Pendulum ES-8 Limiter #1129 (Used)

The 6386 and ES-8 are modern two channel limiters designed to have the compression characteristics of a vintage unit, but with a higher level of sonic accuracy. Rather than trying to recreate the past, we've taken an entirely different approach. The 6386 uses the gain control tube (remote cutoff triode) found in the vintage Fairchild limiters to provide the classic feedback response unique to the characteristics of this class of tubes. The ES-8 uses a different remote-cutoff triode with the same dynamic characteristics. Subsequent amplification is accomplished with a Class A, balanced transformerless line amp, rather than the push-pull transformer output stage used on vintage variable-mu units. The result is a new class of limiters that possess the 'dynamic signature' of a classic tube compressor, but with a more accurate, less colored signal path. The two units are identical, except for the tube used for gain reduction.

Features:

• Classic feedback compression with the same compression profile as the Fairchild 660 and 670
• Modern class A, solid-state gain make-up stage for wide bandwidth and low distortion
• Soft-knee design with smooth transition from compression to limiting
• Fast attack (0.5ms) and release times ideal for tight program compression or tracking
• Low noise and superior transient response
• Three sidechain operating modes: Fast, Presets and Manual
• Two completely independent channels with stereo linking
• Tubes calibrated for precise stereo balance
• Hard bypass switches for each channel
• Sidechain inserts for frequency-dependent compression and de-essing
• Transformerless balanced output stage capable of delivering +27dBu
• Soft-start warm-up with outputs bypassed until all voltages are stabilized
• Gold-plated relay contacts, I/O connectors and tube sockets
• Fully regulated high voltage (250V), filament and bipolar power supplies
• Custom toroidal power transformer with shield for minimum hum
• Polypropylene capacitors and metal film resistors
• Limited production, hand-built product