The Generic Audio Compactor is a cut-down version of the company’s Preceptor analogue compressor/limiter.

Designed by the Polish manufacturer for studios, engineers and producers who don't require the feature set and functionality of the larger model, Compactor is a two-channel class-A discrete compressor/limiter. Occupying 2U of rack space (in comparison with Preceptor's 3U), the overall look and feel of the units has been maintained with a similar series of rotary and toggle switches used to control the general functionality.

Compactor has electronically balanced XLR inputs and outputs. Each channel has an 11-position gold contact audio taper switch that can be used to adjust the input gain in 2dB steps between -5dB and +10dB and an 11-position switch for controlling output gain in 2dB steps within a range of  -10/+10dB. Compactor also includes a hard relay bypass, to which it defaults if the unit loses power. Six different Attack and Release time settings are available and an Action switch allows the user to choose between Soft and Hard modes for different applications.

Compactor retains other features from its larger sibling including a Side Chain HPF (with a reduced number of settings) and the Link/Dual Mono switching that enables the unit to operate both as a single stereo compressor with equal gain on both sides and as two separate compressors with each channel operating independently.

Scheduled to ship during July 2011, Compactor is expected to retail in the UK at £2,340 (inc VAT).

More: www.generic-audio.com