Sta-Level Tube Compressor
Description
The Retro Sta-Level is a recreation of the legendary 1956 Gates Sta-Level. The Sta-Level dominated the sound of hit radio in the 1960’s. Now these super musical sounding compressors have found their way into today’s hits. The Retro Gold Edition celebrates fifty years of the products existence. The Retro Sta-Level improves on the original with six settings of recovery (release) time and three different modes of operation. Single is super smooth for bass tracks. Double is perfect for most every source you throw at it. The Triple mode allows the Sta-Level to clamp down on fast transient waveforms while still retaining great musicality. These new adjustments give you wide flexibility to find the perfect dynamics control for your specific application.
Origin
The Sta-Level utilizes a novel program controlled release circuit. The Sta-Level implementation creates density and consistency while minimizing typical compressor side-effects at up to 40dB of gain reduction! The program path is transformer balanced throughout to cancel control-induced distortion. Push pull circuitry with 6V6 output stage provides wide voltage swing for gain control and line output. The result is that the Sta-Level brings a uniquely familiar intimacy, air and warmth to your tracks.
- Revisions to the original design include:
- Tube balance can be instantly aligned without test equipment
- Uses a pair of easily-obtainable 6BA6 gain reduction tubes. The 6386 socket is still provided..
- Two or more Sta-Levels can be coupled together for stereo, surround or sidechain operation
- XLR transformer balanced input and output
- IEC Power Connector
- Hand matched audiophile-grade coupling capacitors
- High quality, custom wound transformers used throughout
- Internal component safety cover
- Specifications
- Gain Reduction Threshold: Continuously adjustable from +24dBm to -20dBm
- Available Gain Reduction: 40dB
- Total System Gain: 35dB (with standard input and output pads)
- Distortion: 1 percent or less from 0-30 dB gain reduction
- Frequency Response: ± .25dB from 20-20,000 Hz
- Noise: -70dB or better referenced to gain reduction threshold
- Output Level: Continuously adjustable from -40 dBm to +18 dBm
- Input Impedance: Accepts low impedance active or transformer balanced 0-600 Ohms
- Output Impedance: 600 Ohm transformer balanced, terminated and resistive pad coupled
- Tube Complement: 2-6BA6, 1-12AT7, 2-6V6GT, 1-6AL5, 1-OB2, 1-5Y3GT
- Power Requirements: Three prong IEC - Switchable 115-230 VAC - 50/60 Hz
- Mounting Requirements: 3U metal rack 5.25" high, 19" wide, 8" deep
Reviews
What people are saying about the Retro Instruments Sta-Level
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“The Retro Instruments Sta-Level was the main compressor I used throughout recording the Clapton record. The vocals were recorded mainly through a Neve 1073 and Pultec EQ to tape, letting the tape do the work on the way in. When mixing, I did a little vocal riding and the Sta-Level did the rest. It allowed me to keep Eric’s natural dynamics without ever losing the character or the nuances in his performance.
I also used the Retro Instruments Sta-Level on Wynton Marsalis’ trumpet, which kept the edges of the sound round. Then, whenever we needed to do a guitar or percussion overdub I’d keep it in the chain. It’s just one of those pieces of recording studio gear that makes a whole lot of things sound better once you put it through its painstakingly meticulous design. The Retro Instruments Sta-Level has the warmth, color and control I’ve always looked for in a tube compressor. Thanks again for another magic box.”
Justin StanleyGrammy-Nominated Producer & Engineer -
“If you own a Retro Instruments Sta-Level, treasure it, pamper it, give it a special place in the middle of your recording studio equipment rack… If you don’t own one - buy a Retro Instruments Sta-Level and find out what makes them so desirable! This is the real thing!”
Sylvia MassyGrammy-Winning Producer, Engineer & Mixer -
“What I love about the Retro Instruments Sta-Level is the character that it imparts. I’m using it right now on all my vocal tracks. It can do soft compression and at the same time with it’s faster release mode, it can sound very “In Your Face” with tons of warmth and personality. Believe me, Retro Instruments Sta-Level can add attitude to a lifeless vocal interpretation. I’m so in love with mine that I’m looking to get a second one for my Bass, and in the near future a third one for drums parallel compression.”
Armando AvilaLatin Grammy-Winning Producer
