Its been a while since I’ve featured a 500 Series module and what better module to show off to all of you than this, the APA Leviathan Opto Compressor. Seems to be a combo of an LA-2A and an LA-3A and even features a vintage “auto” mode that gives you that smooth rounded compression. It also has a sidechained punch button that will supplement lows in the lower transients. I really think this would shine through incredibly on an acoustic guitar track or vocal. They say it has the same affect as riding the faders, so it seems very well balanced with the dynamics. You can even stereo link a pair of these with the link button.
500 series lovers, your wish has come true. APA’s new Leviathan compressor is the perfect synthesis of vintage and modern technology. Inspired by both the La-3a AND La-2a ‘set and forget’ program dependent compression with the Leviathan’s VINTAGE auto mode, the APA Leviathan is very smooth in every sense of the word. We’ve set the VINTAGE mode’s attack to be approximately in between the La-2a and La-3a so the source is natural but with enough control to keep things in check. Being a discrete Class A single ended design with iron core transformers on input and output, the perfect balance of coloration and detail is achieved with a solid midrange, airy top and just the right amount of even order harmonic distortion. The Leviathan’s smooth compression is similar to ‘riding the fader’.
In addition to having the VINTAGE auto mode, the Leviathan has fully featured modern features such as variable attack, variable release, variable ratio, PUNCH low frequency side chain for keeping your tracks fat in the low end. These modern features make it far more flexible than any vintage based design in the 500 format. Because it can be closely stereo matched and stereo linked it can used with great effect on master bus, sub bus, vocals, acoustic guitars, bass, drum overheads, synths, electric guitars, and more.
APA Leviathan opto compressor is now shipping!!
- Class A, single ended design
- Fully discrete circuit
- Iron core custom transformers on input and output
- VINTAGE auto mode is based on program dependent compression of LA style 1970’s optos.
- Attack time in VINTAGE mode is approx half way between La-2a and La-3a which allows transient to sound natural while still being kept in control.
- Fully variable attack (2mS to 40mS), release (100mS to 2 Sec) and ratio (2:1 to 20:1) (all are independent of VINTAGE mode)
- Punch is Sidechain LF rolloff for keeping low frequencies big and uncompressed
- Stereo Linkable (matched pairs available)
- Bypass
- Fast 2ms capable attack time (non vintage mode)
UPDATED Introductory price until Dec 31st, 2010
Single unit: $895
Stereo Matched pair: $1790
To buy click HERE
