The Demeter HXC-1 Tube Compressor combines the smooth, musical character of classic optical compression with the warmth and headroom of Demeter's Hx Series tube circuitry.
Designed as a single-channel tube optical compressor/limiter, the HXC-1 gives engineers the kind of forgiving dynamic control that works beautifully on vocals, bass, guitars, keyboards, and other sources while offering considerably more control than many vintage-inspired optical designs. From subtle leveling to more obvious compression effects, it delivers analog dynamics processing with plenty of flexibility for tracking, mixing, and outboard studio rigs. At the heart of the HXC-1 is Demeter's Hx Series architecture, which combines tube amplification circuitry with solid-state driver stages. High-quality film capacitors, metal-film resistors, a custom toroidal power transformer, and fully regulated power supplies help provide substantial operating headroom, with output capability up to +28 dB into 600 ohms. Adjustable attack from 0.5 ms to 120 ms and release from 200 ms to 3 seconds let you move from quick, transparent control to slower, deliberately vintage-style compression behavior. The HXC-1 also provides useful tools for shaping how the compressor responds. A low-frequency sensitivity switch introduces a high-pass filter into the detector path, reducing the tendency for bass-heavy material to trigger excessive compression. A dedicated sidechain connection opens the door to frequency-conscious compression and other processing techniques, while the Link function allows two Hx Series compressors to be paired for stereo operation. Separate gain-reduction and VU metering make it easy to keep an eye on both compression activity and signal level.
Demeter HXC-1 Tube Compressor Features
- Single-channel tube optical compressor/limiter
- Hx Series tube amplification circuitry with solid-state driver stages
- Optical gain-reduction design for smooth, musical compression
- Adjustable attack and release controls
- Low-frequency sensitivity switch reduces compressor response to bass-heavy content
- Input sensitivity switch accommodates +4 and lower-level signals
- Dedicated gain-reduction meter
- VU meter selectable between input and output level
- +4/-10 meter sensitivity selection
- Output level control
- Compressor bypass switching
- Sidechain connection for external signal processing
- Link function allows two H Series compressors to operate in stereo
- Balanced XLR and 1/4-inch TRS input and output connections
- Fully regulated tube and solid-state power supplies
- Custom toroidal power transformer
- Metal-film resistors and high-quality film capacitors
- Single-rackspace aluminum and steel chassis
Demeter HXC-1 Tube Compressor Specifications
- Input impedance: Balanced 10kohms
- Output impedance: Balanced + 28 into 600ohms
- THD @ 30dB: gain .050 @ 1k
- Response 20Hz to 20kHz: + or – 0.1dB
- Gain Variable: 20dB to 30dB
- Signal to noise ratio: – 95dB EIN
- Tubes: 12AX7a selected
- Outputs: XLR, TRS 1/4″
- Inputs: XLR, TRS 1/4″
- Operating voltage: 230/115V AC
Demeter HXC-1 Tube Compressor Includes
- Demeter HXC-1 Tube Compressor
- Power Cable
- Manufacturer Warranty
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