Audiopunks Spectra 610 Complimiter®
User Manual
Table of Contents
The Spectra Sonics 610 legacy
In the mid 60s WIlliam G. Dilley introduced the world to his revolutionary new dynamics processor, the Model 610 Complimiter. A truly unique device, it was not only the fastest and quietest of its type, but was also capable of providing completely separate peak-limiting and compression functions. For decades the Model 610 could be found safeguarding levels to tape, strapped across the mix bus, and even before record lathes in some of the most well-known recording studios in the world.
The Complimiter™ is a unique concept in dynamics processing, offering ultra-fast, peak limiting, and intelligent compression response. It’s not a sequential limiter and compressor but an intricate design, enabling both processors to interact dynamically based on the source material.
The plugin's features
Ratio control from 100:1 to 1.1:1
Threshold light indicator
Second stage limiter & overload indicator
Stereo unpairing and mismatching.
Global unit mix knob.
Input pad attenuation/boost.
Three different modes
- Peak Limiting Only: While having slope and release at 10. Adjust the input level so the “threshold” LED flashes briefly at peaks without staying on. You can use this mode before your favorite compressor to handle fast peaks transparently and get more of what comes after the plugin.
- Compression and Limiting: Increase the input level until the VU meter shows gain reduction, with the “threshold” LED flashing at intervals. This mode is designed for reducing peaks and maximizing dynamic range and is ideal for mild to moderate compression.
- Compression only: Compression mode engages when the input signal stays above the “threshold” with a light indicator being fully on and the VU meter showing the amount of GR. Wherever a large amount of compression is required, this mode is ideal.
Specifications
COMPRESSION/LIMITING RATIO | Continuously variable from approximately 1.1:1 to 100:1 |
ATTACK TIME | Automatically variable |
– LIMITER | 100 nanoseconds to 2.0 microseconds |
– COMPRESSOR | 100 nanoseconds to 1.2 milliseconds |
RELEASE TIME | For 90% Recovery |
– LIMITER | Less than 90 nanoseconds |
– COMPRESSOR | Continuously variable from 50 milliseconds to > 10 seconds |
Figure1 – Compression curve slope
The Tchad Blake punk mode
The vintage model emulates record producer Tchad Blake’s unit, commonly used on drum overheads or with the “bone mic” technique. With its ultra-fast peak limiter, setting Slope and Release to fast settings produces a heavy sometimes distorted sound, turning it into a unique color box. You can discover his preferred settings in the plugin’s preset section.
Stereo Mismatch
By adjusting the “Mism” knob on stereo or dual mono tracks, you can unlink the stereo channels and separate the paired stereo units into mismatched configurations.
In vintage mode, the deviation is quite significant, drawing inspiration from Tchad’s affection for his mismatched units, while in modern mode, the effect is more subtle.