The Slate Pro Audio Dragon is
unlike any dynamic audio processor you‘ve heard before. Simply put, the
Dragon was created to be the most versatile compressor, limiter, and
sound shaping tool that the pro audio industry has ever seen.
The Concept The
Dragon starts with a classic FET compressor circuit, reminiscent of
vintage units from the 60’s and 70’s. But the Slate Pro Audio engineers
enhanced the circuitry of the unit with a mastering grade signal path,
Jensen input transformer, and a CLASS A output section based around a
custom-made output transformer. The result is a compression quality that
is so rich and warm, but is also capable of sharp and aggressive tones.
But this is only the start of what the Dragon can do.
Add Some Character The
Dragon includes three ‘character’ settings that change the way the unit
sounds and responds. The first setting is BOOM. This setting adds sub
bass harmonics in a unique way that when combined with some compression,
can make basses sound massive and kick drums pound like you’ve never
heard before. The second setting is BITE, which adds a gentle ‘forward’
character that makes the source more defined and clear. BITE is superb
on bass, snare, vocals, and guitars. Last, is SHEEN. This character
setting adds an airy gloss to the source, reminiscent of classic opto
tube compressors. This setting is absolutely stunning on vocals,
acoustics, and overheads. Full mixes can gain new clarity and excitement
from the sheen setting. All character settings can be used
simultaneously!
Go Vintage The
Dragon's "Vintage" button enables circuitry that emulates a more
vintage sound from a classic age of compression. The result is more
harmonics, a bit of ‘grit’, and an overall more aggressive sound with
tons of attitude that is amazing on electric guitars, bass, and a
must-hear on drums.
Saturate The
Dragon has a three setting saturation selector. This saturation can add
warm and rich harmonics or even gritty distortion. On setting 1, it can
add just the right of “life” to a dull vocal. On setting 2, it can add
presence and warmth to a bass or make guitars sound like they are
hitting tape. On setting 3, it can add some rich harmonics to a snare to
bring out the sustain and make it come alive in the mix.
Wait, There’s MORE The
Dragon includes a hi pass filter so you have the option to control the
amount of low end that feeds the compressor detection. This is useful
when stereo linking two DRAGONS together for transparent mixbuss
compression, or for grouped drum compression where you don’t want the
drums to ‘pump’.
FET Your Mixbuss Classic
FET compressors have not been common mixbuss choices due to their
excessive color and aggressive nature. However, the Dragon includes a
gentle 2:1 setting that sounds amazing on full mixes. With the
character, vintage, and saturate options disabled, the signal path is
quiet and clean with just the right amount of rich tone. Of course if
you need more color or saturation on your buss, it’s just a button or
switch away. With settings 2:1, character SHEEN, Saturate 1, and slow
attack and fast release, your mix will come alive in an incredible way.
Squash It The
Dragon is one of the finest drum compressors to ever hit the analog
market, and is complete with the famous overcompression “all buttons in”
mode called ‘Squash’. This setting is simply stunning on drum room
mics, or any other source that you want to explode out of the mix. Due
to its extremely hifi signal path, the Dragon’s ‘Squash’ setting can
create that larger then life effect without causing a harsh or brittle
high end.
Mix It Up Last
and certainly not least, the Dragon includes a ‘Mix” knob to control
the wet/dry ratio of the source. This amazing feature allows you to add
some heavy compression, and then back it off gently until it creates the
perfect balance for your mix. The ‘Mix’ knob also allows you to
parallel compress sources, such as drum busses, without having to mult
or buss the drums to additional faders! You’ll find the ‘mix’ knob to be
one of the most useful tools in modern analog compression. It works
especially well with the saturation and squash features. Overcompressing
a vocal and then mixing back the wet signal is the ultimate way to make
a vocal pop without losing the subtle nuances.
Style The
Dragon’s faceplate comes with a beautiful tribal mural designed by
world renowned tattoo artist Davey Suicide, and will add a unique beauty
to your rack. The striking look matches its remarkable sound.
Presets Normally
compressors don’t need presets, but with so many options (there is
literally thousands of combinations), the Dragon ships with a huge
listing of presets made by Steven Slate and some of the world’s top
producers, mixers, and even mastering engineers. But once you experience
the many possibilities and sounds of the Dragon, you’ll soon enjoy
making your own!
Engineers using the Dragon
Chris Lord-Alge
Michael Brauer
Justin Neibank
Jay Baumgardner
Brett Chassen
Artists using the Dragon
Taylor Swift
Colbie Caillat
Reba McEntire
Bush
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
"Although rooted in the legacy of an 1176, Dragon is fuller and rounder sounding than an 1176. The compression can be aggressive without being pinched when more gain reduction is applied. The compression distortion is replaced with a Neve-ish warming distortion, all side chain effects, HPF and 3x tonal range boosts are very useful. "Boom" on kick, bass or synth, "Bite" on snare or for a Bowie acoustic and "Sheen" for sparkly air vocal." Jeff Ehrenberg
Engineer Jeff Ehrenberg is co-owner of Infrasonic Sound in Los Angeles. He is also head of West Coast Sales for Vintage King Audio.
