7721
Stereo VCA Compressor
The Chameleon Labs 7721 Stereo VCA compressor is a powerful analog processor designed to make your tracks sound more compact and powerful.
7721 FEATURES
Stereo compressor with VCA-based signal detection
Super low noise, IC based input section
Side chain input allows a separate source to be used as the compression trigger
IC based, ultra-low noise output stage
VU meter for Input / Output Level and Gain Reduction monitoring
Super low noise internal power supply
Selectable high pass filter
Threshold, Attack, Release and Ratio controls
Selectable detection type Peak or RMS
Selectable compression types: Soft or Hard Knee
Blend control allows you to mix the compressed audio signal with the original signal
DESCRIPTION
When designing the 7721, Chameleon’s engineers started with a clean sheet of paper and deeply evaluated the details associated with developing a bus compressor for the modern studio. Basing detection and voltage control on a voltage control amplifier (VCA) topology and designing a circuit that provides low noise and transparency the team created an acoustic “glue" that is capable of consistently delivering punch and loudness to the signal.
The 7721 provides a classic set of adjustable settings as well as controls only available on esoteric compressors, including:
- Soft Knee / Hard Knee – Allows you to change between a softer arriving compression effect and a faster arriving, limiting type effect.
- Peak / RMS – This control allows you to choose between the Peak and RMS detection schemes that are quite different. Peak detection engages the compressor by monitoring peak or instantaneous voltage signals. RMS engages by looking at the average energy in the signal and comparing it to the threshold setting. Very different modes of operation that provide great solutions for specific problems.
- High Pass Filter – Allows you to filter out low frequencies and avoid pumping effects. This is particularly helpful when using the sidechain to more precisely control which frequencies are being compressed.
- Classic Controls – Threshold / Attack / Release / Ratio – Low ratios provide a nice starting place for master transparency, 4:1 provides more color and higher ratios for a tougher sound full of character. We like to use Attack and Release controls to respond to tempo and feel of a track.
- Blend – This control allows you to blend, or mix, the original uncompressed signal with the compressed signal providing another tool you can use to obtain your desired objective.
- VU Meter - Monitor Input, Outputs and Gain Reduction levels.
SPECIFICATIONS
User Controlled Functions
On Switch:
Turn Pre Amp On - VU Meter Light
Compression:
Insert compression circuit or bypass
Side Chain:
Use Side Chain input for triggering
Compression:
Soft or Hard Knee compression type
Detection:
Peak or RMS
High Pass Filter:
60, 90, 130 or 200 Hz high pass filter applied to Side Chain detection signal
Threshold:
Applied between -15dB and +15dB
Attack:
Attack time in milli seconds - .1 / .3 / 1 / 3 / 10 / 30
Release:
Release time in seconds - .1 / .3 / .6 / 1.2 / 1.5
Ratio:
Compression ratio selection 1.5 / 2 / 4 / 8 / 10
Blend:
Full Dry equivalent to 0% compression, Full Wet equivalent to 100% compression
Output Gain:
-60dB to +20dB Output Level control
VU Meter controls (L&R):
In - Input / Out - Output / GR - Gain Reduction
Input Connectors
Input (Female XLR):
50 kΩ
Side Chain Input (Female XLR):
50 kΩ
Output (Male XLR):
200 Ω
Audio Specifications
Noise Specification:
<-100dBu Input Terminated with 600 Ω, compressor ON and Output Gain set to 0dB
Frequency Response:
20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.25dB
Headroom:
> 20dB output level
Dynamic Range:
100 dB per AES17 Standard
Common Mode Rejection:
100Hz - 10kHz >90dB
Input and Output Impedance:
>10kΩ / <50 Ω
Indicators
Red Input Gain:
Input Overload
Red Output Gain:
Output Overload
Power Supply
100V - 240V (50/60Hz):
Switch mode power supply, fully shielded 3 amp peak output capability, quiescent consumption 0.5 Watts
Mechanical
1RU Steel enclosure
Aluminum front panel
Laser etched graphics
Milled aluminum knobs
