Klark Teknik SQ1D - 8-Channel Dynamics Processor

I just finished using the Klark Teknik SQ1D on a project with live drums. I was able to compress and gate the drum kit with ease. The SQ1D provides 8 channels of gating or compression.
You can't use the gate and the compressor at the same time on each channel. An easy worked around is to feed one channel into the other (gate the kick on CH 1 then feed CH 1 into CH 2 for compression).
The compressor section has four modes which makes it very easy to dial in the right amount of compression. The modes are default (RMS), Soft Knee, Hard Knee and Vintage. There's also a side chain filter (that can be soloed) and a knob for make up gain. The channels can also be linked for stereo use (when linked the left-most channel becomes the master). With the SQ1D Klark Teknik delivers 8 channels of high quality dynamics in a small footprint at a great price. $1907 at B&H Pro Audio

Klark Teknik SQ1D Features:

• Eight-channel, multi-mode compressor and gate, selectable per channel 

• With both mode switches inactive the compressor behaves in the default Soft Knee and RMS mode. This gives the slowest (and most subtle) feel to the compressor envelopes 

• When Hard Knee and Vintage are activated the compressor operates with more precise envelope control and a defined transition between under and over threshold. This mode uses faster peak sensing (not RMS) like many older compressor designs with exponential attack and release 

• Functions as a broadband frequency-conscious compressor when the FILTER switch is activated in wide mode, allowing the user to sweep to a desired frequency and apply frequency-dependant compression 

• When the FILTER switch is activated in narrow mode, the compressor functions as a Hi-Q frequency-conscious compressor, especially useful for de-essing vocals 

• Can also function as a limiter or expander 

• Gate with adjustable Threshold, Attack, Hold and Release times to suit various program requirements.

• Sidechain FILTER allows the gate to be tuned to open at selected frequency in both wide or narrow modes 

• i-TS (intelligent threshold shift) in conjunction with the hold function, helps reduce gate chattering 

• Channels can be linked (in all modes) for stereo, or multi-channel operation. When any number of channels are linked, the linked channels all adopt the mode of the left-hand channel of the linked group 

• A dedicated Solo Output can monitor the sidechain filter during a performance 

• Each channel features a six-segment, three-colour input meter, and a ten-segment attenuation depth meter 

Klark Teknik SQ1D Specifications:

Function: Compressor/Gate 

Number of Channels: 8 

Inputs:
  8 x XLR
  8 x 1/4"TRS phone, External Sidechain 

Outputs: 8 x XLR

Compression Threshold: -50dB to +25dB 

Compression Ratio: 1:1 to infinity 

Attack Time: 100µs to 20ms 

Release Time: 50ms to2.5s 

Gate Threshold: -50dB to +25dB 

Gate Rate:
  Attack: 10µs to 10ms
  Release: 2ms to 2s 

Maximum Output Level: +22dBu into >2kO
Make-up Gain: 0dB to +30dB 

Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, +/-0.5dBu 

Dynamic Range: >117dB, unweighted (20Hz to 20kHz) 

Noise: Noise Floor: <-95dBu @ unity gain