Generic Audio's Preceptor – Compressor/Limiter (model-A)

Preceptor Model-A

The Preceptor from Generic Audio is a mastering quality " two-channel (stereo/dual mono), pure analog (Class-A, discrete) dynamic processor, in which the gain reduction is made by a transistor in the differential amplifier circuit with Zener diodes stabilization". This is one solid looking unit and it has some impressive features including  an external/internal sidechain input with HPF filter and parallel compression with variable blend. There is also a Model T that has an extra switch to select between hard and soft modes. (Note the extra "Action" switch next to the Limit/Compress switch). The Model-T attack is also 0.5 to 31ms while the Model-A is 0.5 to 60ms and the release is 50ms to 2sec. compared to the Model-A's 25ms to 6sec.

Preceptor Model-T

Features:

• Massive sound
• Hand made and calibrated
• Pure analog design
• 3U rack space
• Internal PSU 115V/230V
• Special power transformer
• Two independent mono blocks
• Ultra stable power supply
• 16 matched Zener diodes in the signal path
• Internal and external sidechain
• Classic Carnhill transformers
• Input Z switchable (2k5Ω or 10kΩ)
• Stereo or dual mono operation
• Hard relay bypass
• Sidechain HPF
• Blend function (parallel compression)
• Retro panel meters
• Only gold contact stepped attenuators and toggle switches (no potentiometers!)
• Easy-settings repeatability
• Highest functionality!

Specifications:

• Inputs: Balanced XLR
• Outputs: Balanced XLR
• Ext. sidechain inputs: Balanced TRS
• Signal transformers: Carnhill
• Bypass: hard relay bypass
• Input impedance: 2k5Ω or 10kΩ switched on the front panel
• Output impedance: < 50Ω
• Frequency response: 20-22.000Hz
• Maximum input level : + 21 dBu @ sensitivity +4 dBu
• Maximum output level: +23 dBu
• S/N ratio (A-weighted) : better than 85dBu
• Meter: 0 to -20dB gain reduction
• Signal path: Class-A, discrete
• Gain reduction made by: a transistor in the differential amplifier circuit with Zener diodes stabilization
• Dynamic modes: limiter, compressor
• Speed modes: fast, medium, slow
• Attack: 0,5ms – 60ms
• Release: 25ms – 6s
• External sidechain: YES
• Sidechain filtering : OFF, 40Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 200 Hz, 320 Hz
• Blender (parallel compression) : yes
• PSU: internal
• Fuses type: 230V : 500mA (slo-blo; 5x20mm) /115V : 1A (slo-blo; 5x20mm)
• Power consumption: 70W
• Dimensions (WxHxD) : 483x133mm (3U) x 245mm
• Weight: 6,4kg

PRICE : 3125 EUR (excluding VAT)

The Preceptor would make a great all around compressor for the studio. I can see using this for tracking as well as mixing and mastering duties.

Visit Generic Audio for more info