APA's Leviathan Opto Compressor ($995)

"Inspired by both the La-3a AND La-2a 'set and forget' program dependent compression with the Leviathan's VINTAGE auto mode, the APA Leviathan is very smooth in every sense of the word. We've set the VINTAGE mode's attack to be approximately in between the La-2a and La-3a so the source is natural but with enough control to keep things in check. Being a discrete Class A single ended design with iron core transformers on input and output, the perfect balance of coloration and detail is achieved with a solid midrange, airy top and just the right amount of even order harmonic distortion. The Leviathan's smooth compression is similar to 'riding the fader'.

In addition to having the VINTAGE auto mode, the Leviathan has fully featured modern features such as variable attack, variable release, variable ratio, PUNCH low frequency side chain for keeping your tracks fat in the low end. These modern features make it far more flexible than any vintage based design in the 500 format. Because it can be closely stereo matched and stereo linked it can used with great effect on master bus, sub bus, vocals, acoustic guitars, bass, drum overheads, synths, electric guitars, and more. "

http://www.atlasproaudio.com/leviathan.html

Features:

Class A Opto Compressor, single ended design

Fully discrete circuit

Iron core custom transformers on input and output

VINTAGE auto mode is based on program dependent compression of LA style 1970's optos.

Attack time in VINTAGE mode is approx half way between La-2a and La-3a.

Fully variable attack (2mS to 40mS)

Fully variable release (100mS to 2 Sec)

Fully variable ratio (2:1 to 20:1)

Attack Release and Ratio all are independent of VINTAGE mode

Punch is a Sidechain LF rolloff for keeping low frequencies big and uncompressed

Stereo Linkable

Bypass

Fast 2ms capable attack time