Pendulum Audio OCL-2

The Pendulum Audio OCL-2 is a dual channel compressor/limiter that runs on vacuum tubes. The unit is made up of analog parts, with the two channels having the same make up. I can't say what types of connections the OCL-2 has in the back, as the one that I've used was already racked in the studio that I used it in. This is indeed a rackable piece of gear that will take up two rack spaces.

UTILIZATION

Even though there are a lot of parameters to work with on the Pendulum Audio OCL-2, most of the parameters should be very familiar to those with experience using compressors. Each of the channels has knobs for threshold, ratio, and output. It also has a mode knob which allows you to either choose a fast attack/release, a preset one, or to use the attack and release knobs manually. There is also a VU meter that is programmable and allows you to choose metering of either input, output, or gain reduction. Each channel also has a bypass switch, and the whole unit also has a link/split switch as well. Unless you're a beginner with dynamic processors, and manually isn't necessary but I can't say anything about its make up since I haven't seen it myself.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound of the Pendulum Audio OCL-2 is super clean and it sure gives you a lot of features and options to control your sound as well. It is suitable for use with any instrument or voice that you might want compression with, as I've found it easy to adapt to most any situation that might arise. This isn't the thickest sounding compressor out there, but is more of the transparent type, which is definitely something that I don't mind as it adds to options available when I'm mixing or tracking. Overall, the OCL-2 has a very impressive sound.

OVERALL OPINION

Of course any dynamic processor with Class A circuits and two channels of high quality compression will cost you a bit of change, as is the case with the Pendulum Audio OCL-2. However, if you're a professional engineer or studio owner looking for a top tier stereo compressor regardless of price and are just looking for a great sound, this is definitely a piece of gear worth investigating.