The Retro Sta-Level is a replica of the legendary 1956 Gates Sta-Level. The Sta-Level dominated the sound of hit radio in the 1960's. Now these super musical sounding compressors have found their way into today's hits. The Retro Gold Edition celebrates fifty years of the products existence. The Sta-Level uses the coveted 6386 tube in a classic G.E. circuit design. Alternatively, the Gold Edition Sta-Level uses a pair of commonly available 6BJ6 tubes (stock). The customer has the choice to use their own 6386 they provide or the 6BJ6 provided with the purchase of the unit. The choice is yours and the sound is undeniably true to the original either way.
The original 6386 compressor developed by G.E., utilized a novel program controlled release circuit. The Sta-Level implementation creates density and consistency while minimizing typical compressor side-effects at up to 40dB of gain reduction! The program path is transformer balanced throughout to cancel control-induced distortion. Push pull circuitry with 6V6 output stage provides wide voltage swing for gain control and line output. The result is that the Sta-Level brings a uniquely familiar intimacy, air and warmth to your tracks.
Revisions to the original design include; Tube balance can be instantly aligned without test equipment; Uses 6386 tube or a pair of 6BJ6 tubes; Two or more Sta-Levels can be coupled together for stereo, surround or sidechain operation; XLR transformer balanced input and output; IEC Power Connector; Hand matched audiophile-grade coupling capacitors; High quality, custom wound transformers used throughout; Internal component safety cover.
Specifications
Gain Reduction Threshold: Continuously adjustable from +24dBm to -20dBm
Available Gain Reduction: 40dB
Total System Gain: 35dB (with standard input and output pads)
Distortion: 1 percent or less from 0-30 dB gain reduction
Frequency Response: ± .25dB from 20-20,000 Hz
Noise: -70dB or better referenced to gain reduction threshold
Output Level: Continuously adjustable from -40 dBm to +18 dBm
Input Impedance: Accepts low impedance active or transformer balanced 0-600 Ohms
Output Impedance: 600 Ohm transformer balanced, terminated and resistive pad coupled
Power Requirements: Three prong IEC - Switchable 115-230 VAC - 50/60 Hz
Mounting Requirements: 3U metal rack 5.25" high, 19" wide, 8" deep
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
“Everything Retro makes is just quality tone. State-of-the-Art in an ‘Old School’ way." Joe Chiccarelli
Engineer Joe Chiccarelli's credits include The White Stripes, Stan Ridgway, Oingo Boingo, Ferron, Sandra Bernhard, Spirit of the West, Counting Crows, U2, The Shins, Radiohead, Elton John, The Cult and countless others.
"The Retro Sta-Level has the warmth, color and control I’ve always looked for in a tube compressor." Justin Stanley
Producer and engineer Justin Stanley used the Retro Instruments Sta-Level Compressor on Eric Clapton’s 19th studio album, CLAPTON. Having worked with Sheryl Crow, Nikka Costa, Jamie Lidell and, of course, Eric Clapton to name a select few, Stanley routinely turns to the Sta-Level tube compressor in the studio.
"I have an original Gates Sta-Level compressor, but it takes second place to my new Retro version. I find myself turning to it for all of the elements that need to be both nuanced and dynamic: vocals, upright bass, bent horns and broken drums...things with the most unique character and complexion. I would swap out half of my rack for a few more of these." Joe Henry
"What I love about the Sta-Level is the character that it imparts. I'm using it right now on all my vocal tracks. It can do soft compression and at the same time with it's faster release mode, it can sound very "In Your Face" with tons of warmth and personality. Believe me, the STA can add attitude to a lifeless vocal interpretation. I'm so in love with mine that I'm looking to get a second one for my Bass, and in the near future a third one for drums parallel compression." Armando Avila
Grammy Award Winning producer Armando Avila has worked with RBD, Aleks Syntek, La 5a. Estacion, Belinda, Allison, Moderatto, Gloria Trevi, Natalia Lafourcade, Alejandra Guzman, OV7 and many others. Read more about Armando's and other industry professionals favorite gear in Vintage King's "Producer's Corner".
"So, I came back and tried a few different things with the Sta-Level and found the grail...it's magic on bass. You will have to pry this from my cold dead hands........... ;-)" F. Reid Shippen
F. Reid Shippen has mixed 5 Grammy-winning (and several Grammy-nominated) records, had a Billboard Top 200 #1 record, and many #1's and top 10 mixes on numerous charts. Credits include: India.Arie, Jonny Lang, Death Cab for Cutie, Mat Kearney, Marc Broussard, CeCe Winans, Nick Lachey, Emerson Hart, Clay Aiken, Backstreet Boys, A*Teens, Relient K, Cliff Richard, John Hiatt, Rascal Flatts, Josh Gracin. myspace.com/freidshippen
"An original Sta-Level was used as the main compressor for all of Johnny Cash's lead vocals, and gave Johnny's voice that full, round, comfortably worn sound... the signature sound of the whole record really, called "Unchained". It won the "Best Country Album" Grammy award for 1997. The big song on the album has been "I've Been Everywhere", often heard on television commercials.
If you own a Sta-Level, treasure it, pamper it, give it a special place in the middle of your equipment rack... If you don't own one - buy a Retro Sta-Level and find out what makes them so desirable! This is the real thing!" Sylvia Massy
Producer/Mixer/Engineer Sylvia Massy, Grammy nominated for Lisa Haley's "King Cake", owns RadioStar Studios in Weed, CA. Sylvia's credits also include: Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool, Sevendust, Love & Rockets, R.E.M., Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, System Of A Down, Smashing Pumpkins. RadioStar Studios
"I recently used the Retro on a mixing session I did for Ben Folds at his studio in Nashville. I had his vocal muted on two channels, one had the Retro and the other was the E.A.R. going into a Pultec. 90% of the time I ended up choosing the Retro. The other 10% I chose the EAR for changing to a lighter sound for some choruses. The Retro was impressive. I already own a Gates but this unit had more punch and choices in release times."
Six months later..."I've really gotten to know the sound of your Retro. I can now turn to it when I'm looking for a vocal sound that is honest, warm and in your face." Michael Brauer
Michael Brauer is an established A-list mixing engineer known for his eclectic, highly acclaimed discography. Michael has worked with The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, My Morning Jacket, Ben Folds and John Mayer to name an incredibly select few. www.mbrauer.com
"These are newer Sta-Levels that just rock your bass and kick drum sub and also make a weak vocal come forward really nice, Phil Moore and the folks at Retro Rock!" Devin Powers
Devin Powers is an ASCAP Award-winning producer/composer with film and television credits including The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Sports Crash, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Bruce Almighty, Paranormal State and many others. www.devinpowers.com
