DICTATOR

Dual Pentode Vari-μ Compressor Graphite, Limited Edition

GLA-TC1 aka. The DICTATOR

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.

Dictator Graphite
Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite
“… 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 (6k4p-EV (6К4П-EB) long life pentode)

  • Permalloy transformers

PICTURES GALERY

Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite
Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite
Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite
Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite
Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite
Gainlab Audio Dictator Graphite
Gainlab Audio - Dictator
Gainlab Audio - Dictator

INPUT: 2 x Balanced XLR
OUTPUT: 2 x Balanced XLR


Max. Input: +22dBu
input impedance: >10Kohm

Frequency response: 20Hz-20Khz +/- 1dB


Size: 483x280x89
Weight: 4.2 Kg


Mains: 230V AC (EU), 110V AC (US)

Max. Output: >26dBu
Output impedance: <65ohm


THD+N (0dBu): <0.3%

SUPPORT AND DOWNLOADS

FACEPLATE SINGS:

Gainlab Audio - Dictator

BLOCK DIAGRAM:

Gainlab Audio - Dictator

DOWNLOADS

GLA-TC Dictator MANUAL (EN)
GLA-TC Dictator Calibration MANUAL (EN)
Use your Gainlab Audio equipment with Session Recall software! We add a free device definition code for each of our products.

Session Recall is an application designed to save the settings of analog devices without memories. It will allow you to save complete configurations of one or more devices into sessions that you can recall at any time. Whether you are a musician, a composer, or an audio engineer, Session Recall will flawlessly integrate into your workflow and will save your precious time.

SOUND SAMPLES (24bit 44,1Khz PCM)

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Ben T Kadar

Promise Me (Shower Thoughts)
spotify-button

Jazz Friends

Niki's Song (First)
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Shinterz

KREALA (cover)
youtube-music

REVIEWS AND TESTS

Sound On Sound Magazine’s Dictator Review

A detailed Dictator review in the December issue of Sound On Sound Magazine
Dictator Test Sound On Sound Magazine

Bob Strakele (FOH Engineer – Slipknot) interview

It is a cool video about the Slipknot's FOH setup, with Dictator, and Empress.

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.
Our dictator received a label from Mixdown Magazine.

Wytse Gerichhausen’s Video Review

Our dictator at the White Sea Studio.

Dictator, KMR UK Virtual Demo Room Video

Dictator Compressor demo video by KMR UK. (No talk)

Barnabas Hidasi’s Dictator Article

The author is a hungarian, multi platinum award winning recording and mixing engineer, music producer.

Dictator Unboxing Video

Unboxing video by White Sea Studio, with samples