JOEMEEK C2 Stereo Compressor

The new C2 by Joemeek is a Stereo or Mono Compressor in a 1U half rack size, and offers the widest range of compression effects with that famous kick butt attitude everyone is talking about, yet is extremely easy to use due to a new design idea which makes the compression ratio vary with just the input gain control. The results are so good that you get full control and the widest range of compression effects without a separate ratio control, and it goes as far as making it into a limiter! In common with all the other Joemeek compressors, the compression varies with frequency and tonal content; and it's got the Joemeek sound.

The C2 is housed in the VC3 all-metal case which has proved to be extremely durable, and with the C2's new metering and outstanding performance, it looks like it will become not only a design milestone, but also the compressor that everybody has to have! The Joemeek C2 is a new idea in professional outboard equipment.

The input gain stages form a matrix which produces a 'sum and difference' pair of signals ('MS' stands for 'middle and side', the 'sum' signal carries the main or 'middle' information while the 'difference' signal is the 'side' or stereo positioning information) which are then compressed separately, but using the same sidechain. Compression metering is driven directly from this sidechain giving a reading of dB compression. Audio level metering is driven direct from the 'sum' signal after compression giving an accurate state of the total stereo… read more level within the system in dBs. The compression attack time is continuously variable, as is the release time. Both the attack and release characteristics are non-linear and follow established curves which give the Joemeek compressor a unique sound. Compression by-pass is done by disabling both the sidechain and the optical cells, while at the same time reducing the system gain to compensate for compression. This gives a similar effect to a true 'hard wire' by-pass; but with the advantage of keeping any gain make-ups. After compression the Sum and difference signals are reconverted back into conventional left and right with a second matrix which incorporates the output gain control. After the output gain stage, the left/right signals are fed to a pair of symmetrical balanced output stages which give optimum drive conditions to balanced lines. The use of the 'sum and difference' compression method eliminates any error in left/right level during compression as well as correcting for any electrical gain error in either the input or the output gain controls.

Features:

TTT -- transparent to transients: The classic Joemeek sound, impossible to replicate in a plug-in.

MS Sum and difference system: Perfect stereo imaging and balance.

A true Joemeek stereo compressor at a fraction of the cost.

New Auto-Variable slope optical compression/limiting: Easier to use.

Accurate compression and input level metering at the same time as gain reduction.

Fully professional true balanced (not just differential) inputs and outputs.

"If you don't need a mic input stage, the C2 makes a useful general-purpose compressor, as it can be used via an insert point to liven up mono signals, or you can patch it across your entire mix for global warming. It has the same musical sound as the other compressors in the Joemeek range, and because of the clever M/S approach, the stereo imaging remains stable at all times. I like the way the output level is automatically stabilized as the amount of compression is changed, and because there's no separate ratio control, operation is very simple. It also inspires confidence that the balanced inputs and outputs can handle such a wide range of signal levels. On the whole, the C2 is easy to set up, it sounds consistently good and it's remarkably cost-effective. You could spend well over $400.00 on a more impressive-looking compressor covered in knobs and lights, only to find out that it is harder to operate and doesn't sound nearly so musical." -- Paul White, Sound On Sound. read less