Slate
Pro Audio
Created to be the most versatile compressor, limiter, and sound shaping tool that the pro audio industry
has ever seen.
The Slate Digital DRAGON Dynamic Audio Processor is unlike any other audio processor you've heard before.
The DRAGON processor starts with a classic FET compressor circuit, reminiscent of vintage units from the 60's and 70's. But
the Slate Pro Audio engineers enhanced the DRAGON's circuitry with a mastering grade signal path, including a CLASS A output
section based around a custom-made transformer. The result is that the DRAGON's compression quality that is rich and warm,
but is also capable of sharp and aggressive tones. But this is only the start of what the DRAGON dynamic processor can do.
Three character settings change the way the DRAGON sounds and responds. The first setting is BOOM, which adds sub
bass harmonics in a unique way. When combined with some compression, BOOM can make basses sound massive and kick drums pound
like you've never heard before.
The second setting is BITE, which adds a gentle forward character that makes the source
more defined and clear. The DRAGON processor's BITE is superb on bass, snare, vocals, and guitars.
Last, is SHEEN
which adds an airy gloss to the source, reminiscent of classic opto tube compressors. The DRAGON's SHEEN setting is absolutely
stunning on vocals, acoustics, and overheads.
All 3 character settings can be used simultaneously!
A 'VINTAGE'
button enables circuitry which emulates a more vintage sound from a classic age of compression. The result is more harmonics,
a bit of 'grit', and an overall more aggressive sound that is amazing on electric guitars, bass, and a must-hear on drums.
The Slate Digital DRAGON has a 3-setting saturation selector for adding subtle harmonics or even gritty distortion to your
audio source. On setting 1, it can add just the right of "life" to a dull vocal. On setting 2, it can add presence and warmth
to a bass. On setting 3, it can add some rich harmonics to a snare to bring out the sustain.
A high-pass filter gives
you the option to control the amount of low end that feeds the compressor detection. This is useful when stereo linking two
DRAGONS together for transparent mixbuss compression, or for grouped drum compression where you don't want the drums to 'pump'.
Classic FET compressors have not been common mixbuss choices due to their excessive color and aggressive nature. However,
the DRAGON includes a gentle 2:1 setting that sounds amazing on full mixes. With the character, vintage, and saturate options
disabled, the signal path is quiet and clean with just the write amount of rich tone. Of course if you need more color or
saturation on your buss, it's just a button or switch away. With settings 2:1, character SHEEN, Saturate 1, and slow attack
and fast release, your mix will come alive in an incredible way.
The DRAGON is one of the finest drum compressors
to ever hit the analog market, and is complete with the famous overcompression "all buttons in" mode called 'Squash'. This
setting is simply stunning on drum room mics, or any other source that you want to explode out of the mix. Due to its extremely
hifi signal path, the DRAGON's 'Squash' setting can create that larger then life effect without causing a harsh or brittle
high end.
Last and certainly not least, the DRAGON includes a 'Mix' knob to control the wet/dry ratio of the source. This amazing feature
allows you to add some heavy compression, and then back it off gently until it creates the perfect balance for your mix. The
'Mix' knob also allows you to parallel compress sources, such as drum busses, without having to mult or buss the drums to
additional faders! You'll find the 'mix' knob to be one of the most useful tools in modern analog compression.
The
DRAGON's faceplate comes with a beautiful tribal mural designed by world renowned tattoo artist Davey Suicide, and will add
a unique beauty to your rack. The striking look matches its remarkable sound.
Normally compressors don't need presets,
but with so many options (there is literally thousands of combinations), the DRAGON ships with a huge listing of presets made
by Steven Slate and some of the world's top producers, mixers, and even mastering engineers. But once you experience the many
possibilities and sounds of the DRAGON, you'll soon enjoy making your own!
Slate Pro Audio DRAGON Dynamic Audio Processor Features:
- Classic FET compressor circuit, reminiscent of vintage units from the 60's and 70's
- 3 character settings (Boom, Bite, & Sheen) can be used individually or simultaneously
- VINTAGE button enables circuitry that emulates a more vintage sound from a classic age of compression
- Three levels of saturation add subtle harmonics or even gritty distortion to the source
- High pass filter limits the amount of low end being fed into the detection circuit
- 'Mix' knob controls the wet/dry ratio of the source.
- Ships with a huge listing of presets made by Steven Slate and some of the world's top producers, mixers, and even mastering
engineers
- Comes with a beautiful tribal mural designed by world renowned tattoo artist Davey Suicide
A this powerful sound shaping tool to your studio arsenal!