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SKU

266

Please note: this item is available for purchase in the United States only.

Tube-Tech CL 2A Dual-Channel Tube Compressor

Dual-channel tube compressor featuring low-distortion optical gain reduction element

MFR# CL2A

Product Description

The Tube-Tech CL 2A is a two channel all-tube opto compressor, featuring two independent channels. The optical gain reduction element is placed after the input transformer and followed by an all tube-based output amplifier with a +10 dB gain. A link switch is provided for use of the two separate compressors in stereo mode or for linking several compressors together. Both Input and Output are balanced and have fully floating transformers with a static screen.

The power supply and the sidechain circuit are based on solid state designs. With the exception of the anode voltage for the output stage, all DC voltages are stabilized.

CL 2A is a great compressor on all sources, and it is widely known as an excellent “problem solver” when delicate gain control is called for. Use it on keyboards, guitars, vocals or even on the mix buss – the result is always musical, smooth and transparent. Among engineers, the CL 2A is loved because of its ability to keep instruments at their right place in the mix, while still retaining their dynamics.

FEATURES:

  • Low-distortion optical gain reduction element
  • All-tube based push-pull amplifier
  • Frequency response @-3 dB: 5 Hz to 60 kHz
  • Low noise: <-80 dBU @10 dB gain
  • CMRR: > 60 dB @10 kHz
  • Variable ratio from 1.5:1 to 10:1
  • Continuously variable attack and release times
  • Output gain: Off to +10 dBU
  • Variable threshold: Off to -20 dBU
  • VU meters show output or compression
  • Linkable for stereo applications
  • Interconnection of several compressors via two busses
  • Clickless In/Out relay
  • Conductive plastic potentiometers
  • Gold plated switches
  • Input and output are transformer balanced and fully floating

Product Specifications

Condition New
Tube or Solid State Tube
Channels Dual-Channel
Chassis 19-inch Rack-mount
Rack Spaces 2U
Digital I/O No
Input Connectors Analog XLR
Output Connectors Analog XLR
Compression Type Optical

Product Reviews

5 out of 5 stars.
Review Count (1)

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So far I have been using it for tracking mostly. It makes the track stay on its side of the bed while also putting the listener in the room without artifacts or even being heard. I wanted a tube/optical compressor in my signal chain mostly because that is what I was used to hearing from years as a session player. It covers those basses and more. I use it for very subtle purposes so far. The music I have been working on has been either chamber music or singer songwriter stuff. I haven’t used it for squashing or anything like that yet so I can’t speak to that aspect of it. I’m looking forward to pushing it when the time comes. The CLA-2A does have a subtle flavor of its own but it is not obtrusive at all and it a very very nice flavor.

By Liminal S on March 30, 2020

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The speed of delivery exceeded my expectations! I was VERY pleased that my shipment arrived in time for a scheduled vocal tracking session. The packing insured that my order arrived safely. And the sales staff responded quickly to questions regarding the product.
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