ELYSIA Alpha Compressor
Specifications
Overview
| Type | 2-channel mastering compressor |
|---|---|
| Circuit topology | 100% discrete Class-A (single transistors, current feedback amplifier stages) |
| Gain reduction element | Passive Current Attenuator (PCA), discrete and temperature-compensated (16 transistors held at defined temperature) |
| Operating modes | Stereo and M/S (integrated M/S matrix encoder/decoder) |
| Compression modes | Feed forward and feedback, switchable |
| Manufacturing | Manually built to order and tested at Elysia headquarters in Germany |
Features
| Auto Fast | Automatic attack/release shortening on fast signal impulses, for attack and release |
|---|---|
| Parallel compression | Mix control blends dry and compressed signals |
| Audio filter | Tilt equalizer (Niveau Filter) for tone shaping |
| Sidechain filter | High-pass and low-pass sidechain filtering |
| Limiter | Soft clip limiter using discrete transistors |
| Transformers | Switchable transformers; toroidal input transformers for galvanic isolation, plus a toroidal transformer per mix stage |
| Controls | 21-step matched conductive plastic potentiometers with detents, measured and matched as stereo pairs |
| Metering | Analog dynamic LED display |
| Internal wiring | VOVOX sound conductors |
Audio Performance
| Frequency response | <10 Hz – 200 kHz (-0.5 dB) |
|---|---|
| THD+N (stereo, direct) | 0.0039% @ +15 dBu, 20 Hz – 22 kHz |
| THD+N (stereo, compressed) | 0.009% @ +15 dBu, 20 Hz – 22 kHz |
| THD+N (M/S, direct) | 0.014% @ +15 dBu, 20 Hz – 22 kHz |
| THD+N (M/S, compressed) | 0.034% @ +15 dBu, 20 Hz – 22 kHz |
| Noise floor (stereo, direct) | -95.8 dBu (20 Hz – 20 kHz, A-weighted) |
| Dynamic range (stereo) | 122 dB (20 Hz – 22 kHz) |
| Dynamic range (M/S) | 118 dB (20 Hz – 22 kHz) |
| Maximum input level (stereo) | +28 dBu |
| Maximum output level (stereo) | +27 dBu |
| Input impedance | 10 kOhm |
| Output impedance | 68 Ohm |
Physical & Power
| Format | 19-inch rackmount, 3U |
|---|---|
| Connectors | XLR inputs and outputs (balanced/unbalanced compatible) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 483 x 133 x 405 mm (19" x 5.3" x 16") |
| Weight | 16 kg (35 lb) |
| Power consumption | 85 W |
| Mains voltage | 230/115 VAC, selectable via integrated mains module |
Fit and constraints
Intended use
Constraints
To use it
Questions
Which connections, drivers, operating systems, and sample rates are supported by this exact revision?
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What cables, mounts, power supplies, or licenses are included?
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Is the current retailer listing new stock, demo stock, open box, or special order?
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Description
The Elysia Alpha Compressor is a two-channel analog mastering compressor built around fully discrete class-A circuitry, with every signal-processing stage realized with single transistors. It includes an integrated M/S matrix for stereo or mid/side operation, switchable feed-forward/feedback compression behavior, an Auto Fast mode for attack and release, sidechain and audio (tilt) filters, a mix control for parallel compression, and a soft clip limiter. Its gain-reduction element is Elysia's Passive Current Attenuator (PCA), a discrete, passive design whose transistors are held at a defined temperature by a heating system. The unit is a 3U 19-inch rackmount device with XLR inputs and outputs, switchable input transformers, and stepped, matched potentiometers, and each unit is built to order and tested at Elysia's facility in Germany.