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The Retro Instruments Revolver is a highly flexible two-channel all-tube compressor, hand built in the USA with that classic British tone. The Revolver is modeled after the legendary Altec 436 compressor but includes some expanded features to further control the compression in any stage from tracking, mixing to mastering.
Each channel has independent controls for Input, Output, Attack, Release and a Side Chain Filter with the options of 90 Hz and 250 Hz. By engaging the “Link” control, the Revolver will function as a true stereo compressor. The Dual Threshold Control is used to adjust the ratio between 1:5 and 5:1 on each channel, but can also be used to add amplifier saturation to thicken up a vocal, drum bus or the entire mix.
The Revolver is equipped with two beautifully designed and well-lit vintage-style VU meters. A “Meter Zero” control is conveniently located on the front panel to ensure the calibration is spot on every time. Tubes and other components are selected for top performance and proper stereo tracking.
Features:
A most desired compression signature
Ideal for the stereo bus and excels at tracking, mixing and mastering
Independent controls with stereo linking, continuously variable input, output, attack, release and threshold
Dual Threshold Control allows control of ratio and amplifier saturation
Low noise and high separation
Differential all-tube signal path
Transformer-balanced inputs and outputs on XLR connectors
Beautiful build quality and sound. Imparts a distinct sound on anything you run through it. Sounds great on vocals in tandem with my 1176 or just by itself.
Drum bus gets real powdery and big. The harder you compress the more the high end is accentuated. Love the sonic foot print of the device. Doesn’t work for every song or instrument but a great addition if you already have your quicker bus compression and tracking compression covered. I have a ssl style bus comp and purple audio mc77 so this filled the gap perfectly.
By John V on December 8, 2019
Killer! Since I got the Revolver in my studio, I haven’t used any of my other compressors for weeks. Love how hard I can hit this without any negative artifacts. Truly sounds great on everything, but I especially love how drums, bass & guitar sound through it. Playing with the threshold settings can give more or less color as desired & the side chain feature is really nice to have. The price for 2 channels of high end compression is very good as well. The only minor complaint would be that you can’t adjust threshold for each individual channel - the setting is for both channels. Not a huge deal, but would be a nice feature. In summary, amazing sound w lots of features/control. Highly recommend the Revolver!
By Jamie F on June 5, 2019
Compressor's are abundant and come in many flavors these days. Rarely does an analog one come along that takes the bar and moves it up a notch. The Revolver is one of those compression units that did exactly that. And best thing is it is STEREO, saturated with tube love and comes with a slick Retro ink pen! The only thing missing is a Pin Up calendar.
By Arlo W on February 20, 2019
I can’t say enough good things about it. The sound and build quality is amazing and the compressor just seems to hold things in place with out sounding squashed unless you want it to.
It's only Tuesday of NAMM week and new gear is being announced left and right. We're extremely excited about the brand new piece from Retro Instruments Inc. called the Revolver. This release from the brand who gave us classics like the 176, Sta-Level and Doublewide, is a dual-channel tube compressor inspired by the British Invasion.
The Revolver began as an experiment over seven years ago, as Retro built several units and began testing them in different studios. Designers took inspiration from the much-beloved British mod of the Altec 436, the classic compressor that was made famous by its use during sessions with The Beatles. Continue reading →
With the release of their latest creation, the Revolver, Retro Instruments has done it once again by reviving a beloved studio staple and updating it for the modern workflow. Just like other Retro Instrument releases in the past, the vintage vibe extends far beyond the Revolver's classic looking exterior.
Based on the legendary modded Altec 436, the Revolver is a dual-channel, all tube compressor that has been hand-built in the USA with that classic British tone. It’s also loaded with expanded features, making it a compressor that works in any stage from tracking to mastering. Continue reading →
Compressors and limiters are some of the most important and versatile tools that any audio engineer can use. Virtually every modern recording uses compression somewhere in the chain of tracking, mixing, and mastering. This ubiquity makes them valuable but also creates confusion when considering the many choices in the marketplace. To help straighten that out, we’ll discuss the main types of compressors and the terminology that explains their usage.
The purpose of a compressor is to even out the audio signal in order to tame loud transients and bring up lower amplitude material. Compressors were born out of necessity to fill that very straightforward role, to protect radio transmitters from overly hot signals, and to keep recordings in a narrower dynamic range that was easier to reproduce on tape or record. Continue reading →
Hughes Drive Productions is a recording, mixing and mastering facility located in scenic Huntington Beach, California. Led be head engineers Shawn Taylor and Ben Kanselbaum, the studio has hosted a wide array of musical acts, including New Leaf, Make West, Scrap Yard Aces and The Simpkin Project.
For the latest in our Studio Spotlight series, we sat down for a chat with Shawn to discuss life at Hughes Drive Productions and talk what else... Gear! Continue reading to find out how the studio runs sessions, in addition to learning more about Shawn's favorite records, audio goals and more. Continue reading →
When it comes to getting the best gear, your tastes are probably pretty particular. Vintage King can help answer any and every question to help you make the right decisions for your sound. Fill out the form below and we'll be in contact with you shortly.
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