Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is a premium, multi-functional audio processor designed for professionals in the music and audio production industry. Developed by the engineers at the Shadow Hills Austin Research Facility, this mastering compressor is equipped with advanced technology to precisely control audio dynamics. It features dual compression sections: an Optical section with an Electroluminescent Optical Attenuator for smooth, musical gain reduction, and a Discrete section with a Voltage Controlled Amplifier for more surgical dynamic control. These sections allow for fine-tuning of audio material, ensuring the highest quality output.

Additionally, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor offers a Sidechain Filter, which prevents frequencies below 90 Hz from triggering compression, and an Output Transformer Switching Technology with options to switch between Nickel, Iron, and Steel transformers to alter the tonal characteristics of the output. The unit also includes comprehensive metering with VU meters and a Magic Eye Indicator Tube, enabling precise monitoring of output levels and gain reduction. It can operate in both dual mono and stereo modes, providing flexibility for different mixing and mastering scenarios. This compressor is built for those who demand the utmost precision and versatility in their audio processing toolkit.

Key Features

• Dual Compression Sections: Optical and Discrete sections for versatile dynamic range control.
• Sidechain Filter: Filters frequencies below 90 Hz to avoid undesired compression triggers.
• Output Transformer Switching: Nickel for low distortion, Iron for colored sound, and Steel for a more distinct cue response.
• Metering: Features dual VU meters and a Magic Eye Indicator Tube for precise output monitoring.
• Stereo and Mono Operation: Operates in dual mono, stereo, or mid-side mode.

• General Type: Analog mastering compressor
• Channel Configuration: Dual mono, stereo, or mid-side processing
• Format: 3U 19″ rack-mountable unit

Compressors

• Optical Compressor: Gain reduction based on light-dependent resistors
• Discrete VCA Compressor: Voltage-controlled amplifier for dynamic range control

Controls

• Threshold: Separate controls for Optical and Discrete sections
• Ratio: Switchable, varies per section (Optical: 2:1, 4:1; VCA: 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1)
• Attack: Separate controls for each section, adjustable
• Release: Separate controls for each section, adjustable
• Makeup Gain: Separate for Optical and Discrete sections
• Transformer Selection: 3 switchable settings (Nickel, Iron, Steel) for tone shaping

Metering

• Type: Analog VU meters
• Function: Gain reduction, output level

Connectivity

• Input: XLR (balanced)
• Output: XLR (balanced)

Power

• Power Supply: External power supply unit (Not Included)

Additional Features

• Bypass: True bypass for each section
• Sidechain: External sidechain insert points

Dimensions

• Height: 5.25 inches (13.34 cm)
• Width: 19 inches (48.26 cm)
• Depth: 13.75 inches (34.93 cm)

Weight

• Unit Weight: Approximately 23 lbs (10.4 kg)