The latest addition to the company's range of DIY 500-series modules.
What you need to know:
- Sound Skulptor have announced the release of the MU524 Vari-Mu Tube Compressor.
- The unit promises to emulate the distinctive sound of a vintage compressor at an affordable price point.
- It was modelled after compressors such as the Altec 436 and Abbey Road’s RS124 units.
For those looking to recreate the idiosyncratic sound of a vintage compressor at a considerably cheaper price point – look no further than Sound Skulptor’s freshly released MU524 Vari-Mu Tube Compressor, the latest addition to the brand’s range of DIY 500-series modules.
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The kit utilises a pair of transformers and a NOS (new-old-stock) valve in its signal path, and as with the entirety of Sound Skulptor’s range, those who are keen to grab the MU524, but a bit less keen to put it together themselves, can opt for a pre-built module at an additional cost.
Based on compressors such as the Altec 436 and Abbey Road’s RS124 units, the MU524 purports to offer a smooth and natural compression with a soft knee, and can be pushed into distortion if driven to the max. The product is suited for use on a wide range of sources, and users can link two units in order to process stereo buses or entire mixes.
An In parameter sets the input level into the compressor, which in turn also defines the threshold, with the amount of gain reduction applied displayed by an illuminated SIFAM meter. A Limit button located to the right of the control increases the ratio, and allows the unit to function as a limiter. A Rec knob facilitates continuous adjustment of the compressor’s release time, whilst a button labelled Fast Attk allows attack time to be shortened.
What’s in the Kit?
The MU524 kit contains the parts listed below:
- Passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors)
- Transformers
- Active components (valve, diodes, transistors, ICs),
- Control elements (meter, switches, potentiometers, knobs),
- Connectors, relay
- PCBs
- Front panel and side panels
- All hardware
Sound Skulptor have rated this kit as one of medium difficulty, insisting that it could be tackled by anyone capable of making a clean solder joint. The setup process is said to be slightly more complicated than it is with some of the brand’s other products though, and will require the use of a good quality digital multimeter.
Find more information about the MU524 Vari-Mu Tube Compressor here.
