B172A
Hybrid FET/Optical Compressor
US PRICE: $1399
Two legendary compressors in a single chassis.
Double the classy in a single chassis, the B172A combines the Seventeen compressor (our take on the legendary ‘76 FET limiter) with our take on the renowned ‘2A tube optical compressor. You get both a ’76- and a ‘2A-style circuit in a single chassis that allows you to route the signal in any order you like.
While perfectly suitable for the dual-compressor approach used on top-level vocal productions, we’re confident you’ll find many other uses for your B172A —as it may well deliver the finest level of dynamics control you can get in hardware.
Versatile signal flow.
The B172A’s two compressors can be accessed independently or in series. The combo attack of the ’76 and ‘2A has been a studio staple for decades among pro producers looking to capture a perfect vocal; the first compressor catches the audio’s peaks, and the second provides the heavy compression.
Alternatively, you could simply run two unrelated signals into each side of the B172A in dual mono mode. Either way, you will be blown away with the sound and versatility of the B172A… and you will have paid for only one piece of hardware instead of two.
Dual Mono Link makes it easy to route your signal through the ‘17 and ‘2A circuits in any order you like, and each compressor circuit is independently stereo-linkable to that of another B172A.
The best components for the best sound.
Painstaking effort went into choosing the best transformers needed for each circuit. Spec’d with a CineMag input transformer on the ‘2A side; our own Chicago-wound output transformers on both circuits; and high-grade signal path and decoupling capacitors; the B172A gives you ultra-convenient access to a pair of classic dynamics processors never before available in a single chassis.
The ‘2A side of the B172A mandated the invention of our custom opto-element, the T4BLA. We leveraged our years of experience in hardware modifications to tweak subtleties in the optical element until it was a supreme asset in the design. With a heavy attention to detail and design, the T4BLA is designed to be the single best T4B optocell available today.
Technical
Documentation
TypeFET / Optical Compressor
Number of ChannelsStereo, Dual Mono Link
ControlsRatio, Attack, Release, Peak Reduction
Ratio4:1 to 20:1
AttackContinuously variable 20uS to 800uS
ReleaseContinuously variable 50mS to 1200mS
Inputs2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4″
Outputs2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4″
Other I/O2 x 1/4″ (link)
Additional FeaturesA/B or B/A signal routing
Rack Spaces2U
Power SourceStandard IEC AC cable
Width19″
A note on the Attack and Release controls:
The Attack control on the B17A works a little differently than you may have encountered on other ‘76-style compressors.
Turning the Attack knob to the left (counter-clockwise) will yield faster attack times; slower times result when turning to the right (clockwise). Turning the Release knob to the left (counter-clockwise) will yield faster release times; slower times result when turning to the right (clockwise).
Product Images
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