The alpha compressor is a mighty tool for professional dynamics processing. Featuring innovative functions and providing absolutely uncompromising sound quality, it sets new standards for enhancing any kind of audio material.
 
Every part of its signal processing is based on single transistors running in constant class-A mode. All components are of the highest grade available and exclusively chosen according to their sonic excellence.
 
100% Discrete Class-A
Designing an analog audio device 100% according to your own demands and ideas without any compromise, there will be no way around a discrete design.
 
Not only all audio paths, but also the power supply, sidechain and even the driver for the LED meter have specially been designed exclusively for the use of discrete components. 
 
In addition, our mastering compressor operates in permanent class-A mode. The transistors are always conductive, resulting in the absence of crossover distortion and providing a pristine sonic base.
 
Integrated M/S Matrix
The integration of an M/S encoder and decoder into a compressor allows for the possibility to process the middle and side signals separately. It's also possible to enhance the presence of the side signals in an already finished mix. The stereo width can be influenced fast and effectively, too, and it is also possible to compress specific parts of a mix that could not be selected in a stereo mix as precisely as it is possible in M/S mode.
 
Feed Forward & Feedback
This function makes it possible to switch the feed of the sidechain alternatively behind (feedback) or in front (feed forward) of the actual compressor section. It has an enormous effect on the character of the compressor: While processing in feedback mode is smooth and even, switching into feed forward mode will result in a clearly stronger and harder kind of compression.
 
Auto Fast
A switchable semi automation that always provides perfect attack and release on the basis of the values set by the user. The compressor reduces the signal quickly and prevents it from slipping through. Then the attack time directly and automatically returns to its original setting. In Auto Fast mode the compressor can be very fast, but only when it is really needed.
 
Audio Filter
This filter specialized in changing the overall sonic character of a track in fine nuances. It features two controllers per channel and is capable of flexibly producing convincing results in no time at all. 
 
Its main task is changing the proportions between high and low frequencies.
Because the filtered signal is mixed to the original, the structure and impulse-response remains almost completely intact. Boosting and cutting the selected frequency-areas at the same time makes it easy to influence the character of a track.
 
Sidechain Filter
The sidechain filter allows frequency-dependent shaping of the compression process by giving specific frequency areas a stronger or weaker influence on the detection circuit.
 
The combination of the sidechain filters, M/S matrix and different attack settings enables you to make very selective changes and can even allow you to process single instruments or voices in finished mixes.
 
Parallel Compression
The direct and the compressed signal can be blended in any desired relation by simply turning the mix controller.
 
Parallel compression is a technique based on mixing a dry signal with a heavily compressed identical signal in order to maintain the subtleties of a performance while stabilizing the dynamics.
 
Use the mix controller to cross-fade between the unprocessed and the compressed and filtered signals. You can use extreme compression settings without killing a track by mixing just a part of the compressed signal to the original.
 
Signal Matrix
The direct and the processed signal can be monitored individually or together by the push of a button in each channel. Switch between unprocessed, compressed or mixed signals very fast without having to change the position of the mix controller. The left and right channels or the middle and side channels respectively can be listened to separately.
 
Soft Clip Limiter
The Soft Clip limiter catches short and transient-like signals. The technical principle is different from a classic 'brickwall' design.
 
Switchable Transformers
Each channel features an additional transformer that can be switched into the signal chain after the mix stage. These classic output transformers are not used for balancing and galvanic isolation, but as an additional means of sound shaping.
 
To add a certain amount of iron to the sound,  just push the transformer button. This feature is much more of a subtle audio shaping feature than a glaring sound effect.
 
Analog Dynamic LED Meter
The alpha compressor uses an analog dynamic variant that combines the benefits of both VU meters and LED chains. This meter is based on LEDs, but a special circuit design makes it possible to show intermediate values by modulating the brightness of the LEDs.
 
Passive Current Attenuator
The alpha compressor uses a fully discrete and temperature compensated Passive Current Attenuator (PCA). This circuit transforms the input signal into a current which is then reduced controlled by voltage. The core consists of sixteen discrete transistors which are kept at a defined temperature, avoid unwanted fluctuations.
 
The PCA has a huge bandwidth and extremly fast control.  Large level changes are done in microseconds. The PCA is important in the sonic character of the alpha compressor. It enriches the music with natural overtones and adds that certain something to digitally mixed productions. 
 
T16 Heater
Some delicate circuit components can be influenced by the surrounding temperature easily. With the T16 Heater elysia presents a system that keeps constant conditions and reduces thermal fluctuation to a minimum. It features up to 16 discrete transistors in a massive copper ring which is warmed up to a definite temperature.
 
Stepped & Matched Potentiometers
The alpha compressor features stepped conductive plastic potentiometers for all its parameters throughout. The 23 steps make a precise recall very easy, which is very convenient for mastering purposes.
 
All potentiometers are matched as stereo pairs with a software routine written exactly for this purpose. The benefit of this, is that the left and the right channel behave exactly the same.
 
VOVOX Sound Conductors
To achieve maximum sound quality with a high end product like the alpha compressor, it is very important to use a perfect internal audio wiring, too.
 
During recording and replay, VOVOX sound conductors enhance the spatial reproduction of music. The sound remains transparent and clear. Often a significant enlargement of the stereo base is observed. There are also noticeable improvements to the ‘charisma’ of music: The clarity and immediacy of the sound signals offer an aura of calmness, solidity and sovereignty.