Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Compressor

[VuucuuV]

just noticed this:
Chameleon Labs 7720

Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Compressor

$599 (Projected MSRP)

COMING Q1 2008

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 Control Section:
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.

[Krubbadoo]

SSL Bus comp made in China?

[TAVD]

Nice. I'd guess similar to the SSL and even closer to the DIY versions. The lack of dual mono operation suggests that it it sums internally, unlike the SSL but like many DIY ones.

[lozion]

Nice! Exactly what I'm looking for... bring it on.

[Isle of Weight]

nice!

[3rdeyeKnight]

I figure the channel strip shouldnt be too far away now.

Edit: On second thought. They already have the Mic-Pre/EQ strip.
Adding the comp section would probably take away sales
from the 7602. Or maybe offer it as the 7602 MKII? Eh..Oh well.

[Kyle Ashley]

Nice price point...will be interesting to see all the "vs" threads early next year

[rapfreak]

Makes me not want to take on a GSSL clone anytime soon.

[lozion]

Originally Posted by rapfreak

Makes me not want to take on a GSSL clone anytime soon.

my toughts exactly...

[norman_nomad]

I think people are going to flip over this thing. It looks to be a straight up SSL buss compressor clone with modern components. It'll fit the sub $1000 pro buss compressor nitch.

[CJWall]

Wow, they are going to sell a TON of these.

Can't wait!

[LeeStoker]

I love my 7602's I will be getting one of these pronto.

[jonnypowell]

Originally Posted by lozion

my toughts exactly...

I've just started mine.. Oh well. I need to learn about electronics anywayz.. Want to build more DIY stuff in the future.

[Krubbadoo]

I'd like to hear it for sure. If they did it right it will sell like hot cakes.

[projuice]

I'd like to see the components inside I don't expect too much of it for this price. I could be wrong If you do a good DIY the damage can easily be 800$ depending on choise of components.
Did someone here get the chance to listen to it?

[jeronimo]

Great news!!!!!

[Brad McGowan]

Originally Posted by projuice

I'd like to see the components inside I don't expect too much of it for this price. I could be wrong If you do a good DIY the damage can easily be 800$ depending on choise of components.
Did someone here get the chance to listen to it?

The real SSL didn't use anything too esoteric or high end for component choice. A 5532 opamp is not really anything special. So I suspect that whatever the Chameleon Labs unit has in it will be just fine. My guess is that the VCA's will likely be THAT 2180's.

And I did a super tricked out GSSL for about $550. That include all film caps being Wimas, all signal path electrolytics being Black Gates, and all others being Nichicons. I used more expensive opamps like offerings from Linear Technologies and National. And I added Cinemag output transformers. So if you are spending $800 to build one of these then you spending way too much.

Don't let the made in China thing make you think this thing is automatically going to be crappy. The people that designed it and did the component selection are here in the good 'ol USA.

Brad

[audiomichael]

Thanks for the info Brad. I was actually worried because of the price point. I'd have have a little more faith if it was coming in around $1200. BUT...If it does the job for $600!!!! COUNT ME IN!

Oh how I wish I had the time to learn how to build this stuff...I'm totally jealous!

[jeronimo]

A little OT:

Brad, is your studio website offline? I went to your MySpace but couldn't visit your website.

Now, back on topic!

[filthyrich]

Makes me not want to take on a GSSL clone anytime soon.

me three

[Brad McGowan]

Originally Posted by jeronimo

A little OT:

Brad, is your studio website offline? I went to your MySpace but couldn't visit your website.

Now, back on topic!

Yeah, it's not working right now. I really need to find some cheap hosting and get it back up. I've been so busy trying to get my new control room in order. And I'm starting my band's album so I'm not sure when I'll get around to it. I need minnions...

By the way--feel free to add me on Myspace.

Brad

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

Don't let the made in China thing make you think this thing is automatically going to be crappy. The people that designed it and did the component selection are here in the good 'ol USA.

Brad

Out here near Seattle!

[gm5k]

are you guys basically saying this is nothing but a SSL clone for $600? man, thats...pretty awesome

[norman_nomad]

Originally Posted by gm5k

are you guys basically saying this is nothing but a SSL clone for $600? man, thats...pretty awesome

It almost looks like a GSSL clone... they even have the mono summed side chain (not like the actual desk)... hmmmm.

[slaves666]

I love my 7602 on everything.....I can't wait to get one of these......

[lozion]

Remember this: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-p...ompressor.html?

So BBoy is 1599$ Vs CLabs at 599$...

Cough cough...

[Confusionator]

Originally Posted by Chris

Out here near Seattle!

Any more information on who the designers are, or at least what their track record is?

[tommymakestapes]

Originally Posted by lozion

Remember this: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-p...ompressor.html?

So BBoy is 1599$ Vs CLabs at 599$...

Cough cough...

Timing is everything...

[warhead]

The thing I can say about the guys at Chameleon Labs is that they (A) know what people want and (B) do a great job holding the line between build quality, design and low cost (China) and (C) their after the sale service is nothing short of phenomenal. The few issues we've had (these things literally have a steady stream out the door and almost no issues by comparison) those guys are on it and get you back working pronto.

I'm sure the compressor will be the same issue. We are very excited about it to say the least!

War

[lozion]

Hey War, when do you believe Frontend will get this and what will it street for, 499$?

Originally Posted by warhead

The thing I can say about the guys at Chameleon Labs is that they (A) know what people want and (B) do a great job holding the line between build quality, design and low cost (China) and (C) their after the sale service is nothing short of phenomenal. The few issues we've had (these things literally have a steady stream out the door and almost no issues by comparison) those guys are on it and get you back working pronto.

I'm sure the compressor will be the same issue. We are very excited about it to say the least!

War