The Retro Doublewide is a tube compressor module designed from the ground up for the 500 series. It's authentic Retro compression for the masses. The Doublewide delivers the tube compression sound you expect because it has four actual variable-mu tubes under the hood. While not precisely like any other tube compressor, the Doublewide methodology takes after the Sta-Level. The tubes and transformers in a fully complementary push-pull topology deliver sonic characteristics typical of a full sized tube compressor. The Doublewide incorporates four NOS 6BJ6 variable-mu tubes in two gain stages as well as two high-quality Cinemag transformers. Input and output are fully floating and transformer balanced for use with line level signals. A hard-wire bypass switch allows for quick evaluation of the compression signature. Compression attack and recovery times are continuously variable. Like the Sta-Level and 176, the Doublewide has two timing characteristic modes; Single and Double. Double mode provides a dynamic program-controlled attack and recovery timing. With these two modes, the Doublewide is versatile in the studio, with full control of weight and punch versus transparency.Key features: Single channel tube compression in a two-slot 500 series module Continuously variable input and output levels with fixed threshold Continuously variable attack and recovery time Single and Double time-constants Fully complementary push-pull signal path Cinemag transformer balanced, fully-floating Input and Output Hard wire bypass switch with gold-plated contacts Gold-plated edge card connections Stainless steel chassis construction Side-accessible meter zero trim Uses new-old-stock U.S. Tubes Authentic U.S.-made Simpson gain reduction meter
