Always excited to see just how they can improve on and expand the functions of a classic,
\nHeritage Audio has decided to produce an optical tube compressor. It is well know that tube
\ncompression, especially that based on an optical design, is generally considered to be warmer
\nthan VCA and FET designs, and it tends to provide a very pleasant, more natural, smoother
\nresult. This has made it the preferred choice for seasoned engineers and producers that want to
\nprovide a very transparent control over a signal while offering a hint of enhancement but
\nkeeping true to the original tone. For this very reason optical tube compressors are usually the
\nfirst thing one reaches for when dealing with critical vocals and bass signals. The
\nTUBESESSOR is the perfect option for this.
\nAnalog excellence is achieved by combining an all tube-based amplification stage with an
\noutstanding UTC A10 input transformer replica by AMI, as well as a custom all-silicon steel
\noutput transformer. With an elevated internal operating voltage you can be sure the
\nTUBESESSOR will heat up any signal while also maintaining its character and vibe. No starved
\nplate circuits here! Never has dynamics control been so easily obtainable while at the same
\ntime so invisible. Even with generous amounts of gain reduction being applied anything
\nprocessed with the TUBESESSOR still maintains its clarity and depth.
\nThanks to the TUBESESSOR \u0301S three unit high front panel you \u0301ll find plenty of room to adjust
\nthe large Herchild-style knobs making it a breeze to achieve the desired sound. No cramped
\nspaces here, just plenty of space to easily and quickly adjust the settings to taste. The only bad
\nthing about this is that you \u0301ll dread returning to a confined one space unit much less a tiny 500
\nseries module. In this case, size does matter…
\nNow, we all know it would not be a Heritage Audio product without our expertise and passion
\nchanneled into a couple key features that take the TUBESESSOR to another dimension.
\nFirst of all, for those times when a bit more texture and bite is called for, there \u0301s nothing better
\nthan a little saturation…or maybe a lot. The innovative TUBE SATURATION section takes full
\nadvantage of a creamy sounding NOS Raytheon double triode tube to add in just a pinch of
\naggression or fully transform the signal into something ready for war. It, importantly, works in
\ntandem with the custom output transformer to produce the right harmonic content. There are 4
\navailable settings that vary from CLASSIC, no saturation, all the way to HOT, a heavily treated<\/p>\n
signal. This feature alone opens up a ton of possibilities for drums and other instruments vastly<\/p>\n
expanding the TUBESESSOR \u0301S uses. And thanks to Heritage Audio \u0301s use of an audiophile-
\ngrade Psvane dual output triode in a totem pole configuration, a solid output stage is<\/p>\n
guaranteed all while allowing much higher headroom than other tube compressors, whether
\nvintage or modern.
\nSecondly, there are also five internal sidechain filter settings to choose from. This is the exact
\nsame filter section that helped the SUCCESSOR obtain its legendary status. Two of the options
\nmake sure the compressor is not being unfairly overpowered by lower frequencies and the other
\nthree are frequency specific options for extra creativity.
\nContinuously adjustable ATTACK & RELEASE controls in addition to a FIXED mode and a
\ncombination of the two will provide all the necessary settings possible, allowing you to mold your
\nsignal exactly as you \u0301d like. A huge, attractive custom VU meter for monitoring either Input,
\nOutput or Gain Reduction guarantees you \u0301ll always be informed with a clear reading of exactly
\nwhat is happening. Everything you could possibly require to achieve a top-notch professional
\nrecording.
\nAs is the case with other tube offerings from Heritage Audio, the company has sourced NOS
\ntubes for a lifetime, making sure your investment is safe and sound.<\/p>\n
BULLET LINES
\n– Optical Compression Detection
\n– All Tube-Based Amplification Stage
\n– Fully Transformer Balanced Input & Output
\n– Tube Saturation Section
\n– Large Friendly Interface
\n– Extensive Attack & Release Control
\n– 5 Built-In Sidechain Filtering Options
\n– Huge Informative VU Meter
\n– Built Like A Tank<\/p>\n