Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Compressor

[moracspace]

I dont need it but Im getting it due to the price point.Just to check it out of course.Ive got a line on pre release pricing.

[Coyoteous]

- thinking about going for one of these, too.

I'm assuming it has no transformers on the audio input or output?

- and that the power supply is built-in?

[Coyoteous]

Originally Posted by Tim Farrant

We move threads from New Product Alert once they get over 3 pages long. I moved it here because the price of this unit will interest those on a budget.

Tim.

Just for the record (no pun intended), there are many threads there that are over 3 pages.

And this product isn't even shipping, yet.

(also, if this product is good, it will be of interest to those looking for good products - not just those on a budget - just sayin'...)

[Grumblefoot]

Heard it at NAMM and liked it alot. Found out the price and liked it even more. I haven't heard anything in this price range sound as good.

[Brad McGowan]

Originally Posted by Coyoteous

- thinking about going for one of these, too.

I'm assuming it has no transformers on the audio input or output?

- and that the power supply is built-in?

Yeah, internal power supply. And no transformers. I did ask about the input and output amps and they informed me that they are using a THAT opamp and not 5532's. So that's probably one of the reasons why it sounds hi-fi and clean.

I think if you are familiar with the SSL-style bus comp then you will really dig what this box does. However, I think because of the price point there will a lot of inexperienced people buying the box that are really perplexed that they can't hear it working.

Brad

[kellyd]

I think because of the price point there will a lot of inexperienced people buying the box that are really perplexed that they can't hear it working.

If it's supposed to sound like an SSL or C2 I would expect that it would be very obvious that it's working. Are you saying it's more transparent?

[Brad McGowan]

To my ears it's transparent sounding. It's not gritty.

Brad

[Albro Swift]

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

To my ears it's transparent sounding. It's not gritty.

Brad

I'd agree with Brad from my experiences with it -- very clean. I was able to get it to distort and grit up, but I was using pretty extreme settings....

Josh

[lordnielson]

Originally Posted by Albro Swift

I'd agree with Brad from my experiences with it -- very clean. I was able to get it to distort and grit up, but I was using pretty extreme settings....

Josh

Is that good ?

[kellyd]

Clean wasn't what I was expecting. I was hoping it was going to be on the grainy side for subgroup duty. Kind of like a Smart but not as clean. As usual I'll have to hear for myself.

[Nu-tra]

If you guys are thinking about buying this you should get on the frontendaudo.com mailing list.

Just sayin

[Nu-tra]

is the comp supposed to be an ssl clone? Or is this just speculation?

[mds]

The first thing the rep at NAMM said was "this is an SSL bus comp knockoff"...

[kellyd]

Hey Chameleon, how about a Neve comp.

[Brad McGowan]

If you have requests for new products then definitely email them. They are listening. I spoke with them at NAMM about the idea of making a 10 or 11-space 500 series powered rack. If you think that's a good idea then let them know through their website.

Brad

[kellyd]

Thanks Brad. Will do.

[drBill]

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

Yeah, internal power supply. And no transformers.

Brad - doesn't the SSL have transformers? It's pretty weird to make a "clone" and not use transformers if the original had them - even though they would most likely be different trannys.

[Albro Swift]

Originally Posted by lordnielson

Is that good ?

It's good to me! :)

I plan on using it for everything from rock to jazz to hip hop and everything else I work on. It's clean like the quad compressor on a 4000 is clean, if you know what I mean. If it had too much vibe it would inevitably be wrong for something...

Josh

[lordnielson]

Originally Posted by Albro Swift

It's good to me! :)

I plan on using it for everything from rock to jazz to hip hop and everything else I work on. It's clean like the quad compressor on a 4000 is clean, if you know what I mean. If it had too much vibe it would inevitably be wrong for something...

Josh

Sounds good then

[kellyd]

Clean like an SSL comp is a different kind of clean. Works for me.

[Coyoteous]

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

Yeah, internal power supply. And no transformers. I did ask about the input and output amps and they informed me that they are using a THAT opamp and not 5532's. So that's probably one of the reasons why it sounds hi-fi and clean.

I think if you are familiar with the SSL-style bus comp then you will really dig what this box does. However, I think because of the price point there will a lot of inexperienced people buying the box that are really perplexed that they can't hear it working.

Brad

- thanks for the info... BTW, here is the latest info from their page (a little more than on the first page of this thread) - noise specs look extremely hi-fi, and decent on distortion:

The Model 7720 Stereo Compressor is based on a trusted design and is electronically balanced, utilizing "THAT Corporation" (formerly DBX) VCA circuitry. It features a low component count in order to provide the cleanest signal path possible. In accordance with Chameleon Labs' ongoing dedication to end users, unique features have been implemented (direct from consumer suggestions) to make the 7720 more versatile than your average mix buss compressor.

Model 7720 Special Features

Meter switch:
The meter switch allows the meter to indicate either channels input level, either channels output level or the amount of stereo audio signal compression.

Sidechain:
This section modifies the control of the compressor with a mono audio signal introduced through the sidechain XLR input. A blue LED gives the user a visual indication that the circuit is active and that the sidechain audio is in control of the compressor, not the left and right audio inputs.

High Pass Filter:
The HPF rotary control allows the sidechain or main audio signal to be equalized to minimize lower frequency audio signals' effect on the compression character of the unit. The HPF affects the detection circuit, not the actual audio. The selector has six settings. The first setting does not introduce any filtration into the sidechain circuit. The next five settings are 60 Hz., 90 Hz., 130 Hz., 200 Hz. and 440 Hz. These selections allow a wide variety of choices. The high pass filter is designed so that the frequency selected is 3 dB down, with a roll-off of 12 dB per octave.

Ratio:
In addition to the ratio settings common to popular stereo compressors (2:1, 4:1, 10:1), the 7720 features a 1.5:1 setting. This allows the user to maintain control over the dynamics of the input signal without squashing the life out of the mix.

Non Stereo Application

In order to use the Model 7720 as mono compressor, you need only use the left channel inputs and outputs. All functions are as normal.

Model 7720 Specifications

Input impedance: 50K Ohms (Balanced)

Output impedance: 200 Ohms (Balanced)

Sensitivity: 20 dBu maximum at 1 KHz

Noise: Less than -80 dBu

Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5% at 1 KHz, +4dBu

Maximum Output Level: 20 dBu

Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz +/- 0.5 dB.

Net Weight: 6.6 pounds

[audiovisceral]

i was going to build a standard-parts gssl. do you guys think this will sound better? or if different how?

i'm hoping to get in on the pre-order, but not sure ...

[lozion]

I'm in!

[vtone]

Originally Posted by lozion

I'm in!

I took the plunge...

[LaLaFaV]

I preordered from Warhead's (Front End) company a few days ago.

[Nu-tra]

I ordered from Warren... I bit the bullet.

[kaipiranha]

Calling Warren...

Do you happen to know if the unit can easily be switched to 230 VAC?

Apart from that I'd really like to know before I take the plunge if there are a few select people out there that have actually used this thing.

Sound examples would be even better, but I'm probably asking too much at this point of time.

Kai

[vtone]

Anyone know when this unit is supposed to ship? I thought I read somewhere that it was expected in February.

I'm getting anxious to take it for a spin!

[yarrick19]

Originally Posted by vtone

Anyone know when this unit is supposed to ship? I thought I read somewhere that it was expected in February.

I'm getting anxious to take it for a spin!

February 14th is the date they are supposed to ship out from Chameleon Labs to retailers.

I would guess consumers may get them late next week if everything is on time.

[Benmrx]

I talked to someone at http://www.pacificproaudio.com/ today (local place in Seattle) and he said they were expecting them to show up tomorrow. Which, if they do, I'll probably pick one up the day after before I head to the studio.

I've got high hopes that this could be a decent drum buss comp.