Stereo Multiband Compressor

The TUBE-TECH SMC 2B Stereo Multiband Compressor features three independent optical stereo compressors. The signal is divided into three bands (Low, Mid & High) by 6 dB/octave x-over networks with variable frequencies: 60-1200 Hz for Low/Mid band and 1,2-6 kHz for the Mid/High band.

The design of the x-over networks optimizes the summing of all three bands, resulting in a flat frequency response (within +/-0,25 dB), when the gain controls for each band are set at the same level. The three compressors feature Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and Gain and a display showing gain reduction. Master levels are set with Output Gain and Balance controls.

Both Input and Output are balanced and have fully floating transformers with a static screen. The power supply and the sidechain circuit is based on a solid state circuit. With the exception of the output stage all DC voltages are stabilised.

Also available in Mastering version: SMC2BM

Read a review of the SMC 2A

Product Features

  • The world's first "all tube based" multiband compressor design
  • Three bands per channel with variable crossover frequencies between bands
  • Stereo sidechain with variable Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and Gain controls for all three bands
  • Master Output Gain (off to +10 dB)
  • Balance Control (+/-1.5 dB)
  • LED display showing compression
  • Freq. response @ -3 dB: 5 Hz to 60 kHz
  • Low noise: < -60 dBu @10 dB gain
  • Conductive plastic potentiometers
  • Clickless bypass relay

 

Mastering Version Includes:

  • Potentiometers with 31 detents for Threshold, Ratio, Attach, Release and Balance
  • Gain controls with 12 positions gold plated switches
  • Frequency switches with 6 positions gold plated switches

 

Hear it with the Tube-Tech Flash Player

 

Online Manual
High Resolution Image
SMC2BM High Resolution Image

Specifications

  • Impedance
    Input: 2 kohm
    Output: < 60 ohm
  • Frequency response @ -3 dB: 5 Hz to 60 kHz
  • Distortion THD+N @ 40 Hz
    0 dBu: < 0.15 %
    +10 dBu: < 0.15 %
  • Noise Rg=200 ohm
    Output Gain @                0dB +10 dB
    22 Hz-22 kHz:           < -70 dBu          < -60 dBu
    CCIR-468-4:             < -60 dBu          < -50 dBu
  • Cross talk @ 10 kHz: < -40 dB
  • CMRR @ 10 kHz: < -60 dB
  • Max. output @ 1 % THD+N: > +26 dBu
  • Gain
    Output: off to +10 dB
    Low-, Mid-, & High band: off to +10 dB
    Tracking between channels: < 0.5 dB
  • X-over frequencies     x1 x4
    Low & Mid band:   60 to 300 Hz                   0.24 to 1.2 kHz
    Mid & High band:  1.2 to 6 kHz
    (Mastering version:
    Low a& Mid Band: 60, 100, 160,                0.24, 0.4, 0.54, 
    200, 300 Hz                  0.8, 1.0, 1.2 Hz
    High & Mid Band  1.2,2.0.3.2,
    4.0, 4.8,  6.0 kHz)
  • Compressor
    Ratio: 1.5:1 to 10:1
    Threshold: off to -20 dBu
    Attack: 3 ms to 200 ms
    Release: 60 ms to 2 s
  • Tubes
    ECC 81 4 pc
    ECC 82 2 pc
    ECC 83 2 pc
  • Dimensions
    Height:3 units 132 mm 5.2"
    Width: 480 mm 19.0"
    Depth: 205 mm 8.1"
  • Weight
    Net: 6.2 kg 13.7 lbs.
    Shipping: 7.5 kg 16.5 lbs.
  • Power requirements
    @ 115 V/230 V, 50-60 Hz: 30-45 W