Wes Audio _Prometheus is a stereo, fully analog tube optical compressor in Starlight format (2U desktop) with full digital integration — a stereo bus and mastering compression tool built on an opto-compressor architecture with a tube element in the signal path. _Prometheus combines the characteristic program-dependent time response of optical compression with the harmonic coloration and saturation of vacuum tube circuitry, while providing full recall and automation via VST/AU, USB, and MIDI with no digital processing in the audio path. Two independent channels with stereo link, a built-in M/S matrix, switchable input transformer, and external sidechain. Stepper motors move physical potentiometers in response to DAW automation.
Tube opto — natural compression with tube coloration
The optical detection element in _Prometheus — a photocell — delivers the characteristic smooth response to the dynamics of the input signal: as the level rises, compression engages gradually and naturally; as it falls, release is governed by the photocell's return to its resting state, a nonlinear and program-dependent process. The result is compression that responds to the music more organically than a precision VCA with fixed time constants. The tube element in the signal path adds harmonic saturation — subtle at gentle settings, more pronounced under deeper compression — imparting depth and warmth unavailable from VCA compression. Attack and release ranges are optimized for mastering and stereo bus work: slow, medium, and fast attack times allow precise transient management; the Auto Release mode analyzes the program material and selects the release time dynamically. Makeup gain is automatic or manual. VU meters per channel with switchable indication modes (Input / Output / GR). Tubes require a warm-up period before recording.
M/S, input transformer, sidechain, and DAW recall
The built-in M/S matrix with encoder and decoder enables independent compression of the Mid and Side channels — selective compression of the stereo center without side-channel pumping, and vice versa. The switchable input transformer (Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled) provides two input path characters: the transformer adds subtle harmonic coloration typical of transformer-coupled analog circuits; transformerless mode delivers a neutral, clean input. External sidechain input per channel. The _Prometheus VST/AU plug-ins handle DAW automation and recall: stepper motors move physical potentiometers according to DAW automation; recall is accurate to 16-bit per parameter. _Prometheus is available as a 500-series module (2-slot) and in the Starlight 2U desktop version with an internal power supply. Tubes and opto elements require stable operating temperature — avoid extreme ambient temperature variations to maintain consistent compression character between sessions.
KEY FEATURES
- Stereo tube optical compressor 2U with full digital integration (analog signal path)
- Two independent channels — stereo link or dual mono mode
- Detection element: photocell (opto) — program-dependent, natural time response
- Tube element in signal path — harmonic saturation, depth, and warmth
- Auto Release mode — program-dependent dynamic release time selection
- Makeup gain: automatic or manual
- Built-in M/S matrix — independent Mid and Side compression
- Switchable input transformer: Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled
- External sidechain input per channel
- Full DAW automation (VST/AU) with physical potentiometer movement
- Full preset recall 16-bit per parameter via USB and MIDI
- Zero digital processing in the signal path
- VU meters per channel — Input / Output / GR modes
- Tube warm-up period required
- Format: 2U desktop Starlight (alternative: 2-slot 500-series module)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: stereo tube optical compressor, 2U rack desktop (Starlight)
- Signal path: fully analog, tube-based
- Detection element: photocell (opto)
- Channels: 2 (stereo link or dual mono)
- M/S matrix: built-in encoder/decoder, switchable
- Input transformer: switchable (Transformerless / Transformer-Coupled)
- Sidechain: external per channel
- Makeup gain: Auto / Manual
- Auto Release: program-dependent
- Digital integration: VST/AU, USB, MIDI
- Automation: 16-bit per parameter, physical potentiometer movement
- VU meters: per channel, Input / Output / GR modes
- I/O: balanced XLR (stereo in/out + sidechain in per channel)
- Power: internal (Starlight 2U)
- Format: 2U rack desktop (Starlight); alternative 500-series module (2-slot)
