Maselec MLA2

Maselec MLA2

Optical Stereo Compressor

Two channels compressor. Ideal for recording or mastering. The Maselec MLA-2 is a stereo or 2-channel compressor with stepped drive (input gain), ratio, attack and release time and output gain controls. For optimum transparency and freedom from noise the MLA-2 employs a non-VCA design. Applications Top recording and mastering engineers still use some analogue signal processing equipment, finding the familiar correlation between sound and control better to work with. However, most analogue compressors have either continuously variable controls, making precise adjustments difficult, or just a few coarsely-stepped controls.  Many fail to meet the standards of audio performance consistent with digital media. The MLA-2 provides fully-stepped controls for precision and repeatability for ALL parameters. The Maselec MLA-2 is extensively used in mastering but also works well on an insertion point in recording or mixing. The MLA-2 has a rear-mounted range control switch that adjusts the threshold range to suit either mastering or recording/mixing applications. The Maselec MLA-2 is a compressor that can provide effective dynamic control with minimal side-effects – it is designed to provide a very transparent signal path. Using the Maselec MLA-2 The Maselec MLA-2 is a very special Compressor that has been designed to provide effective but subtle compression. It uses the principle of a fixed threshold, with adjustable drive (or input gain). This makes for more intuitive operation than an adjustable threshold – turn the drive control clockwise and increase the compression depth. The progression into the compression region is gradual and changes as the ratio is increased. Minimal output gain make-up adjustment is needed as the threshold is slightly modified running through different ratio settings. This creates a consistent gain point with about 2-3dB of compression across the ratio range. Control of release time is always an issue and special attention has been lavished on this feature. The MLA-2 intelligently adjusts its release time based on the front panel setting for the most musical result. In addition, a modified release decay has been used rather than the conventional exponential curve. The Maselec MLA-2 IMAGELINK system provides a stereo side-chain link that allows the gain of the two channels to track so avoiding the risk of stereo image shifting when only one channel is controlled. However, transients that are placed to the extreme right or left can result in a slightly un-natural ducking of the other channel, so the stereo link is controlled to avoid this. The Maselec MLA-2 achieves excellent results with speech and other highly dynamic sources, as well as instruments such as piano, saxophone or drums. It has a distinctive character, discernable both sonically and in the unique shape of its progressive compression curves.  It provides the warmth, punch or air you need with a minimum of effort and without compromising the signal path. Maselec Maselec MLA-2 Features

• Input Gain control, adjusts compression depth (drive)
• Output Gain control for gain make-up
• Adjustable ratio from gentle compression to limiting
• Adjustable Attack and Release times
• Attack and Release times are also dynamically auto-adjusted to avoid pumping effects
• Switchable gain reduction or program level (VU) metering
• IMAGELINK system for intelligent stereo linking: Short transients on one channel do not duck both
• Precision stepped controls for accuracy and repeatability; larger controls for often-used adjustments
• Low noise and wide dynamic range
• Electronically balanced XLR inputs and outputs

Maselec Maselec MLA-2 compressor specifications Maximum input level: 26dBu Distortion: <0.001% Output noise (typical set-up): <-85dBu Enclosure: 19-inch 2RU, depth: 280mm Power supply: 90-120V, 200-250V, 50/60Hz, 20W