Ocean Audio Signature One Channel Strip with Transformer Balanced Microphone Preamp, Four Band Equalizer and FET Based Compressor

The Signature One consists of a transformer coupled mic/line pre-amplifier, four band equalizer and FET based compressor. It provides all of the facilities associated with a classic analogue mixer 'channel strip'.

The mic pre-amplifier has a custom designed input transformer which imparts its own sonic characteristic and the input stage utilizes a Burr Brown amplifier. Because the mic input amplifier can be adjusted from -10dBm up to +60dBm, an input pad is not necessary to cope with high level signals.

The equalizer consists of four swept frequency ranges which provide comprehensive control from 40Hz to 15kHz. The high and low ranges are switchable between peaking and shelving to allow a greater range of tonality. The high frequency shelving is particularly useful in adding 'air' to the signal. Continuously variable boost and cut of plus or minus 15dB with a centre '0' detent position in each range provides precise control of the amount of equalization.

A separate continuously variable high pass filter with sweep from 30Hz to 350Hz completes the equalizer section. It has its own illuminated bypass switch so that it can be used independently (for example in conjunction with the mic pre-amplifier) without having to engage the rest of the equalizer section.

The compressor section uses a classic FET design to provide a very fast attack and release coupled to an almost 'brick wall' characteristic when the ratio is turned to maximum. FET's were used in the classic UREI 1176 compressor and this unit therefore exhibits a similar sound. Ocean Audio added a 'Wet/Dry' control which makes parallel compression possible. The high quality illuminated VU meter can be switched between indicating the amount of compression that is taking place or the output signal level.

A flexible arrangement of inputs and outputs means that the unit can be used in a number of configurations. Under normal circumstances the signal flows from the mic/line input through the equalizer and then to the compressor. With a signal plugged into the mic/line input and the output taken from the compressor, no other connections are needed. However, plugging into the output of one section makes just that signal available to be sent somewhere else. If nothing is plugged into the input of the following section, the signal continues through.

So for example, if a signal is plugged into the mic/line input and a jack plugged into the mic/line output but nothing is plugged into the equalizer input, the mic/line signal is 'tapped off' the signal flow, but the main signal continues through the equalizer as well. If a jack is plugged in the EQ or compressor input, the signal coming from the previous section will not continue, but will be "broken". This allows for each section to be used independently, and/or to patch the sections in a different order.