We are upgrading the CompIQ STELLA

The year 2020 was an unusual one, with many challenges and setbacks, but we did our best to push up and work hard.

We have been so busy launching the new TWAIN dual-band/stacked compressor in the spring, upgrading the MINI with a side-chain filter switch, and now upgrading the STELLA with an 8-LED’s gain reduction display.

We added two more LEDs on the ladder, giving a more even and finer visual indication over the compressed signal, with 2dB per LED up to -12dB of compression and 4dB per LED after.

With moderately-bright LEDs scattered on a wider spacing for easier reading in either bright or dark environment, the STELLA’s reduction meter resembles the ones present in studio rack gear.

The 8‐LEDs display takes information from the RMS‐level sensor which is part of the Analog Engine and compiles visual feedback for the amount of compression applied to the input signal. The display is calibrated at ‐20dBu (77.5mV) reference input level, proper for electric instrument pickups. The display response is dynamic by nature. Even at low to mid Ratios, with a high input signal, it can peak Yellow or Red color. The Red color does not mean that anything is wrong! This may occur regularly with high input signal levels, lower Threshold, and higher Ratio. Use only your ear to achieve the desired compression effect!

For more information on the compression characteristics please read the CompIQ 101.