Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor

Description

The CL 1B Compressor from Tube-Tech is an all-tube compressor renowned for the natural, transparent compression it provides on vocals and instruments. At the heart of the CL 1B is an all-tube amplifier with push-pull configuration and an output transformer, yielding a classic tube sound without obvious compression. The CL 1B is particularly prized for the control it offers over attack and release times, including a unique Fix/Man setting that enables program-dependent compression based on the input signal. Up to 10 CL 1B units can be linked together to share the same compression settings.

All-Tube Amplifier Delivers Coveted Tube Sound

The CL 1B Compressor features an all-tube amplifier with two tubes in push-pull configuration, including an ECC 83 preamp tube and ECC 82 output tube. The amplifier and transformer are housed on a single PC board, providing a balanced, floating 600-ohm input and output. The all-tube design is responsible for the classic tube sound the CL 1B is known for, with smooth, musical compression and rich harmonic detail.

Innovative Attack/Release Control for Automatic or Manual Operation

Unlike other compressors, the CL 1B offers a choice between fixed and variable attack/release times or a Fix/Man setting that combines both. In Fix/Man mode, the attack time is always fast while the release time is program dependent, altering based on the input signal. The attack control functions as a delay, determining how long it takes for the release setting to activate once a signal peak has passed. This results in automatic compression with a fast attack, fast release for short peaks and longer release for sustained peaks.

Multi-Link Capability for Shared Compression Across Units

The CL 1B allows up to 10 individual compressors to be linked together through the unit´s sidechain circuit. Once linked, the compressors will share the same compression settings and characteristics, with the unit providing the most compression controlling the others. The multi-link function provides enhanced control and consistency for overall mix compression.

Additional Features for Premium Performance

Beyond its all-tube design and innovative controls, the CL 1B Compressor offers additional features for premium performance. Its non-degrading gain reduction element provides consistent, long-term operation without signal degradation. Balanced I/O and floating transformers offer maximum isolation and noise rejection. A switch on the front panel selects which compressors are linked together and the link bus they are connected to.

Features

• Non-degrading optical gain reduction element
• All-tube amplification
• Linkable for stereo applications - up to ten units
• Sidechain
• VU-meters showing output or compression
• Fix/Man mode allows automatic program-dependent operation
• Conductive plastic potentiometers
• Gold plated switches
• Clickless bypass relay
• Analog Outputs XLR
• Analog Inputs XLR

Specs

• Frequency-response: 5 Hz - 60 kHz +0/-3 dB
• Distortion (THD) (40 Hz): 0 dBU: < 0.15 %, 10 dBU: < 0.15 %, maximum output (1 % THD): +26,0 Dbu, maximum input (1 % THD): +21,0 dBU
  Noise: Gain = 0 dB: -80,0 dBU (Unweighted) -70,0 dBU (CCIR 468-3); Gain = +10 dB: -80,0 dBU (Unweighted) -70,0 dBU (CCIR 468-3)
• Input impedance: 600 Ohms
• Output impedance: < 60 Ohms
  Compression Ratio (cont. var.): 2:1 to 10:1
• Threshold (cont. var.): -40 dBU to +20 DBU
• Gain (cont. var.): off to +30 dB
• Tracking between interconnected compressors: (0 to 30 dB compression): < +/- 1 dB