Smart Research C2 Dual Mono Compressor

The characteristic sound of this unit arises mostly from the fast response at the onset of compression, which when delayed to occur around the mid range attack settings (after 0.3 to 3 milliseconds) results in a window through which transients can still pass. When used across a mix, or with any dynamic program, this has the effect of adding 'punch', as the sidechain 'breathes' around these transients, while still controlling overall levels. CRUSH mode has been developed as an extension of this 'musicality', adding to and accentuating the factors involved in producing the character of the unit. CRUSH may sound surprising to those interested in more gentle applications, being capable of exaggerated compression effects, but in conjunction with the fast limit settings also introduced with this unit, it allows the C2 to be used for a much wider range of applications than the C1.

A multi-channel system comprises a master C2 or MC2 unit, to which is added one additional remote controlled 1RU audio rack per pair of extra channels needed. A four channel system would therefore need one master C2 (or MC2), and one RC2 ('Remote C2'). The system can be extended as needed, for more or less channels, or the additional channels unplugged and the master unit used on its own functioning as a normal unit (the only difference being that the 'sidechain' XLR connectors on the rear panel are changed to multi-pin types for additional control lines to and from the RC2 chain).

This approach has been adopted for two reasons: first as the most adaptable in allowing for different choices of mix formats and the ability for additional RC2 channel capacity to 'float' between control rooms or be purchased as needed, and second because of being able to offer the RC2 unit at a more reasonable sale price than a complete unit. In allowing for the above configuration, we have also provided for further customizing. The master C2 unit has an external fader input, and we would be happy to discuss any further modifications required.

FEATURES

• Fast attack and limit settings for protective limiting
• Crush Mode gives FET "overcompression" with tailored frequency response and higher distortion
• External sidechain inputs
• Ratios - 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 10:1 and Limit
• Attack - 0, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10 and 30 m/sec
• Release - 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 seconds
• All input and outputs balanced

SPECIFICATIONS

• Noise floor: Below -104sBm (flat 20Hz - 20kHz)
• Distortion: Below 0.005% (1K/+4 THD 20Hz - 20kHz)
• Frequency Response: Within 1/2dB from 20Hz to 100kHz
• Main Input: Balanced, Impedance 1K8 per leg
• Sidechain Input: Balanced, Impedance 10K per leg
• Output: Discrete transistor. Above +26dBm into 600Ω load
• Threshold: Adjustable -20 to +20dBm
• Make-up gain: Adjustable 0 to +20dBm