Tube-Tech CL 2A – Dual-Channel All-Tube Optical Compressor

The Tube-Tech CL 2A is a premium dual-channel optical compressor, delivering smooth, musical, and transparent dynamic control. With two independent yet linkable channels, the CL 2A excels on keyboards, guitars, vocals, mix bus processing, and more. Its ability to control dynamics while preserving musicality makes it a go-to compressor for engineers worldwide.

Exceptional Dynamic Control

Known for its delicate gain control and natural compression, the CL 2A ensures instruments stay perfectly placed in the mix while retaining their natural dynamics. Whether used as a subtle levelling compressor or an aggressive dynamics shaper, the CL 2A provides warmth, clarity, and precision that make it an essential tool for any studio.

Key Features

• All-Tube Optical Compression – Smooth, musical, and highly transparent
• Dual-Channel Operation – Two independent compressors in one unit
• Linkable for Stereo Applications – Perfect for mix bus and instrument groups
• Wide Compression Range – Variable ratio from 1.5:1 to 10:1
• Fully Transformer-Balanced I/O – Ensures pristine audio quality
• Continuously Variable Attack & Release – Total control over dynamic shaping
• Output Gain Control – Adjustable from Off to +10 dB
• VU Metering – Displays either compression level or output
• Gold-Plated Switches – Maximum durability and signal integrity
• Clickless In/Out Relay – Seamless bypass without artifacts

Technical Specifications

• Compression Type: Optical (Tube-Based)
• Frequency Response (-3 dB): 5 Hz – 60 kHz
• Noise Level: < -80 dBU at 10 dB gain
• CMRR: > 60 dB at 10 kHz
• Ratio: Variable from 1.5:1 to 10:1
• Threshold: Off to -20 dBU
• Attack & Release: Continuously Variable
• Output Gain: Off to +10 dB
• Gain Reduction Metering: VU Meter (Switchable for Output Level or Compression)
• Inputs/Outputs: Transformer-Balanced & Fully Floating
• Interconnectivity: Linkable for Stereo or Multi-Unit Compression

How the CL 2A Stands Out

• Versatile Dynamic Control – Equally suited for delicate vocal compression or powerful mix bus control.
• Preserves Natural Dynamics – Keeps instruments at their right place in the mix without over-compression.
• Ideal for Multi-Purpose Use – Works beautifully on guitars, synths, drums, vocals, and stereo processing.

FAQ: Difference Between CL 1B and CL 2A

• CL 2A is not a stereo CL 1B, though it shares a similar design philosophy.
• Optical Compression Element: The CL 2A uses a different optical element, resulting in a slightly softer and more rounded compression character compared to the CL 1B.
• Gain Structure: The CL 2A’s input transformer and tube amplifier provide a more standard gain structure compared to the CL 1B, which has a hotter output.
• Release Time: The CL 2A’s max release time is 2 seconds, offering a different response compared to the CL 1B.

Why Choose the Tube-Tech CL 2A?

The Tube-Tech CL 2A is a versatile dual-channel optical compressor that provides musical, transparent compression across a wide range of sources. Whether used in stereo bus processing, instrument tracking, or live performance, the CL 2A delivers classic tube warmth and modern flexibility in one beautifully engineered unit.