Radial Engineering Komit Single Knob Compressor with Bridge Diode Distortion Limiter and Brick Wall

The Radial Komit™ is a feature-rich compressor-limiter that simplifies the process of dynamic manipulation while expanding upon creative tone shaping. At one end is a clean compressor that delivers amazing results with single-knob control. At the other, an old-school diode bridge clipping limiter that goes from 'vintage to nasty'. But don't let the minimalist approach deter; the Komit provides exceptional flexibility by integrating a series of automatic functions that are both musical and intuitive.

The design begins with an auto-detecting feed-forward VCA that reads the incoming program material and reacts 'real-time' to the time constant. Set the 3 position attack-decay switch to slow for vocals, medium for instruments and fast for percussion. As you increase the ratio, the Komit FlexKnee™ compression dynamically adjusts the pivot point, seamlessly transitioning from soft to hard knee for more natural results. Yet unlike most limiters that are designed to be transparent, the Komit Clipper™ is designed to introduce personality to your recordings. The Clipper simulates the sound created by old-school diode bridge circuits from the early days of radio. These clip the input signal when they exceed the headroom. Same deal… only here, you're in control. Ten settings are graduated from mild harmonic overload to extreme nasty.

To ensure absolute signal integrity, full-size discrete electronics are employed throughout while the vintage style Hammond broadcast transformers add extra warmth to the signal path. A variable level control provides gain make-up or can be used to drive the Clipper for added distortion. Dual ballistic VU metering makes it easy to simultaneously view compression and output when making adjustments. Designed for use with all 500 series racks, the Komit can be linked for full stereo operation. When used with the Radial Workhorse, the Omniport is assigned as a key input for frequency dependent compression, de-essing, ducking or any number of dynamic manipulation effects.

Features:

• Single dial auto-tracking compressor-limiter
• Old school diode bridge clipping limiter
• Brick wall setting for set & forget recording
• 100% discrete with Hammond broadcast transformers

Specifications

• Audio Circuit Type: Feed Forward with True RMS Sidechain
• Maximum Output: +22 dBu
• Compression Ratio: 1:1 to 10:1 depending on input level and compressor control setting
• Brick Wall Mode: 1:1 to 25:1 depending on input level and compressor control setting
• Frequency Response: Flat with -2 dB drop at 20 Hz
• Maximum Gain: +20 dB, Compressor set to minimum and Output Control set to 10
• Intermodulation Distortion: 0.112% @ 80 Hz / 3 kHz
• THD+N: 0.025% @ 1 kHz (+10 dB in; 25:1 Brick Wall setting, Output gain 1:1)
• Limiter (Clipper): +4 dBu to +21 dBu, Variable level classic communications receiver clipper circuit
• Omniport Function: Key input to detector
• Input Impedance: 9.6 kΩ
• Output Impedance: 140 Ω
• Threshold: -10 dBu or +4 dBu
• Power Requirement: 72 mA
• Conditions: For use in dry locations only, 5-40°C
• Size: Standard 500 Series format
• Weight: 1.5 lbs. (0.7 kg)