Fredenstein F602 Tube Compressor

The F602 Tube Compressor from Fredenstein is a high performance tool for professional recording and mastering engineers that fits into the Bento Series enclosure. It features the original remote cutoff double triode tube used in many vintage designs called 6386LGP. The transformerless input circuit yields clarity while the Lundahl output transformer adds character. The extreme low output impedance with its high current design allows difficult and complex loads to be driven without sonic impact. A compressed and uncompressed mixer further enhances the flexibility of the F602 Tube Compressor. In addition, a true hard bypass, which also works if the unit is powered down, as well as a standby switch that shuts down the tube circuitry if the F602 is not in use while the rack is still powered, extending the tube life cycle.

Up to ten units can be linked together to form a multichannel compressor. You can change the compression characteristics by tuning threshold, ratio, attack and release times, as well as selecting an automatic release mode; this adjusts the release time dynamically according to the source material and input level. The main compression behavior can be switched between hard-and soft-knee. Up to 20 dB of make-up gain is provided to compensate for the gain reduction.

The VU meter is selectable between gain reduction and output level. A clip LED indicates output levels above +24 dBu. The whole package is delivered a single space API 500 series form factor. Due to the high power consumption of about 8W, not all lunch-boxes and racks are suitable for this module. The F602 is designed by a German-American team and manufactured in Taiwan.