New API 2252 Stereo Bus Compressor

(Click for a close-up)

September 27, 1999 -- API announces the introduction of the 2252 Stereo Bus Compressor, a rack-mountable 19-inch unit with dual channel design. The API 2252 functions primarily as a stereo bus compressor but can be used as two separate units via single compression settings. The 2252 boasts a range of parameters that make it both uniquely versatile and incredibly musical.

With threshold settings between -20dB and +10dB and a variety of ratios to selectively vary the compression from almost zero to infinity, the 2252 performs subtle compression to brick wall limiting. Transients can be squashed with an attack time of 0.03ms or allowed to stand tall with an attack time of 30ms. Release times vary between 50ms and 3s. Depending on the application, the unit offers hard, medium or soft knee compression.

Unique to the 2252 is the use of Audio Toys Inc.'s (ATI) patented "Thrust" circuit before the RMS detector. Used successfully in the ATI Paragon Series live consoles, the circuit delivers a low end "punch" that rivals competitive units. This effect can be bypassed or moderated with a 2dB/oct high pass filter, or left fully in at 4bB/oct.

API pushes the envelope of flexibility further with selectable "Old" or "New" compression. The "Old" style uses the "feedback" type of compression found in the API 525 and the Fairchild 600, etc. The "New" style uses VCA modulated compression by an RMS detector, much like many of the dbx and SSL boxes. "With the API 2252, users get the best of both compression worlds in a single box," noted Paul Wolff, API's chief engineer.

The 2252's stereo coupling strength varies between 100% and 0% (dual mode) in six steps. A high or low pass filter may also be implemented to alter the coupling signal and improve the transfer of heavy low end or transients from one side to the other.

The 2252s output stage features API's auto-makeup gain button, permitting the user to vary the threshold or ratio while maintaining a constant output level. This feature makes live tracking or broadcasting considerably easier as the dynamic range can be manipulated without affecting the absolute output gain. The auto-makeup gain can be bypassed with a conventional gain knob, and the left channel can be trimmed +/-2dB to compensate for imaging problems. Fidelity is ensured with an all-discrete, fully balanced design, and two front panel VU meters show to input, output, and gain reduction levels.

"API has at long last decided to enter the stand alone compressor market with something that is unique to API. The API 2252 gives users more flexibility for use as a tracking device as well as a mix buss compressor," said Brad Lunde, president of Transamerica Audio Group, API's exclusive USA distributor. "Features such as selectable "feedback/feed forward" compression, the ability to operate threshold and output in a single integrated control and the ATI patented "Thrust" circuit makes the 2252 another API hit."

For more information, visit www.apiaudio.com.