Chameleon Labs Model 7802 Stereo OPTO TUBE Compressor Owner’s Manual 704 228th Avenue NE, #826 Sammamish, WA 98074 206-264-7602 www.chameleonlabs.
General Description: The 7802 is a two channel optical style compressor with a high voltage 12AX7 tube makeup gain stage. The compressor is a feedback type design with two ratio settings, 2:1 and 4:1, and five different attack/release envelope settings. The 7802 also makes a very good tube line amp when used with little or no compression. The tube circuit is designed to produce primarily even-order harmonic distortion that is very musically “friendly” to most sources.
• • • • • • • • • Drive control to adjust the amount of tube overdrive Output control to set the overall output level LED metering of input and clip levels VU metering of compression XLR balanced inputs XLR transformer balanced outputs External power supply One year warranty Designed in the USA 3
Front Panel Controls: The front panel controls are COMPRESSION, ATK/RLS, DRIVE, OUTPUT controls as well as RATIO, HPF, BYPASS, LINK and POWER switches. General Note: When a toggle switch is positioned toward the label, it is enabling that function. The COMPRESSION control sets the compressor threshold. Turning the knob clockwise increases compression. The RATIO switch selects between 2:1 and 4:1 ratios.
The BYPASS switch activates a hardwired bypass of the unit. The LINK switch allows the two channels to be linked for stereo operation. During link operation both control circuits feed both channels allowing the unit to operate as a stereo device and neither channel acts as a master controller. Care should be taken to set identical configurations for both channels to ensure balanced stereo operation.
Connecting the Compressor Audio Connection Inputs are actively balanced, and are also capable of unbalanced operation. The outputs are transformer balanced, and are capable of driving balanced or unbalanced lines. Input connections are made with the female XLR connectors on the rear of the unit. This connector is wired with pin 2 HOT, pin 3 common and pin 1 is ground (shield). Output connection is made using the male XLR connectors on the rear of the unit.
AC Power Connection Your 7802 includes an AC power module type-dependent of your country. First, connect the AC power module to an electrical outlet. A professional power strip is recommended. Connect the AC power module to the power socket located on the rear panel of the compressor.
First time users Set up of the Model 7802 Like all tube-based equipment, this product needs to warm up to operating temperature. The 12AX7 tube will reach operating temperature within one to three minutes. 1- The Power switch supplies power to the unit. The 7802 should be powered "on" with monitor levels turned down to protect your speakers from damage due to "thumping". 2- Setting the Compression control is dependent on the input signal.
adds gain, or make-up gain to the system. Since levels are decreased when compression is used, this control can bring the output signal back up to the same as the input level. To get you started, we have made a blue dot on each of these controls that should be used as unity gain starting points. 5- The Atk/Rls Switch selects the attack and release characteristics. The attack determines how quickly compression is added to the program material.
Specifications Input impedance: 10k ohms unbalanced Output impedance: 600 ohms balanced Maximum output: +20dBu (0dBu = 0.775v) Gain: 39 dB Frequency Response: +/- 1 dB from 20Hz to 20 KHz THD: Not more than 0.6% from 20Hz to 20 KHz output into 600 Ohms Equivalent Input Noise (EIN):-98 dBu Sidechain Highpass: 90 Hz (-3dB, 6dB per Octave) Dimensions: 19” x 1.75” x 12.25” (482mm x 44.8mm x 311mm) Shipping weight: 14.4 lbs. (6.5Kg) Power Requirements: 115VAC, 110 mA.; 230VAC, 55 mA.
Warranty and Liability Your Chameleon Labs product is warranted to the original owner for a period of one year. Chameleon Labs guarantees this product to be free from electrical and mechanical defects and will repair or replace defective components, or replace the unit at Chameleon Lab's option. Should service be required for your Chameleon Labs product, please contact the manufacturer. Service is provided for products beyond the warranty period.
