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Please fill out the form below and a Vintage King Audio Consultant will contact you with a ship date for the Smart Research C1LA 500 Series Compressor/Limiter.
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The Smart Research C1LA is a two channel compressor/limiter, released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original C1 Stereo/Dual Mono unit, and the 50th anniversary of North American distributor, Sunset Sound. It is a versatile unit, housed in a two-module wide 500-series format, with three main modes of operation offering a range of possibilities. It can be used for all stereo or single channel signal applications: as a main mix bus compressor; for sub-mixes; or for tracking either mono or stereo sources.For 25 years Smart Research compressors have been used across many mixes: with artists as diverse as the Rolling Stones to the Three Tenors. The C1LA shares this history by including the same electronics and settings as the original C1, but with several new features.A Tri-Mode C1Each channel can either be used independently, or in Stereo mode both are summed into the side-chain to eliminate any image shift. The C1LA also has the ability to DC-Link the side-chain signals in Stereo mode, allowing for more movement, while still preserving the stereo image. And for those who prefer to compress both sides of a mix without linking: when operating independently both channelʼs controls are ganged.Mix GlueThe essence of the sound is determined by its dynamic performance: the way it reacts around transients creating its signature. In many situations, best results can be from medium-slow attack; and medium-fast release settings: passing transients present in a signal, while the compression law and timings then played out as the side-chain reacts and recovers both controls the overall levels and adds ʻpunchʼ as the transients are shaped. The ʻSOFTʼ mode in the C1LA also adds a new compression curve, acting not just at the threshold knee point, but across a broad input range of about 15dB.Features:
"Wow, this thing is killer! Love it. Keeping it for sure!" - Grammy-award winning producer David Kahne
Hey Jeff (Ehrenberg),
Got the C1LA today. I had a mix up on the console so I swapped out the Neve for the Smart so I could test it out. That little thing sounds fucking great! I was a little skeptical if a 500 series comp could sound big enough for the master buss, but man I'm a total believer now. I never thought I would say this, but with the added features of the C1LA I actually prefer it and would choose it over the original C1. Those filters and the new available sidechain and knee settings make this thing so bad ass. It's perfect. Thanks for the great advice and service. Can't believe you were able to get it to me next day when I didn't even call you until 4:30 PM. You Rock! Patrick
It's true. I don't understand why there is so much mystery and why it is so complicated to upgrade the transformers. The machine sounds spectacular. Essential link in my audio chain, both in the studio and live.
The C1LA brings the SSL sound to mixing tracks and has become indispensable for drum buss duty. Lots of helpful options. Wish those transformer upgrades were more easily obtained so going to drop the rating down a star. Overall very pleased.
The best gear advice always comes from those who use it the most. That's where you come in! Let the pro audio world hear your voice with a review of the Smart Research C1LA 500 Series Compressor/Limiter . Once you submit your review, please check your email and verify your address to have it posted.
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In our latest Studio Spotlight interview, we're chatting with Gustavo Porras and getting the lowdown on all things Red Lion Audio. Read on to learn more about the studio's set-up, Gustavo's latest gear acquisitions, why he chose the API The Box II console for this space and so much more.
Describe Red Lion Audio for us. What's the layout like? Red Lion Audio is located in a quiet complex in Edgewood, Florida. The studio is over 1200 sq ft. and divided into a lounge room, control room and live room. The control room is equipped with the API The Box 2 Console, a Burl Audio B80 Mothership, Barefoot Sound MM27 monitors and loads of other outboard gear. We've got gear from Neve, Chandler Limited, SSL, Retro Instruments, Looptrotter, etc.
The Live Room is a 600 sq ft. space with a 12’ ceiling and is fully equipped with various amps and a big selection of drums. In terms of amps, we have Marshalls, Orange, Ampeg, Soladano, Divided by 13, Fender, Metropoulos, Bogner and more. For drums, we have a Yamaha Recording Custom, DW Collector, Q Drums and A&F drums.
How would you describe your studio workflow? Each piece of gear we select is handpicked to our tastes and everything is normalized in our patch bay to save time during mixing and tracking and achieve the best quality sound in our production.
What do you like most about working on that desk? The way I can mix with two hands without having to use a mouse. I can shape the sound how I want it much faster than using outboard gear and not need to worry about latency issues. I can also use my Bricasti Design M7 reverb with my aux send and return and that's all I need!
What's an essential piece of gear to your process and why? Besides the API The Box 2 console, I would say the Smart Research C1LA Compressor, API 2500, SSL Fusion and Kush Audio Clariphonic are essential pieces of gear that I always use during my mixdown.
What are your go-to microphones for tracking? For vocals, I like the Upton 251 for modern sounding vocals and Neumann U87 for classic rock vocals. On guitar, I usually use a Royer Labs R-121 and Beyerdynamic M 160. If we're talking drums, a pair of Coles 4038 for overheads and a pair of AEA R84A for room mics.
What was your most recent gear purchase? How has it changed what's going on at Red Lion Audio? I just got a Burl Audio B80 Mothership BMB4 filled with BAD4M, BDA4M, BAD8 and BDA8 cards. This gives me the best audio quality that you can ever have.
What's an album that really changed the way you look at music? What about the record stands out to you? Production-wise, the Beatles' Revolver because they were making music way ahead of their time. Sound-wise, Muse's The 2nd Law. That is the sound of a perfect mix to me.
Who are some of your favorite engineers and producers? Chris Lord-Alge, George Martin and my friend Sam Guaiana. He is killing it in the mixing game.
What's the greatest piece of advice you've received about working in the recording studio? Always record guitars using a DI and always use an analyzed spectrum on your mix buss.