Retro Magic for Your 500 Series Rack
Inspired by the legendary Sta-Level tube compressor, the original Retro Instruments Doublewide was a hit at Sweetwater. Now, Retro takes vintage-flavored tube compression to the next level with the Doublewide II. Like its predecessor, the Doublewide II is a single-channel unit that installs into two slots of a standard 500 Series rack and requires only 130mA of current. Also retained from the original are the gray-painted front panel, a high-quality US-made Simpson gain-reduction meter, and robust build quality with handwiring throughout. But the Doublewide II's host of new features takes this classic compressor design to a whole new level.
Related Videos: Retro Doublewide II 500 Series Tube Compressor
New features include:
- Front-panel meter zero control
- Stereo link switch and indicator
- Wider range of attack and release times
- Aggressive capability similar to the Retro Instruments 176 limiting amplifier
- Improved signal-to-noise ratio, better frequency response, and tube character
- Premium-quality CineMag input and output transformers
- Uses readily available 12AT7 and 12AU7 tubes
- Durable stainless steel chassis, handwired
- Gold-plated edge connector
Full-sized Retro compression in a 500 Series module
Packing tube gear into a 500 Series module is tricky, mostly because of the power demands inherent in most tube designs. Rather than making compromises in design in order to fit an authentic tube compressor into a small package, Retro Instruments' Doublewide II was designed from the ground up for the 500 Series format. Under the hood, you'll find readily available 12AT7 and 12AU7 tubes configured in a fully complementary push-pull design, providing you with all the creamy smooth character and classic tone that full-sized Retro compressors are known for.
Two timing modes provide versatile functionality
The Retro Doublewide II 500 Series tube compressor is far from a one-trick pony. Similar to Retro's Sta-Level and 176, the Doublewide II has two timing modes: Single and Double. Single mode is great for taming harsh vocals and unruly bass guitars, while Double mode gives you a program-dependent attack and recovery that's perfect for drums and other sources with fast transients. You can even take a pair of Doublewides, put them in Double mode, and add a luxurious compression signature to an entire mix! And of course, version two of this excellent compressor adds stereo linking, so you can impart that vintage magic across your mix bus.
Robust design for years of reliable service
Built to last, the Retro Doublewide II 500 Series tube compressor's circuitry is specially designed to eliminate excess current inrush and component stress when power is applied. A meter-zero adjustment is accessible from the side of the unit to compensate for tube variations. On top of that, the Doublewide II's tubes are self-biased and balanced without the need for internal adjustments, making tube replacement simple and straightforward. Your Retro Instruments Doublewide II will be your reliable studio companion for years!
Retro Instruments Doublewide II Tube Compressor Features:
- Full-sized Retro compression in a convenient 2-slot 500 Series module
- Continuously variable Input and Output levels with fixed threshold
- Continuously variable Attack and Recovery time
- Single and Double time modes provide versatile functionality
- Fully complementary push-pull signal path
- CineMag transformer-balanced, fully floating input and output
- Hard-wire bypass switch with gold-plated contacts and edge card connections
- Power consumption: 130mA
