Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite Compressor

Gainlab Audio

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Product Code: 3872
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The Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite Compressor is a tube based dynamic controller which is designed after a classic vari-mu compressors.  The Graphite edition is the same great compressor but with smooth dark finish for those who are looking for different but delightful aesthetic look!

Theoretically similar to the legendary Fairchild 670 and Gates STA-Level in addition to the contemporary solutions in order to have a better control over the sound. The bespoke design of the branch circuits we just simply call the “mu-follower”. The two channels of the compressor can provide synchronised running throughout the whole range of the transition curve and so excellent gain reduction can be achieved. The time wise working parameters and the saturation characteristics are very familiar to the known tube based compressors.

The Dictator is a true vari-mu compressor which consist a pair of pentodes that were mass produced in exceptional quality during Warsaw Pact in countries such as Hungary, East Germany or Poland. The surrounding circuits of the tube amplifier are using the latest technical solutions that allow the most precise parallel channel working characteristics which helps to achieve extreme setup conditions. For instance, it can be pulsing on a masterbus or it can produce crispy saturation alongside never existed transients and dirty breaks. Or work as a simple saturator with minimal dynamic control. Gainlab Audio's intention was to create a master compressor and bus compressor for mixing, but in experienced hands the Dictator can be used as a sound design tool as well. The Dictator keeps every aspect of the sound in hand, it is precise however not always clean, just like all the dictators from the history books.

Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite Compressor Features

  • True dual pentode tube design
  • Contemporary side chain design
  • Modern line driver
  • Military grade vacuum tubes (6k4p-EV (6К4П-EB) long life pentode)
  • Permalloy transformers

Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite Compressor Specifications

  • Input: 2 x Balanced XLR
  • Output: 2 x Balanced XLR
  • Max. Input: +22dBu
  • Input impedance: >10Kohm
  • Frequency response: 20Hz-20Khz +/- 1dB
  • Size: 483x280x89
  • Weight: 4.2 Kg
  • Mains: 230V AC (EU), 110V AC (US)
  • Max. Output: >26dBu
  • Output impedance: <65ohm
  • THD+N (0dBu): <0.3%

Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite Compressor Includes

  • Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite Compressor
  • Power Cable
  • Manual
  • Warranty Information

1 Review Hide Reviews Show Reviews

  • 5
    Gainlab Dictator
    Jay Matheson

    This compressors main job for me is as a 2 bus compressor after my summing amp. I prefer it over the SSL style that I had in that slot previously. It’s also been good for tracking drum overheads as well as acoustic guitars. Mine gets more use in stereo than mono as it was designed as a stereo unit but it works well just using 1 channel as well. Classic Vari Mu style at an excellent price. Once you have a good FET and Opto compressors this should be the next on the list.

What We Think

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The Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite is one of those compressors that made an impression on us almost immediately — and it’s the whole reason we decided to take on the Gainlab line in the first place. While working with it in the studio, it became clear that this comp has an unusually wide range of personalities. It can be open and subtle, or tight and aggressive, yet it always stays smooth and musical. Even when it’s clamping down hard, it never gets pumpy or breathy — it maintains a clean, controlled compression character that just works. What really sets the Dictator Graphite apart, though, is how musical its behavior feels across different styles. We’ve joked more than once that it seems almost alive. Set it up on a heavy, aggressive mix, then run something completely different through it — say jazz or acoustic material — without touching the controls, and it somehow still feels right. It’s compressing the same way on paper, but the result feels naturally adapted to the music. That’s not something you experience often with compressors. The Dictator Graphite is one of those pieces you have to hear to fully appreciate. It’s intuitive, expressive, and incredibly forgiving, making it easy to dial in great results no matter what you throw at it. Smooth, powerful, and a little bit magical — this is a compressor that earns its place in the rack very quickly.

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