Realios TLCompressor Review - Reviews

With a tungsten lamp for gain control and just two controls, the TLCompressor is an unusual beast. Mark Cousins lights it up.

Price: £900.00
Manufacturer: AnaMod
Website: http://www.anamodaudio.com

The sound of any compressor is largely dictated by the gain-control element used to massage the input signal – whether it’s a polite and efficient VCA, super-snappy FET or the smooth-and-easy optical gain cell. Each different gain-control element offers a unique response to the input signal, often explaining why many engineers are so fussy about the type and model of compressor used on a given sound in the mix. One compressor might sound fantastic on vocals, for example, whereas another works as the perfect drum squasher.

Given its interest in unusual gain-control elements, therefore, AnaMod’s new Realios TLCompressor is an interesting proposition. The Realios is unique in that it utilises a tungsten lamp as its gain-control element (partly inspired by the sound and performance of the compressors found in vintage Helios consoles). In theory, the tungsten lamp approach offers impressively low amounts of distortion and a response that accurately tracks the true RMS values of the input, but is it a solution that adds to the palette of compression styles most of us have at our disposal?

A little TLC
Of all the 500-Series compressors we’ve tested, it would be fair to say that the Realios TLCompressor has the most minimal control panel we’ve yet to encounter. The panel is dominated by two stepped controls – Input and Output – with just an additional bypass control and a threshold indicator lamp to further enhance proceedings.

Given its minimal control set, the use and operation of the Realios TLCompressor is as close to foolproof as you can get. With the Input and Output both set to 0, the result is principally unity gain, with little or no compression taking place. Push the input harder, though, and the tungsten lamp-powered gain reduction starts to kick in, as visually indicated by the threshold indicator lamp almost continually glowing. As the Input control effectively increases the drive of the compressor, there’s little need to adjust the Output (unlike gain make-up on a VCA compressor), so it’s effectively a one-knob compressor.

Light the way
Logically, the sound of the Realios TLCompressor is somewhat comparable to that of a traditional optical compressor. This is immediately noticeable in its attack and release characteristics, which, of course, are fixed by the operation and performance of the tungsten lamp. In short, this means a slow attack and similarly sluggish release. On drums, these envelope characteristics don’t deliver a great deal (indeed, you’re unlikely to use the Realios as a drum squasher), but on sounds that need a little more room to breathe, the unique response of the Realios TLCompressor is a real winner.

Arguably our most impressive test results came from an acoustic bass passed though the Realios. Pushing the input harder resulted in increasing amount of ‘glue’, with no discernible distortion and plenty of transient detail preserved by the slow attack time. More than just a gentle attack, though, the Realios’ release characteristics really seemed to compliment the natural decay of the bass – adding weight and presence, but never sounding obtrusively squashed. Similarly pleasing results were obtained from an acoustic guitar, with the Realios holding the body of the sound well while preserving the all-important transient detail present in the fingerpicking.

Compression sandwich
As a contrast to more heavy-handed compressors in your Lunchbox, the Realios TLCompressor is a perfect solution for tasks that require a lighter approach. Despite being clean and near distortion-free, though, it’s a compressor that isn’t short of character, and when applied to the right sounds the Realios can provide a significant musical lift. Of course, its somewhat minimalist control set won’t be for everyone (especially those who like their compressors to suck and pump), but for anyone who appreciates an ‘optical’ sound with just one knob to worry about, the Realios could become a significant sonic ally. MTM

Verdict
WHY BUY
Musical compression
Negligible distortion
Good contrast to other compressors on the market

WALK ON BY
Minimal control set
No ‘extreme’ settings

A smooth, almost distortion-free compressor that still has bags of character. Once matched with the right instrumentation, the Realios TLCompressor is almost foolproof.
★★★★★★★★★

Score: 9

This review first appeared in Music Tech Magazine issue 104
Filed under Home, Hardware, Hardware Effects, Reviews

/mtm/reviews/realios-tlcompressor-review

New users, please register here

Please enter your details below to set up your new account. Fields marked with a red asterisk * are required.

Your name
*First name:
*Last name:
Job title:
Company:

Account settings
*Email address:
	Please make sure your email address is correct, as we will send you an email with a link to activate your account.
*Username:
	Choose a username between 7 and 100 characters in length, without spaces or unusual characters. You may use your email address as your username, but note that it may appear in community areas of the site where others can see it.
*Password:
*Confirm password:
	Choose a password between 7 and 100 characters in length, without spaces.
	Remember me on this computer

Your address and contact info
Address 1:

Town or city:
County or state:
Postcode or ZIP:
Country:
Telephone:
Fax:
Website:

	By registering to use the Music Tech website you agree to allow us to contact you with our Music Tech email newsletters featuring news, competitions, exclusive content and special offers, as well as with communications from our carefully selected music technology retail and manufacturer partners. If you provide phone and post details we may contact you by those means as well with special offers relating specifically to Music Tech Magazine and our other publications. WE WILL NOT PASS YOUR DETAILS TO ANY THIRD PARTY. If at any time you wish to stop receiving our email newsletter, simply follow the Unsubscribe instruction on our newsletter. Contact us by email of post if you wish your post or phone details to be removed from our database.

MTM 104	Steinberg RND Portico Plug-Ins Review One of the biggest names in pro audio has joined forces with Yamaha and Steinberg. Hollin Jones assesses the results.	MTM 104	Audio-Technica AT2022 Review AT’s new condenser is designed specifically for stereo location recording. Huw Price takes two.
MTM 103	25 Tips for Cubase 6 Now more comprehensive than ever, Cubase 6 has a raft of new features and functions that even long-time users might struggle to find. Tim Hallas shows you around.	MTM 102	Ultimate Guide to Filtering There are a variety of different filter types, so it’s important to understand what each one does and when to use it. Liam O’Mullane walks you through each kind, explains their general application, and shows you how they can be used as creative effec
MTM 103	Harness the power of additive synthesis Additive synthesis hasn’t gained the popularity enjoyed by other forms, but behind its apparent simplicity lies a whole world of innovative sound design. Robert Alan adds it all up.	MTM 103	Bob Katz Interviewed As an engineer, audiophile, developer and educator, Bob Katz’ contribution to the audio world we know today can not be underestimated. MTM finds out more...
MTM 103	Drum Production Masterclass The drum parts of a track are a minefield of potential errors, which will ultimately affect the power and quality of your mixes. Liam O’Mullane offers up tips and tricks for making successful drum tracks each and every time – while not stifling your	MTM 105	Bettermaker EQ 230P Review Combining analogue and digital technology with great looks and build quality is the EQ 230P. John Pickford sounds it out.

AnaMod Realios TLCompressor Review

Sign in to download this article

New users, please register here

See also...

Menu