Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor - Class A VK Edition

Product Description

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor - Class A VK Limited Edition is a limited-edition version of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, featuring a Class A discrete gain-makeup section, Lundahl input transformers, and an exclusive copper faceplate with a matching PSU. Designed for mastering engineers, mix engineers, and tracking studios alike, the Class A VK Limited Edition delivers the sound and flexibility that made the original a modern classic, including separate VCA and optical compressor sections, switchable output transformers, stereo and dual-mono modes, a built-in switchable sidechain filter, and more. Limited to just 10 units worldwide, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor - Class A VK Limited Edition is both a collector’s item and a studio workhorse that will serve you for years to come.

CLASS A CIRCUITRY

Aside from the heavy-duty solid copper faceplate, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor - Class A VK Limited Edition introduces a number of technical upgrades as well. Under the hood, the updated Class A discrete gain makeup section delivers greater clarity and 3D qualities versus the already world-class sonics of the standard edition. Carefully selected Lundahl input transformers offer improved noise rejection and openness. Plus, each unit has been hand-built with Mogami oxygen-free wire for long-lasting quality.

EXCLUSIVE COPPER FACEPLATE AND PSU

Inspired by the brand’s limited-edition Mono GAMA Hammer Forged preamps, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor - Class A VK Limited Edition features a sleek copper faceplate and PSU, giving the unit a distinctive appearance. With a custom-engraved, art deco-inspired design, the Class A VK Limited Edition looks just as inspiring as it sounds.

DISCRETE AND OPTICAL COMPRESSOR SECTIONS

The Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor - Class A VK Limited Edition features two compression sections, offering both optical and VCA-based gain reduction. Both sections can operate independently on each channel or be used in series. This two-stage design allows for flexible dynamics control, offering transparent leveling, precise adjustment, or a combination of both. Each compressor section includes a hardwire bypass to ensure your signal remains completely neutral when not engaged.

The Optical Section focuses on smooth, program-dependent leveling inspired by a classic late-'60s optical compressor. With stepped Threshold and Gain controls, setting optimal levels is quick and easy. The Discrete Section incorporates a responsive VCA circuit with stepped controls for Ratio, Attack, and Release. This provides fast, accurate gain reduction suitable for tightening drum tracks, managing the peaks of percussive acoustic instruments, and refining transients for louder, more polished mixes.

THREE SWITCHABLE OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS

The output stage offers a selection of three switchable transformers, each delivering unique harmonic and tonal characteristics. The front-panel selector makes it easy to quickly audition each option and find the perfect setting for each track.

• Nickel Transformer: The nickel transformer offers a balanced tonal profile with a tight punchy low end and a smooth high-frequency response. It adds depth and presence without harshness, making it ideal for lead vocals, acoustic instruments, and clean electric sounds.
  
• Iron Transformer: The iron transformer excels at delivering clear highs and a slight boost around 110 Hz for added weight. Its Class A output stage introduces musical even-order harmonic distortion, imparting a warm analog feel that helps instruments cut through dense mixes.
  
• Steel Transformer: Finally, the steel transformer provides an open, detailed tonal character with a subtle 40 Hz lift, delivering a modern sound with a strong low-end. Its quick response makes it perfect for processing drum buses or enhancing mix buses during mastering.
  

STEREO AND DUAL-MONO MODES

With both stereo and dual-mono modes, the Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor - Class A VK Limited Edition seamlessly adapts to tracking, mixing, or mastering workflows. Use dual-mono mode for recording or two-stage compression techniques in your mixes, then switch to stereo mode for processing drums, beefing up your mix bus, or putting the final polish on a master.

BUILT-IN SIDECHAIN FILTER

The onboard sidechain filter rolls off frequencies below 90 Hz in the detector circuit to prevent excessive low-end energy from triggering the compressor. Simply flip the filter switch to reduce pumping artifacts on drum buses and bass-heavy mixes, or control bass tracks without sacrificing too much dynamic range.