The '70s-era Cult Classic Dynamics Processor Returns
The original '70s-era Omnipressor is a cult classic among studio engineers. Only a few hundred of these multifaceted dynamics processors were built, and they can perform feats that few other studio compressors dare to attempt. Based on the coveted blackface unit, the Eventide Omnipressor Model 2830 Au is a spot-on reissue of this underrated classic, but with a few new tricks up its sleeve. The Au model boasts the same circuitry and sound as the original hardware unit, and it can faithfully replicate all its forerunner's exclusive dynamical shenanigans, including its trademark — and wildly unorthodox — dynamics processing, dynamic reversal, variable gating, expansion, compression, infinite compression, and limiting. The 2830 Au also offers numerous upgrades over its predecessor, including the ability to link multiple units, input and output transformers, a universal power supply, a backlit meter, and convenient TRS/XLR connectors. Original Omnipressor rackmount units are scarce; they rarely pop up on the used market, and when they do, they're in disrepair and they cost a fortune. Now, for the first time in 50 years, you can get your hands on a genuine, brand-spanking-new unit directly from Eventide: the Omnipressor Model 2830 Au.
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There's no substitute for a genuine Omnipressor
Back in the 1970s, Eventide released the original Omnipressor. This unconventional dynamics processor is widely considered the first studio hardware to encourage the use of dynamics as a special effect. Indeed, Sweetwater engineers who were around in those days can remember wielding one of these units to craft weird reverse dynamic effects, infinite compression, variable gating, and many other effects that have yet to be duplicated with contemporary hardware units. It was also one of the first compressors to make use of a separate sidechain. Two iterations of the Omnipressor were introduced: the lesser-known whiteface Model 2826 and the now-coveted blackface Model 2830. Unfortunately, supply chain difficulties led to the Omnipressor's discontinuation after only a few hundred units. Thus, the only way to get your hands on a real-deal Eventide Omnipressor has been on the used market. The rest of us have had to make do with a software plug-in. Until now, that is. Thanks to the Eventide Omnipressor Model 2830 Au, one of the industry's most mysterious — and coveted — hardware processors is once again available. And it only took 50 years!
Delivers an endless array of dynamics processing effects
The coolest thing about the Eventide Omnipressor Model 2830 Au is that it can produce any dynamics-centric effect you can think of, including many that you can't easily achieve with other studio processors — it's a true one-stop shop for all your compression needs. The 2830 Au offers dynamics processing with a unique character, arming you with a bottomless well of otherworldly sounds. It delivers dynamic reversal effects, unique gating effects, expansion, variable and infinite compression, and super-fast limiting. Its Function control sets a ratio over a continuous range, enabling extreme expansion to infinite compression, and is able to push further into dynamic reversal. You also get variable control of attack and release times, as well as maximum gain and attenuation and sidechaining for driving the unit with another audio source. The Omnipressor Model 2830 Au definitely has what it takes to be one of your studio's most potent secret weapons.
Offers improvements over the original hardware
The Eventide Omnipressor Model 2830 Au is a meticulous re-creation of its predecessor, assembled using original hand-drawn schematics from the Eventide archives. Moreover, this faithful replica was designed with same circuitry and sound as the original blackface Model 2830 Omnipressor. That said, the Au model includes several new features that weren't included on the '70s-era unit, including the ability to link multiple units and input and output audio transformers — a costly option on the original hardware. You also get a universal power supply, an easy-to-read backlit meter, and practical TRS/XLR connectors instead of the original unit's terminal strip. And, when you factor in the reliability of a brand-new unit, there are few convincing reasons why you'd want to procure a barely functioning vintage Omnipressor for three times the price.
Eventide Omnipressor Model 2830 Au Dynamics Processor Features:
- Replicates the form, function, and sound of a '70s-era blackface Model 2830 Omnipressor
- Offers dynamics processing with a unique character
- Dynamic reversal simulates tape reversal making soft signals loud and loud signals quiet
- Gating squashes the amplitude of signals that fall below a set threshold
- Expansion widens a signal's dynamic range
- Compression with variable control of ratio
- Infinite compression makes all signals come out at the same level
- Delivers super-fast limiting
- Function control sets a ratio over a continuous range, enabling extreme expansion to infinite compression, and is able to push further into dynamic reversal
- Variable control of attack and release times; variable maximum gain and attenuation
- Sidechaining allows you to drive the unit with another audio source
- Enables you to link multiple units
- Includes input and output transformers — a costly option on the original hardware
- Universal power supply works anywhere in the world
- Easy-to-read backlit meter
- Practical TRS/XLR connectors
