Gainlab Audio has released the Dictator Dual Pentode Vari-μ Compressor and Audio Empress 3-Band Valve Equalizer. The Dictator is a flexible compressor that can be used for tracking, mixing and mastering, while the Empress is a dual-channel valve passive equalizer, taking the original concept of the venerable Pultec EQP-1A and updating it with additional features.

A new manufacturer founded by the technical team at Gainlab Studios in Budapest, Gainlab Audio has its history in repairing, modifying and improving its own studio equipment. With the initial releases, the Gainlab technicians have created two new valve processors for general release, promising ‘excellent build quality and workmanship at a price point that makes it affordable to a wider range of users’.

Gainlab Audio’s Dictator is a stereo valve compressor based on the same variable gain design found in the 1950s Fairchild 670 and Gates STA-Level compressors, with additional features for modern workflows. Dictator uses a pair of military-grade 6k4p-EV pentode valves which were mass produced to exacting standards during the Warsaw Pact in countries including Hungary, East Germany and Poland.

Gainlab Audio has enhanced the original design with extra features including switchable high and low compression modes providing control over the compressor’s aggressiveness. In LoComp mode, Dictator offers a soft ratio and smoother knee reminiscent of the Fairchild 670 while the HiComp setting offers a higher ratio and a knee that is much more angular.

Attack and Release times can be set independently with attack times ranging from Fastest (15ms) to Slowest (60ms) and three release times – Fastest (200ms), Fast (350ms) and Slowest (600ms). The Threshold control can be unlinked to offer separate compression of left and right channels. It also includes a side-chain high-pass filter with a choice of five frequencies ranging from 22Hz to 200Hz to reduce sensitivity to low frequencies.

Gainlab Audio’s Empress is a dual-channel valve passive equaliser that features three frequency bands on each channel. Both low and high frequencies can be set to a shelf or bell curve, with separate controls for boost and cut to create a resonant shelf. Low Boost and High Cut Shift controls move the mid-frequency of the boost and cut relative to each other. A further enhancement is the addition of an extra Mid-Frequency band offering a wide 200Hz to 7kHz range that can be used in either boost or cut mode.

Empress uses a valve amplifier stage using military-grade vacuum tubes which can be pushed for more colouration using the Tube Boost control to add further colouration.

Dictator key specifications:

• True dual pentode valve design using military grade 6k4p-EV valves.
• Maximum Input Level: +22dBu, Input Impedance: >10kΩ.
• Maximum Output Level: +26dBu, Output Impedance: <65Ω.
• Permalloy transformers.
• Side-chain filter: 22Hz, 40Hz, 80Hz, 130Hz & 200Hz.
• THD+N (0dBu) <0.3%.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz ±1dB.
• Power Requirements: 230V AC (EU version), 110V AC (US version).
• Dimensions: 483mm x 280mm x 89mm, Weight: 4.2kg.

Empress key specifications: Equalizer

• High Frequencies: 3, 4 5, 8, 12 & 16kHz (cut and boost).
• Mid Frequencies: 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7kHz (cut or boost).
• Low Frequencies: 30, 60, 80, 100, 130 & 180Hz (cut and boost).
• Maximum Input Level: +23dBu, Input Impedance: >10kΩ.
• Maximum Output Level: +23dBu, Output Impedance: <65Ω.
• Nanocrystalline transformers.
• THD+N (0dBu, 1kHz) <0.08%, THD+N (+20dBu, 1kHz) <0.8%.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2dBu.
• Power Requirements: 230V AC (EU version), 110V AC (US version).
• Dimensions: 483mm x 280mm x 89mm, Weight: 5.4kg.

Both units are available in the UK through KMR Audio, costing £1,699 inc VAT (£1,415.83 ex-VAT) for the Dictator Compressor, and £1,875 inc VAT (£1,562.50 ex-VAT) for the Empress Equalizer.