SPL Iron - Mastering Compressor

A Tube Compressor Any Mastering Engineer Can Respect
The SPL Iron mastering compressor has the kind of sonic flexibility and outstanding sound quality that world-class mastering engineers need. Based on your input gain settings and which of the six rectifier circuits you select, you can dial in everything from pristine-clean dynamics control to fat vintage compression tones. After compression, employ the passive EQ to add a gentle polish to the mix. Every knob and switch feels reassuringly robust and precise, and both dual mono- and stereo-link modes are available. When we master albums in Sweetwater's studios, we count on versatile mastering compressors such as the SPL Iron.


SPL Iron Mastering Tube Compressor/Limiter at a Glance:

Twin-tube design results in transparent, lively sounding compression
Six rectifier circuits for a wide sonic palette
Excellent sonic range and low noise from a high-voltage design
Fine-tune the compression response with sidechain EQ
Polish the mix with a sweet passive EQ

Twin-tube design results in transparent, lively sounding compression
Each channel on the SPL Iron compressor packs two twin-triode tubes in the signal path, each with slightly different response curves. SPL says the differing curves are the reason Iron sounds so transparent and musical. Even at higher settings, your program material won't sound dull or lifeless. Basically, you won't hear the compression unless you get into extreme settings, and even then it sounds sweet.
Six rectifier circuits for a wide sonic palette
Engineers at Sweetwater know that mastering engineers look for compressors that can provide a wide range of sonic characteristics. That's why we're excited to see six different rectifier circuits in the SPL Iron, each based around different diodes. Switching between germanium, silicon, LED, and other settings not only affects the sound but also varies the attack and release curves, giving each rectifier mode its own transient response characteristics. So whether you need ultra-pristine dynamics control for a classical recording or warmer vintage compression for a rock band, the SPL Iron has the range to do it.
Excellent sonic range and low noise from a high-voltage design
The SPL Iron has a true 120-volt operating voltage that provides high headroom and an ultra-low noise floor. If you're lucky enough to be mastering well-mixed tracks that aren't already pumped up to full volume, the Iron compressor is exactly the tool you'll want to have to make it loud while maintaining dynamics.
Fine-tune the compression response with sidechain EQ
You can select from four sidechain EQ modes to tailor how Iron responds to the control signal. It's perfect for preventing a heavy kick drum or bass in the mix from triggering the compressor too much, for example. The four selectable modes are optimized for different types of program material, and you can also connect your own EQ if you prefer to use that to equalize the control signal.
Polish the mix with a sweet passive EQ
Once your dynamics are perfect, the SPL Iron gives you the option to add one of two preset EQ curves with its built-in passive equalizer. In AirBass mode, a gentle 2dB boost to the lows and highs adds a nice sense of body and sparkle. The Tape Roll-off mode uses high- and low-cut filters to shape the response the way a real tape machine would. You might not use them on every project, but we're sure your clients will love the results when you do.
SPL Iron Mastering Tube Compressor/Limiter Features:

Tube compressor/limiter with stereo and dual-mono modes
All controls are switches or detented knobs for easily repeatable results
High 120-volt operating voltage for high headroom and ultra-low noise
Dial in everything from transparent to sonically colored compression
Extremely musical, lively sound results from the control signal being limited internally
4 built-in sidechain EQ curves to tailor compression response, or use your own external EQ
Put a final polish on your mix with the built-in passive EQ with 2 selectable response curves

Make better masters, with the SPL Iron tube compressor!

Tech Specs



Type
Tube


Number of Channels
2


Controls
Threshold, Attack, Release, Rectifier, Side Chain EQ


Side Chain Inserts
Yes


Inputs
2 x XLR


Outputs
2 x XLR


Sidechain I/O
1 x 1/4" TRS


Height
7"


Depth
12.25"


Width
19"


Weight
24.25 lbs.


Manufacturer Part Number
1520



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