SC2 500 Series Stereo Optical Compressor

Trident Audio Developments SC2 500

The SC2-500 Stereo Compressor from Trident Audio resurrects the timelessly smooth character of the original Joemeek SC2, bringing its silky optical compression to a new generation of audio creators. In a sleek, 2-slot 500-series module, the SC2-500 revitalizes the legendary British analog stereo compression of the original unit, providing a fantastic tool for imparting cohesion to virtually any source, glueing together vocal, instrumental, and full stereo tracks for a studio-polished sound. Using analog optical compression, the SC2-500 features a distinctly musical sonic character that enhances all the best qualities in your audio without adding harsh saturation or clinical, over-processed tone. This natural and organic response is perfect for dynamic signals like vocals and full mixes that benefit from gentle smoothing.

Underneath its lovely VU meter that can be set to meter reduction or output level, the SC2 offers dedicated input and make-up gain controls for optimizing gain staging across the device. Four slope settings set the range of variable compression response up to 10:1 for limiting duties, while the smooth attack and release time controls set the character of response for a wide range of applications. Adjust threshold with the Compression control, and flip the Trans Attack switch to allow transients to restrict attack times, imparting a decidedly punchy character on drums and other transient-centric sources. With its legendary sound that has made this circuit a go-to processor in countless professional studios, the SC2 500 from Trident Audio Developments is sure to bring analog character and flexible enhancement to every mix.

SC2 500 Features

• Stereo optical compressor 500-series format module
• Based on the original Joemeek SC2 compressor
• Smooth, variable response compression for natural and organic dynamic control
• Ideal for vocals, instruments, and full stereo mixes
• VU meter with selectable metering source
• Input and output gain control
• Variable program-dependent ratio settings up to 10:1 with Slope setting
• Threshold control via Compression knob
• Smooth attack and release time controls
• Trans Attack switch enables transients to bypass attack of compressor for punchy, snappy response