Having used a G series compressor, as well as many of the available modern clones, I thought I knew exactly what I was getting when I put the C1La into my rack.  It looks and feels solid, but that’s nothing new in high-end 500 series gear. What’s remarkable about this particular clone is its smooth and refined sound. Typically these types of VCA compressors tend to sound great within their standard range of operation, but will quickly fall apart and sound bad when they’re pushed too hard. That said, you dig deep with the C1La without totally destroying your mix, opening up a much larger range of pleasing compression capabilities than other G series style compressors.

In addition to it’s excellent tone, this compressor brings some more modern features to the tried and true classic design - a variable hi-pass filter and external sidechain input add another level of flexibility to this already great compressor.

The C1La is fantastic for gluing your tracks together for a unified sound that’ll transform your mixes from a rough idea to a polished, professional mix. It’s not incredibly heavy-handed with color and character, so if you’re after something that will leave a more noticeable signature on your mix, check out the Vintech 609 or FOOTE P3S.

It is a versatile unit, housed in a two-module wide 500-series format, with three main modes of operation offering a range of possibilities. It can be used for all stereo or single channel signal applications: as a main mix bus compressor; for sub-mixes; or for tracking either mono or stereo sources.

For 25 years Smart Research compressors have been used across many mixes: with artists as diverse as the Rolling Stones to the Three Tenors. The C1LA shares this history by including the same electronics and settings as the original C1, but with several new features.

A Tri-Mode C1

Each channel can either be used independently, or in Stereo mode both are summed into the side-chain to eliminate any image shift. The C1LA also has the ability to DC-Link the side-chain signals in Stereo mode, allowing for more movement, while still preserving the stereo image. And for those who prefer to compress both sides of a mix without linking: when operating independently both channel?s controls are ganged.

Mix Glue

The essence of the sound is determined by its dynamic performance: the way it reacts around transients creating its signature. In many situations, best results can be from medium-slow attack; and medium-fast release settings: passing transients present in a signal, while the compression law and timings then played out as the side-chain reacts and recovers both controls the overall levels and adds ?punch? as the transients are shaped. The ?SOFT? mode in the C1LA also adds a new compression curve, acting not just at the threshold knee point, but across a broad input range of about 15dB.

Features:

• 3 operating modes: Independent/ganged; Stereo linked/Sum; and Stereo Linked/DC
• Metering options: Input, Output, (VU) and Gain Reduction (PPM) for L & R Channels
• 3 side-chain filters : 65, 130, or 205Hz
• Automatic distortion null circuitry
• Normal and half-threshold ranges
• ?Soft? compression curve reshapes a 15dB range
• Total of 12 Attack and 12 Release settings
• Total of 4 'Auto' settings
• Dual, balanced bantam jacks for external side-chain inputs
• All settings and circuitry from original C1 Dual/Stereo Compressor

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.