[IN STOCK] L-1 Microcompressor Stereo (Eurorack)

[L-1]

I make projects faster than can realize them..

First my Paypal problems then winter hoillydays delayed me. But Monday I must receive prototype boards for VC ADSR and Mute. So these projects will move further.

Now I deceided to make stereo version of Microcompressor. It can't work as double mono. But it obtained very elegant and not much parts. I made it a bit simplier than mono version. I changed big toggles (which I so love) to sub-miniature DPDT toggle switches.

No rare expensive parts - only two THAT4301.

Now I finished computer works and will order a prototype boards next week.


Will looks good after L-1 Stereo Mixer as master compressor

[J3RK]

I make projects faster than can realise them..

I've started doing that too. I have piles of PCB designs just waiting for prototypes, or production runs.

Compressor looks good!

[paperCUT]

Awesome, how well would it handle line level signals?

[L-1]

Awesome, how well would it handle line level signals?

Must be no problems with that.

[L-1]

I spent much time moving parts and re-routing traces many times, but now the board is perfect!
Ordered a couple boards for a prototype unit.

[mOBiTh]

looks great mate

a slightly chunkier reduction meter or a set of dB LEDs would be nice to fill that gap a bit more - what you reckon?

[L-1]

Will be hard to place this option and save this board size and DIY compatibility.
Really one LED which lights when signal is under compression is pretty enough.
LEDs indicator or bar graph wold be nice but cause or bigger board, more HP, or second board or completely SMT design, no DIY. Too big price for it.
Listen by ears, compression heard good, compare to bypassed sound, LED will help you.

[L-1]

I tested the prototype today. Were several errors on the board, but now works good.
Need to order a test board again before ordering batch.

Short sample - simpliest possible patch and sequence. First half not compressed, second half compressed.

https://soundcloud.com/l-1-synth/l-1-mi ... sor-stereo

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[GNSDG]

Wow, that's impressive.

[L-1]

Photos:

[Bakeneko]

Nice!

cheers and regards

[L-1]

Theory:




L-1 Microcompressor stereo

[L-1]

I've finished testing of the new prototype of the L-1 Microcompressor stereo.
It works good.
I will make a demo video soon. But now please check out my scope shots.

Comments and advises are appreciated.


Panel:

[L-1]

RATIO.




1:1 - no compression.




2:1




4:1




inf : 1

[L-1]

ATTACK

manual mode


The fastest attack in manual mode 0.5ms/dB (it can be faster in auto mode)
We see 10dB signal drop in 5ms.




Middle position. 4.5ms/dB
We see 10dB signal drop in 45ms.




The slowest attack 35ms/dB
We see 10dB signal drop in 350ms.

[L-1]

RELEASE

The fastest release is 5ms/dB.
We see 10dB increase in 50ms.




Middle position 45ms/dB.
We see 10dB increase in 450ms.




The longest release 350ms/dB.
We see 10dB increase in 3s.

[L-1]

ENVELOPE OUT


I added 5V offset in this version.


Env out - timing mode AUTO





Env out - timing mode peak - knee hard




Env out - timing mode peak - knee soft

[L-1]

ATT/REL = auto

TIMING MODE = peak


With these settings ATTACK is always very-very short, not depending on sygnal dynamics.
on shots - level changes not much, and level changes much. But attack anyway very short - less than 0.1ms.

[L-1]

ATT/REL = auto

TIMING MODE = auto


Timing capacitor in AUTO timing mode is variable, based on Miller effect.
Compressor works faster when level change is big, and slower when level change is not big.

But anyway it's for comparatively fast compression. For slower att/rel go to manual mode.

[diablojoy]

wow
very impressive

[mDang]

Yes ! It looks very cool !

[DSC]

Just finished mine with a custom printed panel. Dual mono or stereo!!





Link here if you want to see this panel being made!
viewtopic.php?t=110091&postdays=0&posto ... c&start=20



These are awesome! Highly recommended.

[L-1]

DSC
WOW! nice!

The stereo version can be used as mono if one channel. But not dual mono simultaneously because of common sidechain processing for two channels.

[DSC]

Need a little help. One compressor works 100% fine. The other is working fine, but the led seems to light when the ratio knob is turned up even when there is no input or output plugged in. I scrubbed the pcb to remove any rosin left in the soldering process. I switched That chips to see if that was the culprit and they are both working properly. Any other hints or tips would be appreciated.

[DSC]

I think I have it fixed now. Not perfect but it will do. The only advice I can tell you is let the module heat up for at least 5 minutes before doing any calibration. It seems these are more 'sensitive' when you first run them and lose a little of this 'sensitivity' as they warm up. I waited a full 20 minutes for them to warm up before I trimmed the pots. Since I have two side by side I have the luxury of seeing what 'normal' behavior should be.