Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor

Product Description

The Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor is a versatile compressor/limiter that offers multiple compression circuits and output transformers, giving you all the sonic options you need for tracking, mixing, and mastering. Independent optical and discrete compressor sections, plus three output transformer options, provide a palette of tonal options to suit any situation. Dual-mono and linked stereo modes make this an equally capable compressor for tracking, mixing, and mastering. Plus, the built-in sidechain filter helps tighten up low-end response for punchier mixes. From smoothing vocal tracks to gluing your mixes together, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor does it all.

DUAL COMPRESSION SECTIONS

The Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor's dual compression sections offer optical and VCA-based gain reduction on either channel, individually or in series. This two-stage design gives you the choice between transparent leveling, precise control, or both. Hardwired bypasses on each compressor section ensure that they don't impart any unwanted coloration when not in use. The Optical Section delivers smooth, program-dependent leveling modeled after a classic late-'60s optical compressor. Stepped Threshold and Gain controls make it easy to dial in your levels while the photocell works its magic, smoothing out tracks with a relaxed response that lets the music breathe. The Discrete Section employs a versatile VCA circuit with stepped Ratio, Attack, and Release controls for fast, responsive gain reduction and precise control. This stage is perfect for tightening up drum tracks, taming spiky acoustic instruments, and controlling transients for louder mixes and masters.

THREE SWITCHABLE OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS

Switch between three selectable output transformers to complement any signal with different flavors of harmonic and tonal character at the output stage. The front-panel transformer selector lets you audition the options instantly, helping you quickly dial in extra weight, clarity, or harmonics. These options make the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor an extremely versatile choice for any genre of music.

• Nickel Transformer: The Nickel transformer provides a great balance of low-frequency weight and smooth high-frequency extension, reinforcing fundamental tones while adding presence without harshness. Nickel is a great option for beefing up lead vocals, acoustic instruments, and clean electric tones.
• Iron Transformer: The Iron transformer delivers clear, present highs with a slight boost around 110 Hz and musical even-order harmonic distortion thanks to its Class A output stage. Iron adds a sense of analog warmth without sacrificing top-end clarity, helping instruments cut through and mixes sound more cohesive.
• Steel Transformer: The Steel Transformer offers an open, detailed response with a subtle 40 Hz lift for a modern sound anchored by rock-solid low end. Its fast response makes it ideal for processing drum busses, enhancing mix busses, or mastering pop and hip-hop.

STEREO AND DUAL MONO MODES

The Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Compressor can be configured for linked stereo operation or dual-mono processing, making it a versatile choice for tracking, mixing and mastering. 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 compressor's built-in sidechain filter rolls off frequencies below 90 Hz in the detector circuit to prevent excessive low-end energy from triggering the compressor. Engage this filter to avoid pumping artifacts on drum busses and bass-heavy mixes, or control bass tracks without sacrificing too much dynamic range (note: this is a fixed-frequency sidechain filter, not an external sidechain input).