Focusrite Announces the Compounder

(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.