500 Series Opto Compressor
Tegeler Vocal Leveler 500 is a compact 500 Series opto compressor designed for smooth, transparent dynamics control with an easy-to-use interface. Built from the opto compressor section of Tegeler’s Vari Tube Recording Channel, it offers musical compression that helps control peaks, even out performances, and preserve the natural character and microdynamics of the source.
Tegeler Vocal Leveler 500 Competitive Differences
- Simple two-knob layout for gain reduction and output level with switchable timing behavior
- Opto compressor design with input transformer, FET output stage, and stereo link capability for paired operation
Tegeler Vocal Leveler 500 Description
The Tegeler Vocal Leveler 500 is designed for engineers, producers, and mobile recording setups that need polished compression without a complicated control layout. Its streamlined design makes it easy to achieve reliable, musical results quickly, whether you are tracking vocals, smoothing out bass, or controlling acoustic instruments in a mix.
The signal path combines an input transformer, Tegeler’s proven optical compression circuit, and a FET stage that adds a warm, tube-like refinement. This design helps create a harmonically rich sound while keeping compression behavior subtle and controlled. Even when pushed harder, the compressor is intended to remain transparent and avoid flattening the life out of the performance.
Operation is intentionally simple, with just two main controls for gain reduction and output level. A three-position timing switch allows you to select fast, auto, or slow attack and release behavior, making the module flexible enough for a range of sources and recording situations. This makes it useful both as a tone-shaping compressor and as a practical safeguard against overload peaks during tracking.
For stereo applications, the unit includes a link mode for pairing two Vocal Leveler 500 modules, and the stepped potentiometers help make recall easier in professional workflows. While it is especially well suited for vocals, its gentle optical response also works well on bass, acoustic guitar, and other dynamic sources that benefit from smooth, unobtrusive compression.
Vocal Leveler 500 Features
- API 500 Series mono opto compressor
- Two control knobs for gain reduction and output level
- Input transformer
- Optical compression circuit
- FET output stage for warm, tube-like refinement
- Three-position switch for in, bypass, and stereo link operation
- Three-position timing switch for fast, auto, and slow attack and release behavior
- Stepped potentiometers for easier recall
- Suitable for vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, and other dynamic sources
- Transparent compression that preserves microdynamics
Vocal Leveler 500 Specifications
- Type: 500 Series Mono Opto Compressor
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 22,000 Hz
- Maximum Input Level: +20 dBu
- Input Impedance: 2.4 kOhm
- Output Impedance: < 600 Ohm
- Operating Level: +4 dBu
- Maximum Output Level: +21 dBu
- Dynamic Range: 100 dB
- Maximum Gain Reduction: -12 dB
- Voltage: ±16 V
- Format: Standard API 500 Series module size
- Weight: 1.19 lb
- Weight: 540 g
What's In The Box
- Tegeler Vocal Leveler 500
