Dive into the world of vintage compression with the Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor. A modern homage to the iconic LA-3A, this compressor channels the warm, musical tones that defined an era, now refined for your 500 Series rack. Featuring an authentic T4B optical cell, the Chimera delivers the lush, thick sound that audiophiles and professionals crave. Its all-discrete design ensures a pure, uninterrupted signal path, while the Cinemag input transformer and transformer-balanced inputs/outputs provide that classic punch and clarity. Whether you're tracking bass, guitars, or full mixes, the Chimera offers nuanced control with its compress/limit mode and HF sidechain boost, ideal for de-essing. Packaged in a robust steel enclosure, this unit is built for durability and pristine performance, with user-upgradable components for future-proof versatility.

Key Features:

• All-discrete transistor design
• Transformer-balanced input and output
• True T4B optical cell (user replaceable/upgradable)
• Cinemag input transformer
• Full steel enclosure for maximum signal shielding
• Custom-wound interstage and output transformers
• Renowned modification for increased signal-to-noise ratio
• Hard bypass (relay-controlled)
• Stereo linkable
• HF sidechain Boost (for de-essing)
• Compress/Limit mode
• Sealed pots
• Sifam VU Meter
• VPR compliant (100mA total power consumption)
• Made in the USA

Owner's manual

Product specs

FAQs

What type of compression does the Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor use?

The Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor utilizes optical compression, known for its smooth and musical response, making it ideal for vocals and mix bus applications.

Does the Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor support sidechain processing?

Yes, the Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor features side chain inserts, allowing for more advanced dynamic processing techniques.

How many channels does the Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor have?

The Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor is a single-channel unit, suitable for mono signal processing.

What are the main controls available on the Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor?

The Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor provides Gain and Peak controls, allowing precise adjustment of compression characteristics.

Is the Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor suitable for mastering?

With its smooth optical compression and frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, the Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor is well-suited for mastering applications, providing a polished and cohesive sound.

What is the power requirement for the Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor?

The Serpent Chimera 500 Series Opto Compressor requires ±16V DC at 70mA, making it compatible with standard 500 series racks.