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Chameleon Labs Model 7720 Stereo Compressor Description
Hear the 7720 in our Clip-A-Lator test page as well as many others compressors and more.
The Model 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 bus compressor.
Chameleon Labs Model 7720 Special 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
Pass Filter: 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.
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.
Chameleon Labs Model 7720 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
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Chameleon Labs 7720 Review /
See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page
The guys at Chameleon decided to
take a sort of clone approach but also implemented features that well, the
people who would buy this unit were asking for. Mainly setup as a mix buss
compressor, the 7720 is stereo linked at all times (you can use it in mono just
by using the left channel) so it’s always going to give you that tightly
matched left / right relationship image. It features the same VCA used by many
high end 2 buss compressors and clones (THAT Corp) and has a selectable hi-pass
filter that helps keep bass heavy sources from overly pumping the unit. The
sidechain input also allows you to affect the compression circuit externally,
triggering its response to any element of the mix you like for effect.
For 2 buss linked operation, it
really is quite simple and doesn’t change the tone of the original source much
(it does have a sound but it’s a subtle character). For mix buss I typically
like the 1.5:1 or 2:1 ratio for its more gentle and predictable action. However,
you can actually hit this thing pretty hard without losing the overall original
sound while bringing an exciting new sound. On drum buss, hit it 10:1 (come on
don’t be a baby…!) and check it out with a fast attack and release time (crank ‘em
down) and you can get that driven crunch that brings an edge to snare and
cymbals and room detail and energy to the surface. On clean guitars, the 7720
can also hold them in place squarely while bringing a cool yet subtle tone of
its own. It can even be a pretty decent vocal compressor!
Conclusion: It’s not just for 2
buss, although that is mainly what it was tuned up for. Control from clean to
somewhat driven is possible, and there is enough room in the attack and release
times to keep things as affected or unaffected as you like. Overall it has a
tight image and sound stage, and brings a subtle character of its own that
mostly stays out of the way of your vision when used gently.
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