Millennia TCL-2 Twincom

Double compressor, blithely mixing and optical circuits pure Class A circuits, namely tubes.
The bike has no port for inserting an external equalizer in the detection loop (no side chain), no more than any intelligence automating settings relative to the signal, so it must just manual settings to find the sound you want.

The inputs and outputs are performed on male and female XLR, in both cases, in symmetry. Also note the presence of a terminal to disconnect the audio chassis ground, and thus cut short the ground loops and other sounding treats of the same ilk.

UTILIZATION

The machine therefore includes two truly independent compressors, each with its set of settings and indispensable key junction detection circuits when working on a stereo signal. Each side so we found there a setting threshold, attack, release and ratio, and of course a gain adjustment after processing chain .. use is more simple ..

Three colored keys provide channel switching on the compressor, the rocker between the VU display output level and gain reduction, and finally the choice of the so-called active circuitry, namely pure class A. It's simple, particularly effective, and indeed the antipode of a dbx 160SL for example.

SOUND QUALITY

Here what counts is the absolute neutrality and the most faithful fulfillment of timbres, which leads to remarkable fidelity. Used on different content, TCL2 to 10 dB reduction, it is difficult to realize that the dynamics is reduced. on the other hand spent 10 dB attenuation, I always had a little trouble finding a driver and release that satisfies me on percussive sounds and dynamic setting ..

Obviously the "artistic" use is not the stomping ground of the bike, and you may be disappointed if you try to make pancakes in a voice very colorful mix a bit loaded, because the contribution present, able to extract sound of a whole, is not far from it, the quality of the compressor ..
Here what counts is its neutrality in any highlighting of this or that part of the spectrum.

OVERALL OPINION

If you like a treatment say .. nervous about audio, with a little more extreme settings, history can truly attack a signal, which is still the primary purpose of this type of bike, go your way .. That said audio performance in a bike are eminently sound excellence ..

The TCL-2 is an opto compressor / limiter dual channel Class A discrete circuitry with J-FET transistor circuit and a selectable triode tube with a simple button. Both circuits are entirely transformerless, high voltage and minimalist design, meaning that there is only one active stage in the circuit, thus ensuring the utmost integrity and realism with respect the original signal without adding coloration due to the processors.
Connectors: XLR

UTILIZATION

The config is very simple, no need for manual, if you know you use a compressor ... the only difficulty then is to choose: tube or transistor? mmm ... I hesitate just a button to push too hard!
I think it's great, 2 machines in one, it allows to leave the cable permanently, no matter what we go through this compressor, if the source is good, it will sound forever!
Very intuitive, look no notches on the knobs, then you touch the pro is in his ear that it was happening it was a little confused at first, and then we can not even look over, we close our eyes and compress!



SOUND QUALITY

Sound quality: nothing wrong ... it's heavy, Rican, transparent on one side (looks like ssl), slightly warmer side triode (there I suggest you change your lamps to Chinese tastes ... if you want a more punchy, the Russian and Yugoslav more roundness), although the result is always in very satisfactory.
Side adjustments, to note a fast attack time, convenient to have a "wall" on drums ...
There now, it is my ass Culture Vulture, and it sounds just wonderful that I go ...



OVERALL OPINION

A good year ...
Compressors? lol, yes I've tried a bunch!
I've seen in quite a mastering studio, it is very common in the states ...
What I like least? uh I dunno ...
most? it is a true dual compressor, with two different sound, easily customizable (for lamps) and worse power transistors to switch lamps in a click, it's still Royal ...
Value for money? Bein me I had bought 2500 E OCCAZ 'last year, I am very happy, now I saw that it had fallen ... arrrgh!