2019 marks the 50 year anniversary for our Spectra 1964 Classic 610 (C610). This unit is the original Spectra Sonics 610 Complimiter, perfected. The C610 utilizes the same 601 Complimiter circuit and the same venerable 101 amplifier for make-up gain as the original 610. The limiter attack time, compressor function, distortion, and noise are precisely the same as the original Spectra Sonics 610 Complimiter. All of the materials utilized to build our C610's are the very same materials that were used for the original Spectra Sonics 610 Complimiters. We have refrained from using cheap plastic knobs, and instead use custom machined, anodized aluminum knobs. All of these units are built in the USA, only a few miles from the original factory in Ogden, Utah.
The original Spectra Sonics 610 Complimter was lean and protean in design. Conceived and designed in 1968, the compressor/limiter circuit of the 610 allows for independent compression or limiting, simultaneous compression and limiting, or, compression only. Because the limiter is always present, any audio program transients, which can modulate the compressor function, are eliminated. It's versatile in its use as a microphone or instrument preamplifier, input channel or two buss compressor/limiter, mastering limiter, record lathe limiter, or as an impressive and unique effects device when used in "over-driven" mode. It's applications are either publicly praised, or held tight as secret recording-studio weapons, only to be discussed with a few close friends.
The traditional “pumping” artifact of conventional compressors is not present with this design. Additionally, compressor circuits that utilize a 610 in limiting mode prior to the other device, will exhibit reduced “pumping”, as well as improved headroom and lower distortion. The compressor function of the C610 offers natural compression without bandwidth limitations or issues involving de-essing. Release times controlled during the compression function allow for extended times to ten seconds. The release time function is an area wherein many users have found unique applications in the “effects” realm of the unit.
C610 As a Microphone or Instrument Preamplifier
The peak limiting function of the C610 will allow for improved dynamic range, extended harmonics content, reduced transient distortion, and lower overall system noise. In the microphone arena, it is not unusual to encounter transient peaks above 20dB with drums, guitars, and other instruments. The C610 eliminates the negative effects of peak overload, and the resulting distortion, or loss of gain, (reduced levels to avoid peak overload). The result of using the C610 is readily apparent. Drums sound like drums during playback, bass guitars reproduce all frequencies without overload or loss of harmonics, cymbals bells, and tambourines, no longer smear or blend together.
C610 Mix Buss and DAW Applications
Peak limiting in a conventional console mix buss will allow for significant channel level increases, without overload, and minimize the loss of harmonic content. In DAW applications, increased levels may used as the peak limiter function of the C610 will decrease converter overload due to audio program transients.
-SEPARATE OR COMBINED LIMITER/COMPRESSOR FUNCTIONS
-dBu OR dBFS INPUT PAD
-MICROPHONE OR LINE INPUT CAPABLE
-PRECISION 32 POSITION DETENT INPUT/OUTPUT CONTROL
-56dB OF GAIN, LIMITER MODE
-EXTREMELY LOW NOISE AND DISTORTION
-PRECISION INPUT/OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS
-MODULAR DESIGN ALLOWS FOR EASE OF SERVICE
-MADE IN THE USA
