The new S3 Stereo Three Band Optical Compressor incorporates the very latest in Ivor Drawmer designs and the aim from the very beginning was to create a ‘no technical compromise’ circuit using only the highest grade components. The S3 forms the basis of a ‘Signature Series’ and offers previously unattainable control and tonality over each of the three bands – gain control at each stage provides precise spectral balancing.
The S3 forms the basis of a ‘Signature Series’ and offers previously unattainable control and tonality over each of the three bands – gain control at each stage provides precise spectral balancing.
The signal path consists of high performance input/output transformers, passive components and 10 x tubes (8 x ECC83 and 2 x 12BH7) configured as a fully balanced Class A design.
Because the LDR’s (Light Dependent Resistors) in the opto-compressors are temperature sensitive
the S3 houses an ‘electronic oven’ which provides and sustains the optimum LDR operating
temperature – thereby maintaining calibration accuracy and improving performance. A front panel LED indicates temperature status.
Large scale VU meters can be switched to ‘Peak’ mode to show transient information. Two further VU meter re-scale modes are available (+10dB and +20dB) to accurately display the unit’s ability to output levels of up to +30dBm.
The master output section includes controls for both Gain and stereo balance to compensate for source material with a Left/Right imbalance or disproportionate processing.