Content area
Full Text
Valves and compression continue hand in hand. Dave Foister reports on a box that has both, and a strong reputation to match
There are many areas where character is a disadvantage, and compression isn't one of them. Here people have their favourites more than anywhere else, and right now several people's favourite seems to be Anthony DeMaria. For some time we've been hoping to have a look at ADL's 1500 compressor-limiter, and here it is.
First glance reveals the unit's roots. Four valves per channel protrude bravely from the rear panel - only one is protected by a can - proclaiming immediately which camp the 1500 belongs in. The chassis looks almost home-made, an impression that is only partially countered by the austere front panel. This is dominated by a pair of big double-function vu meters, flanked by two pairs of good-old black rotary knobs, making this the ultimate minimalist compressor.
The 1500 provides combined compression and limiting, and each channel has just one control to adjust its behaviour. Marked simply Peak Reduction, it appears to set the threshold for the limiter, with the compressor coming into play a certain amount below that, producing a classic double-kneed slope. As far as the compressor stage is concerned, its threshold is fixed in relation to that of the limiter, and its ratio and time...