Tube-Tech SMC2B

Stereo tube multiband compressor

The Tube-Tech SMC 2B is the only all-tube multiband compressor. It splits the signal into three bands (low, mid, high), each processed by an independent stereo optical compressor. A classic in mixing and mastering studios, used notably by Al Schmitt on all his mixes.

An EQ and a compressor in one

Each band has its own gain, so the SMC 2B also works as a very broad three-band EQ, combined with separate per-band compression. On the mix bus, it restores density and cohesion without crushing the dynamics. On a drum bus, an instrument group or a single track, it lets you control one area of the spectrum without touching the rest: taming an overflowing low end, calming a harsh vocal, or even acting as a de-esser.

Architecture

The 6 dB/oct crossover filters are designed so that the sum of the three bands stays flat (±0.25 dB) when the gains are identical. Inputs and outputs are balanced by floating transformers. Overall level is set with an output gain and a balance control. A mastering version with gold-plated switches is available: the SMC 2BM.

Specifications

• 3 bands per channel, optical compression
• Low / mid crossover frequency: 60-1200 Hz
• Mid / high crossover frequency: 1.2-6 kHz
• Per band: threshold, ratio, attack, release, gain and gain reduction display
• Ratio: 1.5:1 to 10:1
• Attack: 3 to 200 ms
• Release: 60 ms to 2 s
• Output gain: off to +10 dB / Balance: ±1.5 dB
• 31-step potentiometers for recall