A Revised Tube Compressor Any Mastering Engineer Can Respect
Taking cues from the SPL Iron that came before, the revised SPL Iron v2 Mastering Compressor brings professional studios that tried-and-true German engineering with improved functionality and sound. In addition to the parallel connected 12AU7 tubes, v2 of the SPL Iron boasts meticulously crafted and matched Wathen CryoTone 12AX7-WCM Long Plate Tubes that deliver maximum sonic potential. Based on your input gain settings and which of the six rectifier circuits you select, you can dial in everything from pristine-clean dynamics control to fat vintage compression tones. After compression, employ the passive EQ to add a gentle polish to the mix. Every knob and switch feels reassuringly robust and precise, and both dual mono- and stereo-link modes are available. When we master albums in Sweetwater's studios, we count on versatile mastering compressors such as the SPL Iron.
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Tubes that undergo a rigorous cryogenics process
The SPL Iron v2 packs four tubes in circuit; delivering a parallel connected pair of tubes to a channel. To achieve mastering grade sound plus optimal performance, SPL outfitted the Iron v2 with perfectly matches tubes: dual 12AU7 and dual 12AX7-WCM tubes. The Wathen CryoTone 12AX7-WCM Long Plate Tubes undergo a process involving cryogenics: studies involving material behavior at extremely low temperatures. This process reshapes molecular structures in the 12AX7-WCM tubes, making for maximized sonic performance, unequaled soundstage, depth, and magnificent frequency balance. Also, the longevity of these tubes increases while also culminating in a supremely quiet noise floor. Even at higher settings, your program material won't sound dull or lifeless.
Six rectifier circuits for a wide sonic palette
Engineers at Sweetwater know that mastering engineers look for compressors that can provide a wide range of sonic characteristics. That's why we're excited to see six different rectifier circuits in the SPL Iron v2, each based around different diodes. Switching between germanium, silicon, LED, and other settings not only affects the sound but also varies the attack and release curves, giving each rectifier mode its own transient response characteristics. So whether you need ultra-pristine dynamics control for a classical recording or warmer vintage compression for a rock band, the SPL Iron v2 has the range to do it.
Excellent sonic range and low noise from a high-voltage design
The SPL IRON v2 has a true 120-volt operating voltage that provides high headroom and an ultra-low noise floor. If you're lucky enough to be mastering well-mixed tracks that aren't already pumped up to full volume, the IRON v2 compressor is exactly the tool you'll want to have to make it loud while maintaining dynamics.
Fine-tune the compression response with sidechain EQ
You can select from four sidechain EQ modes to tailor how Iron v2 responds to the control signal. It's perfect for preventing a heavy kick drum or bass in the mix from triggering the compressor too much, for example. The four selectable modes are optimized for different types of program material, and you can also connect your own EQ if you prefer to use that to equalize the control signal. What's more, the Iron v2 offers redesigned sidechain inserts by removing the TS sockets from the previous model and replacing them with XLR sockets.
Polish the mix with a sweet passive EQ
Once your dynamics are perfect, the SPL Iron v2 gives you the option to add one of two preset EQ curves with its built-in passive equalizer. In AirBass mode, a gentle 1.5dB boost to the lows and highs adds a nice sense of body and sparkle. The Tape Roll-off mode uses high- and low-cut filters to shape the response the way a real tape machine would. You might not use them on every project, but we're sure your clients will love the results when you do.
SPL Iron v2 Mastering Tube Compressor/Limiter Features:
- Tube compressor/limiter with stereo and dual-mono modes
- Features 4 perfectly matched tubes in circuit for maximized sonic performance, unequaled soundstage, depth, and magnificent frequency balance
- Sidechain inserts with XLR sockets
- All controls are switches or detented knobs for easily repeatable results
- High 120-volt operating voltage for high headroom and ultra-low noise
- Dial in everything from transparent to sonically colored compression
- Extremely musical, lively sound results from the control signal being limited internally
- 4 built-in sidechain EQ curves to tailor compression response, or use your own external EQ
- Put a final polish on your mix with the built-in passive EQ with 2 selectable response curves
