Mercenary Audio - Pendulum Audio ES-8Two Channel Variable-MU Limiter

The ES-8 works on the "Delta-MU" principle of gain reduction, meaning all the heavy lifting is done inside the tubes, making the ES-8 a true tube compressor. The controls give you the option for smooth compression for vocals, or solid and aggressive compression for things like pulling the thunder from some room mics or anything in between. The nature of natural tube compression is readily evident in the ES-8, giving it a musical character and euphonic tone.

Pendulum Audio ES-8 features

The Pendulum ES-8, a modern two channel variable mu tube limiter designed to have the compression characteristics of a vintage unit, but with a higher level of sonic accuracy. Rather than trying to recreate the past, we decided to taken an entirely different approach. The ES-8 uses a gain control tube with the same compression characteristics as the vintage Fairchild limiters to provide the classic feedback response unique to the characteristics of this tube. Subsequent amplification is accomplished with a Class A, balanced transformerless solid-state line amp, rather than the push-pull transformer output stage used on vintage variable-mu units. The result is a limiter that possesses the 'dynamic signature' of a classic tube compressor, but with a more accurate, less colored signal path.

The soft-knee design used in the ES-8 offers effortless dynamic control with a smooth transition from compression to limiting. In addition, both channels can be operated independently, or linked with the flip of a switch. When linked, the threshold and attack/release parameters are controlled entirely by channel 1, assuring precise stereo balance over the entire range of gain reduction.

For maximum versatility, the ES-8 incorporates a solid-state sidechain to provide a wide range of control with three modes of processing: In the FAST mode, the limiter works extremely fast (0.5ms attack time), and is remarkably free of the 'pumping' artifacts normally encountered with slow variable-mu compressors. It's the ideal choice for invisible dynamics processing, either for tracking or tight program compression.

The PRESET mode consists of six classic attack/release time settings (identical to the Fairchild 670), that are optimized for program compression, including two settings with program-dependent release times.

The MANUAL mode offers total control over the attack and release times, which is particularly useful for creative compression effects or for processing bass guitar.

Most important, the hard bypass switches on the front panel conveniently allow a quick determination of exactly what the ES-8 is, or in most cases, isn't doing to your signal.

Home | Gear | This Just In! | Swag | The Black Pages