ACME
Acme Audio Opticom XLA500
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Acme Audio Opticom XLA500 moves the XLA-3 limiter topology into a two-slot 500 series module. The circuit stays tube-based and optical, with the triple optoelectronic detector and Cinemag transformers on both input and output.
Three response speeds in one module
Slow mode behaves like a classic opto: a gentle attack onset passes the initial transient, so a snare keeps its hit while its level is being controlled. Fast clamps down far harder and covers ground where a FET compressor would normally be the answer. Normal sits between the two and handles most vocals on its own.
Clean to dirty without changing units
A class A gain stage and Cinemag transformers add saturation progressively as input level rises. In practice one module covers gentle vocal control, added weight on bass, and a heavily crushed drum track, without reaching for a second piece of hardware. The module occupies two slots in a 500 series rack.
KEY FEATURES
- XLA-3 limiter topology in 500 series format
- Triple optoelectronic circuit combining three compression curves
- Normal, Fast and Slow modes
- Class A gain stage
- Cinemag input and output transformers
- Tonal range from clean to saturated
- Occupies two 500 series slots
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: tube optical limiter
- Format: 500 series module, two slots
- Detection: triple optoelectronic circuit
- Modes: Normal, Fast, Slow
- Gain stage: class A
- Input transformer: Cinemag
- Output transformer: Cinemag
- Channels: 1
- Power: from the 500 series rack
