Stam Audio SA-609 Analog VCA Compressor / Limiter
- SA-609
Description
The 33609 was an evolution of several previous Neve creations, and found its way into the mixing and mastering chain of studios worldwide. Noted mainly for its ability to glue elements of a mix together, it was also prized for its ability to add colour compression, or transparent limiting, depending on the user?s desire.
Affectionately known by many as the ?Metal Knob? compressor, the 33609 utilised a diode-bridge based topology, and spawned several revisions since its inception in 1969. Our SA-609 strictly follows the original ?Metal Knob? schematic with the use of BA440 cards and Sowter-Carnhill transformers that reproduce the characteristics of the original Marinairs used on the initial version.
High quality stepped controls allow for easy recall of settings and, and when used for mastering duties provided a higher degree of precision.
With the same hand wired transformers and feedback circuit as the classic Neve 2254, the SA-609 is the ideal compressor for the stereo bus on audio mixing and mastering duties, as well as broadcasting applications.
The SA-609 offers a very transparent compression with its lowest 1.5:1 ratio setting, or can be slammed up to 6:1 to get as much attitude as you desire. Its uses are not limited to the master bus. The original was commonly used on drums, vocals, pianos, and other acoustic instruments due to its ability to tame even the most complex source, and the SA-609 replicates this perfectly.
Overall compression is displayed by the front panel with vu meters. Each compression channel has threshold, release, makeup-gain, and ratio controls. The makeup-gain circuit is great for adding a little more grit and warmth to any source, and can be used even if no compression is required. Each channel is also equipped with a brick-wall limiter that has threshold and recovery controls, which is placed after the compression circuit. If you wish, the limiter can be bypassed completely for applications where limiting is not necessary.
For complete flexibility, the SA-609 can be used in linked stereo mode, or the channels can be separated for use as a dual mono compressor. Dual mono mode is ideal for a mix that has a lot of dynamics between the right and left channels.
100% satisfaction guarantee ? if you don?t love your SA-609, we?ll refund you
If you?ve used an original metal knob Neve 33609 before, we?re extremely confident the SA-609 will put a big smile on your face every time you use it. However, if you?ve never touched the original before, as gear-lovers ourselves we understand that the only way to really know if this compressor is right for you is to put it through its paces. That?s why the SA-609 comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. This allows you to get it into your studio and see how it impacts upon your recordings. If you love it (and we think you will!), great?keep the unit and create amazing music with it. If not, no problems. Just send it back to us and we?ll fully refund your purchase. Don?t worry, whichever way you decide to go we will remain friends
Technical Specs
Input and inter-stage transformer
Output transformer
True to the original 33609 A schematic
Ratios: 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6
Attack Time: 3 ms (compressor), slow 4 ms, fast 2 ms
Release times : 100 ms ? 400 ms, 800 ms, 1.5 s, Auto 1 (100 ms to 2 seconds) and Auto 2 (50 ms to 5 seconds)
Premium Ohmite NOS carbon resistors as original
Premium Vishay/Phillips capacitors as original
Sifam Knobs
Less than 0.5% THD
XLR inputs
XLR outputs
Voltage switch selector (115V or 230V)
Internal toroidal transformer
Final assembly by hand in Chile
2-year warranty
Final assembly by hand in Chile
30-day money back guarantee