The british THERMIONIC CULTURE PHOENIX MASTERING COMPRESSOR with SIDECHAIN filters resides in my studio ! I am considering this machine as being the funkiest and best sounding vari-mu style (think Fairchild) compressor ever build. With it's extended attack and release times and a 3 way sidechain filter this beast not only offers all one can wish for functionaluity-wise, but also it's incredible transparent and crisp sound makes it a perfect addition to my mastering chain for all styles of music. The input gain stage can be driven to get that harmonically rich saturated sound and the threshold can be set to give just that glue and goo to the sound that is needed. Even only as a tube amplifier with no further compression it makes sense at times when the signal has already perfect dynamics - just ride the gain and enjoy the hot glowing tubes doing their part. The compression itself works so natural and transparent that most of the time no further limiting is needed to get the hottest signal ever, and that is just fine as people realise that limiting is actually killing sound. The unit is connected all the way with VOVOX cabling, even the power line - and the sound gets even smoother and more open. Many thanx to THERMIONIC CULTURE and to VOVOX for letting me have such a nice combo ! link
