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Average Price: $1,990

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$100

$501+

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Description

Unleash the might of your studio recordings with the Slate Pro Audio Dragon, a dynamic beast that breathes new life into the legendary FET compressor design. Seamlessly blending the warmth of vintage gear with the precision of modern engineering, the Dragon offers an unparalleled audio experience. Whether you're looking to add punch to your drums, depth to your bass, or clarity to your vocals, this versatile processor adapts to your creative needs, transforming bland tracks into sonic masterpieces.

With its unique three-character settings - "Boom," "Bite," and "Sheen" - the Dragon tailors its output to complement any sound source. From adding sub-bass harmonics for that extra thump to introducing an airy shimmer for vocal tracks, its flexibility is unmatched. And for those craving that nostalgic tone, the "Vintage" mode infuses your music with a perfect mix of harmonics and grit.

Innovative features like the highpass filter and the subtle 2:1 compression setting ensure your mix remains transparent, without the common pitfalls of over-compression. Plus, the Dragon's ability to simultaneously utilize its character settings opens up a realm of sonic possibilities, allowing for a customized sound that’s truly your own.

The Slate Pro Audio Dragon isn't just another piece of gear; it's a gateway to crafting your signature sound, making it an essential addition to any studio aiming for audio excellence.

Key Features:

  • Classic FET compressor/limiter redesigned for modern studio needs
  • Three versatile character settings: "Boom," "Bite," and "Sheen"
  • "Vintage" mode for that sought-after retro sound
  • Ability to use character settings individually or in combination
  • Suitable for a wide range of applications: drums, guitars, vocals, and bass
  • Offers both subtle compression and intense coloration
  • Includes 1 x TRS and 1 x XLR I/O, plus 1/4" TS connection for stereo linking
  • Highpass filter for controlled low-end response in the detection circuit
White Sea Studio

White Sea Studio

SLATE DIGITAL!

Video thumbnail for SLATE DIGITAL! by White Sea Studio

SLATE DIGITAL!

White Sea Studio

White Sea Studio

Video thumbnail for Slate Pro Audio Dragon | Vintage King Audio by Vintage King

Slate Pro Audio Dragon | Vintage King Audio

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for Slate Pro Audio Dragon Compressor @ ZenPro Audio by ZenProAudio

Slate Pro Audio Dragon Compressor @ ZenPro Audio

ZenProAudio

ZenProAudio

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning sound quality that impresses seasoned professionals

  • Merges 1176 circuit with powerful, unique features

  • Highly transparent for vocals, even at high gain reduction

  • Offers tone options for creative flexibility

  • Described as the best compressor by multiple users

  • Mono channel does not detract from its effectiveness

  • Enhances small details in tracks for mastering

  • Versatile with parallel compression and easy EQ settings

  • Offers both clean and colored sound options

  • Predicted to become a studio standard alongside classic compressors

CONS

  • Only a mono channel compressor, may require multiple units for stereo applications

Critic Reviews

Slate Pro Audio: Dragon Dynamics Processor | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Slate Pro Audio's Dragon Dynamics Processor is a versatile compressor that excels in delivering rich sonic flexibility and vintage charm, making it a top choice for diverse recording needs. Its intuitive control set allows users to easily navigate and achieve various tonal characteristics, from subtle compression to heavier saturation. The Dragon is particularly impressive on drum buses, acoustic guitars, and electric guitars, offering a wide range of compression curves for creative sound shaping. While the gain-reduction metering needs a warm-up period and the aesthetics might not appeal to everyone, these are minor drawbacks for a unit that performs exceptionally well. Overall, the Dragon stands out as a powerful tool with impressive tone options and practical features like parallel compression mixing, making it a compelling choice for both studio and live environments.

positive

Slate Pro Dragon

soundonsound.com

The Slate Pro Audio Dragon impresses as a versatile mono compressor, blending the sonic characteristics of the 1176 and Distressor with unique tonal shaping options. Its chameleon-like nature offers diverse sound possibilities, from crisp highs to rich lows, enhanced by features like the Mix control for parallel compression. While the price is steep for a single-channel unit and some settings may seem extreme, the Dragon's ability to emulate various solid-state compressors makes it a worthy investment for those seeking analog character. It's a compelling choice if you're torn between an 1176, Distressor, or LA3A.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Justin Vernon uses Slate Pro Audio Dragon

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Soundonsound

The Slate Pro Audio Dragon was used on 10 Death Breast on Bon Iver's album 22, A Million as stated in this article

See how Blame uses Slate Pro Audio Dragon

Blame

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 13:59 into Blame's Producer Masterclass with Computer Music Magazine, The Slate Audio Dragon Compressor can be seen on his hardware rack.

See how Neeraj Khajanchi uses Slate Pro Audio Dragon

Neeraj Khajanchi

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via YouTube

:

In a video tour of his studio featured on 作曲家・和田貴史's YouTube channel, Neeraj Khajanchi showcases his Slate Pro Audio compressor, emphasizing its versatile character that significantly enhances his production work.

See how Matt Guillory uses Slate Pro Audio Dragon

Matt Guillory

Singer, Guitarist

Explorers Club

...
Verified via Photo

As seen in Matt's Instagram photo.

See how Ben Grosse uses Slate Pro Audio Dragon

Ben Grosse

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In an interview video titled "Ben Grosse Interview and Studio Tour" by Produce Like A Pro, at the 48:31 mark, Ben Grosse confirms using the Slate Pro Audio Dragon.

Album Usage

The Slate Pro Audio Dragon has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Slate Pro Audio Dragon, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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