S3 Multi-Band Stereo Tube Compressor
The new S3 Stereo Three Band Tube 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 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 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.
Main Features:
- FULLY BALANCED SIGNAL PATH CLASS A DESIGN
- ISOLATION TRANSFORMERS IN AND OUT
- 20 x ACTIVE TUBE STAGES
- HIGH POWER ‘PUSH/PULL’ OUTPUT STAGE DELIVERING UP TO +30dBm
- VARIABLE BAND SPLIT POINTS
- FAST REACTING ‘OVEN’ CONTROLLED LDR’S TO MAINTAIN CALIBRATION ACCURACY
- SWITCHABLE ‘PEAK’ OR ‘VU’ METERING TO DISPLAY TRANSIENTS
- SWITCHABLE +10dB OR +20dB METER RE-SCALE MODES
- ‘AIR’ MODE FOR HIGH BAND
- ‘BIG’ MODE FOR LOW BAND
- SWITCHABLE MUTE AND BYPASS ON EACH BAND
- INDIVIDUAL GAIN REDUCTION METERING ON ALL BANDS
