Artistic Leveler Optical Compressor 500 Series Compressor

Fredenstein Artistic Leveler Optical Compressor

The Fredenstein Artistic Leveler is a single-channel optical compressor that works beautifully for vocals, bass, or any instrument you need to give a little squeeze. With a fixed threshold and variable input gain, the Leveler follows classic opto behavior, but adds a modern touch through a versatile control layout including compression ratio, release time, and a Wet/Dry mix for subtle or dramatic parallel compression.

In addition to its signature gentle response, the Artistic Leveler includes a three-position Attack switch, two-position side-chain high-pass filter, and a link mode for stereo applications. When used in a Fredenstein Bento rack, it even allows external sidechain inputs via the AUX jack. Built around the same OPA2 op-amp and steel-core output transformer as its siblings, the Artistic Leveler sounds polished, natural, and controlled.

Artistic Leveler Optical Compressor Features

• Single-channel opto compressor for 500 series
• OPA2 op-amp and American steel-core transformer for vintage warmth
• Input gain-based compression with variable Release and Ratio (2:1–7.5:1)
• Three-position Attack switch and two-position side-chain high-pass filter
• Parallel compression with Wet/Dry mix control
• LED bar-graph gain reduction meter (1–16 dB)
• External side-chain input available when used in Bento 6 or 10 racks