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AS-2A Optical Compressor

AudioScape Opto Compressor - Inspired by the most iconic 1960's Optical Tube Compressor. A faithful, sonically period-correct reproduction of a legendary compressor using NOS Tubes and big, fat (Copy)

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AS-2A Optical Compressor

$1,399.00 $1,599.00

PLEASE ALLOW APPROXIMATELY 4-6 WEEKS FOR SHIPPING

PLEASE ALLOW AN ADDITIONAL 2 WEEKS FOR MATCHED PAIRS

Great handmade gear takes time .. though not too much time!

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The AudioScape AS-2A Optical Compressor is the most authentic 2A recreation you can own. The AS-2A is a meticulously crafted optical tube compressor recreating, in both sound and look, one of the most venerated dynamics processors ever made. The original was highly regarded for its musicality, smooth compression, and distinctive tone. It’s unique characteristics were achieved by using an incandescent light bulb and optical sensor to control dynamic processing, and passing audio through its tubes and transformers.

Inspired by that acclaimed 1960's optical tube compressor, the AudioScape AS-2A is our most faithful re-creation ever, utilizing our own T4B opto-attenuator, NOS tubes, and big fat iron-core transformers. In fact, even the chassis build now achieves this level of authenticity by including, as a finishing touch, the original hinged front panel design.

**NOTE: This product is limited to 2 per customer

**HASSLE-FREE 2-YEAR WARRANTY INCLUDED!

BUY IT NOW!

PLEASE NOTE: If you have purchased a Opto Comp, we will offer a cross-grade program once production is in full swing.

COMING SOON!

THE WORLD’S MOST BELOVED OPTICAL COMPRESSOR

AudioScape’s AS-2A Optical Compressor is the most authentic reproduction of the original 2A circuit available today. To ensure authenticity and unparalleled box-tone, it incorporates NOS tubes, NOS carbon-composite resistors, and top-shelf capacitors. The beating heart of the AS-2A is its custom T4B opto-attenuator, which our very own techs build in-house. Our T4B is identical to the original design, which itself is based on inventor Jim Lawrence’s innovative T4 electro-optical sensor from the early 1960s.

For this release, we’ve even recreated the original hinged front-panel design, allowing ease of internal access. The AS-2A is the only 2A recreation available that sports this original feature.

While we’ve added a few modern-day modifications to enhance its performance, overall, the AS-2A strives to recreate the aesthetic beauty and sonic elegance of the legendary compressor it’s based on, utilizing the finest components and craftsmanship.

MORE VERSATILE

One of our most significant modern enhancements was moving the R37 high frequency control trim pot to the front panel of the unit. In the 1960’s, this control was located on the back and was set by the factory depending on the application. By moving it to the front, it is now easily accessible and convenient to adjust.

Originally, this trim pot was factory set to a "flat" side-chain response for recording purposes (fully-clockwise). Now accessible via the front panel, turning it counter-clockwise will increase the resistance, filtering out high energy low frequency signals that could unnecessarily trigger cpmpression. This filtering of low frequencies to our T4B opto-attenuator shifts the focus of the compression to higher frequencies.

Check out the video below to see how this high frequency trim pot control helps define the compression range and increases its versatility.

T4B BUILT IN-HOUSE

Adding to the AS-2A’s authenticity is our in-house made T4B opto-attenuators. We build them in the vintage tradition, true to the original schematics, using the resistor across the panel, as opposed to the newer JBL-era T4Bs. These modern-era T4Bs have been used as the standard for other manufacturers, but not us, we stick to the original spec.

TECH RANT

True to the original spec we use:

1/2 watt carbon composite resistors are used

Cornell Dubilier, Panasonic and Nichicon capacitors throughout.
NOS vintage tubes and custom-wound Cinemag transformers.
T4B Opto-Attenuators built by AudioScape

Our T4B Opto-Attenuators are manufactured in-house using the highest grade photocells and replica EL Panels.

We compare our T4B against vintage UREI, Kenetek and Drip T4s which use similar components i.e, carefully matched Silonex NSL5910, Replica EL Panels, etc.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY AN AS-2A?

Proudly built in small-batches from end to end on-site here in the USA by a small team of skilled assemblers. Each assembler is assigned 2 products, making them masters of their craft.
Know where your hard-earned money is going and feel good about any purchase made from us. Every dollar spent helps feed a family, fund college tuition and supports new product development / R & D.
Our margins are very tight. But, this sacrifice allows us full control over every aspect of the manufacturing and assembly process.
We are able to capitalize on the USA surplus market and use NOS parts where it matters and most importantly, we are able to offer a product that is (in our biased opinions), simply a step above the competition.

AUDIOSCAPE offers a HASSLE-FREE, 2-YEAR WARRANTY included with every unit we sell!

*FREE PATCHRAT PRO SUBSCRIPTION INCLUDED WITH EVERY PURCHASE!**

FEATURES & SPECS:

Handcrafted in the USA
Stylish 3U 19" Rackmount USA Made Case and Hinged Front Panel (aesthetically period-correct)
Premium, NOS Tubes in Audio Section - New Production Tubes Don't Cut it in this Circuit
AudioScape T4B Opto-Attenuator - Custom, Hand-Built and Sonically Period-Correct (true to vintage tradition).
Exclusive, Custom-Wound Input Transformer (exacting replica of the original)
Exclusive, Custom-Wound Output Transformer (exacting replica of the original)
Cornell Dubilier (CDE) Polypropylene Capacitors
Panasonic Radial Polyester Capacitors
NOS Allen-Bradley Carbon Comp Resistors
Carling (the BEST!) Toggle Switches
+40dB Make-up Gain
Analog dB Gain-Reduction Meter Perfectly Calibrated
Davies Original-Styled Knobs
Electronically Balanced +4dBu circuitry
Neutrik XLR Input and Output connectors
Alpha potentiometers and Rotary Switch
Stereo Link via Cliff TRS Jack (Located on Back of Unit)
Custom 120V/240V Power Transformer
**specifications, parts & pricing subject to change because sh*t happens ;-)

SEE IT IN ACTION!

Below is a video highlighting the sound of Opto Comp; the AS-2A has the same great sound with an all new look. The main point of the video is to show the advantage of having the high frequency control on the front panel and the limit/compress switch function. I would recommend using headphones or critical monitors as a lot of the examples use subtle compression. It barely scratches the surface of what this compressor can do but should give a decent idea of functionality.