Gainlab Audio Governor

Valve optical compressor with Dual Slope, dual threshold design

• Valve optical compressor with Dual Slope design
• Dual mono and stereo modes with detailed parameterization
• Transformer output for warm and defined sound
• Internal side-chain filter and external side-chain input
• Advanced display for precise monitoring

Gainlab Audio Governor: advanced multistage compression

The Governor (GLA-OP1) is an optical tube compressor with a Dual Slope design, which uses two distinct thresholds for extremely precise dynamics management. Derived directly from the Bishop All-Tube Channel Strip dynamics module, it represents an independent reference in the analog compression landscape.

Versatile dynamic control for professional studios

Due to its architecture, the Governor operates in stereo or dual mono mode, offering a complete set of controls to suit different workflows. The transformer output, borrowed from the Empress Equalizer, enables rich, musical tube boost effects. Optional full-spectrum or high-frequency boost configurations are available.

Advanced features and enhanced visual feedback

In addition to internal side-chain management, the device also supports external side-chain signals. The new display offers a much more accurate information interface than the traditional VU meter, providing clear visual control over signal behavior.

What is Dual Slope? Explanation of dual-slope compression

The Governor's Dual Slope allows two thresholds to be set: the first one acts with a softer ratio, the second one kicks in with a firmer compression. This creates a multistage compression curve that allows flexible sound, from classic leveling to aggressive compression never before experienced with optical compressors.

Technical Specifications.

• Type: Valve-based optical compressor
• Design: Dual slope
• Side-chain filter: Included
• External side-chain input: Supported
• Output: Transformer-based
• Display: Advanced, high precision
• Operating Modes: Stereo and Dual Mono
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB
• THD (1kHz): 0dBu 0.04%; +20dBu 0.32%; +23dBu 1%
• Output impedance: <150 Ohm
• Maximum output level: +28dBu
• Maximum input level: +26dBu
• Noise floor: < -70 dBu (unweighted)
• Inputs: 2x balanced XLR
• Side-chain inputs: 2x TS jacks
• Outputs: 2x balanced XLR
• Dimensions: 483mm x 280mm x 89mm
• Weight: 5.1kg
• Power Supply: 230V AC (EU), 110V AC (US)