Masterful Stereo Tube Compression
The CL 1B, Tube-Tech founder John G. Petersen's take on classic optical compression, was introduced in 1991 and went on to become an industry standard found in pro studios worldwide. The CL 2A is the two-channel version of this esteemed modern classic. The reason for the enduring popularity of these units is no mystery: they deliver velvety-smooth, musical-sounding compression while preserving the clarity of the source — even when pushed hard. In operation, the CL 2A is a model of simplicity, offering separate control (per-channel) over ratio, threshold, attack, and release. Just start dialing away; you'll immediately hear what it's doing and be able to intuitively zero-in on the perfect settings. You'll never have doubts about whether a setting works — it's always obvious. It's near impossible to make this compressor sound bad; beyond that, its straightforward operation is what makes the Tube-Tech CL 2A a favorite here at Sweetwater.
Related Videos: CL 2A 2-channel Tube Optical Compressor
Under the hood
The CL 2A features a gain-reduction element positioned immediately after the input transformer. It is controlled by a sidechain amplifier, which also contains two time control circuits: one for fixed and one for variable Attack/Release. The two time controllers can either be used separately or combined. This circuit contains semiconductor op-amps for the entire control. The gain-reduction element is followed by a tube-based push-pull amplifier with up to 30dB of variable gain. A dedicated Bus selector with three positions (Off, Bus 1, and Bus 2) is used to link multiple compressors. Input and output transformers have a static screen between the primary and secondary wirings. Both Input and Output are balanced as well as fully floating.
Smooth, warm, and transparent
The CL 2A is not a character piece. The sound is smooth and warm, but transparency is the name of the game: you can dial in tons of compression with virtually no audible artifacts. The CL 2A can be heard — or more accurately: not heard — on countless hits. It's the secret sauce that engineers, producers, and artists covet for its ability to make a track sit pretty in a mix without losing its clarity, even at extreme settings. It's the go-to compressor for many top rap and hip-hop vocalists, but it works wonders in the context of any musical setting. It's fabulous on vocals, and you'll love it on guitars, bass, keys, or just about anything else you care to feed it. And for transparent, mastering-grade stereo bus compression it has no equal. Add a Tube-Tech CL 2A to your rack and hear what the fuss is all about.
Tube-Tech CL 2A 2-channel Tube Optical Compressor Features:
- Unique low distortion gain-reduction element
- All tube-based push-pull amplifier
- Multiple interconnection of several compressors via two busses
- VU meter for monitoring input, compression, and output
- Continuously variable attack and release time
- Gain range (off to +30dB)
- Variable Threshold (off to -40dBu)
- Frequency response @ -3dB: 5Hz-25kHz
- Low noise: < -75dBu @30dB gain
- Clickless bypass switch
