Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor

The CL 1B Compressor from Tube-Tech is an all-tube compressor renowned for the natural, transparent compression it provides on vocals and instruments. At the heart of the CL 1B is an all-tube amplifier with push-pull configuration and an output transformer, yielding a classic tube sound without obvious compression. The CL 1B is particularly prized for the control it offers over attack and release times, including a unique Fix/Man setting that enables program-dependent compression based on the input signal. Up to 10 CL 1B units can be linked together to share the same compression settings. All-Tube Amplifier Delivers Coveted Tube Sound The CL 1B Compressor features an all-tube amplifier with two tubes in push-pull configuration, including an ECC 83 preamp tube and ECC 82 output tube. The amplifier and transformer are housed on a single PC board, providing a balanced, floating 600-ohm input and output. The all-tube design is responsible for the classic tube sound the CL 1B is known for, with smooth, musical compression and rich harmonic detail. Innovative Attack/Release Control for Automatic or Manual Operation Unlike other compressors, the CL 1B offers a choice between fixed and variable attack/release times or a Fix/Man setting that combines both. In Fix/Man mode, the attack time is always fast while the release time is program dependent, altering based on the input signal. The attack control functions as a delay, determining how long it takes for the release setting to activate once a signal peak has passed. This results in automatic compression with a fast attack, fast release for short peaks and longer release for sustained peaks. Multi-Link Capability for Shared Compression Across Units The CL 1B allows up to 10 individual compressors to be linked together through the unit's sidechain circuit. Once linked, the compressors will share the same compression settings and characteristics, with the unit providing the most compression controlling the others. The multi-link function provides enhanced control and consistency for overall mix compression. Additional Features for Premium Performance Beyond its all-tube design and innovative controls, the CL 1B Compressor offers additional features for premium performance. Its non-degrading gain reduction element provides consistent, long-term operation without signal degradation. Balanced I/O and floating transformers offer maximum isolation and noise rejection. A switch on the front panel selects which compressors are linked together and the link bus they are connected to.