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Grace Design m502 Optical Compressor

500 Series 1-channel Optical Compressor
Item ID: m502

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Grace Design m502 Optical Compressor
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Add Crystal-clear Compression to Your 500 Series Rack

The Grace Design's m502 single-channel opto compressor gives you the same amazingly clear compression as their rackmount m102 compressor, but in a handy 500 Series format. Everyone at Sweetwater is excited about this amazing design from Grace. It's the totally transparent optical compressor you've been waiting for, and it's ready for anything you can throw at it. Pair it with an m501 for a perfectly colorless channel strip, or add neutral compression to your favorite vintage-style preamp. Not matter how hard you hit it, the Grace Design m502 will deliver incredibly clear compression!

Grace Design m502 500 Series Opto Compressor at a Glance:
  • Extreme tonal purity
  • Straightforward operation
  • Seamless integration
Extreme tonal purity

We could go on all day about the technical differences between the current-feedback-based transimpedance amplifiers Grace Design uses and typical voltage-feedback op amps, but it's the kind of clarity you simply have to hear. The best part about the m502's extremely clear optical compression is that you can couple it with any other gear and get amazing results. Paired with a transparent preamp (such as the m501) and you get the compression you need, without coloration. Paired with a highly colorful preamp (think API, Chandler, etc.), you get sonic warmth without adding too much character to your sound. That makes the m502 a perfect addition to any 500 Series rig!

Straightforward operation

These days, it seems like gear manufacturers are downright obsessed with adding every extraneous bell and whistle to their gear that they can get their hands on. That's particularly frustrating when it comes to 500 Series modules. What's nice about the Grace Design m502 is that it gives you exactly the controls you need (threshold, attack, release, ratio, as well as both input and output gain), so you can simply dial in the level of compression you need. That kind of control is extremely rare for a genuine optical attenuator-based compressor!

Seamless integration

How will your Grace Design m502 fit into your system? One of the nice things about the m502 is that it's ready to drop into any 500 Series rack. Whether it's your tracking rig or your mixing rack, the m502 is perfect for the job. Grace Design built the m502 with the latest 500 Series rack technology in mind. Its circuit board header and connector layout allow for stereo linking, and it even includes inputs for side chaining and advanced routing over the Radial Workhorse Bussfeed. There's also a handy front-panel bypass switch, so you can easily A/B your dynamics.

Grace Design m502 500 Series Opto Compressor Features:
  • Elegantly simple, ultra-clean 500 Series optical compressor that lets you level signal without distorting your sound
  • DIal in anything form subtle dynamic control to heavy compression, without significantly altering your sound
  • Comprehensive control set includes input level, threshhold, attack, release, ratio, and makeup gain
  • Bright, easy-to-read 10-segment LED gain reduction meters
  • Bi-color output peak LED lights green with signal present and red 8dB before clipping
  • Circuit board header/connectors allow for stereo linking, sidechain input, and Radial Workhorse Bussfeed
  • Precision audio path with 0.5% precision metal film resistors
  • Heavy-duty laser-etched black anodized frontpanel
  • 5-year transferable warranty on parts and labor
  • Proudly made in the USA
Get the smooth, transparent, and crystal-clear compression you've always wanted, with the affordable Grace Design m502 500 Series opto compressor!

Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Manufacturer Part Number: AM502

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