The Dictator is a tube based dynamic controller wich is designed after a classic vari-mu compressors. Theoretically similar to the legendary Fairchild 670 and Gates STA-Level in addition to the contemporary solutions in order to have a better control over the sound. The bespoke design of the branch circuits we just simply call the “mu-follower”. The two channels of the compressor can provide synchronised running throughout the whole range of the transition curve and so excellent gain reduction can be achieved. The time wise working parameters and the saturation characteristics are very familiar to the known tube based compressors.
The Dictator is a true vari-mu compressor wich consist a pair of pentodes that were mass produced in exceptional quality during Warsaw Pact in countries such as Hungary, East Germany or Poland. The surrounding circuits of the tube amplifier are using the latest technical solutions that allow the most precise parallel channel working characteristics wich helps to achieve extreme setup conditions. For instance, it can be pulsing on a masterbus or it can produce crispy saturation alongside never existed transients and dirty breaks. Or work as a simple saturator with minimal dynamic control. Our intention was to create a master compressor and bus compressor for mixing, but in experienced hands the Dictator can be used as a sound design tool as well. The Dictator keeps every aspect of the sound in hand, it is precise however not always clean, just like all the dictators from the history books.
“… The Dictator is a highly impressive early release from Hungary’s Gainlab Audio and offers of valve compression along with a well-trought-out set of features.”
“…the Dictator can be driven quite hard, and the beautiful saturation that this brings with it is both harmonically rich and extremely musical. “
Field of application
› Master compressor
› Bus compressor
› Tracking compressor
› Sound Design
› Saturator
Main properties
› True dual pentode tube design
› Contemporary side chain design
› Modern line driver
› Military grade vacuum tubes
› Permalloy transformers
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Sound On Sound Magazine's Dictator Review
A detailed Dictator review in the December issue of Sound On Sound Magazine
Glenn Fricker's Video Review
Our dictator at the Spectre Sound Studios, with samples.
Mixdown Magazine’s Dictator Review
OUR DICTATOR COMPRESSOR IS RECEIVED A "MIXDOWN'S PICK" LABEL FROM MIXDOWN MAGAZINE.
Gearspace.com Dictator Dual Mono Review
Gearspace Pro Review about the Dictator Dual Mono Vari-u
Dual Mono Dictator test video from Korea
A Dual Mono Dictator test video from Korea, with samples in many settings.
Barnabas Hidasi's Dictator Article
The author is a hungarian, multi platinum award winning recording and mixing engineer, music producer.
Dictator, KMR UK Virtual Demo Room Video
Dictator Compressor demo video by KMR UK. (No talk)
