping converters and other devices later in the chain. The “Best-Of” EQ The Shelford Channel’s 3-band, custom-tapped inductor EQ was inspired by our favorite elements of Rupert’s vintage EQ designs. The low frequency band is designed to produce a creamy, resonant bass response similar to a vintage 1064 – but unlike the vintage modules, the LF band on the Shelford Channel can be used as either a shelf or a peak filter, adding punch, dimension, and control to your low end. The midrange band is based on that of the 1073, ideal for sweetening vocals and instruments while bringing them forward in a mix, and its proportional “Q” response makes it well-suited for minimizing problematic frequencies. The high frequency band is a hybrid vintage / modern design, blending inductor circuitry with capacitor-based topologies to achieve vintage tones with enhanced control, with the shelf / peak corner switchable between 8K or 16K. The Diode Bridge Compressor Like the Inductor EQ and Transformer Gain microphone preamp, the Diode Bridge Compressor in the Shelford Channel is based on the same topologies found in Rupert’s vintage designs – but refined & adapted for the modern engineer. What is diode bridge compression? Where the VCA compressor found in the Master Buss Processor provides unmatched clarity, the weighty, harmonically rich tonality of diode bridge compression can be essential in pushing key sources like vocals, electric guitars, bass and drums to the forefront of a mix. By understanding the limitations of vintage units like the legendary 2254, painstaking effort was taken to reproduce the unique tone of these classics while improving the noise floor & accuracy, expanding inflexible time constants, adding full wave sidechain detection for improved dynamic response, and widening the range of threshold and ratio controls. Delivering the powerful sound of these iconic designs with enhanced flexibility for the modern age, the Shelford’s diode bridge compressor is a dynamic tool equipped to make a statement on virtually any mix or track. MIC PREAMP INPUT IMPEDANCE 2200 Ohm MAXIMUM INPUT
  • +21.5 dBu from 150 Hz to 22 kHz
  • +8 dBu 20 Hz to 22 kHz
NOISE
  • Un-weighted, 22 Hz-22 kHz, source impedance 150 Ohm balanced.
  • Main Out @ unity gain -100.9 dBu
  • -6 dB Out @ unity gain -106.6 dBu
  • +30 dB gain (Main Out) -91.37 dBu
  • +66 dB Gain (Main Out) -64.1 dBu
  • Equivalent Input Noise -121.37 dBu
FREQUENCY RESPONSE +/-0.25 dB from 17 Hz to 45 kHz DIRECT INPUT MAXIMUM INPUT 8 dBu @ 20 Hz to 120 kHz NOISE (MAIN OUTPUT) -100 dBu (22 Hz to 22 kHz) LINE INPUT MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL +30.5 dBu 20 Hz to 30 kHz TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE
  • @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level, no load: Better than 0.002%
  • @ 20 Hz, +20 dBu output level, no load: 0.05% Typical (2nd and 3rd harmonic)
NOISE (MAIN OUTPUT) Un-weighted, 22 Hz - 22 kHz, source impedance 40 Ohm balanced, no load. -101.1 dBu FREQUENCY RESPONSE +/- 0.25 dBu from less than 10 Hz to 110 kHz -0.32 dB @ 120 kHz MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL +26 dBu @ 16 Hz to 20 kHz TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE WITH SILK ENGAGED RED
  • MIN TEXTURE @ 100 Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.0131%, mostly 3rd harmonic (typical)
  • MAX TEXTURE @ 100 Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 1.66%, mostly 2rd harmonic (typical)
BLUE
  • MIN TEXTURE @ 100Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.0079%, mostly 3rd harmonic (typical)
  • MAX TEXTURE @ 100Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.941%, mostly 2rd harmonic (typical)
HIGH PASS FILTER
  • Continuously variable swept frequency from 20 Hz to 250 Hz.
  • Slope: 12 dB/Octave
EQ NOISE Un-weighted, 22 Hz-22 kHz: -92 dBu SIGNAL PRESENT Illuminates GREEN when input stage signal level reaches -20 dBu OVERLOAD INDICATOR Illuminates RED when input stage signal level reaches -23 dBu DIODE BRIDGE COMPRESSOR
  • NOISE (BW 22 Hz – 22 kHz)
  • 0 dB Makeup Gain: -84.5 dBu
  • +20 dB Makeup Gain: -64.2 dBu
TIME CONSTANTS
  • Measurements taken represent full range achievable between 1.5:1 Ratio and 8:1 Ratio setting.
  • 0 dBu I/P 1kHz Burst Tone used for all recorded measurements.
  • Fast (TC1): Attack 180µS — 1.8mS // Release 100mS – 150mS
  • MedFast (TC2): Attack 750µS – 5.25mS // Release 160mS – 250mS
  • Med (TC3): 2.7mS – 18mS // Release 350mS – 525mS
  • MedSlow (TC4): 4.6mS – 38mS // Release 600mS – 1 S
  • Slow (TC5): 11mS – 72.5mS // Release 800mS – 1.25 S
  • Auto (TC6): 5.75mS – 35.5mS // Release T1 400mS – 850mS, T2 TBD
  • “Fast” Mode Multiplier: Modifies aforementioned TC’s by 70% of original value
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS 19” (48.3 cm) x 10.5” (26.7 cm) x 1.75” (4.4 cm)
Originally developed for the dynamics circuit of the acclaimed Shelford Channel, the 535 Diode Bridge Compressor captures the soul of Rupert Neve’s original 2254 compressor while providing modern updates including advanced timing control, significantly lower noise, fully stepped controls throughout, and internal parallel processing capabilities. What is diode bridge compression? Where the VCA compressor found in the Master Buss Processor provides unmatched clarity, the weighty, harmonically rich tonality of diode bridge compression can be essential in pushing key sources like vocals, electric guitars, bass and drums to the forefront of a mix. By understanding the limitations of vintage units like the legendary 2254, painstaking effort was taken to reproduce the unique tone of these classics while improving the noise floor & accuracy, expanding inflexible time constants, adding full wave sidechain detection for improved dynamic response, and widening the range of threshold and ratio controls. Delivering the powerful sound of these iconic designs with enhanced flexibility for the modern age, the 535 Diode Bridge Compressor is a dynamic tool equipped to make a bold statement on virtually any mix or track. LINE INPUT TO LINE OUTPUT
  • Compressor Bypassed.
  • Z source = 40 Ohm Balanced
INPUT IMPEDANCE 10K Ohm OUTPUT IMPEDANCE 40 Ohm MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL +23.5 dBu MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL +23.5 dBu NOISE
  • 22 Hz - 22 kHz BW.
  • -101 dBu
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
  • 10 Hz - 120 kHz, 30ft Output XLR Cable.
  • +/- 0.25 dB
THD+N 
  • @ 1 kHz @ Maximum Output Level, 22 Hz - 22 kHz BW.
  • 0.001%
The Cranborne Audio 500R8 is, essentially, a studio in a rack. It’s an 8-slot high-current 500 Series chassis, a 28-in/30-out USB interface, an analog summing mixer, a zero-latency artist mixer, and a monitor controller — everything you need to build your dream hybrid analog/digital studio. The 500R8 is fitted with high-performance AD-DA conversion, reference-grade headphone amplifiers, a reference-quality master clock, and more. In fact, there’s very little you can’t do with the Cranborne Audio 500R8. Configure it to suit your preferred analog flavoring for any source. Pack it with vintage-style 500 Series preamps for recording drums; clean, pristine preamps for vocals; and EQ, compression, and saturation modules when it’s time for mixdown.

USB audio interface

Connect the 500R8 directly to your Mac or PC via USB and utilize the 500R8’s onboard 28-in/30-out USB audio interface for recording and playback directly to and from your digital audio workstation of choice.

Discrete summing mixer

Give your mix the crowning touch of analog character by sending submixes and stems back through your 500 Series modules, into the 500R8’s discrete analog summing mixer, and back into your DAW.

Monitor controller

Use the 500R8’s onboard high-headroom monitor controller to switch between two sets of speakers, toggle mono sum, mute, dim, and talkback facilities while monitoring the peak level of your mix on the high-resolution 28-segment LED meter.
Shown with optional 500 Series modules

Audiophile headphone amps and zero-latency artist mixer

Drive any headphones with 500R8’s two reference-grade headphone amplifiers — they have enough power to drive low-impedance ’phones with gobs of headroom and a linear frequency response to below 1Hz! Use the 500R8’s two aux buses to create pristine analog cue mixes that you can blend with DAW playback and send to the talent with zero latency.

World-class conversion and clocking

For the musician who wants to get down to business, it may be hard to get excited about conversion and clocking. But engineers at Sweetwater get to check out the best of them — and we’re amped about these converters. They’re touted as best-in-class and flaunt truly impressive specs such as under .5 picoseconds of jitter. But none of that really matters when you hear the fullness of your stereo image bloom with jaw-dropping sonic clarity. Connect the 500R8 to your macOS or Windows computer and capture every nuance of your sources with reference-grade AD/DA conversion and world-class internal clocking. Effortlessly pass audio between analog and digital worlds without the digital artifacts that color, cloud, and degrade your recordings. The only coloration you will hear is intentional — your microphone placements, mixing decisions, and the 500 Series modules you’ve chosen to use. And with word clock I/O, you can even share the 500R8’s world-class clocking with the rest of your digital gear.

Ample I/O and configurable front end

The 500R8 has generous I/O to integrate with all of your analog and digital hardware, so you can mix and match your 500 Series modules and find the best combinations during recording and mixing to help create your own signature analog sound. You can even integrate your 19" rack units via the 500R8 s dedicated per-slot TRS insert jacks.

C.A.S.T. away

Spec’d with Cranborne’s innovative C.A.S.T. system, the 500R8 does away with excess cable spaghetti, delivering a cost-effective, low-maintenance, plug-and-play solution by transmitting four channels of balanced analog audio over shielded Cat 5 Ethernet cable directly to the destination of your choice.

Handy source select

Re-patch your 500R8 at a flick of a switch. Dedicated source select switches for each 500 Series slot adjusts signal routing to send analog, C.A.S.T., or USB sources through each of your modules. Unused 500 Series slots? Bypass them using the 500R8’s dedicated slot-bypass switch.
Shown with optional modules and Cranborne 500ADAT

Expandable, in the studio or on the road

When you’re ready for additional 500 Series connectivity, connect your 500R8 with Cranborne Audio’s 500ADAT via ADAT for 16 channels of 500 Series modules. Housed in a 19" 4U rack-mountable rugged steel frame, the 500R8 makes an ideal 500 Series chassis for mobile recording setups. Packed with cool, useful features, the Cranborne Audio 500R8 is one of the more innovative pieces of pro audio gear we’ve seen at Sweetwater. Trust us — you will be impressed.

Cranborne Audio 500R8 8-slot 500 Series Chassis and USB Audio Interface Features:

  • 28-in/30-out USB interface, summing mixer, artist mixer, and monitor controller
  • Low-latency USB 2.0 interface:
  • Compatible with macOS and Windows computers
  • ADAT I/O (16x16 channels @ 44.1/48kHz, 8x8 channels @ 88.2/96kHz)
  • S/PDIF I/O; 5-pin MIDI I/O
  • High-performance A/D conversion:
  • Dynamic range: 121dB A-weighted dynamic range, 20Hz–20kHz
  • Frequency response: 2.2Hz to >80kHz (-1dB)
  • THD+N: <0.00032% (-110dB) @ -4dBFS, 20Hz–40kHz (1kHz, A-weighted)
  • Max input level: +24dBu
  • High-performance D/A conversion:
  • Dynamic range: 121dB A-weighted, 20Hz–20kHz
  • Frequency response: <1Hz to >61kHz (-1dB)
  • THD+N: <0.0003% (-110.5dB) @ -4dBFS, 20Hz–40kHz (1kHz, A-weighted)
  • Max Output Level: +24dBu
  • Reference-quality internal master clock:
  • Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192kHz; <0.5ps jitter
  • Dedicated word clock I/O via BNC
  • External sync options using word clock BNC, S/PDIF, or ADAT
  • Monitor controller with talkback:
  • Speaker A/B switching, mono check, dim, mute, and 28-segment peak meter
  • Dedicated talkback input with phantom power, push-to-talk activation, and automatic routing to all headphone and C.A.S.T. facilities
  • Easy-access illuminated front panel controls for all monitor controller functions
  • Analog summing mixer:
  • 8x2 analog summing mixer with +26.5dBu of headroom and dedicated ADC
  • Balanced 1/4" jack outputs
  • C.A.S.T. link port for increasing Summing Mixer to 16x2 using Cranborne Audio 500ADAT
  • Zero-latency Artist Mixer:
  • Analog Artist Mixer with per-channel physical level/pan controls and DAW return blend controls
  • 2 high-power headphone outputs with independent blend and level controls
  • Reference-grade headphone amplifier:
  • THD+N: <0.0006% (-104.4dB) @ 20dBu, 1kHz A-weighted, 300 ohm load
  • Output wattage (1kHz): 250mW x 2 @ 600 ohms, 650mW x 2 @ 220 ohms, 1.21W x 2 @ 100 ohms, 500mW x 2 @ 32 ohms
  • Frequency Response: <1Hz to >70kHz (1dB)
  • High-current 8-slot 500 Series rack:
  • Per-slot current: 250mA , 2A total for all slots
  • XLR inputs, XLR line outputs, and TRS Inserts (pre-ADC) per 500 Series slot
  • Module source switching options to send Analog, USB or external C.A.S.T. signals through 500 Series modules
  • Per-slot module bypass switches allowing 500R8 to be used without 500 Series modules installed
  • C.A.S.T. compatible:
  • C.A.S.T. ports per channel for routing analog I/O using passive or active C.A.S.T. breakout boxes via standard Cat 5 cable
  • External power supply:
  • 24V, 5A external locking power supply for improved analog audio performance and heat dissipation
  • Designed and engineered in the UK:
  • Each 500R8 is extensively tested by a team of dedicated engineers to ensure reliability and consistency.
The product that started it all for Empirical Labs. Born of founder Dave Derr’s love of classic compressors like the 1176, LA-2A and Gain Brain (among others), the Distressor incorporates his favorite sonic characteristics of these, along with other unique and interesting features that have made it a staple for audio engineers all over the world. With over 28,000 units in the field, it’s safe to say that the Distressor is one of the best selling high end compressors of all time… if not THE best selling. A prominent recording engineer recently wagered that there probably was not a top 40 record made in the last five years that didn’t have at least one Distressor on it.
Besides providing a wide range of control and a unique feature set, the Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. This “warmth” or “vintage sound” has become a major issue in the last few decades, as the super clear and linear digital technology does next to nothing to soften “harsh” sounds, nor emphasize the bass frequencies in music sources. Conversely, older analog tape, vinyl records and tube equipment could not be prevented from coloring the sound, often to the frustration of recording engineers. However, many people now realize that this coloring can be extremely pleasant and musical. Digital technology is often referred to as “cold” and “brittle” among other terms (although we prefer “unforgiving”).
Unique Compression Curves All eight of the Distressor’s curves are unique and distinctive, from the 1:1 mode that simply warms up signal with low order harmonics without intentional compression, to the “Nuke” setting – a brick wall limiting curve that shines on live drum room mics. Each curve has its own personality and several actually use different circuitry, and are effectively different compressors. Most exceptional is the 10:1 “Opto” ratio which uses separate detector circuitry to emulate the oldest (and valued) “light controlled” devices, such as the LA-2A.
Distortion (Color) Modes Another large part of the Distressor’s personality and power derive from three modes that color the signal, even without compression. These extended audio modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old and expensive vintage compressors & limiters, and let the Distressor deliver a classic “knee” sound all its own by providing user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. In addition to the basic distortion mode, Distort 2 emphasizes tube-like 2nd order harmonics, while in Distort 3 setting the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonics more closely resembling tape. Two HP filters – one in the audio path, one in the detector path – are also available to help with low frequencies that can cause pumping and breathing.
  • Frequency Response – 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB). Response is shaped in distortion modes (Dist 2, Dist 3).
  • Dynamic Range – 110 dB from max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise in distort 3 mode.
  • Distortion – ranges between .02% and 20% depending on distortion mode and release times set on front panel.
  • I/O – DC Coupled input and outputs.
  • Time Constants – Attack range 50uS – 50mS. Release range .05 sec to 3.5 seconds, normal modes and up to 20 seconds in 10:1 opto mode. Time constants are dependent on ratio.
  • Power Consumption – 15 Watts Max.
  • Metal Chassis – single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.
  • Shipping info – 12.1 lbs mono. Mono box dimensions 22.5″ x 18.5″ x 3 1/4″.
Arguably the coolest and most unique device in the Empirical Labs arsenal, the FATSO (Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer) is a digitally controlled analog device that gives musicians and engineers easy access to many of the desirable characteristics exhibited by older tube and Class A electronics and magnetic tape mediums. This two channel audio processor musically integrates frequencies and transients, increasing the apparent volume while keeping tight control over peak levels. With the FATSO, recording studios and audio production facilities can enhance and soften the sound of Hardware Digital Recorders (HDRs) and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Mix engineers will have the option not to have to use bulky, expensive analog tape recorders to get the warmth and sweet high end they’ve come to rely on for so many decades. Owners of DAWs and HDRs can finally put a stop to complaints about the coldness and brittle edge of their mixes and instruments. Even audiophiles can benefit from the FATSO, bringing back the warmth and ambience of LP’s and tapes to their CD players and other digital reproduction mediums. The FATSO Goes to Eleven ELEVEN is a new compressor for the FATSO, replacing the old GP Ratio, and emulates the famous UREI 1176LN in 20:1, with the slowest attack, and fastest release. This 1176 setting has been used on countless hit records through the decades. With the slower “1176” attack, the transients keep the dynamics present, while the high ratio, can radically limit the dynamic range of any source, making it present and sitting in a nice little place in your mix. One can slam it, or just touch it with a few dB of compression. You will find it great on Vocals, Bass, acoustic guitars, drum room mikes, pianos etc. Click here to find out how to upgrade your EL7 to an EL7X. Four Types of Processing
  • Harmonic Generation and Soft Clipper (Distortion Generation) – this class A circuit gently rounds the peaks like saturated tubes or tape.
  • High Frequency Saturation (Warmth) – a one-of-a-kind dynamic low pass filter which softens high frequencies when they “pile up” on a source.
  • Transformer & Tape Head Emulation – a simulation of the effect of input and output transformers of older devices, which adds  the low frequency harmonics that characterize them, as well as analog tape..
  • Classic Knee Compression – your typical automatic leveling device found on just about every instrument and vocal track as well as on  the overall buss, done Empirical Labs compression – smooth and sweet, but in your face!
Universal Audio's FATSO Emulation Endorsed and scrutinized for accuracy by designer Dave Derr of Empirical Labs, Universal Audio has painstakingly recreated the FATSO Jr. in this highly anticipated UAD Powered Plugin, capturing the sonic nuances of the original hardware. As part of the FATSO Powered Plugin, UA has also worked closely with Dave Derr to model the original concept of the FATSO, the FATSO Sr., with attack, release, and threshold compressor controls, among other features not available elsewhere. Frequency Response: 2 Hz to 60 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB). Dynamic Range: 110 dB from maximum output (20 %THD soft clipping) to minimum output. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise. Distortion: Ranges between .06% and 20% depending on mode and settings. I/O: DC Coupled input and outputs. Compressor Time Constants: Attack range 1ms – 60ms. Release range .05sec – 3.5 seconds. Attack and Releases are fixed by the compression type selected. Power Consumption: 15 Watts Max. Metal Chassis: single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.
Firmly rooted in six decades of console design experience, the 5057 Orbit gives your mixes the legendary tonality, power, and wide-open soundstage that only Rupert Neve’s class-A analog summing can provide. Coupled with Rupert’s famous custom audio transformers and Silk Red & Blue circuitry for variable harmonic saturation, the Orbit launches sterile in-the-box mixes to new heights of tone, depth and clarity – without compromising the recallable convenience and repeatability of your DAW-based workflow. When you push a mix buss and output transformers towards saturation, the non-linear, musical harmonics that occur are what truly glue a recording together and bring it to life. Rather than using an external summing solution that offers little more than an ultra-clean representation of the in-the-box experience, the Orbit provides the extraordinary richness, harmonic complexity and depth that only a Rupert Neve console can bring to your mixes. The Orbit utilizes a highly custom output transformer configuration originally developed for the acclaimed Shelford Channel, which provides both a Main Output and a -6dB Output – the latter of which enables you to fully drive the Orbit to achieve more transformer harmonics without clipping the next device in the chain. This unique transformer drive is a hallmark of the sound of Rupert Neve throughout the years – and the sound of countless classic hit records. Classic Sounds on Demand Every mix demands its own treatment. In addition to the choice of outputs, the continuously variable Texture control with Silk Red and Silk Blue modes gives you complete control over the harmonic density and tonality of your mix – or lets you keep it utterly pristine and uncolored. The Silk Red mode accentuates transformer saturation in the high and high-mid frequencies to amplify the vibrant midrange harmonics associated with Rupert’s vintage equipment, while Silk Blue accentuates saturation of the lows and low-mids to add thickness and weight to any source – especially useful for “thin-sounding” mixes. Unlike EQ, these Silk & Texture controls saturate the output transformers, and add highly musical harmonics to the source material according to the amount of Texture applied. Drive the mix buss hard, choose your Silk flavor, and crank the Texture knob for a rich, saturated, vintage vibe – or disengage Silk entirely for clear, wide-open sonic beauty. The choice is yours. Build your Dream While the Orbit is an extremely effective tool on its own, multiple units can be combined through the Buss Link for a higher channel count. The 5057 Orbit can also be used as a building block in an expandable summing system utilizing the 5059 Satellite for flexible summing & routing, and the 5060 Centerpiece for additional mixing and monitoring features. These units create the core of a world-class analog modular console system rivaling any traditional large-scale studio setup. Channel Separation and Accuracy With precisely fixed channel levels and accurate mix buss attenuation via high-quality stepped switching, the Orbit’s purist signal path has vanishingly low crosstalk, and channels matched to within +/-0.1dB. This provides your mixes with the widest and most accurate stereo image, the greatest depth, and the most direct signal path, allowing you to hear every single detail of your mixes. DAW Based Recall without Compromise Frequent recalls can be a challenge for modern mix engineers. The Orbit’s elegant simplicity and fixed level accuracy provides rapid, repeatable DAW-based recall from mix to mix, while adding the rich, unrivaled sound quality of Mr. Neve’s class-A transformer-coupled mix buss. INPUT IMPEDANCE 16K Ohm FREQUENCY RESPONSE
  • 10 Hz to 50 kHz: +/- 0.1 dB
  • 150 kHz: -3 dB
NOISE
  • From 22 Hz - 22 kHz.
  • -90 dBu typical
MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL @ 1 kHz: +26 dBu MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL @ 1 kHz: +26 dBu THD+N%
  • From 22 Hz - 22 kHz.
  • 0 dBu @ 1 kHz: 0.003%
  • +20 dBu @ 1 kHz: 0.0006%
CROSSTALK
  • 1 kHz: -103 dBu
  • 10 kHz:  -93 dBu
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS 19” W (48.3 cm) x 9” D (22.9 cm) x 1.75” H (4.4 cm) SHIPPING DIMENSIONS 24” L (61 cm) x 13” W (33 cm) x 4” H (10.2 cm) SHIPPING WEIGHT 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Weight
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