Smart Research C1 Dual/Stereo Compressor

The Smart Research C1 Dual/Stereo Compressor is two channels of a high end dynamics processor. It is made up of analog components, although I'm not sure on what type of connections it has since the one that I've used was already racked up. It will only take up a single space in a traditional rack casing.

UTILIZATION

Using the Smart Research C1 Dual/Stereo Compressor is overall pretty straight forward. Both of the channels are identical, so once you've learned one side of the C1, you know both. Each channel has parameters for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and gain make up. There are buttons to enable the compression, as well as a VU meter for each. I've never seen the manual for the C1, so I can't comment on it's make up.

SOUND QUALITY

The overall sound of the Smart Research C1 Dual/Stereo Compressor can be described as crisp and punchy. It definitely reminds me of the type of compressor that you would find on an SSL console or something similar. Since it has a lot of punch, it is perfect for compressing all sorts of instruments and voices, including snare drum, electric and acoustic guitar, as well as for drum overheads and even for stereo mastering. The two channels are exactly the same, so there isn't any difference in sound between them or their parameters. This is a very versatile stereo compressor, as I think it would excel in any situation where you would want some punchy compression.

OVERALL OPINION

The Smart Research C1 Dual/Stereo Compressor is definitely a professional's piece of equipment for more than one reason. Like any gear made by Smart Research, it has the price that makes it generally only available for a professional studio owner or engineer. However, for those that this is accessible to, it is absolutely a piece of gear worth checking out for its brilliant sound quality and user friendly make up. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a stereo pair of a high end compressor.