Retro Instruments Sta-Level recreates the 1956 Gates Sta-Level, the tube compressor that shaped the sound of hit radio through the 1960s. The design rests on a program-controlled release circuit, so at up to 40 dB of gain reduction the material gains density and consistency instead of the side effects compression usually brings. The program path is transformer balanced throughout, which cancels distortion introduced by the control circuit, and a push-pull output stage on 6V6 tubes provides a wide voltage swing.
Three modes instead of one timing compromise
The Retro version adds six recovery time settings and three operating modes to the original, each suited to a different kind of source. Single is the smoothest and earns its place on bass, where an abrupt release is heard as pumping. Double handles more or less anything you send through it, and is where most setups start. Triple clamps down on fast transients while keeping its musicality, which makes it the choice for drums and for vocals that need firm control. Rather than picking a compromise between speed and naturalness, you match the mode to the source.
Service without test equipment
Tube balance can be aligned in place without measuring gear, which counts for something on a tube compressor in daily use. The gain reduction section runs a pair of readily available 6BA6 tubes, but the socket for the classic 6386 remains, so the original complement can be restored without modification. Two or more units couple together for stereo, surround or shared sidechain operation, which opens up everything from a matched pair on the mix bus to keying one track from another. Input and output are transformer balanced on XLR connectors, with power on an IEC inlet and switchable mains voltage.
KEY FEATURES
- Recreation of the 1956 Gates Sta-Level tube compressor
- Program-controlled release circuit
- Six recovery time settings and three modes: Single, Double and Triple
- Up to 40 dB of available gain reduction
- Program path transformer balanced throughout
- Push-pull circuitry with a 6V6 output stage
- Tube balance aligned without test equipment
- A pair of 6BA6 tubes in the gain reduction stage, 6386 socket retained
- Several units couple for stereo, surround and shared sidechain operation
- Hand-matched coupling capacitors and custom-wound transformers
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Gain reduction threshold: continuously adjustable from +24 dBm to -20 dBm
- Available gain reduction: 40 dB
- Total system gain: 35 dB with standard input and output pads
- Distortion: 1% or less from 0 to 30 dB of gain reduction
- Frequency response: +/- 0.25 dB, 20-20,000 Hz
- Noise: -70 dB or better referenced to gain reduction threshold
- Output level: continuously adjustable from -40 dBm to +18 dBm
- Input impedance: 0-600 Ohms, active or transformer balanced sources
- Output impedance: 600 Ohms, transformer balanced
- Tube complement: 2x 6BA6, 12AT7, 2x 6V6GT, 6AL5, OB2, 5Y3GT
- Power: IEC inlet, switchable 115-230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Dimensions: 3U, 19 x 5.25 x 8 inches
