The Alta Moda Unicomp audio compressor combines the best features of both modern and classic audio compressors into a single, dual-mono unit. At its heart is a unique gain cell/sidechain combination which gives the Unicomp its own distinctive sonic character. The Unicomp’s comprehensive set of sidechain features gives it true versatility and accuracy which make the unit superbly suited for tracking, mixing and mastering applications.
The Unicomp boasts a fully discrete, class ‘A’, high voltage minimalist audio path. The amplifiers are DC servo-coupled, eliminating all coupling capacitors in the signal path.
The sidechain features a high accuracy logarithmic-scaled detector, with a choice of operating in RMS or peak rectifier modes. The Unicomp also allows the user, with a single switch, to change the compressor topology from a modern and accurate feedfoward detection scheme, to the classic and more colorful feedback approach; completely changing the sonic personality of the unit.
The Unicomp’s personality is further changed with the addition of the Warmth control. Turning this control adds rich, second harmonic distortion to the signal that increases as compression increases, adding even more character to the sound. A switchable filter changes the contour of the affected signal, useful when processing more complex signals, such as mixes.
Another unusual feature of the unit is the Blend control. The Blend control allows the operator to mix unprocessed signal back into the compressor’s output path. This gives one the ability to create a more subtle compression effect on tracks such as vocals, or for blending back dry signal when heavy buss compression effects such as drum submixes are being processed. A high pass filter is included which blends only the higher audio frequencies back into the output path.
Unicomp Features
Class A high voltage, discrete capacitor-free signal path.
FET-based wide dynamic range gain cell eliminates the need for an input
control.
Log-scaled detector responds more like the human ear than linear
detection systems.
Choice of RMS (excellent for overall level reduction) or Peak mode (great
for catching fast transients).
Threshold knee control – can switch between hard knee for instantaneous
gain reduction, or soft knee mode, for a subtle engaging of compression
over several dB.
Continuously variable Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release controls.
Switchable Sidechain insert for keying and detector signal equalization.
Feedforward/Feedback – switches between the basic topologies.
Feedforward is precise and can yield high compression ratios. Feedback
mode is more subtle, and can yield interesting compression artifacts,
including the shifting of attack and release time constants.
Warmth control – adds 2nd harmonic distortion, increasing as
compression increases.
Warmth filter – high pass filter bringing out more mid-range frequency
distortion.
Blend – mixes dry, input signal back into output path.
Blend filter- high pass filter returns only dry, upper frequencies back into
output.
Dual Mono/Stereo – completely independent channels can be linked for
stereo operation.
Sidechain L and R are summed after the rectifiers.
Gain Makeup – increases output amplifier level from unity to compensate
for lost level when compressing.
High quality construction – premium components for long life.
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
"The Alta Moda Unicomp is such a flexible unit. This is one very creative stereo compressor! Being able to "Blend" in the original signal to the compressed program is such a simple but overdue feature; no more phase concerns for me!! Overall, this is a very well thought out piece of gear. Bravo!" Tim Palmer
Producer/Mixer Tim Palmer's credits include: Pearl Jam, U2, Ozzy Osbourne, Robert Plant, HIM, David Bowie, Tears For Fears, and Switchfoot just to name a few. www.timpalmer.com
"This is the first compressor I've heard in a long while that really has something new and exciting going on. Paul's incorporated some modern ideas into this thing with lots of sculpting control and a sound that just punches with vibe! He says marketing's not his strong suit but with a piece this good, he can let the gear do all the talking." Dave Way
Producer/Mixer Dave Way's credits include: Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow, Macy Gray, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Savage Garden, Shakira, Babyface, TLC, Michael Jackson, Ziggy Marley, John Doe, Ringo Starr, Mick Jagger, Foo Fighters. www.daveway.com
"The Alta Moda Unicomp is one of the most forward thinking
compressors that I've ever experienced....
Basically, the Alta Moda Unicomp allows you to emulate
excellent compressors of yesteryear and today, but to also
create you own unique, contemporary approach...
There isn't anything out there that can touch this baby." Matt Wallace
Producer/Mixer Matt Wallace's credits include: Maroon 5, Train, Faith No More,
The Replacements, Sheryl Crow, REM, Blues Traveler,
The Deftones, Queen, John Hiatt, The Rolling Stones. www.studioexpresso.com/profiles/MattWallace.html
"This is the compressor I have been looking for; the search is over.
It does it all right thru to stun mode, with ease.
This is definitely not a one trick pony." Jon Gass
Producer/Mixer/Engineer Jon Gass's credits include: Babyface, TLC, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Boys II Men,
Phil Collins, Dru Hill, David Bowie, N'Sync, Aretha Franklin,
Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Take 6, Michael Bolton,
Faith Evans, Diana Ross, James Taylor, Usher. www.jongass.com
"Just a gracious blend of superb sonic qualities and compression flexibility that allows you to go from subtle to 11 and anything in between. The blend and harmonics functions give you an unparalleled level of control. Simply a winner! I got one as soon as I used it!" Rafa Sardina
Engineer/Producer/Mixer Rafa Sardina is a TEN time Grammy winner (21 nominations) who's credits include: Angie Stone, Stevie Wonder, Dru Hill, Macy Gray, Dr. Dre, Esthero, Alejandro Sanz, Luis Miguel. www.rafasardina.com
