The Atlas Compressor offers a comprehensive collection of compression circuits that perfectly capture the tone and feel of the industry’s most sought-after compressors. Straight out of the box, Atlas delivers six different styles of compression, ranging from classic stompbox compressors like the now-discontinued Diamond Optical Compressor to high-end rack units such as the snappy 1176 compressor and the smooth and gentle LA2A optical compressor. Atlas also features advanced dual-band compression, which provides an independent set of controls for both the high and low frequencies. Each compression engine has onboard controls for Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Output, Tone, and Blend, allowing for fine-tuned control over the compact One Series hardware.
The Atlas is packed with so many different types of compression that it could serve as a tour guide through the history of compressor equipment. First stop: classic stompbox squashers such as the legendary the Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer and the excellent (but discontinued) Diamond Compressor. Next stop: universal and ubiquitous studio rack gear like the smooth and gentle LA2A optical compressor and the ultra-responsive 1176 FET compressor. Finally, Source Audio is taking you to all-out nerd territory with Peak, RMS, VCA, and Dual compression, and an onboard Expander circuit… the Atlas has it all and does it well.
The Optical Rack compressor engine is based on the legendary LA2A studio opto compressors from the early 60s. Optical compression controls its output level with light. Increasing the incoming audio level in the original units caused an electro luminescent panel to shine brighter. A photo resistor monitors that light panel and decreased the audio output level, as the panel got brighter. The result is a very smooth and gentle attack that imparts a full-bodied and natural sound on guitar, bass, or vocal. This compressor sounds great with clean strummed or arpeggiated guitar lines as well as acoustic guitars.
On the surface, the Atlas features a simple 4-knob interface and a choice of six amazing compressors. However, if you want to take things a bit further, connect the Atlas to the Source Audio Neuro Preset Editing & Browsing tools. The Neuro Mobile App is available for free at the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android). The Neuro Desktop Editor is available as a free download for Mac or Windows systems on the Source Audio Downloads page. Plug in to Neuro and experience compressor editing as it’s done in studios and DAW software, with real-time readouts of your signal’s gain reduction. Fine tune your compression with features simply not found in other effects pedals, controls like Look Ahead compression, Soft Knee control, optional Auto Makeup Gain, Dual Compression signal routing, 8-Band Graphic Equalisation, Parametric Equalisation, flexible Knob Assignment, and Side Chain High and Low Pass Signal Detection controls. And of course, the Neuro Editor is loaded with easy-to-download Factory Presets and an ever-growing library of Published User Presets created by the Atlas Neuro Community.
Features
- 6 Types of Compression
- LA2A Optical Compression
- 1176 Feedback FET Compression
- LED Optical Compressor
- Dual Compressors
- Studio Level Compression Controls
- Feedback, Ratio, Attack, Release, Makeup Gain, Mix, and Tone
- Special Bass Mode
- Auto Makeup Gain