Standard Audio Stretch 500-Series Multi-Band Compressor

The Standard Audio Stretch is a 500-series multi-band VCA compressor module inspired by the creative use—and deliberate misuse—of noise reduction hardware from the 1970s and ’80s. By splitting the input signal into four frequency bands and applying individually tailored VCA compression to each active band, the Stretch produces dynamic effects that conventional single-band compressors cannot replicate: adding air and sparkle to vocals, punch to drums and guitars, sub weight to bass and synths, and subtle sweetening to acoustic instruments. A Mix control blends the processed signal with the original dry signal, recreating the classic gain response of noise reduction encoding—where signals below the threshold are dynamically boosted rather than attenuated, bringing forward low-level detail in the recording. Seven selectable filter band combinations and a true relay bypass give the Stretch a wide creative range in a single 500-series slot.

Key Features

• 4-band multi-band VCA compression — signal is split into four frequency bands; each active band has its own VCA compressor stage with independently tailored ratio and time constants
• 7 filter combinations — FILTER push-button cycles through seven combinations of the four frequency bands, selecting which bands are active for compression
• MIX control — blends wet and dry signals to recreate classic noise reduction encoding behavior; signals below threshold are dynamically boosted, surfacing low-level detail
• INPUT pot — controls signal level entering the filter and compressor circuit; use in conjunction with the COMPRESSION LED to set an effective working range
• OUTPUT pot — post-mix level control; adjustments do not affect the wet/dry blend
• COMPRESSION LED — indicates when any active band is compressing; useful for dialing in input level within the active compression range
• HF & LF FILTER LEDs (orange) — display which frequency bands are currently active
• ENGAGE button — true relay bypass for clean A/B comparison
• 500-series format — compatible with the API 500-series standard

Specifications

• Format: 500-series (API 500-series compatible)
• Compression Type: Multi-band VCA
• Frequency Bands: 4 (7 selectable combinations)
• Bypass: True relay bypass
• Controls: Input, Output, Mix (pots); Filter, Engage (push-buttons)
• Indicators: Compression LED, HF/LF Filter LEDs (orange)