Classic hardware compression with a modern twist
NOT JUST INSPIRED. REIMAGINED.
Play VideoIntroducing the A4-1B Compressor
The Future of Analog Gear
A4-1B combines the legendary sound and design of analog Opto-Tube compressor with modern-day workflow enhancements. Experience its signature hardware audio processing or take it a step further by accessing an array of contemporary functionalities.
ALL OUT ANALOG
A4-1B was designed to preserve vintage Opto-Tube units' highly praised smoothness and musicality. Even when pushed to the limit, the compressor remains transparent, breathing new life into vocal tracks, bass, keys, or percussion. A4-1B sounds and reacts just like the legendary hardware that inspired it allowing you to apply the legendary sound of Opto-Valve compression to your modern production.
AN EXPERIENCE WORTH HEARING
UNDER THE HOOD
Revolutionized Analog Power
High-quality components ensure A4-1B's superior sound and performance consistency across the whole frequency spectrum. This all-analog powerhouse was made to last and faithfully follow the legacy it was built upon. Custom UK-manufactured transformers allow for a tight low-end and high-fidelity audio reproduction. The signature sound of the unit is achieved thanks to its premium tubes. Those provide A4-1B with extra analog warmth and precision. Electricity is the heart and soul of high-end analog gear so we packed A4-1B with an efficient PSU incorporating advanced automatic voltage adaptation for even greater stability and noise reduction.
A4-1B is the first in a series of automated outboard analog units developed by Antelope Audio. We want to introduce high-quality audio hardware to the current generation of audio producers and artists. Thanks to proprietary digital technologies these units will not only be given a new life but will be adapted to the current standards of the professionals and enthusiasts. This all-analog design allows the units to be used traditionally but the brand new digital features unlock their full potential potential.
Supreme Digital Control
The A4-1B digital control panel is available both as a standalone app and as a VST / AU / AAX plugin compatible with any modern-day DAW. The unit is easily integrated into fully digital, all-analog, or hybrid studio setups. The intuitive software makes preset management a breeze so you can apply your signature settings to various sessions and access them from any place in the studio.
Responsive Automation
The A4-1B motorized potentiometers will not only instantly react to any change you apply on the hardware unit physically or digitally, those can also be fully automated in the app or control panel. The value of any parameter of the unit, including the compressor Attack, Release, Gain, Threshold, and Ratio can change throughout your session – just as if you are using a native plugin.
Preset Recall and A/B
The software control panel allows for fast and easy preset recall but just like any other Antelope Audio plugin and unlike most analog gear, it allows you to do A/B preset comparisons quickly and easily.
Filtering and De-Essing
By modern-day standards filtering and side-chain are crucial features of compressors. The legacy unit that inspired A4-1B wasn’t built with these requirements in mind so we added them as unlockable extras to the digital-only feature set of the unit. The available High, Low, and Band-Pass Filters are useful for targeted compression. De-essing capabilities and Side-Chain compression are crucial for a unit, known as one of the go-to compressors for vocal processing, and are also accessible via the software panel of the unit.
CALIBRATED TO PERFECTION
Among the many stand-out features of A4-1B are its calibration systems. These ensure consistent performance and long-term reliability of the tubes of the unit, a crucial feature when using dual units for enhanced stereo matching. A4-1B offers an Opto-Cell Test System, and self-calibration of the VU meters, and the meter reference level (- 10 dBu / 0 dBu / +4 dBu / +20 dBu). The motorized potentiometers can also be readjusted. All three calibration types are accessible in the unit’s control panel.
How to get the A4 functionality:
The A4 software suite is available as an optional addon, as part of a monthly or annual membership plan.
The A4-1B comes with 1 year of Antelope Membership for free, including the full suite of Synergy Core Native plugins, as well as all new releases and updates.
CONVINCE YOURSELF
