Description

The Tube-Tech SMC 2B is the world’s only all-tube multiband compressor comprising three independent opto-detectors with variable crossover frequency controls

As a creative tool, the Tube-Tech SMC 2B multiband compressor is pure magic on the mix bus and sub-mixes, such as drums, and instrument groups. Three all-tube, wide-band opto-compressors in one, it’s also a surgical device that can remove annoying resonant peaks, particularly in bass instruments, or the presence range in vocals, where certain converters can ring. Speaking of vocals, the SMC2B is an excellent tracking device. It can handle extremely dynamic vocalists without “announcing” its presence. In mixing, it has an amazing ability to keep vocals present, enhancing the low-level detail, without flattening the performance—saving you hours in mix automation. It can also be used as a de-esser. Of course, once you put it on your man stereo bus, you’re probably going to want to keep it there at all times, due to the character, color, and dynamics it imparts to program material—so you just might need two SMC 2Bs.

Tube Tech SMC 2B Multiband Opto Compressor in one take:

• The world’s only all-tube multiband compressor
• Low-distortion, optical gain-reduction elements
• Three bands per channel with variable crossover frequencies
• Variable threshold, ratio, attack, and release for each band
• LED display shows gain reduction
• Noiseless bypass relay
• Conductive plastic potentiometers
• Gain Control for each band
• Transformer-balanced, fully floating inputs and outputs

INSIDE THE BOX—Tube-Tech SMC 2B

The TUBE-TECH SMC 2B Stereo Multiband Compressor is three independent optical stereo compressors in one, each with threshold, ratio, attack, release and gain, plus a display showing gain reduction. Master levels are set with Output Gain and Balance controls.

The SMC 2B divides input signals into three bands (low, mid, high) via 6dB per-octave crossover networks with variable frequency control The variable crossover points at 60Hz to 1.2kHz for low/mid band, and 1.2kHz to 6kHz for the Mid/High band, ensure precise control of opto-compression on each band. The design of the crossover networks optimizes the summing of all three bands, resulting in a flat frequency response (within +/-0.25dB), when the gain controls for each band are set at the same level.

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 stabilized.

OUTSIDE THE BOX—Tube-Tech SMC 2B

Controls from left to right on the distinctive blue front panel of the SMC 2B include a crossover low frequency multiplier switch; X-Over High and X-Over Low control knobs; three rows of compressor knobs (high band, mid band, low band) including threshold, ratio, attack, release, and gain, each row with an LED gain reduction meter. To the right the meters are master level controls including Balance and Output Gain; a Comp In/Out switch, Power On/Off, and red jewel power indicator light.

Rear panel I/O includes a universal IEC power connector, and balanced XLR input and output for channels one and two.

Who’s Using Tube Tech

Notable SCM 2B users include multiple Grammy winners, Al Schmitt (Dianna Crall, Paul McCartney, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Barbara Streisand, Steely Dan, Toto); Joe Chiccarelli (Rufus Wainright, Beck ,The All American Rejects, The Offspring); Bill Schnee (Steely Dan, Rod Stewart, Mark Knopfler, Chicago, Whitney Houston); Grammy-winner Julio Reyes Copello; and mastering engineer, Lionel Habert (Vangelis, Radio France) and Emily Lazar (Coldplay, Linkin Park, Santana, Arcade Fire); and sits in the racks of world-class studios, including Sterling Sound and Blackbird Studios.

Why buy the Tube-Tech SMC 2B from Westlake Pro?

Westlake Pro is not just an online pro audio retailer that guarantees the lowest prices. We also comprise Westlake Design Group and Westlake Studios. Westlake Pro Design Group has provided design, integration, and acoustic construction for legendary recording studios, post-production facilities, and broadcast stations worldwide, including studio builds for clients such as Snoop Dogg, Dave Pensado, The Village Recorders, and the award-winning Enzi Studio in Mumbai, India. Among our post-production clients are major film studios, including ABC, Disney, NBC, 20^th Century Fox, Universal, Warner Bros, and Capitol Records.

Not only do we build world-class studios, we are a legendary studio ourselves— Westlake Studios. If that sounds familiar, it because the world’s best selling album of all time, Michael Jackson’s Thriller was recorded at Westlake Studios. Whether you’re building a laptop studio or a world-class facility, why not work with the real pro audio experts—Westlake Pro.

The Tube-Tech SMC 2B is one of the most inspiring and musical audio tools around, an all-time favorite for top studio and live sound engineers the world over. For more information, call or chat online with your Westlake Pro Sales Consultant today.

Tube-Tech SMC 2B specifications:

• Frequency response: @ -3dB: 5Hz to 60kHz
• Low noise: < -60dBU @ 10dB gain
• CMRR: > 60dB @ 10kHz
• Master output gain: Off to +10dB
• Balance Control (+/-1.5dB)