Product Overview
The Germanium series continues with the GERMANIUM Compressor. The GERM Comp starts with the same all class A amp found in the GERM Pre and Tone Control and is transformer balanced in and out. The Compression circuit uses a FET gain reduction element but with the tricks and flexibility of all the GERM units. Some of the most notable additions include a WET/DRY mix (for "submixing" tracks within the comp), COMP CURVE (which selects the knee using various diode combinations), CLEAN/DIRTY COMP, and SIDECHAIN FILTER. Many of the GERM Comp parameters have been purposely set by studio use and listening, not by over-analysing them with test gear. The result is a musical powerhouse ready for tracking, mixing, and mastering.
Features
- Hardwire Bypass - Use this full bypass to check the sound of the compressor as well as to compare tonal differences between the Gain and Feedback settings.
- Dirty Comp/Clean Comp - FET compressors are known for high amounts of distortion. This is usually compensated for in the design. The DIRTY Comp removes only unwanted harsh distortion and leaves all the 2nd and 3rd harmonics in place. With DIRTY Comp in, THD ranges from 2 to 5% and adds vibrance and elegance by the bucket load. In Clean Comp, THD ranges from .2 to .5%.
- Comp Curve - One of the favorite GERM Comp options. The Germ Comp uses resistors, germanium diodes, silicon diodes, zener diodes, or diode combinations to control the ratio of the compressor. Each setting will show its own true character while adjusting the compressor's curve. The resistance and Germanium settings are very gentle while the silicon and zener grab harder. Another ear-selected control.
- Link - Links stereo to full surround.
- Germanium Drive - This controls the output gain of the Germanium amp. The amount of gain from this is related to the Feedback control position.
- Input - Drives the input to the compressor harder or softer similar to the Chandler TG1.
- Sidechain - This extremely useful feature allows the GERM Comp to be used anywhere. On mixes, kick drum, and bass you can easily adjust how much low the sidechain section sees. Excellent for intense tracks and mixes where you need precise control of frequency.
- Ratio - This is one of the ear-selected parameters. Each is set by listening instead of equations and math. The ratios go from very gentle to hard, punchy FET smash.
- Wet/Dry - Used to mix the compressed signal with the unprocessed original signal coming into the unit, this functions much like using a submix or parallel compressor except within one box. Combines the tight, punchy compressed sound without dampening the attack and intensity of the original. Awesomely effective.
- Attack/Release - Selected by ear while listening to numerous pre-recorded tracks. Fast to slow.
- Feedback Control - Changes the amount of out signal fed from the amplifier output back to its input. As well as acting as a volume type control this knob seriously affects the tone of the unit. With feedback to the left there is less volume, less Total Harmonic Distortion, and more high frequencies. With Feedback to the right there is more volume, more Total Harmonic Distortion, and a low-end peak around 30Hz.
Note:
*Power Supply NOT included. Requires Chandler PSU-1 power supply.
