msonic Baltic Professional tools for studio and live sound
Photo credit: LICHTBILDER - Reinhard Goldmann
Courtesy of Clay Paky-Lightpower

AVALON DESIGN VT-747SP SOUND TEST

AVALON DESIGN VT-747SP Opto Compressor / Limitter "The Vt-747sp is a brilliant and innovative design with an incredible compressor and sweet no-nonsense EQ. With TSP engaged mixes are fat and rich with harmonics. The Vt-747sp is very versatile and is an awesome finishing processor across the stereo buss during mixdown. I also plan to use it during direct to tape recording of stereo keyboards and for project studio mastering. It has a unique and distinctive sound and looks great too." - Dale P., CA "The Vt-747sp is the fattest and cleanest sounding piece I've ever heard!" - Scott S., FL "I just wanted to let you to know that you guys make great front of house gear! I have a Vt-747sp across the buss mix on the house console and I love it! The 32k EQ really opens up the P.A. Thanks for the great gear, keep up the good work." - Eric C., MO "I am using the Vt-747sp as a mastering tool in my sound system. The effect has been dramatic. I even have ordinary punters telling me the sound is great. Best wishes from Ireland." - Tony H., Ireland The Avalon VT-747SP combines a creative STEREO tube-discrete Class A spectral-opto-compressor with a musical six band program equalizer, L-R output level and gain reduction metering and internal regulated power supplies in a 2U space. Ideal for high performance DAW input signal conditioning, stereo buss compression-EQ, stereo keyboards and analog mastering applications. SPECTRAL-OPTO-COMPRESSION The opto-compressor features a minimum signal path design utilizing sealed silver relays for all signal routing and by pass functions. The optical attenuator acts as a passive level controller with a Class A, variable gain make-up amplifier. Full dynamic control from soft compression to hard-knee limiting can be achieved with master threshold, ratio-compression, attack and release controls. Gain reduction indication is a large analog VU meter. Low frequency and high frequency contour parametric spectral controls can be routed into the side-chain path for enhanced frequency dependent compression with variable frequency and threshold levels. SC listen provides side-chain listen mode for monitoring. SIX BAND PROGRAM EQUALIZER The VT-747SP equalizer utilizes 100% discrete, Class A high-voltage transistors for optimum sonic performance. The six band STEREO program EQ incorporates the smooth characteristics of an all passive design. The frequency turnover, Q and amplitude ranges have been carefully chosen for each band to provide the most natural harmonic balance and lowest phase change while offering simple and effective tone control. The EQ can be placed pre or post the opto-compressor for enhanced effects. TSP - TWIN SIGNAL PATH The VT-747SP features TSP which gives you the choice of either tube tone or the classic, Class A discrete transistor sound by exchanging, three (3) high-voltage dual triode tubes with discrete amplifiers in the opto-compressor and primary output stages. INPUT-OUTPUT and METERING Fully balanced DC coupled, Class A discrete amplifiers are utilized for the input and output drive interface with+36dB input headroom. A high quality analog VU meter indicates accurate gain reduction. Twin 60dB range LED meters provide fast L-R output status of all levels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6L3Kba7ABQ

TSP... kinda sounds like a drug. Kinda feels like one too. It's a really great feature on the 747 from avalondesignusa that is a nice little bit of special sauce to bring some analog, tube goodness into a track. Not to mention, the EQ is sweeeeeeet.