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Fink Analog Audio
CS2-FA Stereo Tube Preamp Compressor Equalizer Description
Read Barry Rudolph's MIX Review
OK $4k seems
expensive until you start adding up what two channels of great tube
preamps, compressors and equalizers would cost you. Seems about half
price to me, as we have really enjoyed having the CS2-FA around for
many duties. - Warren Dent
Fink Analog Audio
CS2-FA Overview
Two Complete Channel strips - ready
for Dual Mono or Stereo linked use. You can track two different mics
through it, or record a stereo pair with it. Loop through it during mix
down for that great real analog 'plug-in' (times two.) Link it in
stereo as a Bus Processor for vocals, instruments, or percussion
groups; or use it as an analog stereo Mastering Processor.
Fink Analog Audio
CS2-FA Features
PREAMP | EQUALIZER | LIMITER
A three tube preamp in the vintage
Putnam console style, with continuous Gain and Level controls. A
passive parametric three-band EQ in the classic Pultec style, with all
the familiar frequencies and curves. A unique two tube implementation
of the UREI 1176, preserving the FET attenuator character and controls
of the original.
Fink Analog Audio
CS2-FA Specifications
- Bandwidth:10Hz to 50kHz, +/- 1dB
- Maximum Output: +23dBu
- Gain: 80dB
- Equivalent Input Noise: -122dB
Preamp Section
- Inputs: Mic, Line, DI
- Input Pad: 0, -10, -20, -30dB,
Line
- Gain Control: +/- 10 dB
continuous
- Level Control: 0 to 11
Passive EQ Section
- Low boost: 0 to +10dB
- Low Cut: 0 to -10dB
- Low Freq: 0, 40Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz,
250Hz
- Mid Boost: 0 to +10dB
- Mid Q: 1 to 10
- Mid Freq: 2k, 3k, 5k, 7k, 10k,
15kHz
- High Cut: 0 to -10dB
- High Freq: 5k, 10k, 15kHz
Limiter Section
- Makup Gain: -inf to +20dB
- Input Control: 0 to 11
- Output Control: 0 to 11
- Ratio: 1, SOFT, 4, 8, 12, 20,
ALL
- Attack: 0.2 to 20 msec.
- Release: 100msec. to 2.2sec.
- Chassis: 2U x 15.25” deep
- Power: 20 Watts at 120/240 Vac
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Fink Audio CS2-FA Stereo Tube Channel / See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page
Dennis Fink, owner of Fink Audio, has been designing gear all the way from the old Urei days to Universal Audio and beyond. Eventually it seems he got the idea to wrap up some very cool designs into one do-all box and start his own company...which he did. This USA built stereo all tube preamp / DI / line level / equalizer / compressor is a stunning achievement in sound (and quality) based on the time I've spent with this unit. You've got an original Bill Putnam based tube preamp / input section, a tube 1176 style compressor limiter, and a Pultec style EQ (with all the same controls) so what more could you ask for? Well, all three of those things are holy grail status items so I think the only fair answer is "not much more" in one box anyhow.
Overall I find the preamp / input section to be a quintessential tube sound but not of the dirty type found in some lower cost units. It's a high quality open sound that is very dimensional and full, with that very slightly compressed sort of sound you expect from a good tube amp section. It still delivers nice detail and space, along with subtle character. The 1176 based FET comp / limiter rocks as you would expect! Dennis even tossed a SOFT ratio in there for gentle use on sources such as 2 buss, so yes this box can carry you start to finish from tracking to final mixdown. It has that great grab and energy of an 1176, capable of medium fast to VERY fast action of course, but that energetic hold it puts on things is unmistakable. The Pultec style EQ is perfect for simple "garnish" but can also do broad and deep strokes very nicely, and deliver a FAT sound that brings drive, that slight electric sounding "splatter", and a bottom end that you can really widen up a lot by pushing the boost and cut at the same time. Of course it doesn't really "sculpt" as no Pultec really does, but man can it add some balls to anything you got.
Conclusion: From kick drums to vocals to 2 buss, the Fink Audio CS2-FA is a great single reach when vibe and depth and old school are what it's all about. It's nice to have designs based on classics designed and built by a guy who was actually around designing with those folks too! The price might seem high but go price out 2 channels of tube preamp, Pultec style EQ and 1176 compression and you'll be begging to drop the cash on this USA tone monster.
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