Tube-tech CL 1B

Mono optical compressor with all-valve circuitry

The TUBE-TECH CL 1B is an all-valve mono optical compressor. It offers very musical and smooth compression, preserving the clarity of the source even at extreme settings, and this is where the CL 1B really stands out from other compressors. In addition, operation is very intuitive, allowing you to achieve your goal quickly and easily.

The CL1B is by far the most popular TUBE-TECH unit, and not for nothing: For vocals and instruments such as guitar, bass, and keyboards (regardless of the genre of music), the CL1B offers extremely musical and smooth compression, just what you need to make the track fit into the mix, without muddiness or distortion, even at very extreme settings.

The CL1B is VERY easy to use; just adjust what you need! You'll hear and feel the action immediately, and you won't have to doubt that the setting works-it's always obvious.

With thousands of units sold, the CL 1B is by far the most successful TUBE-TECH device to date, and its distinctive sound can be heard on countless legendary recordings.

The unit is equipped with a gain reduction element, located immediately after the input transformer. It is controlled by the sidechain amplifier, which also contains the two timing control circuits, one for fixed Attack/Release and one for variable Attack/Release. The two timing control circuits can be used separately or combined. A dedicated Bus switch with three positions (Off, Bus 1, Bus 2) is used when multiple compressors are to be connected together.

The gain reduction element is followed by a push-pull tube amplifier with variable gain up to 30 dB. The input and output transformers have a static shield between the primary and secondary. Both input and output are balanced and fully floating.

Technical Specifications.

• Unique, low-distortion optical gain reduction element
• All-tube based push-pull amplifier
• Frequency response @ -3 dB: 5 Hz to 25 kHz
• Low noise: < -75 dBU @ 30 dB gain
• CMRR: > 60 dB @ 10 kHz
• Variable ratio from 2:1 to 10:1
• Continuously variable attack and release times
• Output gain: Off to +30 dBU
• Variable threshold: Off to -40 dBU
• Input impedance: 600Ω
• Interconnection of several compressors via two busses
• VU meter shows input, compression or output
• Clickless In/Out switch
• Conductive plastic potentiometers
• Input and output are transformer balanced and fully floating