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Average Price: $3,195

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$501+

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Description

The Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo Compressor is a standout in the world of studio recording gear, revered for its ability to enhance any mix with precision and warmth. This VCA-based compressor is celebrated for combining the classic British compression sound with modern flexibility, making it an essential tool for both professional studios and home setups alike. Its transparent yet musical compression characteristics are perfectly suited for a wide range of applications, from tracking to mastering.

Designed to handle stereo signals with ease, the Obsidian Stereo Compressor provides smooth dynamic control, ensuring your tracks maintain clarity and punch without sacrificing detail. The unit boasts a variety of ratio settings and sidechain options, allowing for tailored dynamic shaping that can adapt to any genre or style. Whether you’re looking to add punch to your drums or glue a mix together, the Obsidian delivers with finesse and reliability.

The compressor's intuitive layout features easy-to-read controls, making it a breeze to dial in the perfect settings. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the demands of regular studio use, while maintaining its impeccable sound quality. As a versatile and powerful tool, the Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo Compressor is a favorite among audio engineers who demand only the best from their gear.

Key Features:

  • VCA-based compression for classic British sound
  • Transparent and musical compression characteristics
  • Intuitive control layout with multiple ratio settings
  • Sidechain options for customized dynamic control
  • Suitable for both tracking and mastering applications
  • Robust design for durability and consistent performance

Product specs

Brand Dramastic Audio
Model Obsidian Stereo Compressor
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Compressors and Limiters

FAQs

What type of audio applications is the Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo Compressor best suited for?

The Obsidian Stereo Compressor is ideal for mastering and mix bus applications, known for its ability to add punch and glue to mixes while maintaining transparency.

How does the Obsidian Stereo Compressor's sound character differ from other compressors?

The Obsidian offers a distinctive punchy and tight sound, often compared to the SSL bus compressor, but with a smoother top end and enhanced low-end clarity.

Does the Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo Compressor offer sidechain capabilities?

Yes, the Obsidian Stereo Compressor includes sidechain inputs, allowing for external control over the compression behavior, which is useful for ducking or frequency-dependent compression.

What are the main controls available on the Obsidian Stereo Compressor?

The Obsidian features controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain, providing comprehensive control over the compression parameters to shape the sound effectively.

Is the Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo Compressor suitable for live sound applications?

While primarily designed for studio use, the Obsidian can be utilized in live sound settings, offering reliable stereo compression with a robust build quality.

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MercenaryAudio

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Sean & Compressors - Part 1

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MercenaryAudio

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Dramastic Audio Obsidian - can classic SSL type compressor get any improvements?

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Studio Jakubka

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SSL Bus Comp That Mixers Don't Talk About - Dramastic Obsidian

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David Sustaita

Video thumbnail for Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo Compressor | Winter NAMM 2018 | Vintage King by Vintage King

Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo Compressor | Winter NAMM 2018 | Vintage King

Vintage King

Vintage King

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo Compressor.

Comparisons

  • The Dramastic Audio Obsidian 500 series compressor is noted for its effectiveness compared to other 500 series models like the Serpent Audio SB4001 and Smart C1LA.

    Source
  • The Obsidian offers an SSL vibe without narrowing the soundstage, unlike some SSL compressors.

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  • Users compare the Obsidian's mix bus impact to that of the hardware 2500, noting its substantial contribution to mix cohesion when used from the start.

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Features and functionality

  • The Obsidian provides a strong performance in a 500 series format, but may face headroom limitations compared to larger rack-mounted mastering compressors.

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  • The Obsidian is praised for its excellent performance on the mix bus, particularly when a wide soundstage is desired.

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  • The Obsidian is often used to ensure that the low-end remains intact, even when compressing the mix bus for overall cohesion.

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Use cases and applications

  • It's suitable for users who appreciate a "finished," "glued," and "balanced" sound without sacrificing the existing warmth in mixes.

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  • Users with commercial and varied musical styles find the Obsidian effective for maintaining low-end integrity, essential for sub drops and weighty sound design.

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  • Some users integrate the Obsidian into their mix process midway, adding it to the mix bus after achieving a rough balance for cohesive sound shaping.

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Build quality

  • Users highlight concerns over 500 series modules' power rail limitations, suggesting that rack-mounted versions generally offer better performance and heat dissipation.

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Software and compatibility

  • While some users prefer software solutions like the Elysia Alpha plugin for flexibility, the analog Obsidian is appreciated for its distinct "mojo" in mastering applications.

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User experience

  • Owners report that the Obsidian can be a bit more expensive but delivers first-class performance, especially in maintaining sound depth.

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  • It's mentioned that even subtle compression settings, like 3-5 dB at the loudest sections, can significantly impact the mix when using the Obsidian.

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Value and pricing

  • While it may be out of reach for some budgets, the Obsidian is frequently mentioned alongside other high-end options like WesAudio and TK Audio for its feature set.

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  • The Obsidian is seen as a significant investment, with some users suggesting mastering experience and monitoring setup are critical to fully leverage its capabilities.

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Critic Reviews

Dramastic Audio Obsidian Compressor Review | TapeOp | Tape Op Magazine

tapeop.com

The Dramastic Audio Obsidian Stereo Compressor shines with its robust build and meticulous design. A standout for those seeking aggressive compression, it's a game-changer in mixdown scenarios, turning chaotic raw tracks into polished productions. The Obsidian's unique features, like its high-pass filter and custom transformers, offer versatility and precision, making it ideal as an enhancement piece rather than a primary mastering tool. With attributes reminiscent of the revered API 2500 yet offering more aggression and flexibility, it excels in adding punch and clarity across various instruments. While not for everyday crushing, its ability to transform audio into a professional-sounding output is unparalleled. At a more accessible price than its SSL counterpart, it’s a steal for any serious studio, offering handcrafted quality and impressive performance. A must-demo for those looking to elevate their sound.

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