Cartec Audio THC Compressor

Cartec’s THC is a two channel hybrid compressor that employs eight valves and four discrete amplifiers to achieve a unique level of control over dynamic range, harmonic distortion content, and tonal balance. The painstakingly handmade units are assembled in the UK and built to order.

After the transformer coupled input, audio is split into two separate parallel processing paths. The first stage is a pair of variable transconductance EF183 valves operating in a push-pull configuration and feeding an ECC82 with an interstage transformer. By varying the input and output level in different proportions, this stage can change from fast, transparent compression, to a more aggressive crushing character with added distortion.
caltec-thc-compressor
The second stage which splits from a separate winding of the input transformer, is intended to be blended together with the compressed output to either restore some natural dynamics, or add extra character. This uncompressed or ‘Dry’ signal is passed though a set of passive filters which allow three different bass and three different treble shelving frequencies to be boosted, should you want to blend a higher amount of a particular uncompressed frequency range. In combination with this is a variable asymmetrical clipping threshold, which can greatly increase the second harmonic content for anything from subtle warming, to heavy distortion, and added to taste or even used as an effect on its own.

Both signal paths each have a separate output fader before the discrete mix bus and transformer coupled output amplifier. The THC can also form a passive Mid/Side encoding and decoding matrix with its input and output transformers, and features a switchable sidechain high pass filter at two frequencies.

Caltec’s website comes up wanting on a number of fronts, but their approach to audio design is quite progressive.

The Caltec THC costs $5725 and is available now.

Caltec

Author: FutureMusic

Share This Post On