Summit Audio DCL-200 Dual Tube Leveling Amplifier, Compressor, Limiter

The Summit Audio DCL-200 Dual Tube Leveling Amplifier, Compressor, Limiter is a dual channel compressor/limiter with stereo linking capabilities, suitable for both live sound and studio environments. The unit is a hybrid processor that uses solid state technology to provide reliability, while the vacuum tube amplifier delivers tube "warmth" and provides gain to overcome any loss of level during heavy compression.

A mainstay of both the live sound and studio environments, the DCL-200 has helped shape the sound of countless concerts and albums for decades, as well as holding down the fort in many of the best dance clubs around the world.

Dual hybrid design

It is a dual channel hybrid design compressor/limiter that incorporates hand selected vacuum tubes with high reliability 990 op-amps in a transformerless signal path, giving you an incredibly clean, precise sound with the subtle overtones and warmth of tube technology.

The DCL-200 uses a soft-knee and program dependent transition characteristic that is extremely versatile and musical sounding, making it a go-to piece for tracking, mixing, and even mastering. Because of the program dependent nature of the DCL’s compressor, a higher slope will result in more compression but the circuit constantly adjusts itself to the incoming signal, making it easy to set and forget.

Key Features

• Dual channel compressor limiter with tube/solid state signal path
• Continuously variable attack and release times
• Adjustable threshold and variable ratio
• Soft-knee transition characteristic
• Sidechain insert for EQ dependent processing or ducking
• Output gain control
• Stereo link switch links both channels for stereo operation with the AC threshold, slope, attack and release controls of the top channel controlling both channels
• 990 output stage (balanced or unbalanced)
• Dual true VU meters
• Universal internal power supply
• Hand crafted in the USA

Technical Specs

Function

Compressor/Limiter

Number of Channels

2

Inputs

2 x XLR

2 x 1/4" TRS phone Inserts

Outputs

2 x XLR

Maximum Input Level

+24dBu

Compression Threshold

Variable

Compression Ratio

1.1:1 to 7:1

Attack Time

0.1mS to 100mS

Release Time

45mS to 10S

Maximum Output Level

+24dBu

Make-up Gain

Yes

Frequency Response

5Hz to 70kHz, -3.0dB

Noise

Less than -80dBu at unity, 10Hz to 80kHz

Power Requirements

115 or 230VAC, 50/60Hz

Dimensions (WxDxH)

19 x 10.5 x 3.5" (483 x 267 x 89mm)

Weight

16 lbs.

Specialties

The clip LED will light between 0.25 and 0.5dB before clipping

LED is always in the main signal path