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MU524 Vari-Mu Tube Compressor for 500 series

MU524 Vari-Mu Tube Compressor for 500 series

Price: 409,00€ (490,80€ VAT inc.)
434,88 USD 355,68 GBP

The MU524 is a compressor where the gain variation is provided by varying the mu (gain) of a special tube.

With the help of two transformers it provides a smooth and natural soft knee compression which can travel into land of distortion when driven hard.

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  Product ID MU524
  •   Description
  •   Specs
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MU524 Vari-Mu Tube Compressor


The MU524 is a compressor where the gain variation is provided by varying the mu (gain) of a special tube.

With the help of two transformers it provides a smooth and natural soft knee compression which can travel into land of distortion when driven hard.

It is a professional-grade unit that brings the warmth and character of vintage gear to the 500 series world.

Install it in your API* compatible LunchboxTM rack and start working.

Highlights

  • Based on classic vari-mu compressors like Altec 436 / RS124,
  • Natural soft knee compression,
  • Great on single instruments, brilliant on full mixes,
  • Balanced dual triode design,
  • New, old stock (NOS), remote cut-off tube,
  • Two Transformers in the audio path,
  • Illuminated SIFAM meter,
  • Optional High pass filter in the sidechain,
  • Two units can be linked for stereo,
  • Hardware relay bypass,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit.

Controls


1: IN/BYPASS/LINK

  • IN (left): Compressor active,
  • BYPASS (center): Hardware relay bypass,
  • LINK (right): Compressor active and stereo link connected for stereo operations.

2: METER Shows the gain reduction from 0 to -20dB.

3: IN Sets the input level to the compressor which also defines the threshold at which the compression appears.

4: LIMIT Increases the compression ratio to a limiting level.

5: OUT Sets the makeup gain of the compressor.

6: HPF Inserts a high-pass filter in the sidechain which produces a fat sound and eliminates bass driven pumping.

7: REC. Recovery sets release time of the compressor.

8: FAST ATTK Shortens the attack time of the compressor.

What's in the kit?

Absolutely everything!

  • Passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors),
  • Transformers,
  • Active components (tube, diodes, transistors, IC's),
  • Control elements (meter, switches, potentiometers, knobs),
  • Connectors, relay,
  • PCB's,
  • Front panel and side panels,
  • All hardware.

You bring the solder (use good quality solder, 1mm diameter max) and the Lunchbox.

Difficulty level

The MU524 kit is a medium difficulty kit. It can be undertaken by anyone who is able to make a clean solder joint.

The setup is a little more complex than average. It requires a good quality digital multimeter.

Product Options

Mono/Stereo Configuration: This option modifies the voltage regulator IC (U6) used to power the tube heater in one of the compressors. It eliminates a risk of hiss in the audio at the frequecy difference of the two regulators.

XT500 Extender: The XT500 option is a cable extension that allows you to test and setup the module outside the lunchbox while connected.

501 Case: The 501 case option is a standalone, single slot lunchbox with PSU.
The XT500 Extender is not needed with the 501.

Assembled Product: If you prefer not to DIY, choose an Assembled product. It comes fully assembled, ready to use.


lunchbox

Technical specifications

Measure Conditions Value
Idle supply current No input signal V+ : +125 mA
V- : -125 mA
Input impedance IN varying from 0 to 10 4.5 to 15 kΩ
Maximum input level defined by the IN potentiometer No limit
Maximum output level before clip No gain reduction +27.5 dBu
Frequency response Deviation=+/-0.2dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Attack time Slow/Fast 10 mS / 1.2mS
Release time From 50 mS to 1 S
Ratio Limit OFF From 1.2 to 3.5
Ratio Limit ON From 1.5 to 7

 

lunchbox

Documents


  Go to Products technical documentation

  User manual

Media

Analog Vari-Mu Tube Compressor that won't break the bank

 

 
1 Product Reviews - Average rating 5 / 5    Show All

Click to review this product

Best compressor I have heard!!!

Ben - 15/06/2023

I have a lot of good compressors in my studio. Heritage Audio Successor, Tegeler Audio Creme, AML 52F50 (Neve 2254), FMR Audio RNLA500, CP5176 (1176) and Golden Age Comp 2A etc.
They are all good compressors. Specially the Tegeler Creme, AML 52F50 and CP5176 are great and I use them all the time. But the MU524 is outstanding!
Haven't heard anything like it. It's like breathing new life into vocals, instruments and Master-Bus. The compression is smooth, but the overall sound is many times better than bevor. How is this possible?
Great job Sound Skulptor!!!


Click to review this product

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