Focusrite Announces the Compounder
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| (Click for a close-up) |
September 24, 1999
The Compounder is a Dual Mono/Stereo Compressor, Limiter,
Gate with Bass Expander. This high performance dynamics processor is designed
for quality-conscious professional and project-studio owners, as well as for live
sound users/installation companies. The combination of high quality compression,
and limiting with the powerful Bass Expander make this especially useful as the
ultimate dance music production tool.
The unit features the unique sound of Focusrite compression, considered by
many of the top industry professionals as the key to achieving a clean and controlled
mix with all the punch and clarity that makes the difference between success and
failure. A Focusrite only sounds like a Focusrite because all audio processing
sections of the unit are unique Focusrite Class A circuit designs; we don't employ
any standard off the shelf VCA components. Each stage of the Compounder is optimized
in design and component performance to ensure the legendary Focusrite smooth and
pleasantly warm audio performance.
The Compressor features a Class A amplifier and a unique Bass Expander. The
expander circuit uses a large wire wound Inductor which literally generates extra
Bass harmonics to fatten up any low frequency signal. There's even a "Hugh"
switch to get even more Bass. A Soft knee/Hard knee switch allows the choice of
compression sound to be altered between the classic unobtrusive Focusrite Red
Compression sound (Soft) and the more obviously effected hard knee slope, and
together with the Wide Ratio Control allows the user to choose exactly the compression
profile required.
The Gate/Expander is a unique opto circuit, a real improvement over traditional
VCA designs, giving quiet, precise control in cleaning up a noisy track. It features
Class A Low distortion design, giving performance in the order of 0.0008% with
a 20dBu signal.
The Limiter again uses a matched pair of high quality Opto's to give improved
performance over VCA Limiter designs, and its Class A Low distortion design, and
Accurate Threshold Control means seamless limiting which only occurs exactly where
you set it, as and when required.
Mono/Stereo Independent Stereo linking is provided for both Limiter and Compressor
sections, allowing the unit to be used in Recording Chain, Mixing, and Mastering
Applications.
Visit Focusrite on the web at www.focusrite.com. | 
