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Smart Research C1LA Stereo Compressor and Limiter

The Smart Research C1LA is a dual channel stereo/ganged 500-series compressor and limiter built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original Smart C1 Stereo/Dual Mono Compressor.

This great stereo compressor/limiter houses all the settings and circuitry of its bigger brother for the smaller 500-series format, allowing for use in 3 modes: Independent/Ganged, Stereo Linked/Sum and Stereo Linked/DC.

Hotly-anticipated after the success of the C1, the Smart C1LA 500-Series Compressor is now available from selected pro-audio dealers in the UK.

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Product Description

The Smart Research C1LA is a dual channel stereo/ganged 500-series compressor and limiter built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original Smart C1 Stereo/Dual Mono Compressor. This great stereo compressor / limiter houses all the settings and circuitry of its bigger brother for the smaller 500-series format.

The Smart C1LA 500-Series Stereo/Ganged Compressor and Limiter is designed to straddle two slots in your 500-series lunchbox, which, given that it houses all the circuitry and features of the original C1, is pretty impressive. The C1LA has three main modes of operation offering a wide range of possibilities for your recordings. It can be used for complete stereo or single channel recording, as a main mix bus compressor (not to mention on sub-mixes) or for tracking either mono or stereo sources.

C1LA: A Tri-Mode C1

Each channel of the Smart C1LA can either be used independently or in Stereo mode, summing both into the side-chain to maintain the stereo image’s integrity. The C1LA also has the ability to DC-Link the side-chain signals in Stereo mode, allowing for more movement, while still preserving the stereo image. And for those who prefer to compress both sides of a mix without linking: when operating independently both channelʼs controls are ganged.

Mix Glue

The essence of the sound is determined by its dynamic performance: the way it reacts around transients creating its signature. In many situations, best results can be from medium-slow attack; and medium-fast release settings: passing transients present in a signal, while the compression law and timings then played out as the side-chain reacts and recovers both controls the overall levels and adds ʻpunchʼ as the transients are shaped. The ʻSOFTʼ mode in the C1LA also adds a new compression curve, acting not just at the threshold knee point, but across a broad input range of about 15dB.

Smart Research C1LA Compressor/Limiter Features:

  • 3 operating modes: Independent/ganged; Stereo linked/Sum; and Stereo Linked/DC
  • Metering options: Input, Output, (VU) and Gain Reduction (PPM) for L & R Channels
  • 3 side-chain filters: 65, 130, or 205Hz
  • Automatic distortion null circuitry
  • Normal and half-threshold ranges
  • ʻSoftʼ compression curve reshapes a 15dB range
  • Total of 12 Attack and 12 Release settings
  • Total of 4 ʻAutoʼ settings
  • Dual, balanced bantam jacks for external side-chain inputs
  • All settings and circuitry from original C1 Dual/Stereo Compressor

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