Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Compressor Details

The Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Compressor is based on a trusted design and is electronically balanced, utilizing "THAT Corporation" (formerly DBX) VCA circuitry. It features a low component count in order to provide the cleanest signal path possible. In accordance with Chameleon Labs' ongoing dedication to end users, unique features have been implemented (direct from consumer suggestions) to make the 7720 more versatile than your average mix buss compressor.

The 7720 Stereo Bus Compressor is perhaps Chameleon Labs' best achievement. High quality bus compression is a huge issue for mixers everywhere and the previous solutions were expensive. Chameleon Labs started with a sonic target everyone is familiar with; the English console VCA compression system developed in the 80s. The heart of this console compression system was the dbx VCA , designed by Les Tyler and now built by Les's company, THAT Corporation.

The 7720's controls are set up as stereo device so that each control adjusts both channels. Chameleon Labs included newer features, such as 5 switchable filters in the detector side chain: 60, 90, 130, 200 and 440Hz. This enables the user to custom tune the compressor behavior to prevent bass frequencies from triggering the compressor. In practice, this prevents the low end from dominating compressor activity. It makes a tremendous difference in the results! Chameleon Labs also added a side chain input so that any input source can be the trigger for the compressor instead of the audio on the inputs of the unit. Metering of both input and output levels, on a VU meter, allows a fast and easy way to match the processed output gain of the unit compared to the input levels. From compression ratios as gentle as 1.5:1, to a more intense 10:1, the 7720 deserves to be across your final stereo bus.

Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Compressor Features

• Meter switch: The meter switch allows the meter to indicate either channels input level, either channels output level or the amount of stereo audio signal compression.
• Sidechain: This section modifies the control of the compressor with a mono audio signal introduced through the sidechain XLR input. A blue LED gives the user a visual indication that the circuit is active and that the sidechain audio is in control of the compressor, not the left and right audio inputs.
• High PassFilter: The HPF rotary control allows the sidechain or main audio signal to be equalized to minimize lower frequency audio signals' effect on the compression character of the unit. The HPF affects the detection circuit, not the actual audio. The selector has six settings. The first setting does not introduce any filtration into the sidechain circuit. The next five settings are 60 Hz., 90 Hz., 130 Hz., 200 Hz. and 440 Hz. These selections allow a wide variety of choices. The high pass filter is designed so that the frequency selected is 3 dB down, with a roll-off of 12 dB per octave.
• Ratio: In addition to the ratio settings common to popular stereo compressors (2:1, 4:1, 10:1), the 7720 features a 1.5:1 setting. This allows the user to maintain control over the dynamics of the input signal without squashing the life out of the mix.
• Non Stereo Application: In order to use the Model 7720 as mono compressor, you need only use the left channel inputs and outputs. All functions are as normal.

Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Compressor Specifications

• Input impedance: 50K Ohms (Balanced)
• Output impedance: 200 Ohms (Balanced)
• Sensitivity: 20 dBu maximum at 1 KHz
• Noise: Less than -80 dBu
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5% at 1 KHz, +4dBu
• Maximum Output Level: 20 dBu
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz +/- 0.5 dB.
• Net Weight: 6.6 pounds

Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Compressor Power Options

• 24VAC Adapter: Each Model 7720 ships with a mid-line power supply, type-dependent on country of operation. This is not a traditional "wall-wart" but simply an outboard AC transformer. DC filtering and regulation is accomplished inside the 7720 itself.
• CPS-1 Dual Power Supply: For users who prefer a rack-mounted power option, the Model 7720 may instead be powered by the CPS-1 Dual Power Supply. The CPS-1 is offered as an optional accessory and can provide power to two 7720 units. Users will need to contact Front End Audio to acquire the DC Cable needed to connect the CPS-1 and 7720.

Chameleon Labs 7720 Stereo Compressor Downloads

• Chameleon Labs 7720 Manual
• Chameleon Labs 7720 Recall Sheet

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