PLEASE NOTE: If you have purchased a Opto Comp, AudioScape will offer a cross-grade program once production is in full swing.
THE WORLD’S MOST BELOVED OPTICAL COMPRESSOR
AudioScape’s AS-2A Optical Compressor is the most authentic reproduction of the original 2A circuit available today. To ensure authenticity and unparalleled box-tone, it incorporates NOS tubes, NOS carbon-composite resistors, and top-shelf capacitors. The beating heart of the AS-2A is its custom T4B opto-attenuator, which AudioScape's very own techs build in-house. Their T4B is designed exactly as the original, with which itself is based on inventor Jim Lawrence’s innovative T4 electro-optical sensor from the early 1960s.
For this release, AudioScape has even recreated the original hinged front-panel design, allowing ease of internal access. The AS-2A is the only 2A recreation available that sports this original feature.
While AudioScape has added a few modern-day modifications to enhance its performance, overall, the AS-2A strives to recreate the aesthetic beauty and sonic elegance of the legendary compressor it’s 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.
Check out the video below to see how this high frequency trim pot control helps define the compression range and increases its versatility.
T4B BUILT IN-HOUSE
Adding to the AS-2A’s authenticity is AudioScape's in-house made T4B opto-attenuators. They build them in the vintage tradition, true to the original schematics, using the resistor across the panel, as opposed to the newer JBL-era T4Bs. These modern-era T4Bs have been used as the standard for other manufacturers, but not AudioScape; they stick to the original spec.
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.
