Awtac Compressor

Definitely not.  Didnt know if it was appropriate to post up a new product link as a manufacturer here or not.

We just finished these up, here's the official announcement:



The sidechain is FET controlled, but the input is a bipolar transistor amplifier, so it doesn't have that "squishy" sound that is often associated with FET compressors.

In our initial listening trials, the soft knee onset is reminiscent of the smoothness commonly associated with optical devices, but of course the attack and release have the speed typical of what you'd expect from a FET.

It's very easy to use, very fast and can be very subtle. Absolutely clean enough to use on a mix but can get nasty enough to get aggressive effects on drum room mics. The auto release function is especially fantastic on a mix.

Inside each unit is a dedicated line amplifier for a clean, parallel buss which passively sums with the compressed output for true parallel compression. If you've ever set up parallel compression on an analog console, our blend circuit is identical in function and is a real joy to use.

The AwTAC Channel Compressor is transformer balanced in and out, and features %100 discrete transistor through hole construction for the entire audio and sidechain circuit. The meter is surface mount. This product is proudly manufactured in the USA using American made parts and labor where ever possible.

A lot of work went into this one so that we weren't bringing a new version of the same old thing and we are quite pleased with the results.

Price is $1099, orders are scheduled to ship first week of April, 2014.

As usual, there is a comprehensive overview of the product on our site here:

Channel Compressor - AwTAC

Only a small handful of guys have even heard these, Noah being one of them.


We just have our production prototypes right now and those two units are going to Music Messe with me next week- if you are coming to the show please stop by our booth, we'll have them on display for a listen at the KMR Audio booth. I may be able to arrange a demo in Amsterdam and possibly Oslo late March.

The first Channel Compressors are scheduled to come off the line the first week of April, I would be very happy to make a demo unit available for members of this forum to check out.

It will be much easier for me to organize in April, but if you are interested in trying out the unit for a couple days and shipping it back, perhaps we can organize a list of folks.

If you guys have any questions about the unit, we probably have an answer.

Hey guys,
I've had the pleasure of not only meeting Dave, but listening (if only briefly) to his channel amplifier on a few sources.
I have to say, if he has built this with the same dedication and sonic footprint, as his AWTAC pre, then you all NEED to hear it!
Although I have yet to audition this piece.
His sonic philosophy is exactly what many of us (myself included) desire and talk about on these forums every damn day.

If nothing else, you owe it to yourself to give it a listen...
In a nutshell, he's building modern classics.
Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Loaded.

Ive heard the compressor. Had my hands on it for a couple hours while it was in its design stage. Did not disappoint. I dialed in a bass really quickly and the thing beat the compressor I was using before it quite handily. I'll be purchasing 1 or 2 of these as soon as they're available.
I own some awtac channel amps and have used them extensively for tracking and mixing. These are my favorite mic pres. That I've ever used.
The awtac approach to design and manufacture is no fkn joke. I've been waiting for a compressor a long time and chatting with Dave about it fairly regularly as the team tweaked the design. There is no compromise with awtac gear. They are doing it right and I promise you you'll hear it when you spend a little time using it.
It may seem pricey but I can assure you it's not profit markup. The cost is in the unit...it's built like an audio tank.
I dream nightly of an AWTAC console and I'll have one.
Let me state clearly that I am not a shill for awtac. I'm passionately obsessed with their gear and I've badgered Dave in to communicating with me personally because I love the gear so much. It's truly a pleasure to use and satisfies my ear holes every single day.
Like stated above these are modern classics.
I would, and might, sell almost all my other stuff to put together an AWTAC console.
This stuff has style...it's elegant.

OK...you've sold me...I want.

Next time use some good mics...



...I kid!

There is a stereo link on these, link pin 6. There is a big blurb about stereo matching on the site, not only is there a stereo link, but the pots are sorted and matched for stereo pairs and most importantly, the FETs in the sidechain are sorted and matched for accurate tracking together.

This was very rushed, wanted to get something up before getting on the plane.

Looks nice. I'd love to hear one!