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Maselec MLA-4 - Triband Compressor / Expander
- 3-band compressor and expander based on the MLA-3
- Ultra-powerful at restoring dynamics
- Ratios ranging from 6:1 to 1:2
- Attack and Release control for each band
- Separate link circuits for separate compression and expansion of a frequency band
- Sidechains links: L+M, L+H, L+MH, Off, Linked
- Low Band Pass filter frequencies: 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, 800Hz
- High Band Pass filter frequencies: 1.5kHz, 3kHz, 6kHz, 12kHz
- Stepped rotary switches
Overview
The MASELEC MLA-4 is a rack-mountable 3 RU stereo multiband compressor/expander designed to deliver precise and versatile dynamics processing for recording, mixing, and mastering engineers in home, project, and commercial studios. Two adjustable crossover filters split the input signal into three bands, which can be independently compressed or expanded with per-band controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and make-up gain.
Mastering quality
The MLA-4’s beautiful front-panel features all stepped rotary controls and bipolar switches with solid, positive action. The consistent use of switches (think extremely accurate recall) and selection of mild to moderate compression and expansion ratios suggest mastering as a principal use, but there’s no reason why you can’t use the MLA-4 for mixing duties.
The solid-state processor splits its left- and right-channel in- put signals into three frequency bands—Low, Mid and High—for stereo dynamics processing. Dual-mono processing isn’t afforded, but separate input-gain controls for the two channels each provide ±5dB adjustment range in 0.5dB steps.The two crossovers between bands each have a 6dB/octave slope; their filters are passive, promising minimal coloration and accurate summing for the three bands. You can select 100, 200, 400 or 800 Hz for the crossover between low and mid bands. Selections for the midrange-high crossover are 1.5, 3, 6 and 12 kHz. Each band has separate stepped controls for adjusting threshold, ratio, attack and release times, and makeup gain. (An additional master threshold control proportionally adjusts the thresholds for the three bands at once.) Rotating a band’s ratio control counter-clockwise from the noon position (which provides 1:1 ratio) affects compression, while clockwise rotation produces upward expansion. Each band offers the same selection of compression and expansion ratios (five each): The compression ratios are 1.4:1, 1.6:1, 2:1, 3:1 and 6:1, while the expansion selections include 1:1.2, 1:1.4, 1:1.6, 1:1.8 and 1:2.0 ratios. Each band’s gain control provides up to 2.5 dB of boost or cut in 0.5dB steps.
The selection of attack and release times differs for each band, with each control offering six switched positions. The actual release times are program-dependent. Switching in the S/C (sidechain) Boost function provides a shelving boost to high frequencies in the High band’s sidechain, causing greater compression or expansion in that band.
Novel linking and metering
The MLA-4 boasts superb specs. Respective maximum I/O levels are +29 and +28 dBu—high enough to strap the unit across the stereo bus of virtually any mixing console. The frequency response is stated to vary no more than 0.05 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the bandwidth is said to extend beyond 500 kHz. Typical noise is -90 dBu, and THD (with 1:1 ratios selected) is less than -90 dB.
An ideal mastering multi-band processor
Unique Link circuits are separate ensuring that compression of a frequency band is not affecting the expansion of other bands. This allows for extremely powerful combination of compression and expansion such as compressing the bass on the whole program while adding punch and highs to achieve a strong groove with added punch and presence. The MLA-4 is ideal at restoring dynamics transparently with small incremental tweaks. The Maselec MLA-4 uses high quality components including stepped rotary switches ensuring repeatability and easy recalls. More importantly the noise, distortion and dynamic range figures are nothing short of spectacular making the MLA-4 an ideal mastering multi-band processor.
For more information on this or any Maselec product, visit www.maselec.com.
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