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Tube-Tech

collapse expand iconDescription

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.

Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Non-degrading optical gain reduction element
  • All-tube amplification
  • Linkable for stereo applications - up to ten units
  • Sidechain
  • VU-meters showing output or compression
  • Fix/Man mode allows automatic program-dependent operation
  • Conductive plastic potentiometers
  • Gold plated switches
  • Clickless bypass relay
  • Analog Outputs XLR
  • Analog Inputs XLR

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Frequency-response: 5 Hz - 60 kHz +0/-3 dB
  • Distortion (THD) (40 Hz): 0 dBU: < 0.15 %, 10 dBU: < 0.15 %, maximum output (1 % THD): +26,0 Dbu, maximum input (1 % THD): +21,0 dBU
    Noise: Gain = 0 dB: -80,0 dBU (Unweighted) -70,0 dBU (CCIR 468-3); Gain = +10 dB: -80,0 dBU (Unweighted) -70,0 dBU (CCIR 468-3)
  • Input impedance: 600 Ohms
  • Output impedance: < 60 Ohms
    Compression Ratio (cont. var.): 2:1 to 10:1
  • Threshold (cont. var.): -40 dBU to +20 DBU
  • Gain (cont. var.): off to +30 dB
  • Tracking between interconnected compressors: (0 to 30 dB compression): < +/- 1 dB

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5

1 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Vocal Chain is Complete
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  1. not stereo1
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Reviewed by 1 customers

  • Vocal Chain is Complete

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byTory

    fromVirginia Beach, VA

    I seriously had my eyeball on the Cl1B. This unit seems to be the better purchase for a couple of reasons: 1. Cost - self explanatory when you look up the cost of the Tubesessor vs. the CL1B. Now, that doesn't mean quality is lesser or bad. This thing outperforms its price point. 2. Features - the fact that we get to choose how to warm up the sound of signal right on the unit is incredibly handy. Paired with the flexibility of my LCT 1040, I couldn't ask for a more versatile recording chain 3. Sound - It sounds just as you'd expect a CL1B to sound - incredibly smooth, superior top end. Again, the added saturation feature sets it apart so I can get as gritty or as clean as I'd like. 4. Build Quality - Solid unit, lighter than expected, nonetheless it's still a beast. Reactions from clients - the look of this thing is nice and attractive. New customers have booked sessions just to hear what they would sound like. Some have said that I've accomplished the best quality in the area which is tremendous as I am yet a small studio owner. Others have openly said that I'll be their new go-to for recording which I attribute to the absolute monster that is the Tubesessor. It's really opened up new waves of possibilities in my studio and I am very happy. I've gotten a bit of feedback from other owners and they say that the Tubesessor is very sibilant, I have found that since it's such a clean sounding compressor, that would occur if someone paired a brighter mic with the unit (e.g. C-800g - or a clone, AKG414, TLM103). Since the Tubesessor has the saturation options, this issue can easily be compensated for to soften the increased top end of certain mics. CONS - I don't have a second one haha

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byLuca

    fromundisclosed

    Greetings, do you know when these will be in stock?

    Greetings, do you know when these will be in stock?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    We aren't able to discuss the availability of items via this means of communication. Give us a call at 866-498-7882 and we can get you an accurate idea of when this will be back in stock.