Union Tube & Transistor LAB Optical Compressor Bean Counter Boutique Effects Pedal
$234.99
$234.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Up for sale, a Union Tube & Transistor LAB “Bean Counter” optical compressor pedal. This optical compressor uses custom optocouplers to achieve up to 30dB of very musical compression, inspired by the smooth, natural tones of vintage recording studio mainstays like the LA-2A, designed to remain dynamic and even-tempered even when dialed all the way up.
The essence of the LAB's sound comes from the fast attack and slow release times of the custom optocoupler: the optocoupler's behavior is quite complex, program-dependent, and unable to be modeled with simple resistor-capacitor networks. Union wanted the pure response of the optocoupler to define the LAB's dynamics, and not supplement that with RC filtering; as such, after extensive research and testing, Union decided that the only acceptable course of action was to design and manufacture their own custom units. In the grand tradition of two-knob compressors, user-friendly controls include Compression and Gain Make-up, and the notably high noise floor of the LAB ensures this pedal is just as viable in the studio as it is on stage.
The pedal can be powered via 9v DC power adaptor jack (adaptor not included) or internal battery clip. All Union Tube & Transistor pedals are hand-crafted in East Vancouver, BC and feature rugged Hammond, die-cast aluminum enclosures, socketed IC chips, Alpha pots, Switchcraft switches and jacks, and top quality parts throughout.
The essence of the LAB's sound comes from the fast attack and slow release times of the custom optocoupler: the optocoupler's behavior is quite complex, program-dependent, and unable to be modeled with simple resistor-capacitor networks. Union wanted the pure response of the optocoupler to define the LAB's dynamics, and not supplement that with RC filtering; as such, after extensive research and testing, Union decided that the only acceptable course of action was to design and manufacture their own custom units. In the grand tradition of two-knob compressors, user-friendly controls include Compression and Gain Make-up, and the notably high noise floor of the LAB ensures this pedal is just as viable in the studio as it is on stage.
The pedal can be powered via 9v DC power adaptor jack (adaptor not included) or internal battery clip. All Union Tube & Transistor pedals are hand-crafted in East Vancouver, BC and feature rugged Hammond, die-cast aluminum enclosures, socketed IC chips, Alpha pots, Switchcraft switches and jacks, and top quality parts throughout.
