When Tim at Chameleon Labs starting telling us about the new 7720 compressor we at Sound Pure were expecting great things from an already stellar product line at an amazing price. It's transparent, open and has a nice punch that seems to work great from standard 2 buss work to individual sources. At the price point under $1000.00 this is definitely a major contender in the compressor market.

The Model 7720 Stereo Compressor is based on a trusted design and is electronically balanced, utilizing "THAT Corporation" (formerly DBX) VCA circuitry. It features a low component count in order to provide the cleanest signal path possible. In accordance with Chameleon Labs' ongoing dedication to end users, unique features have been implemented (direct from consumer suggestions) to make the 7720 more versatile than your average mix buss compressor.

Model 7720 Special Features

Meter switch:
The meter switch allows the meter to indicate either channels input level, either channels output level or the amount of stereo audio signal compression.

Sidechain:
This section modifies the control of the compressor with a mono audio signal introduced through the sidechain XLR input. A blue LED gives the user a visual indication that the circuit is active and that the sidechain audio is in control of the compressor, not the left and right audio inputs.

High Pass Filter:
The HPF rotary control allows the sidechain or main audio signal to be equalized to minimize lower frequency audio signals' effect on the compression character of the unit. The HPF affects the detection circuit, not the actual audio. The selector has six settings. The first setting does not introduce any filtration into the sidechain circuit. The next five settings are 60 Hz., 90 Hz., 130 Hz., 200 Hz. and 440 Hz. These selections allow a wide variety of choices. The high pass filter is designed so that the frequency selected is 3 dB down, with a roll-off of 12 dB per octave.

Ratio:
In addition to the ratio settings common to popular stereo compressors (2:1, 4:1, 10:1), the 7720 features a 1.5:1 setting. This allows the user to maintain control over the dynamics of the input signal without squashing the life out of the mix.

Non Stereo Application

In order to use the Model 7720 as mono compressor, you need only use the left channel inputs and outputs. All functions are as normal.

*Input impedance: 50K Ohms (Balanced)

*Output impedance: 200 Ohms (Balanced)

*Sensitivity: 20 dBu maximum at 1 KHz

*Noise: Less than -80 dBu

*Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5% at 1 KHz, +4dBu

*Maximum Output Level: 20 dBu

*Frequency Response: 20 Hz ? 20 KHz +/- 0.5 dB.

*Net Weight: 6.6 pounds