THE WORLD’S MOST BELOVED OPTICAL COMPRESSOR
The AudioScape Opto Comp is a faithful reproduction of the original circuit, with some modern-day modifications to enhance its performance. To ensure authenticity and unparalleled box-tone, it incorporates NOS tubes and NOS carbon-composite resistors. At the heart of the Opto Comp is its custom T4B opto-attenuator, made in-house by AudioScapes very own techs.
Overall, the Opto Comp strives to recreate the sonic elegance of the legendary compressor it is based on, utilizing the finest components and craftsmanship.
MORE VERSATILE
One of AudioScape's most significant modern enhancements was moving the R37 high frequency control trim pot to the front panel of the unit. In the 1960’s, this control was located on the back and was set by the factory depending on the application. By moving it to the front, it is now easily accessible and convenient to adjust.
Originally, this trim pot was factory set to a "flat" side-chain response for recording purposes (fully-clockwise). Now accessible via the front panel, turning it counter-clockwise will increase the resistance, filtering out high energy low frequency signals that could unnecessarily trigger compression. This filtering of low frequencies to the T4B opto-attenuator shifts the focus of the compression to higher frequencies.
T4B BUILT IN-HOUSE
AudioScape hand-builds their own T4B opto-attenuators in the vintage tradition, using the resistor across the panel, true to the original schematics, as opposed to the newer JBL-era T4Bs used as the standard for other manufacturers.
TECH RANT
True to the original spec AudioScape uses:
- 1/2 watt carbon composite resistors are used
- Cornell Dubilier, Panasonic and Nichicon capacitors throughout.
- NOS vintage tubes and custom-wound Cinemag transformers.
- T4B Opto-Attenuators built by AudioScape
AudioScape's T4B Opto-Attenuators are manufactured in-house using the highest grade photocells and replica EL Panels.
AudioScape compares their T4B against vintage UREI, Kenetek and Drip T4s which use similar components i.e, carefully matched Silonex NSL5910, Replica EL Panels, etc.
